Re: The HOROR! The HORROR!
I was on assignment to go into the asphalt jungle and find the commander of fierce race car guerrilas and neutralize them. Normally these types wouldn't be much of a problem but lately the group has been getting out of hand. They've been harrasing the normal more sedate track junkies like Allan, Jeff, Kirk, F.L., and Hrant. They were constantly pushing the envelope on their cars. Their budget seemed to be unlimited just like their skill behind the wheel.
And then it happened. It seems that after much chiding from these guys, it forced a situation between two of the more normal track junkies, F.L. and Hrant. A match of driving skills and cars for the ultimate prize. "Bragging Rights" for the Sacramento chapter.
Trying to find this leader is often difficult. He rarely communicates to his fellow conspirators but his skills are well known at the track. His hold on his fellow conspirators is legendary. There is a common thread with all of them. You know, an unlimited budget for more car enhancements. The need to be the best at their game. Their humble demeanor knowing full well there isn't a humble bone in their body. You know the type. Like Steve the "Enlightened. He's new to the game but quickly learning. Then there's Brian the "Rear brake pad challenged". Fast yes. Ever so fast but not quite as fast as their leader Kip of the "Hot Shoe".
And then I finally found him. He didn't look like I expected. Not old, sweaty or grissled with experience, but rather young, cool and ever knowing. I approached him is his lair. You know, those enclosed air conditioned race car trailers that beckon all who dare to enter on a hot 100+ degree track day. He was about as cool as his three sets of race tires sitting in the racks of this trailer. Why tires seem to be getting better treatment than most of us humans was a mystery to me. As I approached him he looked puzzled and distressed. Before I had a chance to ask him a question he quietly spoke four words, "The Horror. The Horror". With a little prodding he finally told me the story.
It seems that F.L. couldn't pass Hrant on the front straight at Thunderhill. No matter how close he got to him on turn 14,15 to make a pass attempt, it just wouldn't happen. It didn't matter that near the end the session F.L. passed Hrant on one of the sweepers and then left them all as if they were standing still. No, none of that mattered. The conditions were set for turn 14,15 and the front straight. So to the victor go the spoils. :frown:
I couldn't finish my mission that day. It seemed that Kip had been neutralized without my efforts. As I left, he was shaking his head, and I could hear him whispering, "The Horror. The Horror".
........... he finally relented and will run on street tires this weekend :smile: But he still has a few more advantages than I do such as: starting with a 150+ lbs less weight, stiffer suspension options, noncompliant beam, and some other stuff that he keeps only to himself (like recommending people to autocross with 44 psi on the rear 
) ........ but I have a dollar that says he will still not be able to pass on the front straight at THill even if he is on my tail coming out of 15 :biggrin: 
And when it's all done, we'll all know who has won. :biggrin:
