My brother finally sent me some of the pictures he took at last month's Barber race and it reminded me of something. Something that many of us have had to deal with in this sport and would prefer not to. I speak mainly of racing, but this also completely applies to autocross and HPDE.
Yes, we had a little incident that required some trackside creativity in order to continue. We also had to replace some leaking brake lines in a bit of a hurry as well.

Inappropriate Hovering and/or Questioning

Seriously. Most all racers LOVE to talk about racing and LOVE to talk about their cars. Catch us at the right time and we'll flood your brain with it.
But there is a time and a place. One thing that really bothers me is when I've got a wrench in one hand, a bottle of hot, brown brake fluid in the other and a pack of zip ties dangling from my mouth while somebody is trying to ask me about "what have you got under the hood?"
Then, on occassion, this same person may give you attitude because you're not as cordial as they'd like you to be. On more than one occassion I've been informed that someone thinks I'm an ******* because they tried to talk to me at the track and I basically ignored them... Well, if I had a torque wrench in my hand at the time... Yes... I ignored you. I can't afford to miss a couple of lug nuts telling you that I, in fact, *don't* have a ZC motor under there.

This is doubly especially true if someone is busting to repair something in order to make their next session. DON'T hover and get in the way and DON'T stand there asking a bunch of questions. If a person is vigorously beating on a front crossmember with a hammer its probably not a good time to ask a few questions about their suspension set-up.
If you can genuinely help... Excellent. Offer it. You'll likely be taken up on it. But its a really bad time to just hang out.

And the absolute worse time to be a pest... After someone has just balled up their car.
Ask them if they are OK. Ask them if you can do anything for them.
But keep in mind that the last thing that person likely wants to do at this moment is rehash the incident. He especially doesn't want to do it 25 times, so be considerate. If he wants to talk about it, he will. People are different. Some will actually *want* to talk about it. Others will really, really want to be left alone. Don't be chancing that you're bugging that person that'd rather be left alone.

Spread it around. And by all means if you are with someone that is behaving this way, tell them to stop it.

Scott, who had his head in his front wheel well at Barber while some guy was asking the back of his neck questions about his exhaust system.

 

Happened to me on sunday. Some random non racer was trying to talk to me about azenis while I'm in the middle of changing a swaybar in grid. I guess after a few minutes of me just giving "yeahs" and "yup they are good street tires" he just walked away.

I don't mind giving advice or talking either.

Also If you're trying to concentrate on walking an auto-x course is another time not to come up to somebody and ask them for advice. applies only to auto-xers though.

I've been called rude by not being able to listen to every detail while doing registration. Takes a little bit of concentration to get 200 people thru an auto-x registration line. Some still haven't seemed to learn that you can't always be talking and paying attention at the same time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And the absolute worse time to be a pest... After someone has just balled up their car.
Ask them if they are OK. Ask them if you can do anything for them.
But keep in mind that the last thing that person likely wants to do at this moment is rehash the incident. He especially doesn't want to do it 25 times, so be considerate. If he wants to talk about it, he will. People are different. Some will actually *want* to talk about it. Others will really, really want to be left alone. Don't be chancing that you're bugging that person that'd rather be left alone.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This sounds like as good time to ask them if they are willing to sell pimpy-new-part-A for $25 since it looks like they won't be needing it for a while.

 

Its also bad form to come to the track and talk about street racing/kany0n kaRv1nG... y0. "yo you run that thing on the sTr33tZ??!?!?!!?"

I tell them they're idiots and they should get out "here" (points to track).

They then think I'm an ******* (well, I am) and then leave.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Seriously. Most all racers LOVE to talk about racing and LOVE to talk about their cars. Catch us at the right time and we'll flood your brain with it.
But there is a time and a place. </TD></TR></TABLE>



Maybe I'm considerate by nature, or have just a little more common sense than the next guy, but you should be able to tell when someone's thrashing and doesn't have the time just then to chit-chat.

I normally invite everyone in that looks like they're interested and answer any questions they have, and I'm happy to. Hell, I used to be them. Most everyone has been nice so far, but every now and then, they wear out their welcome and just don't know when to leave.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They then think I'm an ******* (well, I am) and then leave.</TD></TR></TABLE>

me too

 

I'd like to extend this to my driving, I have been working on my challenger and I guess that is an extensiont for my neiboors, most who I have never meet before come talk... when I have an engine on a hoist and I am setting on the K frame messing with the transmission with trannyy fluid pouring out if is not a good time to ask me... what I got in it... which of course at that time the engine was on the hoist i was in the engine bay, so my answer was me... and here's your sign.... well at least the first part.

 

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

I normally invite everyone in that looks like they're interested and answer any questions they have, and I'm happy to. Hell, I used to be them.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly.
If I'm kicked back with a Mountain Dew and an Oatmeal Creme Pie... Come on in. Lets B.S.
If I'm under the car... Go away.

And Ryan made a very good point. If all you are getting is "yep" "uh huh" and "hmmm." You should have already been gone.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its also bad form to come to the track and talk about street racing/kany0n kaRv1nG... y0. "yo you run that thing on the sTr33tZ??!?!?!!?"

