<VV> Re: Corvair speeds? - Event prodding for this summer

[Sethracer at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/10/2006 11:54:16 AM Pacific Standard Time,  
bryan at skiblack.com writes:

That's  not to say that today's cars aren't better - they are - but a 
good Corvair  should be comfortable cruising at about 75 - 80.  I find 
higher  speeds that than irritating mostly because of engine RPM with 
the  gear/tire combo I have, and the fact that I'm no longer 25 :-)  My  
personal speed limit is around 100 (law permitting, of course, officer)  
simply because most *other* drivers are not prepared to deal with  
another car going that fast. 


In the last year I have been forced to re-examine my high speed driving  
skills. A variety of reasons, besides just getting older. SCCA does require a  
drivers license in order to autocross. Gotta hold onto that! The Corvette can  
easily exceed my driving skills, so I have to keep my impulses under control.  
Unlike my wife's car and, may I add, quite similar to my various Corvairs over  
the years, the Corvette gives plenty of feedback to the driver about what is  
happening on the road. My wife's Olds Intrigue has the best feedback I've 
ever  had from a big sedan, but still maintains the driver kind of "Cocooned" 
from the  road. Like a well set-up (tire and suspension) Corvair, the Corvette 
tells you  what to do and eggs you on to try it. I urge you youngsters (and  
oldsters) to get out and drive/race while you still have that great  peripheral 
vision - as in "Where the heck did that guy come from?" 
 
People say Racing is a mental game - but that is only when all physical  
attributes/capabilities are about equal. I have heard that this summer there  will 
be two separate Corvair track events going on. One at Nelson Ledges and one  
at Mosport, Ontario. Talk about an embarassment of riches! If you are in the  
Eastern half of the US or Canada, pick your poison and go racing. Either  
event will provide a day of fun and education. 
What are you waiting for?  July will be here before you know  it! Get going 
on that racecar! If you need more prodding, drop in at  Dayton, OH for the 
Performance Workshop in February. I'll be offering a special  "Race your car, 
Put-up or Shut-up" deal on racing Ignition wires. - Seth  Emerson