If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?"
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From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?"
Nothing. NOTHING!
That's why it's so important that you do it right.
Maybe I'm just exaggerating...just a little bit.
We're in for alot of that over the next 10 months, as the Left Wing Stalinist Nostalgiacs work to achieve the restoration of Sadaam and unhindered global nuclear proliferation while the Right Wing Fascists work to continue their ongoing genocide against Islam and indeed the individual American. Is it any wonder that I find Trump's show "The Apprentice" to be fresh and relaxing.
Back to the subject - assuming that the conditions of life will continue to sustain the opportunity to race kaas, and the conditions of life that will continue to allow significant fixation in our lives on the racing of our kaas, we have to tend to the conditions of our minds that will sustain our desire to race our kaas.
WHAT? How could you not want to race Kaas?
Because you burned out. On the expense. On the confict and contention. On the repetition of going around in circles.
Being a thinking person of at least average capacity, naturally you look ahead from time to time to avoid the deepest potholes.
Set your sights low - maybe buy an ITC car (well, maybe not that low). Operate within a budget. Not just a budget of money, but a budget of ambition.
In evaluating my plans for 2004, and changing them, I had to look really hard at myself.
I asked a friend who knows about these things, and Scott said something like "no, it's not stupid, you gotta have dreams."
If you read H-T for a while you see that there are alot of people who don't yet race but dream of racing. They might be just a little drunk on the appearance of glory. They might also be just a little drunk on their own self image. But when you sober up, and really start working toward such a goal the size of the challenge keeps looking bigger and bigger. Just rolling off the grid at a local or Regional race is really a pretty big accomplishment.
I've written before about the intrinsic value of a race. If you drove the race of your life against your local buddy in front of all your racing friends and you both went down in local history as Giants of Lilliput, would that not be as good as if you'd battled Pierre for 50 minutes and thousands watched it a month later on Speed Channel as Derek Daly referred to you as some kind of folk racing hero? My answer has been and remains that a good race is a good race. And if that's not good enough then you might be suffering from "I wanna be a star." Watch VH-1 to see how stories like that can turn out.
What's wrong with wanting to be a star? There's the odds - they're real bad. There's the price paid for failing - though human wreckage is the byproduct of many endeavors, so this ones not much different.
I guess that frames it pretty good now that I see it. You DO have to have dreams. But you need to be practical about them too. Many a good life consists of a string of dreams. Yes, you CAN have more than one.
Most of us who've raced a while know that it's just a sport played for pleasure and enjoyment. Many of us know that if we were to succeed in making it more than that, we might destroy the pleasure and enjoyment. Many of us have some envy for those we consider lucky enough to be able to mix business with pleasure. But many of those we envy tell us that we don't see the full picture, and that they miss the simple pleasures they had when they were seperate.
So maybe you get pretty far with your dream. One way or another you're able to finance a bigger racing effort. Along the way you bought into the "Winner" mentality - perhaps quite honestly as a result of your hard work, brainpower, and racing success.
At this point what happens off the track can become at least important as what happens on the track - maybe even more. You're chasing more money. You're getting sideways with the rulemakers. You're running up agains obstacles that you can't get over, under, around, or through.
You're like a junkie who get's about a moments ecstasy in return for hours of emptiness. And even the ecstasy isn't as good as it used to be.
So what's the big question? That is: How do you control this monkey without taking it off your back completely? Only by choosing the hardest path of them all. You must temper the passion that brought you this far, for only if you do will you sustain the passion and maintain your position. Nothing goes up forever, and as hard as a market correction is on your portfolio, corrections on our psyches may be even worse. Then again, adversity can be the very best engine for personal growth that we have.
That this is so very like what we actually do in the car behind the wheel is a tasty coincidence eh? If we don't control our passion behind the wheel we will most assuredly go slower. Growth into a mature thinking race driver is largely centered around this transformation.
It's one brain, and it works one way, no matter what it's working on.
And in that it reminds me of business too.
Maybe you're heard it like this: Don't work IN your business, work ON your business.
Where's the problem? Your head. If you get confused about this, and start to think it's your heart then it may be too late already.
Who's the boss? Your heart. If you get confused about this, and start to think it's your head then it was too late when you got here.
How do you make it all work out? I'm working on it.
Scott, who believes in the division of labor as a cornerstone of efficiency...in theory...Memo to Heart & Head: "Don't make me take you to a Team Building seminar! I fuggin hate those things!"
