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Thread: What racing is all about...

  1. #1
    fvracer_x
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    What racing is all about...

    I just ran across this, I was handed this in drivers school and I thought if you hadn't seen it, you may enjoy it.

    "What Racing is all About

    It's about money, of course; for most it's about finding it, finding enough of it, and then finding more. It's about guzzling money like water, about living with the guilt of burning up so much hard earned cash. But it's much more.

    It's about supremacy, being top dog, king of the hill, head honcho, the big kahuna; standing out above the crowd, being number one, the best.

    It's about speed. It's about riding the fastest, scariest, hold-onto-your-hats-geez-I'm-gonna-wet-my-pants-best-damn-roller-coaster ever invented.

    And it's about power. It's about leading the charge of a thousand screaming banshees, having your body wrenched and twisted and tossed about by the hands of great unseen forces; and it's about taming a blind raging Herculean monster, and bending it to your will.

    It's about brilliant colors, flashes of light, ear-splitting shrieks, and bone-rattling rumbles. It's about the unforgettable smell of burning rubber, smoldering brake pads, and gear oil. It's about reaching through the steering wheel all the way down to the tires and feeling the road slipping past your fingertips. It's about sensing the weight of the car shifting from tire to tire, like water in a pan. It's about the tug of the shoulder harness across the collar bones, and the cramp in the leg from
    pressing the gas pedal through the floor.

    Racing is about all of these things, and much more.

    It's about passion; burning desire, insatiable hunger. It's a perverse yet overwhelming love affair with steel, glass, and rubber. It's about a relentless courtship with speed.

    It's about conceiving and nurturing a child--the benefactor of your skill and wisdom, and a victim of your ignorance. It's about saving a rusting pile of disregarded scrap from the crusher and making it stronger, faster, more real and alive than it ever was, or ever deserved to be. It's about
    caring for your creation, loving it; pushing it to its limits, exalting in its greatness, and forgiving its weaknesses, because they are your weaknesses.

    It's about dreams and hopes and fears. Dreams of glory; dreams of carving out a small niche in history, like Mario, and Sterling, and "King Richard". Hopes. Hopes that the many long winter hours of lonely toil in the cold, dusty garage will bring smiles come May, and a nod of approval from the brutally indifferent stopwatch. Hopes that the brakes will be there on call, as you hurtle without recourse into the unforgiving concrete canyon. Hopes that, in the end, you'll be able to look back on the whole experience and find it worth the price, while living with the fear that it won't be.

    It's about determination, perseverance, and the strength of resolve. It's about patience and discipline. It's about putting in the time, double checking, attending to the critical details. It's about concentration, and focus. It's about controlling the overpowering urges, sticking to the game
    plan, and keeping your head when the unthinkable happens. It's about testing, and measuring, and worrying, and sweating the small stuff

    It's about faith; faith in yourself, in your crew, in your fellow competitors, in the workers, and in the men and women who designed this car, these tires, and this track. It's about believing in your roll cage, and your safety harness, your Nomex suit, and the fire system that has never been put to the test. It's about knowing that no matter what happens, you chose.

    It's about deep and lasting respect, caring, and friendships; about sharing joys and disappointments, pitching in, and easing the load.

    It's about living life in the cutting edge of a razor, hanging it all out there, going for broke. It's about knowing, without doubt, by-damn, that you're alive. It's about putting your heart and soul into something and letting the whole world see what you can do. It's about knowing that in the
    midst of the confusion and emotion and heart-stopping action, you were the one that mattered.

    Anonymous---"




  2. #2
    Twin turbos baglock1's Avatar
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    Man, I got goose bumps reading that. I'm half tempted to let the wife read that because part of me thinks she may start to get a dim understanding. Unfortunately, the other half is convinced she'll set-up a psych eval for me.
    Dan
    05 Nissan Frontier Nismo Daily Driver
    Toyless = Joyless :(

  3. #3
    It's about knowing that no matter what happens, you chose.
    Amen.

    Very nice piece.

  4. #4
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    I like it. I'm gonna engrave it and put it on the display wall here in the shop.

    Monroe

  5. #5
    Schadenfreudelicious JonnyX's Avatar
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    That should be added to the home page as a permanent fixture.

    So? Who are YOU gonna tell?

  6. #6
    Pulp Story Teller
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    Originally posted by Monroe
    I like it. I'm gonna engrave it and put it on the display wall here in the shop.

