exwestracer
06-15-2010, 10:25 AM
I originally posted this under "events", but it was more like a non-event...for a lot of us, anyway.
Firstly, I am well aware that it is a serious breach of forum etiquette to make the first post a rant, so I won't. I would merely like to point out a few facts to a certain individual...
I've been actively involved in auto racing my entire adult life (25 years), so I also understand that there is an etiquette involved when driving around a race track, especially one with the soul and mystique of Watkins Glen. Between working on and racing the Can-Am car we had there last weekend, I decided to take the opportunity for a few laps around the historic venue. The track tour Saturday was an experience that everyone involved should have enjoyed tremendously. To improve the experience for everyone in the future, I offer up the following information.
Fact #1: Every racing track has a "line". The line is the fastest, smoothest path around the track. The "line" at Watkins Glen is easy to identify; it's the place where every car but yours was driving....
Fact #2: There is usually more than one car involved in a guided track tour. I point this out because I believe you were unaware that other vehicles were participating.
Fact #3 Cars behind you do not know you're slowing down if you downshift and dump the clutch rather than using the brakes (next pedal to the right, FYI).
Fact #4 It is nearly impossible for any vehicle to use all available horsepower during a guided track tour. I am curious...how much horsepower did you gain by getting out your laptop and re-tuning the computer map before going out on to the track?
Having said all that, I really liked your car. It was making some great sounds, and I could hear them clearly as I was nearly running over you in my wife's Jeep Commander. The 4 passengers we had on board all derived great amusement from this as well. I'll bet the folks back in Vermont all think it's "WICKED" cool...
Firstly, I am well aware that it is a serious breach of forum etiquette to make the first post a rant, so I won't. I would merely like to point out a few facts to a certain individual...
I've been actively involved in auto racing my entire adult life (25 years), so I also understand that there is an etiquette involved when driving around a race track, especially one with the soul and mystique of Watkins Glen. Between working on and racing the Can-Am car we had there last weekend, I decided to take the opportunity for a few laps around the historic venue. The track tour Saturday was an experience that everyone involved should have enjoyed tremendously. To improve the experience for everyone in the future, I offer up the following information.
Fact #1: Every racing track has a "line". The line is the fastest, smoothest path around the track. The "line" at Watkins Glen is easy to identify; it's the place where every car but yours was driving....
Fact #2: There is usually more than one car involved in a guided track tour. I point this out because I believe you were unaware that other vehicles were participating.
Fact #3 Cars behind you do not know you're slowing down if you downshift and dump the clutch rather than using the brakes (next pedal to the right, FYI).
Fact #4 It is nearly impossible for any vehicle to use all available horsepower during a guided track tour. I am curious...how much horsepower did you gain by getting out your laptop and re-tuning the computer map before going out on to the track?
Having said all that, I really liked your car. It was making some great sounds, and I could hear them clearly as I was nearly running over you in my wife's Jeep Commander. The 4 passengers we had on board all derived great amusement from this as well. I'll bet the folks back in Vermont all think it's "WICKED" cool...