Had a conversation yesterday with a motor genius. His family lived nearby growing up and I used to buy go kart parts from his dad when I was a kid. His dad was a boat and small engine mechanic and go kart and midget racer.

HE grew up looking over his dad's shoulder and learned much before computers began controlling engine functions. He said since kids these days don't see their fathers working on their cars, there are few of them developing these skills.

When computerized systems came along, he became the go to guy at diagnosing problems. He was part of the transition from the old ways to the new. He can set points and tune with a lap top. He tunes very fast drag racing cars. He is involved in drag week and assists one of the winning cars. They are 1500 HP street cars that drive from track to track and run times that top fuel cars used to run.

He told me about his daytime job where he monitors Komatsu construction implements. He analyzes real time data and collected statistics on hundreds of machines. He said his biggest local customer has 200 machines. He is aware of problems before the operators do.One of his most important tasks is assisting his customers in utilizing their machinery more efficiently. He knows when they are using the wrong settings for the task, and he advises to minimize machine downtime and efficient utilization.

I asked if his consultation meant they could do more work with fewer machines resulting in fewer sales. He said the efficiency increases led to greater profits and company growth leading to more purchases. He said the customer that doesn't heed his consultation may not have the profitability, growth and expansion that leads to future sales.

I'm nostalgic for older stuff (who wouldn't want a '66 GTO?) but I damn sure wouldn't want to go back to carbs and points for an every day driver.

Same goes for farm equipment. Many, MANY hours on an open station John Deere B, but I'm not about to give up my Kubota with cab, heat, A/C and power steering...