    Monroe
    When you are done, put a picture of it here. I think you can sell multiple copies of it!

    -Doug
    I'll prepay my order!
    Last edited by Doug Hayashi; 10-04-02 at 01:12 PM.

  7. #7
    fvracer_x
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    Yeah they handed that out at the very begining of drivers school for road racing, then they showed us a start at Waterford Hills (very narrow track) from the cockpit of a Corvette, then they told us that if you roll a racecar to "make yourself small and hang on to the bottom of the wheel and count to ten as it's amazing how long a racecar can stay airborn"... At this point we were wondering if they were try to talk us OUT of racing?!?!?!? It was a good way to get everyone serious and realistic from the outset though (check egos at the door please....). I've had that posted on the outside of my office door for years...

  8. #8
    Senior Member Redline's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Doug Hayashi

    I'll prepay my order!
    Me too!
    The problem with stupid people is that there are so many of them.

  9. #9
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    It is big. Just the plate to accomodate the engraving is 12x19.

    I'll have the material in Monday to mount it.

    If anyone wants just the engraved plate to mount themselves, contact me and I'll send ya picture of it once done.

    The machine has been humming for some time now. Estimated time for each is 92 minutes.

    Monroe
    rt1@airmail.net

  10. #10
    Pulp Story Teller
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    Originally posted by Monroe
    It is big. Just the plate to accomodate the engraving is 12x19.

    I'll have the material in Monday to mount it.

    If anyone wants just the engraved plate to mount themselves, contact me and I'll send ya picture of it once done.

    Monroe
    rt1@airmail.net
    I can't mount anything except for tires and blondes, I'll take the turn key setup.
    About how much are they, I can do my Xmas shopping for Wayne now, and I figure one for the shop, and one for the garage....

    -Doug

  11. #11
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    I'm trying to figure out the "hook a cc.com brutha up" cost. At .10c a character there is over $320 worth of machine time.

    I'll have something with an attractive price point figured out by Monday.

    Monroe

    PS For giggles, call a local engraver and ask them what a document with 3204 chrs would cost to be engraved on black enameled brass. Be sitting down when you get the quote.

  12. #12
    Twin turbos baglock1's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Monroe
    PS For giggles, call a local engraver and ask them what a document with 3204 chrs would cost to be engraved on black enameled brass. Be sitting down when you get the quote.
    lol, boy I got a giggle allright. The guy wouldn't even give me the outright price. He just told the cost per character and the cost of the plate. It came up to $681.80 (after I did the math). And that was without any mounting, just the brass plate.
    Dan
    05 Nissan Frontier Nismo Daily Driver
    Toyless = Joyless :(

  13. #13
    Pulp Story Teller
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    No one ever said racing is cheap.....

    -Doug
    But I need at least one of those engravements at my shop!

  14. #14
    Schadenfreudelicious JonnyX's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Doug Hayashi
    No one ever said racing is cheap.....
    Put that on the home page too.

    So? Who are YOU gonna tell?

  15. #15
    fvracer_x
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    Originally posted by Doug Hayashi
    No one ever said racing is cheap.....

    -Doug
    But I need at least one of those engravements at my shop!
    The fact of the matter is that it's the biggest $ vacuum ever invented, like the first couple of lines in that true-ism I posted say. Funny thing is, I've NEVER regretted spending one dime on it, even when those 7K motors (2 in one year) went BANG. You just don't know how resourceful you really are until your faced with not making the next grid and the house payment!!!! .



  16. #16
    fvracer_x
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    Submitted for your approval/disapproval.... One Formula Vee getting the first of several fairly expensive "frame ups" AKA Winter time activity in my first "race shop" (the one car garage attached to the first home I owned). I did have some help though, it just so happens that my Dad used to build World Rally Cars in the 70's in England (Escort RS-2000 and Escort Mexicos) and later moved on to McLaren Engines in Livonia, MI. Thanks to him! (I was a lowly Aircraft Mech at the time!!!). It was, as they say, "the BEST of times" though......



    What a low tech, beautiful, and SCARY animal the Formula Vee is!

