This one is kinda hard.

I got a phone call this morning from Greg Bell, my competitor in the VW Golf, who I lost my race to Sunday. He called to thank me again for the best race of his career. It wasn't a long call, and I was as gracious as I could be. We finished the conversation with mention of doing it again at the Double Regional over the 4th of July weekend. As I hung up I was nearly in tears, as I had been earlier as I described my race to a couple of guys at work.

The road to this race weekend was a long one for me. It was my first race of the year - a year already marked by some serious challenges. I focused much of my financial and emotional resources into this weekend. Failing to win this race has hit me hard. No matter how good a race it was, how enjoyable, it still resulted in defeat.

You may think that that's a negative perspective, and perhaps an unsporting one. You're welcome to that opinion. As a pretty serious lifelong racer I have pretty strong feelings about why I race and how important it is. Two people don't have a race like Greg and I did unless they both want the prize pretty damn bad.

One of my Porsche friends Bob and I were talking the other day about how some people take it themselves too seriously and that simply having fun racing with your friends is one of the biggest things that keeps us coming back. Yeah, that's all good, but once you're strapped in things get a little more primal than that.

I've had to defend myself against charges of waiting till the last moment in my preparations by saying that the last minute snuck up and ambushed me. In the week leading up to the race I was racked by the idea that I might not make the grid. Each reversal and delay reminded me that I might not make it - and those realizations were absolutely crushing. I kept going and didn't give up, but I didn't like the odds as time was running out.

I went to Morgan at the local Acura dealer for the changeout on the Mugen diff and the Houseman gears. Everything was looking good at first but then we had multiple delays and complications. Morgan used to be top wrench under old service manager Bob - both are local club racers and good guys (not your typical Acura dealer). Bob was let go a couple of years in typical dealership management change politics, and Morgan has just recently succeeded Bob's replacement as Service Manager. The important part of this is that Morgan isn't turning wrenches now.

I wound up in the hands of Morgans man Jesse. Jesse is a good guy, and Morgan is trying to groom him into a star, but these things take some time and I arrived somewhere in the middle. At about 11pm Friday night we started the car and ran it thru the gears on the lift - something was wrong. Loud noises from the gearbox joined by very loud high pitched whine in the new 4th and 5th. It was so loud that we couldn't believe that something wasn't wrong. The nearest thing I've heard to it is a 20-Ton Scroll Compressor in a refrigeration system.

Morgan and I decided that I'd drive the car to his shop Saturday morning for a teardown - and depending on what we found maybe we'd go back to the stock gears. I sent emails and made calls to Jamie Houseman and Scott Zellner. I tried to think back to the few times I'd been in cars with Hewlands or other noisy geartrains. Yeah, they'd been loud, but I lacked enough experience to make a decent judgement. And I wasn't interested in taking chances with 5K worth of gearbox.

Both Jaime and Scott got back to me and offered their opinions. Jaime said to run it. When Jaime called back later (got the call just before qualifying a few hours later) I told him I we couldn't find anything obviously wrong and that we'd gone back together with his gears and I was gonna race the hell out of it. He liked the sound of that.

Just so you know: Jaime said that his gears would definitely be louder than the stockers. His gears have fewer/bigger teeth, a shallower helix angle, and are cut not ground - they're not factory gears designed with NVH in mind, they're going to be noisey.

I remember during the teardown Saturday morning how grateful I was for the service (racer kinship really) I got from Morgan, Jaime, and Scott. These are great people.

After Morgan got me going again, I still had to do all the rest of the prep that I'd intended to do with the several days I'd planned to have. I had four hours before I had to qualify. I got most of it done and got to the track with 45 minutes left. I don't think I started to relax and actually believe I'd made it there till I was suiting up.

I'd driven to the track on leftover Hoosiers and all I wanted out of Qualifying was some seat time. Everything worked pretty good and I managed to qualify about a half second faster than Greg. The new 4th and 5th worked really well. I was hitting 8000 indicated at the end of the back straight, I was getting better control in 4th thru T8/11, and certain Porsches weren't getting away as fast. Should be really good when we run the full front straight.

I didn't have time to take off the Mugen wing, but I checked with Greg and Joe and they said they didn't care and wouldn't protest me over it. Good, because it's even harder to get off than the stocker - and it's THE wing that belongs on the back of an ITR.

With Qualifying out of the way, we all went to the nearest church of beer for dinner. Several H-T wives got to meet their husbands H-T friends. We all learned that the Charlie Brown parental Wah-Wah-Wah is just about universal. We don't hear them, and they don't hear us - it's just Wah-Wah, Wah-Wah-Wah-Wah.

Sunday morning I spent finishing prep on the car and got to the track around noon. I still had to swap tires, adjust front toe, and mount Greg Marshalls All-View mirror. And John had to mount his video camera. It was so nice to have enough time to accomplish these relatively simple tasks. The All-View mirror is Really Good - I'm ditching my 3-panel Wink for it - no question. I need to revise my mounting - move it further to the left and give it a little more angle so I can see more to my rear/left, but no question: it's a keeper.

