James Feinberg wrote:
That's too bad. I like to think I learn something every time I get behind the wheel regardless of conditions or car preparation. You never know when you'll be faced with changing circumstances during an event and, personally, I'd like to have as broad a knowledge base as possible to fall back on.
True. Good point.
99.9% of the time that's true for me whether I'm competing, instructing, walking the course, comparing runs or whatever.
When Karl and I talked about this weekend, we agreed that we were both really stoked about the competition/ opportunity for all of us to run against each other. What could be better than to push each other as far as we could and make our club's AS drivers the best ever.
Running in the rain in general doesn't bother me. I've learned over the years that it can be interesting and gosh knows those of us that run nationals or pros...have BTDT many times. One person that I credit with helping me get there is Sammy Strano. He taught me to appreciate competing in the rain on rain tires and take advantage of the fact that I was comfortable, when so many aren't. Aaron probably remembers my first pro solo win at DC, in the rain driving the Celica. The last slalom was on a strong downhill run. I think you actually complimented me on my runs that day Aaron.
And push comes to shove (smack talk included) we'll be there Sat. or Sun. anyway.
I do feel that we could certainly learn more about driving this car in the rain on the proper tires or in the dry on the ones we have...it's just a fact. Going out on the street tires in the wet doesn't appeal to me for that reason and that reason only. The word "fear" has no place in the sport IMHO, because it has no value.
I've personally never been "afraid" of any other competitor. (OK so I know some enjoy just throwing the words around to see if they can shake someone loose. That's a separate issue altogether and not what I'm referring to here.) If I felt that way, I wouldn't have bought an AS car and entered such a competive class. I can't wait until Nationals.
I know that I have no control over how anyone performs except myself. My driving, mindset and preparation is up to me; just like everyone else's is up to them. The main reason that I bring it up is that I think a lot of people, especially those just getting started in autocross worry too much about what everyone else is doing and not enough about their own situation/enjoyment/accomplishment. They may be reading some of the smack talk and finding themselves worrying for no good reason.
So when people are just having fun saying...are you afraid, gonna melt, or whatever...it's cool. Just sit back and watch unless it gets too personal. I guess it's the smack or trash talk that inspires or makes it more competitive for lots of folks. Guess I just haven't participated in enough competitive sports to "get it", and I suspect that there are others in the club in the same boat. So for those out there like me...let the others have fun and inspire or intimidate each other if they can. We can always sit back and watch and create our own inspirations...
Gawd, I love this sport! That's all the inspiration that I need.
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