  17. #17
    Twin turbos baglock1's Avatar
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    I've never had the chance to see a formula vee up close. Is that rear suspension setup as simple as it looks? The way I see it, when one side is in compression, the other could go to extension without the spring ever oscillating. Is that right? Or is there a stationary link somewhere I'm not seeing that holds the coilover stationary relative to the chassis?
    Dan
    05 Nissan Frontier Nismo Daily Driver
    Toyless = Joyless :(

  18. #18
    fvracer_x
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    Originally posted by baglock1
    I've never had the chance to see a formula vee up close. Is that rear suspension setup as simple as it looks? The way I see it, when one side is in compression, the other could go to extension without the spring ever oscillating. Is that right? Or is there a stationary link somewhere I'm not seeing that holds the coilover stationary relative to the chassis?
    Actually that is the ONLY mystery about FV's...Good call! That is the much herelded "Zero Roll" suspension setup.... It's bizzare, I had to take it apart before I understood it . The lower parts of the mount (below the "shock") are "hard" (they do pivot) mounted. The upper portions (above the shock) "lean" to take up the extra "give" created by body roll. The upper part is attached to the axle by the struts you see projecting to the hub assembly. The shock really only comes into play when the pavement is rough (all too often at certain tracks). But the whole assembly is engineered to put as much power as possible (all of about 70HP, but weigh that with a car that totals out at 1000LBS WITH driver and you end up with something that feels like you strapped a fiberglass suit on and an engine to your back (especially when you are banging wheels in an open wheeled car at 80MPH)!) to the ground. Remember FV rules make sure you use the original BUG wheels and tires that fit......it (Zero Roll) was a BIG deal when it was introduced!




  19. #19
    Ever Optimistic Riaanc's Avatar
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    Yup-money and time

    Hi All, & Martin.

    Some photos off my wife's Vee at Kyalami a fortnight ago, mine crash tested the pitwall at 80mph and crushed the helmet, so mine is a bit broken at this time.(both car and head).


    regards
    Riaan
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Racing is a disease cured by Poverty. By 2008 I think I'll be cured.
    Update in 2008: I AM
    Update 2009: Selling the M3 to fund the single seaters-where is it going to end?
    Update in 2013: Hoping to get back on track in 2014 - it is ME time now.

  20. #20
    Senior Member Tim G's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Monroe
    I'm trying to figure out the "hook a cc.com brutha up" cost. At .10c a character there is over $320 worth of machine time.

    I'll have something with an attractive price point figured out by Monday.
    I would be interested in one of these too at the brutha price! Let us know please!

    /tg

  21. #21
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    Looks like the HABU price is $100 each delivered outside Tejas. $108.25 in Tejas.

    Email me privately please. Lets not take SP's bandwidth.

    I can only kick out two a day of these because they take so long. So there may be a little lead time for later orders.

    Thanks guys.

    Monroe

  22. #22
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    Here is a low res pic of one.

    Again, please contact me privately at RT1@airmail.net if you're interested.


    Thanks mods for your patience.

    Monroe
    Attached Images Attached Images
    • File Type: jpg 1.jpg (43.8 KB, 365 views)

  23. #23
    fvracer_x
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    Wow, glad you guys enjoyed that enough to run with the idea! That's a nice looking piece monroe....!

  24. #24
    Audio Gigolo Keith Shaw's Avatar
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    Monroe is gonna crank out like 10 of those only to just then find the typo

    Pretty cool lookin though

  25. #25
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    Originally posted by Bass Reflex
    Monroe is gonna crank out like 10 of those only to just then find the typo

    Pretty cool lookin though
    GAAAAAACCCCCCKKKKK!

    Please point it out. They take two hours each just in machine time.

    Pllllleeeezzzzzzzzz!

    on edit Just re-hit it with two spell checkers and it only catches cahuna and geez. They are correct within the context of the message, so I'm gonna go with it.


    Monroe
    Last edited by Monroe; 10-08-02 at 01:00 PM.

  26. #26
    Audio Gigolo Keith Shaw's Avatar
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    LOL, just fuckin with ya of course

  27. #27
    I <3 Radiators Craig's Avatar
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    and "King Richard".
    Technically the period should be inside the quotes, like "King Richard."
    1992 535i turbo now driving under its own power

  28. #28
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    OK, thanks.

    That will take another hour to reset into freakin machine speak

    Monroe
    Repeat after me,,, Technology is your friend

  29. #29
    fvracer_x
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    Hey.....you know, grammatically correct or not, I did post that word for word. As far as I know that was how it was written, so if your gonna correct an Authors grammar......

  30. #30
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    It's about dreams and hopes and fears. Dreams of glory; dreams of carving out a small niche in history, like Mario, and Sterling, and "King Richard".
    Uhhmmm . . . is that supposed to be "Sterling" as in Marlin or "Stirling" as in Moss?