I tell them they're idiots and they should get out "here" (points to track).

They then think I'm an ******* (well, I am) and then leave.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well I'm sorry .RJ, but when I saw your roll bar I thought for sure you were a kany0n kaRver.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Exactly.
If I'm kicked back with a Mountain Dew and an Oatmeal Creme Pie... Come on in. Lets B.S.
If I'm under the car... Go away.

And Ryan made a very good point. If all you are getting is "yep" "uh huh" and "hmmm." You should have already been gone.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yum... oatmeal cream pie....

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Its also bad form to come to the track and talk about street racing/kany0n kaRv1nG... y0. "yo you run that thing on the sTr33tZ??!?!?!!?"

I tell them they're idiots and they should get out "here" (points to track).

They then think I'm an ******* (well, I am) and then leave.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I handle it about the same way and point to my 'take it to the track' sticker on the side of my car.... I'm so sick of gatherings and hearing people talk about their street/highway runs.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've been called rude by not being able to listen to every detail while doing registration. Takes a little bit of concentration to get 200 people thru an auto-x registration line. Some still haven't seemed to learn that you can't always be talking and paying attention at the same time.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Oh how I know what you are going through, since I do registration too. I've got a line a mile long, and people chit-chatting about my last race or what's the best turbo setup for my car? Sorry can't do that right now, don't you feel everyone behind you in line stabbing you in the back?!

I've been called unfriendly also especially when walking the course. I get in a zone and I don't even hear people talking to me sometimes.

 

There are other considerations, too. Add to the list...

** Letting your paper towels and chit blow all over the paddock
** Staking out a buttload of paddock space so all of your buds can park their street cars
** Running your generator interminably when you aren't actually using electricity
** Letting you kids tear-*** around the paddock
** Driving to or from the grid at more than a brisk walking pace
** Leaving cut-off tie wraps, safety wire, cotter pins and other pointy stuff on the ground to puncture "real" race tires - people who run classes that use them have enough trouble as it is...

K

 

If j00 f00s are expecting to be around considerate ppl all the time then it's time to rent a cabin up in the w00ds somewhere....far, far away from everyone else.

 

Also,

I don't care what kind of car you have, or what group you are in, you do NOT need to start it up and rev the **** out of it right at 8 am when the quiet hours lift.

It has plenty of time to warm up, I promise.

 

Another courtesy...
If you borrow a tool, return it in it's original condition, or better.... and say "thank you".

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another courtesy...
If you borrow a tool, return it in it's original condition, or better.... and say "thank you".</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, you mean, like, don't borrow somebody's tool, break it and then not even offer to replace it? It was a Craftsman, so I just had to go down to Sears and get a new one, but still, at least an offer is warranted.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Scott, who had his head in his front wheel well at Barber while some guy was asking the back of his neck questions about his exhaust system.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

So.... what kind of gains *did* you see with your exhaust system? Does it make a difference if you have a ZC? Is it loud on the street?

Andy - who is munching on a oatmeal cream pie but only has enough for himself... I mean... a dozen will barely get me to lunch...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RacerBowie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...you do NOT need to start it up and rev the **** out of it right at 8 am when the quiet hours lift.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Especially if you have a Mazda…

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bulldog_RS20 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Especially if you have a Mazda…

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

.. with a 12A .. and no muffler!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SPiFF &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
.. with a 12A .. and no muffler! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Absolutely! When selecting a spot in the paddock I check for rotaries... and look for spaces as far away as possible!

 

Heh, it seems like the only time people will ever talk to me is when I'm changing my tires. It doesn't bug me though, since I'd have to try pretty hard to screw that task up. I really do have to watch what I say though, the last time a stranger tried talking to me, it ended up convincing him to run out and buy the ex-Piccione ES MR2! Once he gets some more experience it'll be hard for me to keep beating him.

I used to be guilty of bugging people on track walks, but I've stopped that. Now I wont walk with anyone.

 

walking in the middle of a paddock isle when i'm trying to get back to my spot and take temps as quickly as possible. i hate revving the motor to let them know i'm there......but GET OUTTA THE WAY!

or if i dump the car and set up camp on the paved paddock spots, and then dump the trailer over on the dirt and grassy part so there is more room for everyone on the pavement, then you go and park right in front of my trailer so i can't get it out. BAH!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another courtesy...
If you borrow a tool, return it in it's original condition, or better.... and say "thank you".</TD></TR></TABLE>
Might want to think about cleaning it as well before returning it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RacerBowie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It has plenty of time to warm up, I promise.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No it doesn't... ITS A ROTARY!!!
**** off. You wouldn't understand.

Reminds me of the guy in the sprite at last years race school at Roebling. It don't think the car ever hit on more than 3 cylinders all weekend (it usually sounded like 2) and his solution apparently was to keep reving the **** out of it... All day LONG.
Surprisingly enough this approach did not work. Go figure.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CivicSiRacer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've been called unfriendly also especially when walking the course. I get in a zone and I don't even hear people talking to me sometimes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I completely agree. Anyone who wants to talk while walking the course wont be winning anything that day.