I suck.

Jodi and I did the Autocross thing this weekend and I must say that I really suck. I came in 25th out of 26 entries in the SportsModified Division. Two of my 6 runs were DNF due to missing a gate. The good news is I did not take out a single cone. (two second penalty for that). In my own defense, I was running against cars that way out-classed my 92 Accord, even with the recent mods to it. (see previous post: Frankenstein Lives!)
We forgot the camera, so I will not be able to post any pics of this run, but will try on the next event to take a few for posting.
All in all, it was a learning experience for me. I learned that my car, as much as I love it, is NOT autocross material. She is too long and heavy. I learned that one must increase the tire pressure in the front tires, and lower the pressure in the rear tires in order to improve the pushing that is inherent in a front wheel drive car. I had this backwards, and subsequently ended up really pushing the front-end, especially through the 180 turn-around at the far end of the course. I also learned that I should NOT have said that Jodi could not drive my car on the course. I will be paying for that comment for years to come. Next event, Jodi will be a co-driver.
In addition, I have learned that a "Chicago Box" is an evil thing, designed to make even the most seasoned driver take out a cone or two. Some of the fast guys were just taking the cone and the associated 2 second penalty in leiu of trying to get cleanly through the box. I reckon this will work only with the fastest of drivers, as in my case, it would not have made sense to take a two second penalty with ZERO chance of making it up later on the course.
Most of my runs were in the 55 second range, whereas the fast guys were in the 43 second range. Fastest run of the day was set by a guy running an open-wheeled, Porsche powered roadster, with a 40 second run. Next fastest run was set by a Lotus Elise. What a Sweet car!
Well, enough about how bad I suck...stay tuned for the next chapter: Autocross-Session 2:Revenge of the Cones.

Going Racin'

After being bribed by an offer of paying the entry fee, I am entering my first Autocross, hosted by the Buccaneer Region SCCA Chapter. If you recall, I recently did a few modifications to my 1992 Honda Accord that should have helped in this endeavor, but alas, the mods I made took me into a class where I will be competing against the likes of WRX's and SRT's. This also happens to be the largest class that will be competing. Well, I hardly expect to win, but it would have been nice to have the illusion of being competitive. Even my assigned number is trying to tell me something...it's 13! The autocross is on the 26th of Feburary at an old airfield in Whitehouse, which is just west of Metro Jacksonville. I'll post pics and results when I get them.

Daytona is almost here.......

Bike week in Daytona is almost upon us. I, for one, am looking forward to a little R&R. (that's Riding and Racing for the un-initiated). Brother Zoff and his S.O. should be there as well as the usual suspects. More later

Frankenstein Lives!

She's back! My car that is. If you recall, I put her in the shop for a motor swap, from the F22A to the F22B V-Tec.Notice the 4-2-1 header and the warm (cold) air intake. What you can't see is a new HD clutch and timing belt as well as new CV joints and axles. The increase in power is very noticable, especially around 5000 rpms. I suppose this is the V-Tec making itself known. (I wonder what a chip would do for it?)I chose to go with a set of KYB struts and shocks with heavier spring rates both front and rear.The corning performance is on par with a much smaller car. I hit my "high-speed test facility" this afternoon and successfully threw the car at a set of bends that, before the mods, would have left me somewhere off the road,plowing furrows and such. This time, I hit them a good 20 mph faster...she corners flat and predictable. I can feel a little chassic flex, but nothing a strut tower brace wouldn't fix. The suspension mods also point out the shortcomings of the cheapass tires on it. Kumhos next time, me thinks as well as a full set of urethane bushings. The car sits just a tad lower, as I found out this morning navigating the speedbumps in the parking lot at werk. She scrubs a little, so I have to slow WAY down now. It's not near as bad as it would have been had I put the 40 series tires on it instead of the 45's.

Jus call me pawpaw..

Been living here so long, I am now referred to as pawpaw. Live from Redneck Central, Notyard's Backyard brings you "Grandkids...you gotta love em!" Staring Ayden and Zavian.

Recovery...

Jodi's operation was a success and she is back at home, propped up on the couch, and chewing lortabs like M&M's.

Under the knife....

Jodi is having surgery to repair a hernia today. It is an outpatient procedure but she does have to go out under general anesthesia. No worries though. My biggest concern who is going to cook my meals while she's off her feet. :)