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lolol!

i was reading the news a day or two ago and this was on the front page of msnbc.com for some revolt in China. i burst out laughing at my desk. i mean, look at these guys.




VIVA LA RESISTANCE!

My brother and I were searching for OEM parts online this morning and came across a site that has basically every part for every car on the market in a super easy to navigate site with pretty good prices. Some of you guys may already know about it, but for those who don't, its definantely a good site to bookmark.

<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rockauto.com">www.rockauto.com</a><!-- w --> Just click the big red button to start.

I'm just starting this since IÔÇÖm a little interested about the overall timeframe of things and future plans as well as the history of everyone. All of this regarding motor sports and track activity. I want this detailed so please take your time, IÔÇÖm interested in a lot of the OG's stories and everyone who's gaining experience at the track to influence the new come-ers and also to keep fueling my passion to get back on track.

My story:

Well after my freshman year at Old Dominion I decided to transfer to JMU. I had an overall interest in cars and I wanted to learn more. Working on cars kind of freaked me out - simply because I was afraid of messing something up that would endanger my own life due to my incompetence. New to the area, the school, and these random kids I would be living with I was eager to find out what was the scene for cars. Being the ricer that I was I begun with a Civic ex, progressed to a Civic Si (EM1), and the first things I modified on the car (at a shop) were the exhaust, wheels, and short shifter. I knew nothing of the actual amateur racing scene at this time. I just knew I like to modify my car and I enjoyed driving.

Scotty was my roommate when I transferred to JMU. We ended up becoming awesome friends and he introduced me to Madison Motorsports. After minimal discussion I wanted to see what they were all about. Luckily three people in our apartment were interested enough to join the club (Ryan Wilson, Scotty, and I). I was very curious to find out what really making your car move and handle and gaining experience on the road legally was all about.

I started with a trip to Summit Point Raceway some time in February. It was cold, I was drunk (Scotty and Wilson know this - Scotty drove our drunken asses), and my first corner experience was with Mike Collins and Banana2...? It was the old blue civic sedan. I spent most of the first day hunched over about to throw up, but I quickly turned my attention to the track as I began to watch the cars fly by at Corner Number 1. This was the start....

I then began to auto-x and have done a total of maybe 8..? IÔÇÖm not sure. Cloverleaf, VMP, Stanton, FedEx, and one more place I can't remember. This was a great experience!! I was able to really push my car at slower/safer speeds for a very affordable price. The auto-x's were key in my opinion to starting in the 'scene'. I started when I was 19.

After working several track weekends I decided to use the credit I earned. I decided to put the Si on-track at Summit Point. Working Summit Point enough, talking with many people about being on the track, and getting ride-along's (key way to first experience a track and very fun!!) I thought I was prepared enough to have my first track weekend. The weekend was in September of 2004. Like an addictive drug, the rush of adrenaline after each moment on-track had me yurning for more. I felt like I had so much more to learn about the car, about the physics of driving, and about my limitations and faults as a driver.

The following year I decided to put the recently purchased Integra RS on-track. With the initial intentions of eventually (read: very long-term) putting this thing in HC4 I bought this car, a little influence from RJ :wink:. This was an incredible car (still is). It handled very similarly to the Civic Si I used to drive. After purchasing Maeng's old teg suspension and putting some XP-10 brake pads IÔÇÖm realizing the capability of this car. An incredible car and a great car, but I am in a predicament. I have two cars (read sig). I have a personal obligation towards the '86 vdub. I cannot sell this car. If you care to know why I can tell you via PM or email or something.

Now I stand at this point... I have a VERY capable and incredible starting car, the Integra RS. Reliable, strong, cost effective, nimble, and quick. I'm in the process of maturing my thoughts of developing the 1986 Gti as a track-car. Using the Integra as my seat-time car to gain experience, eventually selling it, using the vdub for a dedicated track car. I'm hoping that once it is ready I will be ready for competition school (3/4-years away??) Gaining my comp license and entering the GTS Challenge...maybe with Pete :twisted: with a 1986 Gti VR6 at about 2200 lbs. Is this a realistic plan OG's?

I hope to hear more stories. Motivation and nostalgic thoughts were just crossing my mind.

I'm shopping around for future purchases and was wondering how you guys feel about certain brands for different items (seats, harnesses, etc). I know we've gone over this a few times but I don't remember anything specific to the Sabelt brand. I'm curious about the quality of these seats, mostly the Indianapolis Seat and the Racer Seat:

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also this Pista Seat by OMP:

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Ok, we need another G-force enduro, to lay claim to the fastest of the fast!

Who's in, and when can we do this? I propose a 2 hr enduro, 2 drivers per team, 20 minute stints.

RJ - who says he'll win this time!

I'm not really that much of a Bush hater, I just think this is funny.

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They're playing at the 9:30 Club on January 21st, tickets are $35. Any takers?

You know what to do.


edit: this will probably get deleted...

So is there any way for me to not get completely bent over by this?

I was coming up to the Turhumanheaducken party, just heading north on US-15. Hilariously, I wasn't even going that fast (maybe ~60). Approached a car being driven by an old blue hair, doing anywhere betwee 40-65, depending on the grade and heading. I pulled out to pass, almost got punted when the stupid woman pulled into the center of the road, and then punched it (3rd gear in the WRX) and got around. A pass with "gusto" to say the least. I pulled back into the right lane, just in time to see the cop :roll: 85 according to his radar - in my opinion thats probably on the low side, but of course I didn't mention that. Stupid boost. Anyhow, it was "reckless driving / speed" written on the ticket. The officer did note that I was not driving dangerously (other than doing 30+ over the limit), and was certainly in control of the car and was able to brake and pull over *immediately* after seeing his lights (less than 150 yards from where he was sitting to begin with).

So what the hell do I do about this? I *have* to appear in court (Louisa county) - its a class 1 misdemeanor charge. My previous experience with a speeding ticket was just to show up, act deferential and plead guilty, get the fine halved, and walk away. Does it work that way for reckless too? The cop did mention that he would tell the judge that I cooperated and didn't dick around - but this is big $$$ for the county, so I kind of doubt it'll matter much. Hell if I know...

Oh mighty MM forum, dispense your wisdom!