I hate to admit it, but I'm not running in the first MARRS 1 event because the weekend looks like "krlapp". Originally I was going to bring the wife and babe for the weekend so we could spend some "quality" time together, but with the impending rain <U>for the entire weekend</U>, just doesn't sound appealing to the wifey-poo. Driving in it is fun, hanging around in it for the rest of the time, isn't.

Not to mention it just seemed like there were too many other variables, nothing major, playing their role in talking me out of going. The rain was just the last straw.

Any family racers here?... do you bring the wife and kid to the event in the rain? If so how do you, for the lack of a better phrase, talk them into going?

-dave, who's going to VIR come hell or high-water in May.
8)

To do:
Suburban to be serviced... new exhaust, pittman arm and drive shaft balanced and/or universal joint replaced, lexan window for driver's side cut and fit

Done:
brake ducts

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To do:
Suburban to be serviced... new exhaust, pittman arm and drive shaft balanced and/or universal joint replaced, lexan window for driver's side cut and fit

Done:
brake ducts</TD></TR></TABLE>
Window net? (more important than your brake ducts IMHO.)

Sorry to hear you won't be at MARRS I. I'm still holding out hope (after just shelling out a ton of money to replace my Dirt Stockers and RA-1's) that it won't rain this weekend.

See you at VIR.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any family racers here?... do you bring the wife and kid to the event in the rain?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't know about the kid thing, haven't ventured into that territory yet. But every once and awhile my wife does enjoy going to the track to get some sun and relax. Unfortunately she insisted on going to MidOhio a couple of weekends ago...when it snowed. That woundn't have been pleasant by myself but having her there to complain just made it oh so much more special!

Good job though on being thoughtful to her and trying to include her in things; I think it helps out much more in the long run.

- Markus

 

Markus, is your wife coming this weekend? 'cause the weather calls for some snow ******* showers.
what's up with Ohio?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Originally I was going to bring the wife and babe for the weekend so we could spend some "quality" time together, but with the impending rain <U>for the entire weekend</U>, just doesn't sound appealing to the wifey-poo. </TD></TR></TABLE>

come on, it's only a 60% chance of rain on saturday and showers on sunday. Chicken!

I don't bring the family to the track. The wife hates motosports, the kids require too much supervision (not to mention that they probably should wear ear plugs, depending on where they are sitting), and the dog's ears are too sensitive to hang around a paddock filled with loud revving cars all day.
Less aggravation by myself, although I would like the kids to come watch from the stands at least once.

JMO, YMMV, blah-blah-blah.

Dave: I mean it with the hearing thing, babies have pretty sensitive ears, get your little one some ear plugs before heading out to the track.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dave: I mean it with the hearing thing, babies have pretty sensitive ears, get your little one some ear plugs before heading out to the track.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Mrs. Splat, certified audiologist, would wholeheartedly agree. She would also recommend earplugs for all racers as well, and probably most of the spectators.

 

you better believe I have some nice custom ear plugs. I wouldn't get on track without them any more than I would get on track without the brain bucket.

 

Last year for the Nasa October race it was supposed to rain all weekend and it never materialized, had a great dry weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
(not to mention that they probably should wear ear plugs, depending on where they are sitting), and the dog's ears are too sensitive to hang around a paddock filled with loud revving cars all day.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I totally agree about the hearing damage. I think one of my buddy's older dogs went deaf last year after spending a couple of days hanging around Watkins Glen

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Balled S2K &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Window net? (more important than your brake ducts IMHO.)
See you at VIR.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

After realizing that extra slant in the window net was the problem I've been able to get in and out pretty easily. I just slid that part back and the front end popped out much easier... Honestly I forgot all about it, but definitely worth reevaluating. Thanks.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
come on, it's only a 60% chance of rain on saturday and showers on sunday. Chicken!... Dave: I mean it with the hearing thing, babies have pretty sensitive ears, get your little one some ear plugs before heading out to the track.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If I had your shelter set up SJR I'd probably insist the family went.

I had looked into getting some of those giganormous headset things for Amelia... just can not remember where I saw them now. Which would be better ear plugs or a headset? (like what folks use to shoot firearms)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had looked into getting some of those giganormous headset things for Amelia... just can not remember where I saw them now. Which would be better ear plugs or a headset? (like what folks use to shoot firearms)
</TD></TR></TABLE>

A mix of my own experience from target shooting and Mrs. Splat's input as an audiologist

Good muffs (which aren't terribly expensive, and can be found at Wal-Mart, Dick's, etc) should be in the 28-31 dB NRR range, which is fine for track spectating. Shooting, too, for that matter. I have a $20 pair from Wal-Mart that I use for the majority of my shooting, which is either pistols at indoor ranges (really loud), or high-power rifles outside (also really loud).

Good-quality foam plugs will also be in the same range, I've seen some advertised up to 33 dB NRR. The important thing is to insert them correctly - follow the instructions on the package.

Now, for a full day at the track, I prefer ear plugs because they're usually more comfortable to wear all day. Muffs start hurting me after two or three hours.

When you're talking about kids, it comes down to what they'll tolerate. Some kids don't like having things stuffed in their ears (ask Mrs. Splat - hearing screenings can turn into battles). Older kids may think it's not "cool" to wear muffs. So it all depends on your kid. She does recommend doubling up for the under-ten set - developing ears and whatnot.

Bottom line, they're the only ears you get - protect them whenever possible.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Markus, is your wife coming this weekend? 'cause the weather calls for some snow ******* showers.
what's up with Ohio? </TD></TR></TABLE>

We'd love to know too, Sebastien.

