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Need for SpeedPart IIMonday, October 21, 2002 by Duane 
 The scene is about the same as I mentioned last time. However, I find fewer five-liters on the road and more sport compacts. Some of them are pretty mean, most of them are all bark and no bite. The people that don't need to brag still don't, and those that should not, still do. There are still many people that are happy to be a part of this whole experience. They return to their desk job the next day with dirty fingernails and head to the garage as soon as they get home at night. After a while you need to be in and around a car. Winters can lead to severe withdrawal in this state. Often, you'll find yourself in the garage, under the hood of your car, just looking. Wanting and waiting for the weather to break.
All in all it's a rush. Not just the driving of, but the working on cars. Tweaking a few settings just a little... 5 more hp for an hour of work. One step at a time. Recently I helped a friend install a supercharger in his car. It wasn't easy, but it was fun. It's more than just talking some trash and peeling out at every red light. It's about the work that goes into your car and the friends you make while doing it. Everything contributing to this entire experience. I'm not saying that driving isn't a rush. Especially when you get out on an actual race track.
Road racing is an entirely different experience. There's a lot of strategy involved. You have to know the limitations of the track, the car, and yourself. Then, add the chaos of a dozen other cars and mother nature (road racing continues in all conditions). More often than not, you will find yourself pushed into the side of your seat, instead of the back. Lateral G's are what this is about. Riding the razor's edge... stay on the track, but just barely. 
 After all of this, my greatest realization is that talk is nothing. Get out there and do it. Work on a car, even your parent's minivan. Get your hands dirty. Change your own oil. Learn how things work. If you break something fix it. Think about what you're doing. If you loose traction, don't just assume you need new tires. Think about your suspension and chassis rigidity. If you're a few tenths slower than you would like. Think about your technique before blowing a fat "G" on performance mods. Are you launching right? Are you shifting right?
Most importantly, think. If you're lining up with somebody at a school crossing, you're looking for trouble. Laws are there for a reason. I know that part of the excitement of the culture is to "get away with it," but be safe. Research your mods. A 3" exhaust with no cats might sound cool and up your horsepower, but you will loose low-end torque (in most cases). You won't realize any benefit until you ride it to the redline in every gear at the strip. Before you talk trash, consider who you're talking to. Why make an enemy when you have a chance to meet somebody that could teach you something? Learning something new and trying something new will always be more interesting than doing the same thing and pretending to know everything. 
Also Available: Part I Further information and related links: Milan Dragway Waterford Hills Road Racing Import Performance Hot Rod Magazine -Duane |
Latest News: 02-Jan-2003 Another year is upon us and the holidays have come and gone. I'm sorry that updates have been delayed. Gina and I were on the road or entertaining company every day (except 2) of the last week-and-a-half. Christmas was full of family time on the East Side, Northeast, West, and just about everywhere in between. We gave and received many gifts. One of our favorites was a wine tower that allows us to store bottles, glasses and accessories. Gina's wardrobe got a substantial update as well as her movie and cd collections. I scored some great stuff including a REALLY nice pipe lighter and a badly needed robe. We started planning our Honeymoon over the holidays as well. We've decided on the Mayan Rivera in an all-inclusive resort. We met with a close family friend at Omega Travel and things are underway.  Experiencing Issues...
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