Not much. "I'm planning on smoking some come June though."

At breakfast Saturday somebody said "you goin' to the track today?"

It was Alfa Club day, and Chris (Shock Shop) was going to be doing some Data Acquisition with Cindi Lux, so I thought I'd go out for a little while and see who was there and what was up. I ended up spending the whole day.

When I first got there something bright yellow grabbed my attention. It was a Ginetta - the British kit car that you use a Miata for a donor for. I've always thought the few photo's I've seen looked pretty good. In real life though it was missing something. Maybe it was too high, but I also think the wheel openings were too big. And the full windshield was kinda too much. I got over thinking something like that would be neat a long time ago. If I was going to lose my mind in that sort of way I'd be shopping for an Elise - of which there was one at the track - I can't think of anything bad to say about them, and I make kinda inappropriate sounds every time I see and hear one. There were quite a few Subaru's there too. Most of them had large intercoolers, and one had a dyno chart laying in the engine bay when I walked by. It had a steep curve topping out just below 400 hp.

Chris was hooking up the Stack gear and zeroing and calibrating the various sensors and pots when I got there, and so we talked off and on about the days goals. Cindi is running a T1 Corvette in some kind of team deal with Scotty B. White. They've got a pretty large minimum number of races to run, and so Saturday was a test and tune before heading down to Phoenix to the brand new racetrack. She's still getting used to the car, but she's looking for any possible improvement. Chris is having her try lower damper rates. Over several sessions focused mainly on correlating driver feedback to adjustments it winds up inconclusive on the basis of complicating factors including tire performance over cycles and some alignment changes. They will resume testing in Phoenix and go back to an older workable setup if Cindi can't get happy with any of Chris' setups.

For me this is very interesting inasmuch as the argument over relative stiffness vs softness in general is never ending. There is a sweet spot to be searched for continuously between max mechanical grip thru minimized rates (springs and dampers) - with possible driver discomfort, and a more taughtly configured car that the driver might find more reassuring. I tend not to say much about this particular subject though I have a preference for what Chris would characterize as an extremely stiff setup (and I'm still softer than King and RTR were).

Watching Cindi turn in to T12 from the pit wall I can see a visible dislocation between braking and turn in, and it looks like she's pushing a little mid corner, and then the rear steps out just a little on exit as she crosses the dip heading for the wall. She tells Chris that the car won't turn in and she has to pitch it, and that it's a mushy handful under braking. It's alot of fun watching somebody you know very carefully and then being able to hear their story from behind the wheel.

Cindi is fast and cool. Her husband Fred is way entertaining. Fred is like a psychological performance artist. He's the crew chief, and does a good job. But the enjoyment of any weekend is about way more than just making the car go - it's about the head games. Fred has from the moment I first met him impressed me as being unique and high level. Other people think he's crazy. Maybe, but I don't think so. Then again, I'm not all there myself. I remember one of my firsts interactions with Fred - I was lurking at their pit after qualifying for the Rose Cups just to see if they knew anything yet or had their own times. I think I asked Fred what times they'd done, and he looked me in the eye, grabbed my ID that I had hanging around my neck and read it, let go and looked me in the eye again, and then turned around and kept working on the car without saying a word. I wasn't sure what to make of that at the time, but now I look back and laugh.

I've got friends who've refused to use Data Acquisition because of the additional workload it imposes. Other friends spend more of a day at the track reviewing their data than on any other activity. Several hours of peeking over Chris' shoulder and listening in on Chris and Fred and Cindi convinced me that I am not capable of integrating these activities into my current racing effort (which isn't such a big deal as I'm not capable of integrating into my budget either). When I reflect on how the small pro and amateur teams I'm familiar with operate, it's clear that a one man operation would very heavily taxed indeed.