The Race. I was gridded right in front of Greg. Got a decent start from the inside, which I like generally, but couldn't pull the Porsche in front of me. I got cut off on the inside of the first turn and Greg got around on the outside and then closed it on the chicanes left as I ran wide (he had me regardless of that).

I spent many laps held up behind a green 911 that was fast on the straights and slow in the corners. Eventually I figured out that my ******* him was slowing him down, and when I backed off he started reeling in Greg. I followed and benefitted from his battle with Greg. Eventually I got onto Greg and started harassing him. I late braked on the inside into the chicane but I paid for it by going in too hot and just surviving to botch the exit. Greg took good advantage and kept me from closing it till he could pull me off the corner (another 2 feet and I could have come over and protected).

Sometime later I was starting to show signs of frustration. I could catch him up easily under braking and thru the back, but he'd pull me enough off the corners to keep me off. You'd think that a 6/10's advantage would be more than sufficient, and I'd agree, but I never quite got it right. I kept overcooking my chicane entry and paying with it in slow corner exit speeds, and I was using up my tires and pushing.

A couple of laps later with Greg protecting into the chicane I tried to outbrake him on the outside. I really overdid it and made the decision to abort and try to make it across the gravel trap - which I did. I let Greg back by, and within a lap I was back on him.

Another lap or two and I got into the gators on the outside of the exit of T3/6. I had to straighten and drive off, catching some major air over the whoops. But I made it back on and was back on him in no time.

Then I overcooked the exit of T4/7 and got into the gators there, and that was really hairy as it's rough and there's a curb transition that really pulls the car around. Survived again.

Somewhere in there I made a move up the inside on the entry to T9/12, but there was no way I could make it stick at the start of the straight.

Thru all this I was trying to get close enough to get a tow, but I had to get really close and only really got one or two that were useful.

It was driving me crazy to see how used up his tires were and how he was fighting the car, but between his competent blocking and my own tires degradation (not to mention the degradation of my driver) I just never put it together.

I made on last ditch attempt on the last lap in T9/12, but the car wouldn't even turn in and I had to settle for staying on the track.

Greg was in a word: Elated. I was there to meet him when he pulled into impound after his victory lap, and we exchanged all that good racer talk, sincerely.

But I was hurting, and I'm still hurting. I see myself as having lost that race. Lost it to the impatience I thought I'd made so much progress on. Lost it to insufficient confidence in myself. I worked so hard trying to pass Greg, that I didn't pass him. I should have closed on him and worked him over till he was ready to fall. I had the time - hell, I had time to go off 4 times and still be there at the last turn.

I rate my driving very poor. But despite that I had a really good race and I'm lucky to be in one piece - I went off in some of the most dangerous parts of the track. Ive always said that I'd rather lose a good race than cruise to an easy and meaningless victory. But Damn, defeat and failure sting. I don't mean to imply that I simply lost the race and that Greg didn't win it - Greg drove well and earned his victory, and I lost my race over and over. That's racing for you - one result, multiple stories.

You remember when Catch made the connection between the Stanley Cup and what makes some of our big races special? I spent alot of time thinking about that, and reflecting on the past glory of races like the Rose Cups and the June Sprints. It seems that in the most general terms these events are not what they once were. However, for Greg Bell and I the 2003 Rose Cups were Epic and will live long in our memories and maybe too in those who watched and appreciated what we were doing. There were more than a few of these stories in Portland this last weekend, as there will be in Wisconsin this coming weekend. These events live because we bring them to life.

People in any sport or milieu create "The Big One". The faces and names change over the years, the numbers flourish and fade, but thru it all runs a continuous thread from year to year that carries the story forward. The Rose Cups no longer draw the crowds they did years ago. Some say people have so many entertainment options nowadays that unless it's something really really big you're not going to get many spectators. Others say that there's insufficient promotion, or a failure to reach the next generation of enthusiasts.

I don't have answers, I only know that each year a bunch of people actually show up and race. And some of them have racing that's insanely great, and to the people for whom it really matters they're glad they were there and they'll be back again next year.

I invested heavily in this years Rose Cups. I invested with my wallet. I invested with my spirit. I planned on victory. I gave all I had to give at the time, and in light of the outcome all I can say is that I'll see Greg again in about 3 weeks. And beyond that I'm planning on winning at the Rose Cups in 2004.

Scott, who's studying the last race to apply lessons to the next race...it's gonna be Epic....



Modified by RR98ITR at 10:48 PM 6/16/2003

 

Nice write up Scott, can't wait to meet you later this year.

 

Scott,
In the other thread, I said that sometimes the act of racing well is enough. I also know that sometimes it isn't.

Why are we so passionate about this sport? What keeps me chasing after it, I often wonder.

The race car is a cruel, cruel mistress. She takes all our money & time. Sometimes she rewards us. Often times she slaps us down. Thru it all we always come back for more. We crawl back begging for it. All we need is a glimps and we are sucked back in. I feel your pain. I also know that she will blow you a kiss or wink a eye @ you soon. Once she does, all will right once again.

