Jeez Richard, I'm 62. How old do you need to be to get perspective?
I'm waiting for the mantle of wisdom to fall on my shoulders, it would
be good to know when that might happen. I'd like to prepare for it.
Incidentally, somehow I always had the notion that you were younger
than me.
On Feb 15, 2009, at 9:34 AM, Richard Taylor wrote:
> As a venerated representative of the opposite end of the prepared-car
> spectrum from Babcock, I can say that I totally agree with him
>
> My ole #196 is as close to a first derivative TR-4 as there is out
> there. I
> drive it to the track with roll up windows, heater, turn signals and a
> Georgia Tech license plate. And the trophies I add to the shelf are
> seldom
> for being the fastest. Enduros are my forte and much of my modest
> success is
> for simply finishing without a mistake. It's amazing how dependable a
> mildly-pumped, 125HP TR-4 is. But, as Bill points out so well, I can
> still
> race as hard as I know how. But it's against my select group of
> other guys;
> other guys, frequently in other marks, who for what ever reason, run
> at
> about my speed.
>
> Now do I hold a grudge because another TR has a Tojo transmission?
> No, I
> could care less. The way I look at it is that there is almost no
> limit to
> the time/expense one can go to to squeeze another Joule of juice out
> of an
> old Triumph. So I say, have at it. As long as there is a spot in a
> grid for
> me to line up in and race my car to the best of my ability in the
> manner
> that gives me great satisfaction, I'm happy.
>
> All this said another way: I appreciate the be-true-to-your-cause
> driver's
> concern, and I respect the efforts and difficulties of the sanctioning
> bodies, but slicing and dicing rule book restrictions (other than
> safety
> stuff) just isn't part of my sport.
>
> I will also add that there was a time many years ago (maybe when I was
> Babcock's age) when I didn't feel this way. So maybe it's just an
> old man
> thing.
>
> Admittedly, however, my view may be tainted because in the past
> there has
> been very little control over who does what to their car.
>
> Richard
>
Bill Babcock
Babcock & Jenkins
Billb@bnj.com
503.936.7660
www.bnj.com
Editor
Ke Nalu e-Magazine
Paddlesurfing's Web Journal
Bill@kenalu.com
www.kenalu.com
blog: www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog
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