I managed to spend almost the whole day talking to friends. Greg Marshall showed up and hung out for longer than he expected too. I talked to local ITS fast guy John Wilson for a while, and he told a funny story of how racing came to hold a slightly lower place in his list of priorities. During one recent year he was involved in a year long lead for the points race with two other drivers. It came down to a one point difference going into the last Regional of the year - winner would win. He drove one of the best races of his life and won - he was very happy and satisfied as you can imagine. Later in the year at the annual banquet he got his plaque and was again quite pumped up. Later that night at home when he went to put it where it was going to go he saw the championship plaque for the preceding year - he realized that he'd forgotten he'd won. He thought to himself that if it was no more important or memorable than that to him, it couldn't be that important.

John has raced sports cars for 18 years, and run anywhere from 33 races in one year to 7. This year, for reasons familair to all of us, and for reasons of his own, he's thinking about how many races he really want's to run, and not how many can he run. It's surprising how many people run little more than the minimum number of races required to maintain their licenses. I find myself forced to think in those terms this year - I'd prefer to race alot more.

Later in the evening at home, the family watched "Sweet Home Alabama", which I expected to be a cute waste of time. To my surprise I enjoyed it alot. About halfway thru as Mel is just starting to reconnect with "home", I started reflecting on how being with my friends at the track was similar. Later when the artistry of the filmwork and that of the musical choices were coming together to push the emotional buttons, I reflected on how racing is the performance artform I have chosen, or have been compelled, to express myself thru. I guess that sounds pretty corny, but that's how I feel about it, and that's what it does to me - I was kind of teary eyed, and thought that "wow, it's that important to me". I already knew that.

There are five of us local technoids that are going to meet for dinner once a month for the formal purpose of discussing race car technical issues. Between that and whatever info-parasitic hanging around I can do while I'm not driving as much, I think I can keep myself happy that I'm making progress along multiple lines in the big picture. As you might suspect, the first subject the group will consider and address is "what makes a car go" - torque, it's distribution, and acceleration. I'll share the final disposition with you.

Scott, who at least got to see some crack being smoked....




[Modified by RR98ITR, 8:24 PM 3/2/2003]

 

man, great story.... i'm still in the very early phase of wanting to get into track racing (i'm just autocrossing now).

Your story has inspired me. Thank You

 

association buzz??

 

Many of us know people who get to race ALOT. Generally because its part of their business. We tend to look at it from the outside and say "man is that guy lucky, I wish I could do that." Are we sure we'd like that? I used to feel that way, I don't anymore.

Talking to Tom Fowler this weekend I was picking his brain over many things. I knew that he had just been given a brand new Miata with a SSB runoffs assault in mind, this added to the fleet of Spec Miatas he maintains, World Challenge Proteges, and various IT Hondas. I was asking him, expecting a much different answer than I got, what he would be focusing on this year. The answer was "I likely just going to run the SSB Miata."
Seems that Tom raced, travelled, and worked on so many projects last year that he didn't have any fun. Wisely, he's choosing to back off this year to avoid burn-out. I know how he feels. By the time VIR rolled around last year the Honda Challenge had me thinking about quitting the whole thing. I was spending alot of time and money and not having any fun. Not a good combination.

So, how much is too much? I guess it depends on the individual. I've decided that about 8 weekends per year works for me. It allows a good balance between the hobby, finances, work, and life in general. I fill in the gaps being Renee's autocross tire warmer, so I'm able to keep a good fix without relying heavily on full hits from the pipe.

I have 2 race weekends and 2 autocross weekends in March, then 6 weeks off to get my life back in line. Works for me.

 

one of the nice things about autocross is the relatively cheap hits off the pipe. especially if ones focus is on track, autocrossing for "fun" could keep things in perspective. and probably helps in the skill dept too. i autocrossed nearly every weekend last summer and on a few occasions began to approach the "burn out" stage. this year i'm going to try and cut back a smidge, but go to some events purely to spectate. something about quality over quantity.

nate-who truly hopes scott will survive his gfcp withdrawal...

