Feb 18th SPC DUEL

[buddy bodean]

My apologies to the 4-5 drivers in M3, S2 and S4 who were "2 and out" and didn't get an extra "bonus bye".

My bad, to say the least I was in over my head at times...

[buddy bodean]

Often times in this kind of event, I will target a cone or two (ask Steve about that... I heard he had a good strategy that almost worked). This time, I found that there was a particular cone that just kept getting in my way, so I creamed it! (the outside cone on the exit of the right-turn after the near-side finish line... especially when starting from the other side and approaching it at speed)

Did we throw away the cones that got completely chewed up? No sense in leaving any evidence...they are cops you know.

[Native]

Way to go Chris - well driven!

Definitely was a great day and thanks to all who stuck at the end to help work the finals and clean up - very much appreciated!

And yeah...purposely trying to make most of the slalom a straight and then forgetting which way to go around the remaining cones does not lead to victory - lol - whatever it was a real hoot just the same.

[Lof8]

That was the most fun autocross I've ever done! Between running R-comps for the first time, meeting some great new people and finishing well, I had a blast! Chris and I went head to head in the warm-ups and I took him. So, going into the final run, my focus was on running clean and not killing myself with downed cones or a spin. Little did I know he had picked up significant speed since that warm-up run. I wasn't expecting to see him already on the final straight as I rounded the last turn! Great job Chris!

I vote for an annual Duel!

[Greg]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Udd_KER ... re=mh_lolz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[twistedwankel]

Greg, nice videos.

This event - now that I more fully understand it was way too much fun on four wheels. I loved it. Blew me away just how competitive everyone was with such diverse cars.

I give special condolances to Mario who was abused with no boost due to low speeds and the even more evil 50ft penalty he gave everyone in S2 where he bumped down to. Wish we could have run headsup like we planned in the prelims just to see but "time was up". I think we were really dead on torque vs tires. I feel bad I took advantage of the WHOLE 50ft BUT I didn't feel bad enough to give up the advantage at the time. Apparently my day before new plugs, wires and 2X injector cleaner was effective AND being a 50ft hog AND taking Shamu to the dragstrip the week before to practice "holeshots" was beneficial.

Next year if it happens again I will give Mario 6" back to help ease my conscience. Sadly he will still have not torque or boost. BUT the world is blessed with lots of old Mustangs or Bob T will be healed and back running alot in S1 with "no torque or boost" either.

Ed thanks for that great lunch I will never get tired of eating Also thanks for your tireless efforts in our behalf.

Loren thanks for your patience in 'splaining' how this all works.

Steve, thanks for helping us all remember to take things in their proper light.

To all of you I called the wrong name while running grid I most humbly apologize. Like Bill Cosby until I was 6 I thought my brother and my names were Jesus Crist and God Dammit. Howard I don't know why I kept calling you Kenny? Who killed Kenny? Wasn't me for sure. I was too busy killing cones.

Things just keep getting better with FAST.

[nc4me]

That was the most fun autocross I've ever done! Between running R-comps for the first time, meeting some great new people and finishing well, I had a blast! Chris and I went head to head in the warm-ups and I took him. So, going into the final run, my focus was on running clean and not killing myself with downed cones or a spin. Little did I know he had picked up significant speed since that warm-up run. I wasn't expecting to see him already on the final straight as I rounded the last turn! Great job Chris!

I vote for an annual Duel!

I used the practice for just that, practice. My 1st practice run I ran the whole thing in 1st gear and liked it and was really quick. The other two practice runs I went between 1st and 2nd gear and it was slower. You had me by the entire straight in practice and that probably mind f'd you in the final. I made the same mistake on my first run three years ago. I thought I had a fairly easy win going against Ed, since I usually beat him at the normal auto-x events and I went to conservative and he beat me. You underestimated your oppenent, something I will never do again. You should have figured there was a reason I made it that far and beat the other class champs, either I got faster or they got slower. Always assume your opponent got faster. It was a good final run though and congratulations on being first in your class and second overall. You beat a lot of fast people to earn that and you were running quick all day. I look forward to seeing how we do against each other at future auto-x events on the overall time sheet.

[Loren]

Doug, don't feel bad for out-driving Mario! No excuses. Your Mustang was misclassed (at your request), its an S3 car! It might have torque, but it's got a very unsophisticated suspension and is in no way as capable as Mario's Solstice. 50' is only about a second on this course. Mario should have handily beaten you by more than that. He didn't.

If anything, this should have taught Mario that he's relying too much on his power and grip and not enough on driving the right line and at the limit. Are you taking notes, Mario?

And your performance had nothing to do with fuel injector cleaner or practice at the dragstrip... or tire pressure you've got a couple years of skill on your side!

[Loren]

You had me by the entire straight in practice and that probably mind f'd you in the final.

Sandbagging in the practice rounds... brilliant!

[Lof8]

You underestimated your oppenent, something I will never do again. You should have figured there was a reason I made it that far and beat the other class champs, either I got faster or they got slower. Always assume your opponent got faster.