That's why it's so important that you do it right.
Maybe I'm just exaggerating...just a little bit.
We're in for alot of that over the next 10 months, as the Left Wing Stalinist Nostalgiacs work to achieve the restoration of Sadaam and unhindered global nuclear proliferation while the Right Wing Fascists work to continue their ongoing genocide against Islam and indeed the individual American. Is it any wonder that I find Trump's show "The Apprentice" to be fresh and relaxing.
Back to the subject - assuming that the conditions of life will continue to sustain the opportunity to race kaas, and the conditions of life that will continue to allow significant fixation in our lives on the racing of our kaas, we have to tend to the conditions of our minds that will sustain our desire to race our kaas.
WHAT? How could you not want to race Kaas?
Because you burned out. On the expense. On the confict and contention. On the repetition of going around in circles.
Being a thinking person of at least average capacity, naturally you look ahead from time to time to avoid the deepest potholes.
Set your sights low - maybe buy an ITC car (well, maybe not that low). Operate within a budget. Not just a budget of money, but a budget of ambition.
In evaluating my plans for 2004, and changing them, I had to look really hard at myself.
I asked a friend who knows about these things, and Scott said something like "no, it's not stupid, you gotta have dreams."
If you read H-T for a while you see that there are alot of people who don't yet race but dream of racing. They might be just a little drunk on the appearance of glory. They might also be just a little drunk on their own self image. But when you sober up, and really start working toward such a goal the size of the challenge keeps looking bigger and bigger. Just rolling off the grid at a local or Regional race is really a pretty big accomplishment.
I've written before about the intrinsic value of a race. If you drove the race of your life against your local buddy in front of all your racing friends and you both went down in local history as Giants of Lilliput, would that not be as good as if you'd battled Pierre for 50 minutes and thousands watched it a month later on Speed Channel as Derek Daly referred to you as some kind of folk racing hero? My answer has been and remains that a good race is a good race. And if that's not good enough then you might be suffering from "I wanna be a star." Watch VH-1 to see how stories like that can turn out.
What's wrong with wanting to be a star? There's the odds - they're real bad. There's the price paid for failing - though human wreckage is the byproduct of many endeavors, so this ones not much different.
I guess that frames it pretty good now that I see it. You DO have to have dreams. But you need to be practical about them too. Many a good life consists of a string of dreams. Yes, you CAN have more than one.
Most of us who've raced a while know that it's just a sport played for pleasure and enjoyment. Many of us know that if we were to succeed in making it more than that, we might destroy the pleasure and enjoyment. Many of us have some envy for those we consider lucky enough to be able to mix business with pleasure. But many of those we envy tell us that we don't see the full picture, and that they miss the simple pleasures they had when they were seperate.
So maybe you get pretty far with your dream. One way or another you're able to finance a bigger racing effort. Along the way you bought into the "Winner" mentality - perhaps quite honestly as a result of your hard work, brainpower, and racing success.
At this point what happens off the track can become at least important as what happens on the track - maybe even more. You're chasing more money. You're getting sideways with the rulemakers. You're running up agains obstacles that you can't get over, under, around, or through.
You're like a junkie who get's about a moments ecstasy in return for hours of emptiness. And even the ecstasy isn't as good as it used to be.
So what's the big question? That is: How do you control this monkey without taking it off your back completely? Only by choosing the hardest path of them all. You must temper the passion that brought you this far, for only if you do will you sustain the passion and maintain your position. Nothing goes up forever, and as hard as a market correction is on your portfolio, corrections on our psyches may be even worse. Then again, adversity can be the very best engine for personal growth that we have.
That this is so very like what we actually do in the car behind the wheel is a tasty coincidence eh? If we don't control our passion behind the wheel we will most assuredly go slower. Growth into a mature thinking race driver is largely centered around this transformation.
It's one brain, and it works one way, no matter what it's working on.
And in that it reminds me of business too.
Maybe you're heard it like this: Don't work IN your business, work ON your business.
Where's the problem? Your head. If you get confused about this, and start to think it's your heart then it may be too late already.
Who's the boss? Your heart. If you get confused about this, and start to think it's your head then it was too late when you got here.
How do you make it all work out? I'm working on it.
Scott, who believes in the division of labor as a cornerstone of efficiency...in theory...Memo to Heart & Head: "Don't make me take you to a Team Building seminar! I fuggin hate those things!"