    Has Sterling Marlin carved out a small niche in history? Moss may fit in with Andretti & Petty a little better.

    -Dennis

  31. #31
    fvracer_x
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    Originally posted by Dennis K


    Uhhmmm . . . is that supposed to be "Sterling" as in Marlin or "Stirling" as in Moss?

    Has Sterling Marlin carved out a small niche in history? Moss may fit in with Andretti & Petty a little better.

    -Dennis
    Well I know I prefer Mr. Moss but then I'm a limey so can you trust me???



    LOL

  32. #32
    ...? Roupp's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Dennis K
    Has Sterling Marlin carved out a small niche in history?
    No but Jessus H Crist look at how much that guy makes in a race (data from here: )

    Code:
    Date             Race           Start    Laps    Finish   Winnings
    
    Sep. 29 Protection One 400 7th 147/267 33rd $96,317 
    Feb. 17 Daytona 500 13th 200/200 8th  $255,879 
    Mar. 3 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 24th 267/267 1st $412,842
    I had no idea that Cup car winnings were so high. It even makes dock workers look under paid.

    [edit. formatting]
    Last edited by Roupp; 10-08-02 at 08:30 PM.

  33. #33
    ...? Roupp's Avatar
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    WOOHOO!! double post.
    Last edited by Roupp; 10-08-02 at 08:30 PM.

  34. #34
    Originally posted by Roupp

    I had no idea that Cup car winnings were so high. It even makes dock workers look under paid.
    Thats pretty normal wages. Notice the finishing positions. He finished 10 spots from DFL and he got more than me and my dad make in a year (when we both have jobs ) combined.

    Now do you understand why everybody and their brother want to make it to Winston Cup? Although I still maintain that if I could make a living (i.e. 50k a year) racing, I'd be happy driving a Passat.

  35. #35
    goober extraordinaire Lawrence Wang's Avatar
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    Monroe kicks ass

    Finally, a plaque that I care about owning

    Looks like we got some upgraded fasteners over the reference plaque too.



    Thank you, Monroe!
    .

  36. #36
    Senior Member Tim G's Avatar
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    Re: Monroe kicks ass

    Originally posted by kuromaku
    Finally, a plaque that I care about owning

    Looks like we got some upgraded fasteners over the reference plaque too.
    Thank you, Monroe!
    Hey, don't you dare hang that anywhere near that anime thing on the left!



    /tg

  37. #37
    Daddy Newbie Retard Mark Luna's Avatar
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    Hey I got mine today. It looks awesome! I appreciate the speed and nice work. I am going to put it in my office under a large poster of my race car on track. Thanks Monroe!
    M.L.F. Racing team
    Where there is no I in team
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  38. #38
    Admiral
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    Thumbs up

    Got mine Thursday, thanks Monroe! I agree, they look VERY nice and I can't wait to hang it in my office. Great work and thanks for getting it out so quickly.

  39. #39
    Senior Member Tim G's Avatar
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    Got mine today! Thanks Monroe!

    In future versions you may wish to correct it to look like this;

    <snip>
    It's about determination, perseverance, and the strength of resolve. It's about patience and discipline. It's about putting in the time, double checking, attending to the critical details. It's about concentration, and focus. It's about controlling the overpowering urges, sticking to the game plan, and keeping your head when the unthinkable happens. It's about testing, and measuring, and worrying, and sweating the small stuff.

    It's about faith; faith in yourself, in your crew, in your fellow competitors, in the workers, and in the men and women who designed this car, these tires, and this track. It's about believing in your roll cage, and your safety harness, your Nomex suit, and the fire system that has never been put to the test. It's about knowing that no matter what happens, you chose.
    <snip>

    If it' not obvious, a period after the word "stuff" in the first paragraph, then add a space for the next.

    Figured this may be something that you keep selling...

    /tg
    Last edited by Tim G; 10-14-02 at 07:45 PM.

  40. #40
    goober extraordinaire Lawrence Wang's Avatar
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    Re: Re: Monroe kicks ass

    Originally posted by Zinc-Zag


    Hey, don't you dare hang that anywhere near that anime thing on the left!



    /tg
    Just for that, I think I will

    Don't need people thinking I'm weirder than they already do... people just don't understand roll bars.

    Doesn't that get in the way?

    why yes it does, between the ground and my head, and as a matter of fact, I like my head thankyouverymuch!
    .

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