>I'd have to disagree with the assertion that 'rookies'
>should not drive turbo AWD cars.
>
>Some of us with experience in other forms of racing realize
>the benefit of the whole discretion/valor deal and can work
>toward the limit of the car a step at a time, rather than
>just going out there and seeing if it is possible to hang
>onto the car while doing stupid things with the throttle.
Most drivers can't tell how they're driving. You have to take some of your focus from WHAT you're doing in order to tell HOW you're doing it, which can be a very difficult thing to do. I know there've been several instances where I thought I was driving pretty well only to find some crappy driving recorded on the incar camera.
>I didn't see the need to buy a car that was non-turbo and
>2WD just so I could 'work my way up' in the opinions of
>those in the game longer than myself.
Who says you have to work your way up?
>I bought a GTX because I had one as a streetcar and have a
>pretty decent knowledge of their common faults and fixes.
>Not to mention that I have a complete, running spares car if
>need be.
How much would it cost to buy and race something like an Omni, Golf or Volvo rather than the GTX?
>I've finished every event that I've started and with very
>little to no drama whatsoever. Again, discretion being the
>better part of valor OR old age and treachery overcoming
>youth and exuberance....you decide.
Younger people are definitely more prone to getting themselves into bad situtations.
>I set the realistic goal of making it to seed 5 this year
>and with some reasonable success on the debut of the 'new'
>(rebuilt) car at DooWops, accomplished my goal. I'm going
>to revise it to aim a bit higher (seed 4) for the rest of
>the year.
>
>For me, restraint comes quite easily. It's the simple fact
>that I can't afford to 'stuff it' and then see how much
>money needs to be thrown at the car to repair it for the
>next event. Ultimately economics determines how long I am
>willing to stand on the throttle, not bravado.
Restraint has to be learned. Driving a fast car is not the best way to learn restraint, especially when that driver thinks his fast car makes him competitive.
>I've really enjoyed the game up to this point, but I'm
>concerned that there are decisions being made by persons (as
>perceived by me) who are not qualified, on a technical
>basis, to make those decisions.
>
>Right now I'm left wondering where the 'checks' are in the
>system of checks and balances.
Could you be more specific on what you're talking about here? Newbies, experienced drivers, the rules..?
>It is unfortunate that accidents happen as a result of lack
>of good judgment and inexperience. However, useful
>experience generally results of escaping the penalties of
>bad judgment in the first place.
It's a lot easier to get useful experience in a slow car. For example, the amount of speed you carry into a given corner is very critical for setting good stage times...If you come in too slow, you go slow through corner, and also loose a bit of speed down the next straight...come in a bit too fast and you have to scrub off speed and throw away your momentum down the straight.
I think a slow stage time is a lot easier to deal with than being wrapped around a tree!
>So, give the 'rookies' (myself included) a chance to display
>either their good judgment and willingness to progress at a
>reasonable rate and try to correct those who obviously are
>heading toward disaster before it happens.
Starting out with a slow car is the only way to display good judgement and willingness to progress at a reasonable rate. Anyone who tries to be fast when he first starts out is being unrealistic, and endangers everyone's ability to have a good time at reasonable expense by increasing insurance costs.
>I'd suggest this for the veterans: I'll bring a car that is
>safe for myself, my co-driver, and the marshalls and
>spectators. I'll also bring a willingness to learn.
>
>You bring a willingness to fill in the gaps in my knowledge
>and understanding where needed, and constructively tell me
>what I might do better.
Everyone needs to have this attitude.
>Thanks
>
>Matt Manspeaker
>Seattle, WA USA
>89 323GTX - OPEN
>97 Escort Cosworth - WIDE OPEN
Will MacDonald
1968 Volvo 144