And to think that over the past couple of weeks we've had nothing but sunny, dry days. Apparently Mother Nature hates amateur motorsports.

It's this weather that really makes me want to move.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Splat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Bottom line, they're the only ears you get - protect them whenever possible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I wish someone told me that 15 years ago

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wish someone told me that 15 years ago </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah no kidding. Tinnitus sucks big time... I attribute mine to standing next to a drummer who absolutely punished the cymbals. His idol was "Animal".


Again thanks to those who offered information about the protection of the ears... I certainly don't want my little one to suffer from hearing loss.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yeah no kidding. Tinnitus sucks big time... I attribute mine to standing next to a drummer who absolutely punished the cymbals. His idol was "Animal".
</TD></TR></TABLE>

There are treatment options

When Mrs. Splat was studying for her masters at UNCG, she spend time working in the tinnitus clinic they run. I can't remember exactly what they would do though.

In the meantime, white noise is your friend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Markus, is your wife coming this weekend?</TD></TR></TABLE>

She was going to on Saturday, we'll see with the weather. Too bad, she won't be able to wear the spandex F1 umbrella girl outfit I bought her.

 

on the contrary, with the rain, I could definitely use an umbrella girl on the grid!

 

I was thinking of having her wear her ski clothes instead and bring a snow shovel.

 

hmmm. I wonder if I can put a snow plow on the front of the EF and make a few bucks plowing the track at high speeds.

 

Although I am not married or have kids I am kinda curious about how to get the missus to the track. My brother is becoming an autox ***** like me, and he is taking racing school classes to get his license. (I am saving for mine right now.) I know his missus is very reluctant about going to any events, hell she only attended one autox we went to and hated the fact that we took her to Indy in 2002 to watch the US GP on her birthday. I figured getting your family involved in racing would work, the whole "Family that races together stays together" thing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hmmm. I wonder if I can put a snow plow on the front of the EF and make a few bucks plowing the track at high speeds. </TD></TR></TABLE>

SJR, how many wheels and tires do you have... for the weekend you might need just one more set... Arctic Alpines perhaps?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94accordsedan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Although I am not married or have kids I am kinda curious about how to get the missus to the track. My brother is becoming an autox ***** like me, and he is taking racing school classes to get his license. (I am saving for mine right now.) I know his missus is very reluctant about going to any events, hell she only attended one autox we went to and hated the fact that we took her to Indy in 2002 to watch the US GP on her birthday. I figured getting your family involved in racing would work, the whole "Family that races together stays together" thing. </TD></TR></TABLE>

You definitely can't force the issue. With any relationship there is a give and take. Take your missis shopping for clothes and don't appear to be having a horrible time. Pick out stuff that you'd like to see her in. You know stuff like that. That way when you ask her to come along to a gassy smelling, loud, dirty race, that she'll be less likely to complain. (half serious)

I have the benefit that my wife did the one-day Skip Barber School, way back when they had BMWs... don't do the math, she'll kill me... and all three of her brothers were involved with the SCCA at one time on another.

 

Also from the female perspective there seems to be a big difference between autox and road racing. My wife absolutely hates autox - she won't even come for 15 minutes. I attribute this to the fact it's usually in a hot, sticky parking lot in an industrial blah area and tends to be much louder.

Once I got her to a road course she actually liked it. Most of the road courses around here have nice grassy infields or kind of private areas where she can sit in a chair, read a book and get some sun. Or, at least that's how it was until it started snowing every race weekend here in Ohio.

Also, there is a big difference between attending a typical club racing weekend and something like Indy/F1. At a big event, you're trapped in an uncomfortable seat under the hot sun and there's a long line for the bathrooms. As compared to a club event, where you're free to go pretty much anywhere you want. My best advice would be to try to take her to a track during a club event just for an hour so she can see it for herself and make her own decision.

Good luck!

- Mark

 

Guys, it keeps getting better: Here's the latest from the National Weather Service:

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON TO LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CLEVELAND OH HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH FOR MOST OF NORTHERN OHIO.

A LATE SEASON WINTER STORM MAY BRING HEAVY SNOW TO NORTHERN OHIO LATE
SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING. RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW FROM WEST
TO EAST SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY EVENING THEN CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY
SUNDAY NIGHT.

INTITALLY THE WARM GROUND WILL MELT THE SNOW...BUT AS TEMPERATURES
COOL TOWARD THE FREEZING POINT...THE SNOW SHOULD START TO ACCUMULATE
SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SATURDAY NIGHT. BY THE TIME THE SNOW TAPERS
OFF SUNDAY NIGHT...PLACES IN INLAND NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST OHIO
FROM AROUND MANSFIELD THROUGH THE SNOW BELT COULD SEE UP TO A FOOT OF
SNOWFALL. THE REST OF THE AREA MAY SEE 6 TO 8 INCHES.

Are you sure you want to come, SJR?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by allenp &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you sure you want to come, SJR?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Unfortunately for SJR he probably left this morning...who knows, maybe he'll wise up and hang a u turn at the Ohio border!

- Mark

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Originally I was going to bring the wife and babe for the weekend so we could spend some "quality" time together, but with the impending rain <U>for the entire weekend</U>, just doesn't sound appealing to the wifey-poo. </TD></TR></TABLE>

You married the wrong woman! j/k...take her anyways so you can see how she reacts. That way, you won't have to secondguess yourself the next time!