 

i have vowed not to go back to the track unless i'm driving....it is so depressing seeing everyone else have sooo much fun!!! but that's life....it is always nice to be there watching a friend and helping them with their line cause you can watch from a different view!!

will have a story shortly on what the track means to me

 

Must've been a good movie I unfortunately had to miss the Alfa day due to the funeral of my step sister Saturday. I didn't know her very well since the time her father and my mother have been married has only been a few years. Her relatively young age and her current family situation made it a tough afternoon to get through.

A few things dawned on me while listening to the minister; life is short, don't let the "should'a - would'a - could'a - what if's - and if I only's" eat away at you, remember positive moments, and that Saturday was one of the most beautiful day's I've seen in a really long time.

She died at age 42 with a husband and three young children. It's always difficult making conversation at funerals and I think I might come off as insensitive at times, but I can just never find or say the right words. Once we left the funeral home and were at the grave site, it was difficult watching as her children, one by one, dropped poems they wrote and special pictures they drew into the ground. Then they each took a handful of dirt and dropped in into the ground. My wife was squeezing my hand tightly, as if to keep me from going anywhere. It was a beautiful day.

I understand clearly her concerns for my personal well being since this, this hobby, this lifestyle, this addiction or whatever we call it can bring us all back down to earth in the blink of an eye.

I'm not really sure why I wrote all this since it's not related to Scott's initial post, so feel free to skim this and move on. Sorry to be a downer.

PS, Don't put off a visit to the doctor. It could save your life.

 

Scott, I agree with you wholeheartedly. We should get together for a beer one of the weekends I am down in atlanta (constantly)....I have heard a lot about you from Rice.

Over the last few years I have slowly realized that racing too much is actually WORSE than racing not enough. I was finally able to get my thoughts and ideas into shape last night on the way back from the time trial/ school at roebling. Thomas Lackey and I shared my street car so that we could tow down and not get sticker shock from $1.65 diesel. on the way back, towing a miata on an open trailer with an F350 Dually (read: overkill) we had plenty of time to chit-chat about life in general and racing and racing life...etc.

Thomas and I have known each other and raced together since 1996. He is my closest friend in racing. We are damn near equal drivers, as shown every time we share a car. We were able to bounce thoughts off each other to figure out what about racing made us happy, and what didn't.....

I have finally come to the realization that it is NOT all about winning for me. the years I have won a lot have been the least fun. I had more fun at the race track this past weekend than I ever had at a race, which is odd because racing is so much bigger of a rush..... now all i have to figure out is how to unwind at a race, have fun, socialize, and still run up front (even if it is not all about winning, I hate to lose.)

We are in a strange situation of dabbling in something that will suck us all the way in....it really is like crack: addicting, dangerous, will suck all your money away and alienate you from your family and friends. We are all convinced that we can control it and "quit anytime I want".

Fun.

 

Just let me know the next time youre in town Bowie. My fav hangout has 70 taps (at last count) and young, cute, flirty waitresses (ask Rice ). Oh, they have food there too.

I think I am finally getting a handle on things. A couple of years ago I was at the track whenever and wherever possible. I think I did 25 events that year and my life, work, and wallet suffered. I also HATE to lose, but I'm getting better at putting that into perspective as well. I can't really explain how or why, just a few years of working at it I guess.
I have also found that "budgeting" the amount of events you do each year is a big help. It keeps things under control. Set a number and stick with it, regardless.

 

John,

You and I are telling the same kind of story in different ways.

Scott and Bowie are relating how to live this particular kind of full life more pleasurably.

One of my oldest best friends who's been racing sports cars for almost 45 years told me at some point last year not to get involved in a championship points race. I had to reply that I already had, and almost had it sewed up.

It is absolutely true that the pressure to produce results fundamentally changes the character of a weekend at the track not for the better. IF you are lucky enough to have a wide margin of victory in your pocket then there's less pressure, but that's another kind of racing that most of us aren't that excited about either.

