Braydog
08-10-2008, 11:38 AM
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to Dave and Carol for putting on ANOTHER great event, to Dean for spending countless hours not just making sure the PDX portion runs smoothly, but also for being a great teacher analyzing (at least for me personally) my strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement, then reviewing with me what he wants to see me do better next time.
Although I have done quite a few at speed events on road courses in my lifetime, I have always just did it to go fast and turn fast. This year with the SCCA is the first time I've actually cared, and wanted to learn the proper techniques, racing lines, and mechanics. The desire to learn how to race properly comes from this region, and the way you can see how they truly care about each members progression.
I would also like to thank Vic and Ham for your input and advice. The last session of the day I ran alone, to apply what I had learned throughout the day. While I do not have comparative times from morning to afternoon, I could definately feel the difference from my morning run alone, to my final session after you two had sat with me. Dean keeps trying to pound smoothness into my head. I really felt like I was applying that yesterday, as opposed to previous events. I felt way smoother, faster, more in control, and way more confident, so again, thank you.
Doing these events only makes me wish that Reno had the type of climate that supports year round events. I feel like I'm really catching on, but am worried I'll forget it all over the off season. I know I could go to some Phoenix events, but I'm not sure I'd get the same family type of environment, or instruction.
After the event was over, Pat had talked me into sticking around for the drag races. I've never dragged before so I was a bit nervous. I did 6 passes, with my best pass being a 12.49 @ 127 mph. I won 3 and lost 3. One pass I had Vic riding with me. Next to me up pulls a newer Ford F350 with about a 100" lift kit, tires taller than my car, and exhaust that spewed the blackest smoke I'd ever seen. The driver must have a tactic to where he brake-stands to spool up the turbos for the launch. It literally blinded me to where I could not see the Timing Tree. Due to this, when I got my timing slip it showed his reaction time of 1.37, and mine of over 4 seconds.
Needless to say he won. I'm pretty sure he would have won by at least a few cars even if I could see the timing tree. He ran a 10.5!!! A 10 second truck that was not a slight bit drag race prepped. Insane.
Anyways my point is just that this really reinforced that drag racing is not for me. I have respect for all aspects of motorsports, but with drag racing, it seems that whoever can put the most money into their car wins. I know there are other factors, but as a basic conclusion. Road Racing and autocross requires so much more. My 400+ hp car is getting walked all over by 200hp turtles. This is what keeps me interested. The constant need for improvement, and with autocross specifically, the constant need for adaptation.
Sorry to all for the wild tangent, was just tryin to thank all of the organizers, instructors, and volunteers that make this stuff happen!
:devil:
Although I have done quite a few at speed events on road courses in my lifetime, I have always just did it to go fast and turn fast. This year with the SCCA is the first time I've actually cared, and wanted to learn the proper techniques, racing lines, and mechanics. The desire to learn how to race properly comes from this region, and the way you can see how they truly care about each members progression.
I would also like to thank Vic and Ham for your input and advice. The last session of the day I ran alone, to apply what I had learned throughout the day. While I do not have comparative times from morning to afternoon, I could definately feel the difference from my morning run alone, to my final session after you two had sat with me. Dean keeps trying to pound smoothness into my head. I really felt like I was applying that yesterday, as opposed to previous events. I felt way smoother, faster, more in control, and way more confident, so again, thank you.
Doing these events only makes me wish that Reno had the type of climate that supports year round events. I feel like I'm really catching on, but am worried I'll forget it all over the off season. I know I could go to some Phoenix events, but I'm not sure I'd get the same family type of environment, or instruction.
After the event was over, Pat had talked me into sticking around for the drag races. I've never dragged before so I was a bit nervous. I did 6 passes, with my best pass being a 12.49 @ 127 mph. I won 3 and lost 3. One pass I had Vic riding with me. Next to me up pulls a newer Ford F350 with about a 100" lift kit, tires taller than my car, and exhaust that spewed the blackest smoke I'd ever seen. The driver must have a tactic to where he brake-stands to spool up the turbos for the launch. It literally blinded me to where I could not see the Timing Tree. Due to this, when I got my timing slip it showed his reaction time of 1.37, and mine of over 4 seconds.
Needless to say he won. I'm pretty sure he would have won by at least a few cars even if I could see the timing tree. He ran a 10.5!!! A 10 second truck that was not a slight bit drag race prepped. Insane.
Anyways my point is just that this really reinforced that drag racing is not for me. I have respect for all aspects of motorsports, but with drag racing, it seems that whoever can put the most money into their car wins. I know there are other factors, but as a basic conclusion. Road Racing and autocross requires so much more. My 400+ hp car is getting walked all over by 200hp turtles. This is what keeps me interested. The constant need for improvement, and with autocross specifically, the constant need for adaptation.
Sorry to all for the wild tangent, was just tryin to thank all of the organizers, instructors, and volunteers that make this stuff happen!
:devil: