WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
02-20-2011 | 10:27 AM
#77
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 45
From: Arizona
^^^^^MY EYES!! MY EYES!.. IT BURNS!!!...AAHHGGGggg....
...Peter, well said, I hope the bottom of my slippery slope looks like yours, I'd hate it if it was Streaks version^^^^.....(the doctors say it will be a few weeks before my vision will return...)
...Peter, well said, I hope the bottom of my slippery slope looks like yours, I'd hate it if it was Streaks version^^^^.....(the doctors say it will be a few weeks before my vision will return...)
02-20-2011 | 10:30 AM
#78
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,358
Likes: 183
From: Tampa
Since he used my pic in his post here are a few of more of the field. I don;t race...just a lowly scum DE guy but I have friends that race...kinda like "I'm with the band" and I had a blast on this day taking photo's and hangingout with great and friendly people.
02-20-2011 | 10:40 AM
#79
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 41,963
Likes: 1,831
From: Carjackistan
Well, money aside, here's how I got to be one of "those" guys.
I bought my first Porsche at 34. I didn't even know you could take it to the track. I found Rennlist by accident and it led me to PCA Driver's Education. I did my first DE at Sebring and was hooked. I DE'd for 2 years and used to drive my car to the track. Then, I got a flat bed trailer (I thought $3k was REALLY expensive....) and started trailering my car. I modded the car such that it wasn't fun to drive on the street anymore yet it still wasn't a true track car. I told myself I had to quit or get a race car. I bought a salvage 911 and built a GT4 car from the ground up. I raced it 2 years and was constantly chasing the weak link. I got to where I couldn't work on the car and enjoy the weekend. I wasn't looking for a second job as a mechanic on the weekends and had some disposable income, so I gave my car to a crew 4 years ago and never looked back. My driving got better, my car broke down less and it made it a lot more FUN. Yes, it costs more but the smile to dollar ratio is still ok in my book.
I watched the guys in the Cups and thought I wanted to go faster and wanted to see how I stacked up in a "spec" car. I bought a 996 Cup and the smile to dollar factor was still ok. I wanted to go faster and have even faster competition so I sold the 996 Cup and bought a 997 Cup to get into some GT3 Challenge races. The smile to dollar factor definitely took a hit...
If you told me 8 years ago that I would have spent the money I've spent to this point, would be on my third race car, would have done the 24 Hours of Daytona, would have done three twelve hour races and two other 24 hour races and would be on the IMSA grid this March, I would have told you you were crazy. So, you telling me that I'm a bit crazy seems kind of right.
There is not much out there for type A personalities that gives the instant feedback and objective measurement (lap times) like racing. There isn't much out there that, when you're doing it, totally gets your mind off of work, family, external stresses, etc, like being in the race car.
I work hard and make enough money to provide for my family while still being able to afford this "sport." I don't fool around on my wife. I'm a good dad and don't miss many swim meets, tennis matches or baseball games with my kids. I think I'm pretty grounded when it comes the whole "Race car driver" thing. I probably won't do a full time pro season or even GT3 Challenge season for a few more years. Money is one thing but family time is something else entirely. I've had mechanical issues end my weekend early and have been excited to catch an early flight home so I could catch my son's baseball game on a Sunday.
So, to sum it up, I'm a guy who works hard and takes a lot of risk in business. Thusfar, my work success has afforded me the opportunity to do what not many people do. Yes, it costs A LOT of money but who the f%&K wants to play golf...
I bought my first Porsche at 34. I didn't even know you could take it to the track. I found Rennlist by accident and it led me to PCA Driver's Education. I did my first DE at Sebring and was hooked. I DE'd for 2 years and used to drive my car to the track. Then, I got a flat bed trailer (I thought $3k was REALLY expensive....) and started trailering my car. I modded the car such that it wasn't fun to drive on the street anymore yet it still wasn't a true track car. I told myself I had to quit or get a race car. I bought a salvage 911 and built a GT4 car from the ground up. I raced it 2 years and was constantly chasing the weak link. I got to where I couldn't work on the car and enjoy the weekend. I wasn't looking for a second job as a mechanic on the weekends and had some disposable income, so I gave my car to a crew 4 years ago and never looked back. My driving got better, my car broke down less and it made it a lot more FUN. Yes, it costs more but the smile to dollar ratio is still ok in my book.
I watched the guys in the Cups and thought I wanted to go faster and wanted to see how I stacked up in a "spec" car. I bought a 996 Cup and the smile to dollar factor was still ok. I wanted to go faster and have even faster competition so I sold the 996 Cup and bought a 997 Cup to get into some GT3 Challenge races. The smile to dollar factor definitely took a hit...
If you told me 8 years ago that I would have spent the money I've spent to this point, would be on my third race car, would have done the 24 Hours of Daytona, would have done three twelve hour races and two other 24 hour races and would be on the IMSA grid this March, I would have told you you were crazy. So, you telling me that I'm a bit crazy seems kind of right.
There is not much out there for type A personalities that gives the instant feedback and objective measurement (lap times) like racing. There isn't much out there that, when you're doing it, totally gets your mind off of work, family, external stresses, etc, like being in the race car.
I work hard and make enough money to provide for my family while still being able to afford this "sport." I don't fool around on my wife. I'm a good dad and don't miss many swim meets, tennis matches or baseball games with my kids. I think I'm pretty grounded when it comes the whole "Race car driver" thing. I probably won't do a full time pro season or even GT3 Challenge season for a few more years. Money is one thing but family time is something else entirely. I've had mechanical issues end my weekend early and have been excited to catch an early flight home so I could catch my son's baseball game on a Sunday.
So, to sum it up, I'm a guy who works hard and takes a lot of risk in business. Thusfar, my work success has afforded me the opportunity to do what not many people do. Yes, it costs A LOT of money but who the f%&K wants to play golf...
I was all set to say no thanks. I did not believe my talent at that point was even remotely near where it needed to be to not be dead last in every race. However, two things persuaded me to look beyond that rather accurate self assessment: (1) my wife, who said that I would always regret it if I said no; and (2) a business client at that time who was willing to be my major sponsor, and pay about 3/4 of the per-race & ongoing costs of the race seasons (the deal also included me being a 1/3 owner of the ST car I would co-drive).
So I said yes. Unfortunately, the car ended up being a heavy POS. When it ran, it was slow but did outhandle most of its competition.
When it ran.
But guess what? Just as Peter said, having a professional crew to set up the car, prep it, make changes based on driver feedback, even having lunch ready on time, made a HUGE difference in the smile/dollar ratio as well as my ability to overcome many of my shortcomings 6 years ago as a driver.
The car was a big disappointment. My regular co-driver was a bit better a driver than I, which was a plus IMO. But I surprised myself (but not my wife). In the races where the car actually entered the race, we were not dead last, and actually had some very good racing. The experience of trying to keep up with the best drivers in the country for a corner or two (before they disappeared into the distance) was the tough love I needed to get out of the DE driving rut I was in. And it made a HUGE difference in my driving.
And none of this would have been possible without the full service crew and set up.
Now...I surely wish this opportunity had come now rather in 2004, since I could actually be competitive with many at the pointy end of the grid now. But it is what it is...and my wife was right!
Professional Racing and Driving Coach
02-20-2011 | 10:54 AM
#80
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,358
Likes: 183
From: Tampa
Very well said. All kidding aside in this thread, this is a great synopsis. Back at the end of 2004, a once in a lifetime (or so I thought) opportunity fell in my lap, to go race in what was then known as Grand Am Cup (now Koni Challenge) in a BMW. It was part of a 4 car team, with some friends I knew from BMW club racing. This was a full team, much like what is being discussed & pictured in this thread. Semi haulers, pro drivers like Boris Said and Joe Foster and James Sofronas, big tent, catering, crew, hot & cold pit babes...the whole 9 yards.
I was all set to say no thanks. I did not believe my talent at that point was even remotely near where it needed to be to not be dead last in every race. However, two things persuaded me to look beyond that rather accurate self assessment: (1) my wife, who said that I would always regret it if I said no; and (2) a business client at that time who was willing to be my major sponsor, and pay about 3/4 of the per-race & ongoing costs of the race seasons (the deal also included me being a 1/3 owner of the ST car I would co-drive).
So I said yes. Unfortunately, the car ended up being a heavy POS. When it ran, it was slow but did outhandle most of its competition.
When it ran.
But guess what? Just as Peter said, having a professional crew to set up the car, prep it, make changes based on driver feedback, even having lunch ready on time, made a HUGE difference in the smile/dollar ratio as well as my ability to overcome many of my shortcomings 6 years ago as a driver.
The car was a big disappointment. My regular co-driver was a bit better a driver than I, which was a plus IMO. But I surprised myself (but not my wife). In the races where the car actually entered the race, we were not dead last, and actually had some very good racing. The experience of trying to keep up with the best drivers in the country for a corner or two (before they disappeared into the distance) was the tough love I needed to get out of the DE driving rut I was in. And it made a HUGE difference in my driving.
And none of this would have been possible without the full service crew and set up.
Now...I surely wish this opportunity had come now rather in 2004, since I could actually be competitive with many at the pointy end of the grid now. But it is what it is...and my wife was right!
Professional Racing and Driving Coach
I was all set to say no thanks. I did not believe my talent at that point was even remotely near where it needed to be to not be dead last in every race. However, two things persuaded me to look beyond that rather accurate self assessment: (1) my wife, who said that I would always regret it if I said no; and (2) a business client at that time who was willing to be my major sponsor, and pay about 3/4 of the per-race & ongoing costs of the race seasons (the deal also included me being a 1/3 owner of the ST car I would co-drive).
So I said yes. Unfortunately, the car ended up being a heavy POS. When it ran, it was slow but did outhandle most of its competition.
When it ran.
But guess what? Just as Peter said, having a professional crew to set up the car, prep it, make changes based on driver feedback, even having lunch ready on time, made a HUGE difference in the smile/dollar ratio as well as my ability to overcome many of my shortcomings 6 years ago as a driver.
The car was a big disappointment. My regular co-driver was a bit better a driver than I, which was a plus IMO. But I surprised myself (but not my wife). In the races where the car actually entered the race, we were not dead last, and actually had some very good racing. The experience of trying to keep up with the best drivers in the country for a corner or two (before they disappeared into the distance) was the tough love I needed to get out of the DE driving rut I was in. And it made a HUGE difference in my driving.
And none of this would have been possible without the full service crew and set up.
Now...I surely wish this opportunity had come now rather in 2004, since I could actually be competitive with many at the pointy end of the grid now. But it is what it is...and my wife was right!
Professional Racing and Driving Coach
02-20-2011 | 10:57 AM
#81
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 41,963
Likes: 1,831
From: Carjackistan
02-20-2011 | 11:08 AM
#83
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,358
Likes: 183
From: Tampa
02-20-2011 | 11:29 AM
#84
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 288
From: Flyoverland - Central, Ohio
Don't hate the player, hate the game . . .
In all seriousness, having diversity at the track is a great thing, from run what you brung to pro teams doing test and tune and all the layers in-between, it makes for great DE / ClubRace events.
And thanks to those with deep pockets and a love of the sport, that keep the vintage cars on the track at such events. Clearly there is no gold in that for them, but we all benefit form seeing such cars on the track.
In all seriousness, having diversity at the track is a great thing, from run what you brung to pro teams doing test and tune and all the layers in-between, it makes for great DE / ClubRace events.
And thanks to those with deep pockets and a love of the sport, that keep the vintage cars on the track at such events. Clearly there is no gold in that for them, but we all benefit form seeing such cars on the track.
02-20-2011 | 12:15 PM
#85
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 38
From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Amazing, it never really ends. I used to be a chef aboard private yachts in the Bahamas and the Med. Same thing, big boats, bigger boats, big money, bigger money...but everybody does what they love, the way they can do it/rationalize it/justify it. You can stand their in awe, with your mouth agape and say what you want...all of "those guys" are some of the nicest people you would ever be able to meet. Sure it's what color is your Range Rover/Bentley/Rolls, etc....or is that a Rolex or Patek-Phillipe, name the sport (i.e., horse racing, yacht racing, etc.)..the same individuals/personalities pervade each passion and the same questions are always asked. While, I understand the basic inquiry, as it is always impressive to witness the participants up close and/or in person...as it has been said in here there will always be someone with more, bigger, better, that is called life and it was never supposed to be fair.......head down, nose to the grindstone...keep moving forward. Sure we all want for more, better parts, more time, faster cars, do the best you can do...not sure anyone in here needs to justify what or why....it is done becuse they can, it is competive, a blast and the people you meet along the way are some of the best. Sure there is an occassional idiot, this is only a microcosm of life itself.......so, make ther best of it and the most of it. Yes, I have heard that this one won't speak toy you unless you are a racer, blah blah, blah, and that is fine, ain't gonna change his world. But, when the green flag drops, the stories and comraderie goes to a higher level...and for each and all of us, at whatever level you chose to engage, compete, etc., it is worth it or you wouldn't be here...whether it is DE, PCA club racing or any other "higher" level.
BTW: to the racers, keep it up....you are the test bed for many of the bits and pieces that trickle down "my" way...you keep all (most) of us and the indie's alive and me, well I am looking for........ Okay, I've said my .02.......
I'll go to my parking spot and sit in my folding chair, now......
BTW: to the racers, keep it up....you are the test bed for many of the bits and pieces that trickle down "my" way...you keep all (most) of us and the indie's alive and me, well I am looking for........ Okay, I've said my .02.......
I'll go to my parking spot and sit in my folding chair, now......
02-20-2011 | 12:27 PM
#86
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Thanks
My sincere thanks to all of you who have taken the time to craft thoughtful, honest, inspiring, responses to my initial inquiry "Who are these guys?" Your patience and willingness to share represents all that is good about this forum. Thank you.
To the rest of you, who responded like snippy little spoiled schoolboys with a secret handshake outside the clubhouse, be assured you accomplished nothing more than reinforcing the belief that "racers" look down their noses at the stupid DE drivers.
To the rest of you, who responded like snippy little spoiled schoolboys with a secret handshake outside the clubhouse, be assured you accomplished nothing more than reinforcing the belief that "racers" look down their noses at the stupid DE drivers.
02-20-2011 | 12:36 PM
#87
uninformed gas bag
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,513
Likes: 172
From: Melbourne Beach
02-20-2011 | 12:37 PM
#88
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: Land of the Old People
Thanks for the pic Mike. Are you doing the Sun Coast/Gold Coast DE weekend next weekend? I will be there on Saturday instructing and doing a little shake-down on the car (after getting the bent shocks back...). Come by and say hello.
02-20-2011 | 12:39 PM
#89
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: Land of the Old People
My sincere thanks to all of you who have taken the time to craft thoughtful, honest, inspiring, responses to my initial inquiry "Who are these guys?" Your patience and willingness to share represents all that is good about this forum. Thank you.
To the rest of you, who responded like snippy little spoiled schoolboys with a secret handshake outside the clubhouse, be assured you accomplished nothing more than reinforcing the belief that "racers" look down their noses at the stupid DE drivers.
To the rest of you, who responded like snippy little spoiled schoolboys with a secret handshake outside the clubhouse, be assured you accomplished nothing more than reinforcing the belief that "racers" look down their noses at the stupid DE drivers.
02-20-2011 | 12:44 PM
#90
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,606
Likes: 295
From: Valencia, Spain