[s-cars] Track time update + FBR (long)
QSHIPQ at aol.com
QSHIPQ at aol.com
Tue May 7 09:06:33 EDT 2002
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[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
I'm chuckling reading these posts. Comments inserted tongue in cheek:
In a message dated 5/5/02 1:59:39 PM Central Daylight Time, steadi at attbi.com
writes:
On 5/5/02 11:39 AM, "Frank Amoroso" <fjamoroso at webtv.net> wrote:
> The Formula Fords (open wheeled,
> tube framed, 900 pound, mid-engined, carburated 4 cylinder, 4 speed
> non-syncromesh purpose built race-cars) were simply amazing. You become
> one with the car and are able to set up a groove on the track that is
> mesmerizing. The formula fords are anything but overpowered (hell, I
> wouldn't even call them powered), however, it made no difference, the
> handling and braking more than made up for the lackluster engine
> performance (these particular uits were slightly detuned for longevity,
> etc).
Frank, try a shifter cart sometime. Growing up with "go carts" is put in
better perspective. WRT S-car telletubbies, they aren't meant to be track
stars, nothing tipping in the 4000lb scale is meant to be. What they are,
and the reason many race car guys have them, is that they are Qships (hello?)
of the First Order. Low, fast capable machines that will get you in
executive comfort from here to there. Even in the twisties they will keep
the fun factor high. But on the track, many a underpowered and properly
setup 'race' prepped machine will gracefully slide underneath miss piggy as
she's screaming her shaved racing tires on the perfect line.
That said, what more on these lists need to learn, are the limitations of
quattro in a controlled environment. With proper line and driving technique,
quattros have a extremely high limit, higher than most "street" drivers ever
experience in normal driving. In my 10 years of marque street car
instruction, bad habits abound. THAT is what any driving instruction will
help you with. Comparing lap times? Ok, many do that, AND, there are many a
quattro street car that can get darn close to race lap times. With all due
respect to "Mr raced for a living" below. qclub has had some first rate
professional instruction from the current BEST. From Mid-OH school (highly
recommended), to Kottulinsky (trained the rally boys back in the Group B
days), to ProRally drivers at Steamboat.
All without having to plunk down race budgets to learn good driving habits
and techniques. Anyone can go racing, few have the stomach, talent or
resources to do so. Enter marque track events. Quattro events are the most
needed IMO. If you take a chance to read or chat up a quattro race driver,
few claim to have mastered quattro, all claim to be constantly learning it,
and ALL agree that the limitations of quattro are very high indeed. Enter
the detuned, crappy suspended, heavy, torsen handicapped street cars...
One's we drive every day, not just on weekends...
>>Which is why I look at the Q-club track junkies that spend thousands to go
>>"Fast" in their street car when they could go racing for what they spent on
>>their "All out track machine"
Did you look at your own sig recently?
>>People have asked me why I don't take my car to the track more often and
>>when I tell them that Street cars on race tracks bore me they look at me
>>like I'm nuts. Having raced for a living in purpose built RACEcars there is
>>no going back.
That's an interesting attitude. Not one shared with current professionals.
If you take a look at the driving resumes of Calvin Fish and crew at the Mid
OH School, your "for a living" is put in humorous perspective. Street cars
on race tracks is a controlled environment to understand the handling and
limitations of street cars. IT IS NOT A RACE, nor a timed event. Many a
professional race car driver understands that, and understands what street
cars on race tracks is about. Apparently some don't.
>Eric Fletcher
>Former Pro Racer
When and where? Over the years, that question has *never* been answered
>Race Instructor
When and where? ditto
>'00 S4tt
>Abt K04 Turbo Conversion
>RS4 Downpipes
>Miltek Exhaust
>RS4 Flywheel/Clutch and Pressure plate
>Abt Z6 18x8 Wheels
>Euro Headlights
>and all sorts of other toys...
So you have spent "thousands" on your street machine, but you aren't a qclub
track junkie. What other type would that be exactly? Mike or Hap, do you
have a "..ersized" word for this?
My .02
Scott Justusson
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