Joined: May 2002
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From: Columbia, MO, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
Very eloquent post!
I've been finding myself getting caught up in the parts that aren't fun lately. Thinking about giving up and being one of those guys with a sweet street car who loves talking to his friends about how well they did at the track last weekend since he was somewhere else.
What an awesome post.
I've been finding myself getting caught up in the parts that aren't fun lately. Thinking about giving up and being one of those guys with a sweet street car who loves talking to his friends about how well they did at the track last weekend since he was somewhere else.
What an awesome post.
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From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
as usual, a very eloquent window into your mind Scott. Some may call it self-indulgent, and it may be. But in this case I can relate.
I'm one of those who has yet to race. I've invested a good deal of time and money into a pile of parts currently sitting in my garage. I need to invest a lot more time to make it into a race car. And then some more money to actually race it.
It may happen this year, or not. Life is funny (ha-ha) this way: I find myself having to deal with more and more hurdles to achieve my dream of one day racing for real. Indeed, rolling of the grid at a regional will be a huge accomplishment for me. And I am dead sober - I know there is no glory other than in my head in racing, I know I won't make a career out of it, and I certainly have no illusions as to how many races I will win the first couple of years (or ever, for that matter); yet it is still one of my life's goals. But whether it is money, time, or other personal problems, **** does indeed happen.
To use your vernacular, my heart, the boss, wants to go racing. REALLY BAD. But my head, the problem, tells me that I have other issues that will require my money and time, and emotional involvement to take care of first. Financial responsibilities, kids, and a healthy marriage - what a drag to be a grown up.
Maybe I shouldn't be a racer after all, my head seems to be calling the shots...
Makes me want to eat my heart out.
Sebastien - who keeps oscillating between elation and depression, and is wandering how sad it is to be sharing that much of myself on a ******* web board.
I'm one of those who has yet to race. I've invested a good deal of time and money into a pile of parts currently sitting in my garage. I need to invest a lot more time to make it into a race car. And then some more money to actually race it.
It may happen this year, or not. Life is funny (ha-ha) this way: I find myself having to deal with more and more hurdles to achieve my dream of one day racing for real. Indeed, rolling of the grid at a regional will be a huge accomplishment for me. And I am dead sober - I know there is no glory other than in my head in racing, I know I won't make a career out of it, and I certainly have no illusions as to how many races I will win the first couple of years (or ever, for that matter); yet it is still one of my life's goals. But whether it is money, time, or other personal problems, **** does indeed happen.
To use your vernacular, my heart, the boss, wants to go racing. REALLY BAD. But my head, the problem, tells me that I have other issues that will require my money and time, and emotional involvement to take care of first. Financial responsibilities, kids, and a healthy marriage - what a drag to be a grown up.
Maybe I shouldn't be a racer after all, my head seems to be calling the shots...
Makes me want to eat my heart out.Sebastien - who keeps oscillating between elation and depression, and is wandering how sad it is to be sharing that much of myself on a ******* web board.
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From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
Sebastien,
You CAN do it all.
It'll take a plan, time, and patience.
We're all in the same boat.
Scott, who remembers being a little kid and playing with lots of other little kids at the races...I thought my Dad was the greatest, and despite his racing so did my Mom. Now that I'm grown up, and he's been gone longer than I knew him, I still think he's the greatest.
You CAN do it all.
It'll take a plan, time, and patience.
We're all in the same boat.
Scott, who remembers being a little kid and playing with lots of other little kids at the races...I thought my Dad was the greatest, and despite his racing so did my Mom. Now that I'm grown up, and he's been gone longer than I knew him, I still think he's the greatest.
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From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
indeed, the only thing about plans, is that they are notorious for getting derailed on a regular basis - what's that old saw? "the best laid plans..." 
I just have to keep a sense of humour about it, which can turn out to be a big challenge in and of itself.
But thank you for the encouraging words.
I just have to keep a sense of humour about it, which can turn out to be a big challenge in and of itself.But thank you for the encouraging words.
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From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
maybe buy an ITC car (well, maybe not that low).
Screw you flathead.
I'd rather have a spiffy ITC car than a relatively motionless Type R full of marigolds.
Maybe thats just me.
Scott, who saves the eloquence for those of us who race verbally, they need it more than I.
Screw you flathead.
I'd rather have a spiffy ITC car than a relatively motionless Type R full of marigolds.