 

It is always a sincere privilege to watch you race Scott. Regardless of your conflicts about the 2nd place finish, you might not realize how many people tuned in and appreciated your efforts and skill.

The Brewer crew stopped their tear-down to listen to the race announcers and commented how exciting the race was - even just listening over the loud speakers.

One hell of a first time out man! You, Greg and Joe can count on more fans in the coming races. For me, I learn more by watching you than all the six-pack benchracing sessions put together.

Greg

 

You guys should spend less time thinking and more time driving. I have promised myself that I would not make any more posts after drinking but I just really don't get you west coast guys. Hell, I am a journalism major undergrad and grad and I would not go on like you guys. Just drive. You win some, you lose some. But if I want to read a novel I will buy one. You guys seriously spend more time thinking about mirror mounting than I do prepping my car, trailering it to the track and driving it. Just race.

 

Good to see everyone. Met JamesA and Victor for the first time (both are fun and first class, humble and willing to share info and experience).

Scott is Scott, and I quickly caught my 10 minutes at dinner on Saturday, thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Its easy to say "just race" I think the video and images will prove that the race really was epic. Heres a bit of motion image take from my digicam http://demians.net/bbr/video/RS42PIR15jun03.wmv

Demian

 

So hey Scott is that your first novel or what?

Good reading.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd rather lose a good race than cruise to an easy and meaningless victory.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Congratulations on your race result.

 

First of all, I would never go to any race *expecting* to win. It's a huge mistake, and can get you in a lot of trouble thinking that way. It's also disrespectful to your fellow racers. You can go in *wanting* to win, and the best attitude is to go in believing that you *can* win, but don't expect it under any circumstances.

It sounds like you already identified your problem. You overdrove the car bigtime. Considering the number of offs and blown braking zones that you had, you are VERY lucky to have the car in one piece. Maybe you need to stop trying to win, and just drive the car?

This is our hobby, and if it is causing you this much despair, maybe you should back off from it a bit. We do this for fun, remember?


Matt

 

Scott, who's studying the last race to apply lessons to the next race

This would be the condensed version.
If you approach it right, a loss can pay bigger dividends than a win.

Now, this is the part where I tell Scott something he already knows...
It appears he is stronger down the straights (must be a helluva motor in that brick) but you own him under braking and in the twisties. So, draft him (those things cut a huge hole in the air) down the straights and then hound him in the corners until his tires fail him. Then take the easy pass.

Racing is very primal, but its also a thinking mans game. To do well, you kind of have to become a scholarly cro magnon.

Scott, who has also had some frustrating races this year, but is working on it.

 

I enjoy your ramblings, as always scott - however, i have one question. In hindsight, would your resources have been better utilized by racing earlier in the year rather than making gearbox and diff changes for this race?

RJ

 

It's difficult to know for sure anything other than that Greg finished 1st, but here's what I think and know:

I couldn't have raced in the early part of the season without being extremely derelict in my duties for my family.

Without the Houseman gears I think Greg would have pulled me non-stop down the straights, as it was he'd pull me out of the corners by a few car lengths and I'd just barely start getting them back by the end.

Not gonna talk about the diff till after the next race weekend. I've got some learning to do.

I've raced the race over in my head quite a few times now, and see clearly how I could have done better. But, you know what? That wouldn't have been anywhere near as good a race.

Hey you guys - I didn't expect to walk away with an easy win. I've treated Greg with nothing but respect. HE expected Me to win, and I shrugged that off. I keep track of times and I try to know the alignment of forces before the race. I knew I had some advantage. But a race is a living thing, and well capable of giving us surprises.

I don't mind if some of you think I'm too much this, or too much that. You be you, and I'll be me. And I'll keep racing and writing as long as I enjoy them.

Racing isn't just a silly game - many of us put all that we are into our racing.

Scott, who is recovering from the shock of defeat...now I gotta find all that gravel that's rattling around in my car...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> [I] become a scholarly cro magnon.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ha ha!

Scott, I love that analogy!

could I do it a little differently and become a "bar brawling Proffessor"??

 

Here's the short story on Greg's Golf:

2-liter 16-Valve 240hp motor, and 2180 legal min weight (and I'm told the car is really light).

Vs: my 210?, and 2540 actual weight.

Kinda interesting how the numbers play out in real life at both ends of a straight.

Scott, who doesn't need the Holy Hand Grenade...actually Greg's car is kind of a grenade - he's having trouble keeping gearboxes alive under such a load...makes me happy I can stay as stock as I am...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I didn't have time to take off the Mugen wing. . . it's THE wing that belongs on the back of an ITR.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

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

could I do it a little differently and become a "bar brawling Proffessor"?? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Only if you promise to spell proffessor correctly. It seems kind of important in the analogy.

Wheeeeeee!!!!
Rabbit... oops... Ribbit

 

drat! foiled again!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Scott, who's studying the last race to apply lessons to the next race...it's gonna be Epic....

</TD></TR></TABLE>


and that said it all

 

yup...i can hear the theme to "ROCKY" playing in my head with visions of Scott kicking ***. haha.