I had the worst day I have ever had at the track, not that it couldn't have been worse, or others haven't had ones more bad than this.... but this was my personal worst day. I am now going to rant for my own mental health so feel free not to read if you have something better to do. To start things off I haven't got to the track all year and this weekend was the last race of the season. I lost 4 tenths somewhere in my set up, I suspect the carb, so this kind of set the mood. Like a bad bar room story.. so there I was, minding my own business in the staging lanes after a run, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a lime green tube chassis 55 chev shoebox in front of me...... in reverse! My engine was off.... I was flat screwed. CRUNCH!:rant: I about puked. One of the guys crew flagged his car forwards and he made a pass without even talking to me. One of his crew stayed there and at least asked me if there was any damage, and yes.... yes there was. The shoebox had a tube sticking out the rear, that I think is made as a tow point, that jousted my front bumper right in the front plate mounts As I stood there staring at my car, attempting to regain composure or find at least one rational thought in my head. I stood next to my car for 30 minutes, fully expecting the driver to come over and talk about the wreck and take responsibilty, and he didn't. As I stayed with my car, for all peoples safety, my dad walked the pits and found the car. When he told them they needed to come talk to me the crew guy that stayed behind said he already did, acting like it was old news. I finally catch up to the driver, who was genuinely appologetic. I understand $h!t happens, and I didn't expect him to get an OEM bumper or straighten and re-chrome my driver quality bumper. I told him I would get a metal license blank and have it airbrushed and that would be about $50. This was about the only reasonable thought I could muster at the time. The driver agreed and while he was getting me cash one of his guys started blaming the wreck on the tech official that told him he had to back up. I about lost it and beat this jackass senseless. Luckily for them, and me (I would most likely loose my job if I beat either one of them), the driver agreed the bottom line was he was driving the car and it was his responsibilty. He gave me $50, later that night (tonight) I went to the Central Washington State Fair and had a sweet blank painted with the Buick tri-shield and "I ain't afraid of no HEMI" on it. I would much rather wave the magic wand and have never gone to the track today, but all things in perspective I am alive, my car still runs, and all damage is covered by a $50 license plate...... I guess it could be alot worse. OK I feel a little better now, thanks for listening. Jim
Like I always say "a shoebox for a shoebox" or was that "a bumper for a bumper" I forget Glad you are OK
Glad no body was in between the cars when that happenedo No: I am glad it was not worse. Now, how's about a pic of the plate:TU:
I was worried that there was an "over the crank club" story in there. I'm glad you got it all fixed. How did your car run? ElectraJim
I ran 12.50's with 1.90 60 foots I am not too sure what the problem was, last year with the same set up and similar weather conditions I was knocking off 12.teens while bringing up the drivers tire 3-4 inches and since then I trunk mounted the battery and put new MSD 8mm wires on ito No: I was hooking up, but it seemed like when I launched the car just fell on its face, but not like a "bog". Part of it I am sure is the switch pitch jumping from high to low stall off of the brake pedal. I really need to get one of those Poston timers and I bet I will gain 1 to 2 tenths on its own.
I feel your pain. Bright side as pointed out is that no one was caught between the cars. Not to lighten but it is just a car. It can be fixed. At the track, it is at your own risk, and yes I have also witnessed some ugly situations over less. Good job keeping your cool! Really not worth physical injury.