Maybe thats just me.
Scott, who saves the eloquence for those of us who race verbally, they need it more than I.
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From: MA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> maybe buy an ITC car (well, maybe not that low).
Screw you flathead.
I'd rather have a spiffy ITC car than a relatively motionless Type R full of marigolds.
Maybe thats just me.
Scott, who saves the eloquence for those of us who race verbally, they need it more than I.</TD></TR></TABLE>
you sure you two aren't brothers?
nate
Screw you flathead.
I'd rather have a spiffy ITC car than a relatively motionless Type R full of marigolds.
Maybe thats just me.
Scott, who saves the eloquence for those of us who race verbally, they need it more than I.</TD></TR></TABLE>
you sure you two aren't brothers?
nate
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From: Only those who dare to lose, win.
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by solo-x »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
you sure you two aren't brothers?
nate</TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, they are. Separated at birth, in fact.
Casey, amused and educated by these two Scott brothers...
you sure you two aren't brothers?
nate</TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, they are. Separated at birth, in fact.
Casey, amused and educated by these two Scott brothers...
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From: Only those who dare to lose, win.
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Scott, who believes in the division of labor as a cornerstone of efficiency...in theory...Memo to Heart & Head: "Don't make me take you to a Team Building seminar! I fuggin hate those things!"</TD></TR></TABLE>
Also, remember to perform a gut check every so often. True, head & heart are muy importante. But without aligning head and heart with your gut, then you've only got two-legged stool....
Scott, who believes in the division of labor as a cornerstone of efficiency...in theory...Memo to Heart & Head: "Don't make me take you to a Team Building seminar! I fuggin hate those things!"</TD></TR></TABLE>
Also, remember to perform a gut check every so often. True, head & heart are muy importante. But without aligning head and heart with your gut, then you've only got two-legged stool....
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From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
Now SCOTT!
Don't be That Way!
You know I think your ITC car is SPIFFY too!
And just for your information my car is full of spiders webs - not marigolds!
Scott, the fast one, with the badass ITR..."now where's my feather duster? ...Oh, yeah, it's in the bedroom!"
Don't be That Way!
You know I think your ITC car is SPIFFY too!
And just for your information my car is full of spiders webs - not marigolds!
Scott, the fast one, with the badass ITR..."now where's my feather duster? ...Oh, yeah, it's in the bedroom!"
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From: Believeland
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"now where's my feather duster? ...Oh, yeah, it's in the bedroom!"</TD></TR></TABLE>
Umm.... Ew?
Most of us enjoy the open window to your racing mind, Scott... But please keep that particular window closed...
Umm.... Ew?
Most of us enjoy the open window to your racing mind, Scott... But please keep that particular window closed...
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From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
Just wait til you see my new mad graphix.
Spiffy?
More than "spiffy." "Spifftastic!"
Scott, who is unemployed and has spare sheets of black, red, and white vinyl laying around.
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"
Spiffy?
More than "spiffy." "Spifftastic!"
Scott, who is unemployed and has spare sheets of black, red, and white vinyl laying around.
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"
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From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think the avatars tell the story...
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think the avatars tell the story...
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From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
There is something SO WRONG going on here.
I've always been afraid that racing would lead me to ruination and unemployment. So I've worked dilligently to be responsible in my racing and tend appropriately to home and hearth. As a consequence there are times when I have to cut back a little.
Yet Scott G is able to race a packed schedule while UNEMPLOYED and spending his days daydreaming about Spiffy graphics. I can understand that it's cheaper to run an ITC car, but this is ridiculous!
Scott, who has never witnessed a miracle or supernatural occurance...but this is the closest thing I've seen.
I've always been afraid that racing would lead me to ruination and unemployment. So I've worked dilligently to be responsible in my racing and tend appropriately to home and hearth. As a consequence there are times when I have to cut back a little.
Yet Scott G is able to race a packed schedule while UNEMPLOYED and spending his days daydreaming about Spiffy graphics. I can understand that it's cheaper to run an ITC car, but this is ridiculous!
Scott, who has never witnessed a miracle or supernatural occurance...but this is the closest thing I've seen.
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From: Only those who dare to lose, win.
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"</TD></TR></TABLE>
Instead of voicing my opinion, I'd rather see the two of you debate that publicly.
