[s-cars] so you wanna be a speed racer, eh?

[Paul Krasusky]

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> To: Bill Mahoney; s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: RE: [s-cars] Speed Racer wannabe
>
>
> Bill writes:
> >
> > Well now after this list has forced me to get all the rs2 go fast parts,
> > now you are forcing me to track it too:) and it looks like the Chgo Alfa
> > club (dont ask) Road America outing later this month is it.
> > So I am seeking some input in the following areas:  Helmet
> > recommendations,  what racing tweeks should be done to the car i.e. tire
> > pressure, new oil even if M1 was done 1,000 miles ago, mintex blues? how
> > much race gas?  how to look like I know what I'm doing? torsen
> > adjustments?(just kidding:) quattro driving/handling/braking tips?
> > wheels balanced? check alignment again?
> > Any other suggestions would also be welcome.  Is there kind of a pre
> > driving "safety school" check list somewhere?
> > As always, thanks men!
> > Cheers'
> > Bill M
> > 95 1/2 Avant  - soon to be fastest wagon in alfa world?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKay...   now that many have offered all of the IMPORTANT
technical stuff, here's my useless info (did you expect anything other?).
And, hey, who cares if it's an Alfie club, I last ran with the, choke,
Corvair club.  2 wrecks and a blown motor (read:  oil spill).

(longish)

You've probably gone through all the valuable suggestions others have
pointed out.  In no particular order:

I think Taka nailed it head on WRT driving advice, if this is your 1st
effort.  Getting to know your car and it's and your limits is huge.

I find it helpful to 'study' before the event, or at it.  Like me, for
example, I've got a small map of LRP pinned up here @ my desk, serves dual
purpose of daydreaming and studying the course, the racing line, etc.
Similar to walking the course @ an autocross, but more feasible.  Less
surprises come race day.

Helmet?  Many good suggestions so far.  I'd go open face, though, IMO,
offers less distraction and more comfort (as in comfort in being able to
see!).  I'm a cheapy (na, really?), so I run my, er, snowmobile helmet,
which passes muster at my events.  But it's OHSOHOT, especially as it has a
full nose mask.  Whatever you do, don't take any helmet advice from Joey
Noggin' Pizzo 8-).  Unless of course you want details of how a helmet should
NOT fit (read:  chin sticking out below full-face guard).  His late-night
//S Fest helmet modeling had me pissing myself.

Agree with the white shoe polish on sidewalls, bring an air tank to adjust
accordingly.  Odd, I slapped on my OE Avus mit 225/50/16 Pilot Sports for
the autocross.  By the end of the day, I was 50F/46R, on 44 rated tires, yet
the fronts rolled ALL the way over like a CEO under arraignment.  Rears
didn't appear to be doing much work, much like old VW's (Nomex on, though
warning, many listers were there to attest).

Many forget the simple things, things that will make your life that day more
enjoyable.  Yes, sunblock, good idea, also folding chair (lot of down time
and walking, take a load off them heel-toe feet would ya?), lunch, lots of
WATER, umbrella / rain coat (never know, BTDT), camera, video, and, hat
(helmet head worse than bedhead, and keeps sun off noggin'), and, most
importantly, hecklers.

Hecklers?  Yes.  Hecklers.  What fun is it going out and looking like a
total DORK if not accompanied by those to rub your nose in it.  Usually its
about as fun as the racing itself!  Wish I were closer, I'd be 1st in line!

And my favorite question:

<<<how to look like I know what I'm doing? >>>

Hmmm...  good one.  I think most of us are still trying to master that one.
I kinda like looking like I DON'T know what I'm doing (good at that), and
surprising everyone with results.  Go with 4 non-matching wheels, put a
bunch of rice stickers on, etc.  But, I propose ripping down your 'curtains'
and donning that bitchin' Hawaiian is a HUGE start...

Anyway, sorry for the rant (couldn't resist), good luck, and, most
important, HAVE FUN.  Take it serious, but not too, and take it with a grain
of cautiousness.  WARNING:  addictive.  Just look at my trackbeoch idol,
Bruce M!  What a life!

-Paul
CT
'95 //S6 begging for more track floggin
'58 TR3A begging for a cure to oil leaks