Agreed, driving a car to it's (or the driver's) limits is an absolute
blast. Sounds like you really got the bug Dave! I got hooked when I
was invited to one of those Car & Driver magazine sponsored Editor for
a Day events where they turn you loose for a few laps in 6 different cars
and have you write up your impressions on each. It's a way to get you
exposed to the car makers wares of course but still lots of fun.
Soon after that I had to take the Z3 to Tail of the Dragon (twisty stretch
of Rt 129 in Blue Ridge mountains) and I vowed to go back at least once a
year.
I have had better luck with BMWs than you did (neither of them has required
repairs except for one sensor covered under warranty) but I agree, they
definitely would not be the choice for all out racing.
There are a couple of photographers who shoot the cars having fun
at the Dragon and post them on their website. Laura almost looks like she
was having fun in this one!
Progress on the -8 is going good. Auto pilot is installed (thanks for
the installation tips Rusty) and I've still got a shot at flying it to Sun 'n
Fun if all goes well and I can control my urge to measure every engine parameter
I can think of. Been installing sensors and wiring for 3 weeks now.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 8:22
PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Top thrills of a
lifetime
Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to the track with a
friend of mine who owns a ZO6 Corevette and races on a regular
basis. He even offered to let me register for the newbie
class and use his car, with race tires and trim. I was expecting an
entertaining day and some fun driving but had just no idea how exciting it
would be.
My first couple laps as a passenger were so terrifying that they were
almost unbearable. I really had no idea what a pair of race tires could
do to a car of that capability. I briefly thought of dropping out before
it was even my turn to drive. But after 2 full hours of track time, an
hour of passenger time, some excellent insturction and a very impressive car I
was able turn in times only a few seconds back from the fastest of the day - a
boost to the ego that I would have been better without seeing as now I am
now thinking about buying a car for racing.
If have never tried it, beg borrow or steal a race car. Driving a
fast car like that on the track was on par with my first solo (only much more
thrilling) and my first few skydives. WOW! simply a must do.
I have not worked on the plane all week because I have been thinking
racecars.... Do not let this life pass you by without doing that at
least once.
Anyway, that was the main point. The rest is filler for those who
are bored....
The hard part is that I cant even think about telling the wife that I
want to take up another expensive hobby. The idea was to trade in the
beat-up old SAAB for something inconspicuous and not too
expensive but worthy of the track like a miata, Honda S2000, or
Nissan 350Z (and then maybe slip in a race day or two on the
sly). But the wife got wind of that and she insisted that my
next car be a 4-seater, given that we are expecting. (obviously couldn't
explain that 4-seaters don't make great track cars)
Hmmmm. 4-seat track worthy cars? That pretty much leaves: the
Subaru STI, Mitisibushi Evo, BMW M class, and the RX-8.
BMW: I will never own a BMW. Anne had one and it was a maintnance
nightmare. The engine parts were made of cheap material, and the company
support for a car under warranty was NIL. I hate that company...
spit spit.... In 2 years we paid over $15k for repairs that
were'nt due to damage, were supposed to be covered under warranty, and
were outrageously overpriced. They kept finding technichalities for
reasons why warranty wouldn't cover the issues (water damaged computer x2,
broken water pump impeller x 2, and busted tranny x1). Did you know they
use plastic water pump impellers that cost hundreds of dollars?
The Subaru and Mitsubisihi are very respectable cars and
compainies. But here is what I don't like about those cars:
1) They are TED mobiles (Typical Enlisted Dude) (no offense
meant)
2) They look a little top heavy, I'm sure the center of gravity is a
little higher than other cars.
3) They difinately dont look really sporty like the Z06, RX8, S2K, miata,
RX-7, 350Z and porches.
4) They made their reputations as ralley cars, maybe not so good on the
track?
I do like the lookes of the RX-8, Miata, S2K and 350Z. The
RX-8 drives like a cross between the Z06 and the Miata - if that makes ANY
sense at all. I am also preferential to the rotary for novelty
sake.
Also, and I know this is a small driver dependent sample...
but.. when out on the track in my friends Z06 I was passing those Evo,
STIs, and M3's all day. They were like gnats. In the last 2
sessions the only cars passing me were very experienced drivers
in RX-8 and a Porsche 911 turbo with 500hp. You get behind one of
those STI's and you can see it sway back and forth in the turns... That
doesn't sound as fun as getting down low, like in the Z06, miata, and
Rx8.
So, rotary preference aside I am now in the market for an RX-8. I
see there are now aftermarket turbo kits too... maybe an extra set of
wheels and tires... some shocks... Shhhhhh dont tell the
wife :-)
Paul Lamar (or anyone else), any years or models of RX-8 to avoid or have
all the chip programming issues been fixed? Obviously I am looking
at the sport model with manual tanny and bigger brakes.
This is a great country!!