Casey, always in search of good entertainment
PS - If we're brothers separated at birth, which one of us is "the dark half?"</TD></TR></TABLE>
Instead of voicing my opinion, I'd rather see the two of you debate that publicly.
Casey, always in search of good entertainment
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From: Portland, OR
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
interesting post . . . . being that I've never raced before I can relate to much of what you're saying. Racing to me is something that I want to do for myself. If I'm talented and lucky engough to be good at it, then great. If I'm having fun running near the back of the pack then that's just great.
Ever since I started driving I've been in love. When I was having a particularly bad day I would get in my car and go for a drive. Taking my mind off of everything but driving workes wonders.
So why have I not started racing yet? I ask myself that all the time. Sometimes I get a sudden sense of urgency. Like I need to do this really soon before it's too late. I often think of some advice that my grandad gave me before he passed away.
I was visiting London with my new bride, and we were staying a few night with my Grandad. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer (never smoked, but live in London all his life) and according to Doctors he was supposed to have been dead for over a year at that point. Anyway, he told me a story of when he was at a swap meet in Nevada and he saw a really nice ring. He looked it over and decided that he wouldn't buy it just yet. He'll keep his options open to see if he found something else. So he moved on. He later decided that he really did want that particular ring, but when he tried to find the particular booth he couldn't find it. He searched and searched until the swap meet was over and packed up. He was leaving the next morning so there was no way of getting it another time.
So he told me if you ever want something, and you have the means to get it, never let it pass you by. That story has stuck with me ever since. So why haven't I done this yet? The main excuse is money. But will there ever be a time that someone stops by my house to drop off a truckload of cash?
So I've started to think about making a plan. Where do I begin. I have so many other obligations (wife, newborn son, house, cars, etc). At what point will fulfilling a dream become more hassel than it's worth? I've recently thought about getting into karting. I think the initial investment would be about the same as a 1/2way decent ITC car, but the yearly cost of racing would probably be lower. I have a tow vehicle that can handle a kart, but probably not an ITC racecar.
So, my ring is in sight. Do I just buy it or do I move on and see what else comes up? Do I wait around to see if it will ever be easy to afford racing? Or will I regret letting it pass me by? My heart says "just go for it", but my brain says "the money doesn't grow on trees, you could spend the money elsewhere"
Steve - who is tired of dreaming about racing and wants to start living it.
Ever since I started driving I've been in love. When I was having a particularly bad day I would get in my car and go for a drive. Taking my mind off of everything but driving workes wonders.
So why have I not started racing yet? I ask myself that all the time. Sometimes I get a sudden sense of urgency. Like I need to do this really soon before it's too late. I often think of some advice that my grandad gave me before he passed away.
I was visiting London with my new bride, and we were staying a few night with my Grandad. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer (never smoked, but live in London all his life) and according to Doctors he was supposed to have been dead for over a year at that point. Anyway, he told me a story of when he was at a swap meet in Nevada and he saw a really nice ring. He looked it over and decided that he wouldn't buy it just yet. He'll keep his options open to see if he found something else. So he moved on. He later decided that he really did want that particular ring, but when he tried to find the particular booth he couldn't find it. He searched and searched until the swap meet was over and packed up. He was leaving the next morning so there was no way of getting it another time.
So he told me if you ever want something, and you have the means to get it, never let it pass you by. That story has stuck with me ever since. So why haven't I done this yet? The main excuse is money. But will there ever be a time that someone stops by my house to drop off a truckload of cash?
So I've started to think about making a plan. Where do I begin. I have so many other obligations (wife, newborn son, house, cars, etc). At what point will fulfilling a dream become more hassel than it's worth? I've recently thought about getting into karting. I think the initial investment would be about the same as a 1/2way decent ITC car, but the yearly cost of racing would probably be lower. I have a tow vehicle that can handle a kart, but probably not an ITC racecar.
So, my ring is in sight. Do I just buy it or do I move on and see what else comes up? Do I wait around to see if it will ever be easy to afford racing? Or will I regret letting it pass me by? My heart says "just go for it", but my brain says "the money doesn't grow on trees, you could spend the money elsewhere"
Steve - who is tired of dreaming about racing and wants to start living it.
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From: Portland, OR
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
interesting post . . . . being that I've never raced before I can relate to much of what you're saying. Racing to me is something that I want to do for myself. If I'm talented and lucky engough to be good at it, then great. If I'm having fun running near the back of the pack then that's just great.