I will remember this advice for the next duel!

It was a good final run though and congratulations on being first in your class and second overall. You beat a lot of fast people to earn that and you were running quick all day. I look forward to seeing how we do against each other at future auto-x events on the overall time sheet.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm also looking forward to some future close competition!

[Jamie]

Howard I don't know why I kept calling you Kenny?

Probably because Howard wasn't there, but Kenny was. Unfortunately, my John Evans (TM) cornering maneuver wasn't the right one to bury his Impala in the third round. Tons of fun, though.

[Loren]

my John Evans (TM) cornering maneuver

Johnny has a maneuver? Do tell.

[Jamie]

my John Evans (TM) cornering maneuver

Johnny has a maneuver? Do tell.

Normally performed near the finish lights. I think that was my problem...it only works near the finish line. In fact, it might not work on a Duel...no lights.

Next time, I'll try the Steve Frank Finish (TM)...I'm getting practiced at shifting into reverse lately!

[Loren]

Ooooh, THAT maneuver!

Hey, all you video guys:

Remember to tag your videos with "drivefastvids" so they'll show up on the website video gallery!

[Native]

Heh...I'll always be the innovator!

[98bullet]

I really enjoyed the whole setup with 2 cars on the track, no timer. Just a win or a lose to your opponent.I really hope we can Duel more often.

Congrats to Andy for giving me some great comp in the finals..

Here some vids:
http://youtu.be/0npy3FVmyyg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://youtu.be/PzFXfrSDbNI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://youtu.be/-td9uaRpMmc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://youtu.be/PI4zZm_b860" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
R2 finals:
http://youtu.be/QGfr9Ylbqb8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thx again..

[matkub]

Greg, nice videos.

This event - now that I more fully understand it was way too much fun on four wheels. I loved it. Blew me away just how competitive everyone was with such diverse cars.

I give special condolances to Mario who was abused with no boost due to low speeds and the even more evil 50ft penalty he gave everyone in S2 where he bumped down to. Wish we could have run headsup like we planned in the prelims just to see but "time was up". I think we were really dead on torque vs tires. I feel bad I took advantage of the WHOLE 50ft BUT I didn't feel bad enough to give up the advantage at the time. Apparently my day before new plugs, wires and 2X injector cleaner was effective AND being a 50ft hog AND taking Shamu to the dragstrip the week before to practice "holeshots" was beneficial.

Next year if it happens again I will give Mario 6" back to help ease my conscience. Sadly he will still have not torque or boost. BUT the world is blessed with lots of old Mustangs or Bob T will be healed and back running alot in S1 with "no torque or boost" either.

Ed thanks for that great lunch I will never get tired of eating Also thanks for your tireless efforts in our behalf.

Loren thanks for your patience in 'splaining' how this all works.

Steve, thanks for helping us all remember to take things in their proper light.

To all of you I called the wrong name while running grid I most humbly apologize. Like Bill Cosby until I was 6 I thought my brother and my names were Jesus Crist and God Dammit. Howard I don't know why I kept calling you Kenny? Who killed Kenny? Wasn't me for sure. I was too busy killing cones.

Things just keep getting better with FAST.

Doug, congrats for getting as far as you did! That mean something! Next time 6" really ? You're so kind, can't wait!
I had good time anyway!

[matkub]

Doug, don't feel bad for out-driving Mario! No excuses. Your Mustang was misclassed (at your request), its an S3 car! It might have torque, but it's got a very unsophisticated suspension and is in no way as capable as Mario's Solstice. 50' is only about a second on this course. Mario should have handily beaten you by more than that. He didn't.

If anything, this should have taught Mario that he's relying too much on his power and grip and not enough on driving the right line and at the limit. Are you taking notes, Mario?

And your performance had nothing to do with fuel injector cleaner or practice at the dragstrip... or tire pressure you've got a couple years of skill on your side!

Loren, you're right, but I know that, that is my problem I'm trying to change my habit.
I had good time anyway.

[Loren]

Loren, you're right, but I know that, that is my problem I'm trying to change my habit.
I had good time anyway.

You'll get there, man. By the time you're as old as Doug, you should have it all figured out!

You should try to ride along with him some if he'll let you. Who knows what you might pick up?

[twistedwankel]

You'll get there, man. By the time you're as old as Doug, you should have it all figured out!
You should try to ride along with him some if he'll let you. Who knows what you might pick up?

If I don't scuff up the halls racing the walkers with Hoosier rubbers in "the home" and take all my meds they will give me two weekend passes per month. I'm just glad there weren't any Doug Andretti's....whew!!! Go Mario. Will you sign my walker?

Oh... Rx8 is actually a prescription to help me fight off floaters and keep wifie happy. Nap time.

All you have to do is ask REAL LOUD.....what's that? HUH? The Solstice is December 21st I think? When the earth is closest to the cone. Don't worry I'll get the seats cleaned before the next event. John left a presie