Don't worry John, your post isn't a downer - sorry about your step sister. You are lucky your wife wants to keep you around so much.

Scott, who mentions that one of the advantages of racing is you HAVE to have a physical every two years...

 

Scott... Good seeing you down in the paddock hustling others for race conversation! I could hardly notice the shaking hands

I had the opportunity to meet Brian Waters who runs a vintage mini with Rasmussen Motorsprots last night. A bunch of us got together for dinner up at Bonforte's house and spent the evening bench racing and generally, bs'ing about the risk/rewards of our hobby (read addiction).

One of the main points of discussion was not the risks associated with what we do, but the rewards of becoming close friends with those who are in this sport. Outside of combat or police/fire squads, I haven't seen anything that comes close to the comaraderie in our sport. Even the wives and girlfriends could appreciate that aspect of racing.

With the everyday risk of being wiped out by any number of things both natural and unnatural, I don't feel the need to alter my current choices...

"Carpe Diem" doesn't mean "Sieze the day - only if it's safe to do so"

Am I off track, again?

 

Probably. Keep your foot down and steer in the direction you want to go.

Scott, who was glad to see Greg too...though he didn't have any crack either...

 

I think what you are talking about Scott is very similar to what I have been going through the past couple of years - mainly through introspection of my journey through life. After finishing 12 years of university study and starting my career- I initially viewed my opportunites as vast and unlimited. But the realities of crushing debt, family obligations, and significant others quickly altered my aspirations to become an amateur racer i.e. Go fasticus crackheadimus

This introspection has made me realize many things I was formerly oblivious to. I am thankful that I have been able to put together a car that brings me great joy to drive. I am also thankful for all the friends I have made participating in events attended by people that have similar interests as I do. I sometimes yearn for the thrill of "real" racing - but reading your posts about the negative side of racing (i.e. financial black holes) and hanging around the pit lanes of numerous Vancouver Indys has given me a wide eyed appreciation for what is involved at the competitive level. It's WORK...plain and simple. I do that "work" stuff already 50+ hours a week. Why would I subject myself to more of that?? For me the answer is simple - don't.

I think what we all seek is balance - like the chinese yin and yang. For me - being happy is the most important benefit of that balance. When I am happy I find I enjoy the simple things in life - like the warmth of the sun on a great day like last Saturday when I was skiiing with my sister at Whistler. What a great day. It's strange that I can have a great day skiing fast while at the same time someone is at a funeral saying goodbye to a person for the last time. Talk about reality check.

I think the crack you are talking about is related to this balance. It comes in many forms.....the "go fast" variety seems to be the most popular kind here. My crack comes in several varieties though. As they say - variety is the spice of life.

 

Those of us from the late '50's, early '60's vintage might remember this phenomenon referred to as a "contact" high...

Great journal entry. Thanks Scott.

 

Yeah but I did find a used set of Kuhmo's for $60.00

I do consider a the smell of av-gas sort of like crack...

 

Good to see that you guys share many of the same thoughts I've had, especially after a few seasons of extremely limited racing because life with a baby got complicated.

To add an example to your comments, my most successful racing season that had the most wins was not the year I had my best lap times or my best driving performance. The overall package was more successful but less fulfilling. I've had a big lead in a few races where I just had to keep an eye on the mirror to keep the battle for second far enough back. At that time, it is less your race to win then it is your race to lose. I found myself not pushing braking the the utmost limit because I didn't have to and I didn't want to screw up. After years of fighting hard to win, those wins ended up being nearly an obligation that "Yay, I didn't throw it away!".

I look forward to getting racing again this summer but it will be with a more well rounded outlook of why I do it and what I want to get from it. much as you really want to do it, sometimes it helps to take a step back and see the big picture.

 

I'm just starting to track/autox, the only problems I'm having is finding time as I work on the weekends, and convincing my girl that autoxing isn't dangerous...