Ever since I started driving I've been in love. When I was having a particularly bad day I would get in my car and go for a drive. Taking my mind off of everything but driving workes wonders.
So why have I not started racing yet? I ask myself that all the time. Sometimes I get a sudden sense of urgency. Like I need to do this really soon before it's too late. I often think of some advice that my grandad gave me before he passed away.
I was visiting London with my new bride, and we were staying a few night with my Grandad. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer (never smoked, but live in London all his life) and according to Doctors he was supposed to have been dead for over a year at that point. Anyway, he told me a story of when he was at a swap meet in Nevada and he saw a really nice ring. He looked it over and decided that he wouldn't buy it just yet. He'll keep his options open to see if he found something else. So he moved on. He later decided that he really did want that particular ring, but when he tried to find the particular booth he couldn't find it. He searched and searched until the swap meet was over and packed up. He was leaving the next morning so there was no way of getting it another time.
So he told me if you ever want something, and you have the means to get it, never let it pass you by. That story has stuck with me ever since. So why haven't I done this yet? The main excuse is money. But will there ever be a time that someone stops by my house to drop off a truckload of cash?
So I've started to think about making a plan. Where do I begin. I have so many other obligations (wife, newborn son, house, cars, etc). At what point will fulfilling a dream become more hassel than it's worth? I've recently thought about getting into karting. I think the initial investment would be about the same as a 1/2way decent ITC car, but the yearly cost of racing would probably be lower. I have a tow vehicle that can handle a kart, but probably not an ITC racecar.
So, my ring is in sight. Do I just buy it or do I move on and see what else comes up? Do I wait around to see if it will ever be easy to afford racing? Or will I regret letting it pass me by? My heart says "just go for it", but my brain says "the money doesn't grow on trees, you could spend the money elsewhere"
Steve - who is tired of dreaming about racing and wants to start living it.
Ever since I started driving I've been in love. When I was having a particularly bad day I would get in my car and go for a drive. Taking my mind off of everything but driving workes wonders.
So why have I not started racing yet? I ask myself that all the time. Sometimes I get a sudden sense of urgency. Like I need to do this really soon before it's too late. I often think of some advice that my grandad gave me before he passed away.
I was visiting London with my new bride, and we were staying a few night with my Grandad. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer (never smoked, but live in London all his life) and according to Doctors he was supposed to have been dead for over a year at that point. Anyway, he told me a story of when he was at a swap meet in Nevada and he saw a really nice ring. He looked it over and decided that he wouldn't buy it just yet. He'll keep his options open to see if he found something else. So he moved on. He later decided that he really did want that particular ring, but when he tried to find the particular booth he couldn't find it. He searched and searched until the swap meet was over and packed up. He was leaving the next morning so there was no way of getting it another time.
So he told me if you ever want something, and you have the means to get it, never let it pass you by. That story has stuck with me ever since. So why haven't I done this yet? The main excuse is money. But will there ever be a time that someone stops by my house to drop off a truckload of cash?
So I've started to think about making a plan. Where do I begin. I have so many other obligations (wife, newborn son, house, cars, etc). At what point will fulfilling a dream become more hassel than it's worth? I've recently thought about getting into karting. I think the initial investment would be about the same as a 1/2way decent ITC car, but the yearly cost of racing would probably be lower. I have a tow vehicle that can handle a kart, but probably not an ITC racecar.
So, my ring is in sight. Do I just buy it or do I move on and see what else comes up? Do I wait around to see if it will ever be easy to afford racing? Or will I regret letting it pass me by? My heart says "just go for it", but my brain says "the money doesn't grow on trees, you could spend the money elsewhere"
Steve - who is tired of dreaming about racing and wants to start living it.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Doylestown, PA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So what's the big question? That is: How do you control this monkey without taking it off your back completely? Only by choosing the hardest path of them all. You must temper the passion that brought you this far, for only if you do will you sustain the passion and maintain your position. Nothing goes up forever, and as hard as a market correction is on your portfolio, corrections on our psyches may be even worse. Then again, adversity can be the very best engine for personal growth that we have.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not to say I would upset the balance here of skill vs passion, but wouldn't tempering your passions certainly limit you to the upper end of mediocracy.
Don't do it... you won't make it. - Is a tough message to swallow. Maybe the more important choice is WHEN do you temper your passion? How hard do you push before you realize you'll never make it to the top?
