Re: Why race your supercar
Guys, I really have to tell you Tom is 100% right. I did a fanatical no expence spared restoration to my 70 COPO 9697 RS Z/28, won numerous awards with it and have displayed it all over the country. It is now stored in a bubble. What do I miss the most is driving it. Problem is - the car is still competitive as a show car. When I get the show thing out of my system the car will be returned to the street/strip. That is what this hobby is all about. As I look back on my memories I seldom recall the many trips to the stage to get the award. What I do recall is power shifting the car at close to 8000 RPM, and looking in the rear view to see the guy next to (and behind) me fading fast. I am fortunate to have other cars to "beat up" on the street these days- but none have the same feel. That is why the car will return, and again be driven. If the original engine blows... that event will become part of my history with the car. I have owned it for 24 years now. For the non show car guys you need to definately drive them. That is where the fun is. It is too late to have fun with your friends when you are gone, because the cars do not have fun we do- this whole hobby is about friends who come together for a good time. If you are "in to these cars" it has gotta be because you drove one in the past and were impressed with the raw power!
Look at Mark Hassett - and the cars that he has run down the strip. His ZL-1 was at 7400RPM at the end of the track at the 01 SCR. He has no regrets about driving/racing it, or any of his other cars.
Mark's dad has Clark Gable's Indian motorcycle- Mark's Dad was hit head on last year while riding this (one of a kind) bike on the street. His life was nearly ended by a 16 year old. He lived - and has recovered for the most part. The bike is now being rebuilt. Mark's dad will ride it again. The guy that fixed the heavy damage to the frame on the bike - delivered it himself to assure it would arrive in perfect condition -all the way from out west
There is a friend indeed!
I guess the key is to pass through this life with no regrets!
Tom, keep up the good work.
Phil [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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