Passion is a feeling... its raw... to temper it would be like saying, "I'm not in love, so I won't commit" to the woman you love more then anyone else in the world.
Just some thoughts on a part your post that really struck me.
I do see you point though... by the time most people realize they are beyond the point their passion & skill will carry them, they are already too deep.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not to say I would upset the balance here of skill vs passion, but wouldn't tempering your passions certainly limit you to the upper end of mediocracy.
Don't do it... you won't make it. - Is a tough message to swallow. Maybe the more important choice is WHEN do you temper your passion? How hard do you push before you realize you'll never make it to the top?
Passion is a feeling... its raw... to temper it would be like saying, "I'm not in love, so I won't commit" to the woman you love more then anyone else in the world.
Just some thoughts on a part your post that really struck me.
I do see you point though... by the time most people realize they are beyond the point their passion & skill will carry them, they are already too deep.
Trial User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yet Scott G is able to race a packed schedule while UNEMPLOYED and spending his days daydreaming about Spiffy graphics. I can understand that it's cheaper to run an ITC car, but this is ridiculous!
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I keep telling you guys. I'm not joking about this stuff.
Scott, who did tire inventory today and determined that he's got enough leftover 2003 rubber to make it all the way through 2004.
But I *might* need a set of front brake pads.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I keep telling you guys. I'm not joking about this stuff.
Scott, who did tire inventory today and determined that he's got enough leftover 2003 rubber to make it all the way through 2004.
But I *might* need a set of front brake pads.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Northwest, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nonsense »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So he told me if you ever want something, and you have the means to get it, never let it pass you by. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Exactaly. No regrets.
Do it (it = whatever) while you can.
Exactaly. No regrets.
Do it (it = whatever) while you can.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Omigawa,, Japan
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
The constant battle in my mind. Being practical and passionate about life (racing) at the same time. I need to be practical which allows me to live passionately (race more). I need to be passionate (race allot) so I can clear my head to make good practical decisions ( its a circle). A battle that is never clearly won or lost.
Modified by JAMES "A" at 4:47 PM 2/11/2004
Modified by JAMES "A" at 4:47 PM 2/11/2004
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 0
From: OR
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
I am the guy that is stuck in a rutt for the next couple of years. The way I look at racing is that I will not be able to enjoy it until I graduate college and get a good paying job...for now autocrossing will half to do (not that im complaining at all, its hell of fun).
My heart tells me I want it bad, but there are these detours in the road that cause me to stall from where I want to go to get to it. Yes experience may be one of those detours that I am traveling down, learning the way the road curves and how fast I can take it (not literally, more poetically).
There are lots of factors in life besides racing that may cause some people never to reach there goals of crossing the finish line. I want to make sure before I die that I cross that finish line, weather it be in racing or even be in the context of my own mine that I accomplished something to my satisfaction on earth so I can look back on it and appreciate it.
Pete - whos goal in life is to make it a life.
My heart tells me I want it bad, but there are these detours in the road that cause me to stall from where I want to go to get to it. Yes experience may be one of those detours that I am traveling down, learning the way the road curves and how fast I can take it (not literally, more poetically).
There are lots of factors in life besides racing that may cause some people never to reach there goals of crossing the finish line. I want to make sure before I die that I cross that finish line, weather it be in racing or even be in the context of my own mine that I accomplished something to my satisfaction on earth so I can look back on it and appreciate it.
Pete - whos goal in life is to make it a life.
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 0
From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Exactaly. No regrets.
Do it (it = whatever) while you can.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
my own, slightly different version of this, and I learned the hard way:
It is better to regret DOING something than regret NOT doing it.
just trust me on that one.
Exactaly. No regrets.
Do it (it = whatever) while you can.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
my own, slightly different version of this, and I learned the hard way:
It is better to regret DOING something than regret NOT doing it.
just trust me on that one.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
From: EVEN MY CF SNOWBOARD SAYS ADVAN
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
absolutely brilliant. Write a book and i'll buy it man. Well said, and a great neutral story with great opinions. I smell a best seller on the honda-tech forums.... Or just the autoX forums. But nonetheless.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: NOVA, VA, Always on Travel
Re: If you aren't careful, Racing can become more trouble than it's worth..."But what else is there?
I always think for some reason that I have a 4 year period of time for giving all I can (monetary and emotionally) before I will be burned out. I didn't know if anyone else experiences this as well?