12-20-2005, 05:48 PM
I'm just starting this since IÔÇÖm a little interested about the overall timeframe of things and future plans as well as the history of everyone. All of this regarding motor sports and track activity. I want this detailed so please take your time, IÔÇÖm interested in a lot of the OG's stories and everyone who's gaining experience at the track to influence the new come-ers and also to keep fueling my passion to get back on track.
My story:
Well after my freshman year at Old Dominion I decided to transfer to JMU. I had an overall interest in cars and I wanted to learn more. Working on cars kind of freaked me out - simply because I was afraid of messing something up that would endanger my own life due to my incompetence. New to the area, the school, and these random kids I would be living with I was eager to find out what was the scene for cars. Being the ricer that I was I begun with a Civic ex, progressed to a Civic Si (EM1), and the first things I modified on the car (at a shop) were the exhaust, wheels, and short shifter. I knew nothing of the actual amateur racing scene at this time. I just knew I like to modify my car and I enjoyed driving.
Scotty was my roommate when I transferred to JMU. We ended up becoming awesome friends and he introduced me to Madison Motorsports. After minimal discussion I wanted to see what they were all about. Luckily three people in our apartment were interested enough to join the club (Ryan Wilson, Scotty, and I). I was very curious to find out what really making your car move and handle and gaining experience on the road legally was all about.
I started with a trip to Summit Point Raceway some time in February. It was cold, I was drunk (Scotty and Wilson know this - Scotty drove our drunken asses), and my first corner experience was with Mike Collins and Banana2...? It was the old blue civic sedan. I spent most of the first day hunched over about to throw up, but I quickly turned my attention to the track as I began to watch the cars fly by at Corner Number 1. This was the start....
I then began to auto-x and have done a total of maybe 8..? IÔÇÖm not sure. Cloverleaf, VMP, Stanton, FedEx, and one more place I can't remember. This was a great experience!! I was able to really push my car at slower/safer speeds for a very affordable price. The auto-x's were key in my opinion to starting in the 'scene'. I started when I was 19.
After working several track weekends I decided to use the credit I earned. I decided to put the Si on-track at Summit Point. Working Summit Point enough, talking with many people about being on the track, and getting ride-along's (key way to first experience a track and very fun!!) I thought I was prepared enough to have my first track weekend. The weekend was in September of 2004. Like an addictive drug, the rush of adrenaline after each moment on-track had me yurning for more. I felt like I had so much more to learn about the car, about the physics of driving, and about my limitations and faults as a driver.
The following year I decided to put the recently purchased Integra RS on-track. With the initial intentions of eventually (read: very long-term) putting this thing in HC4 I bought this car, a little influence from RJ :wink:. This was an incredible car (still is). It handled very similarly to the Civic Si I used to drive. After purchasing Maeng's old teg suspension and putting some XP-10 brake pads IÔÇÖm realizing the capability of this car. An incredible car and a great car, but I am in a predicament. I have two cars (read sig). I have a personal obligation towards the '86 vdub. I cannot sell this car. If you care to know why I can tell you via PM or email or something.
Now I stand at this point... I have a VERY capable and incredible starting car, the Integra RS. Reliable, strong, cost effective, nimble, and quick. I'm in the process of maturing my thoughts of developing the 1986 Gti as a track-car. Using the Integra as my seat-time car to gain experience, eventually selling it, using the vdub for a dedicated track car. I'm hoping that once it is ready I will be ready for competition school (3/4-years away??) Gaining my comp license and entering the GTS Challenge...maybe with Pete :twisted: with a 1986 Gti VR6 at about 2200 lbs. Is this a realistic plan OG's?
I hope to hear more stories. Motivation and nostalgic thoughts were just crossing my mind.
My story:
Well after my freshman year at Old Dominion I decided to transfer to JMU. I had an overall interest in cars and I wanted to learn more. Working on cars kind of freaked me out - simply because I was afraid of messing something up that would endanger my own life due to my incompetence. New to the area, the school, and these random kids I would be living with I was eager to find out what was the scene for cars. Being the ricer that I was I begun with a Civic ex, progressed to a Civic Si (EM1), and the first things I modified on the car (at a shop) were the exhaust, wheels, and short shifter. I knew nothing of the actual amateur racing scene at this time. I just knew I like to modify my car and I enjoyed driving.
Scotty was my roommate when I transferred to JMU. We ended up becoming awesome friends and he introduced me to Madison Motorsports. After minimal discussion I wanted to see what they were all about. Luckily three people in our apartment were interested enough to join the club (Ryan Wilson, Scotty, and I). I was very curious to find out what really making your car move and handle and gaining experience on the road legally was all about.
I started with a trip to Summit Point Raceway some time in February. It was cold, I was drunk (Scotty and Wilson know this - Scotty drove our drunken asses), and my first corner experience was with Mike Collins and Banana2...? It was the old blue civic sedan. I spent most of the first day hunched over about to throw up, but I quickly turned my attention to the track as I began to watch the cars fly by at Corner Number 1. This was the start....
I then began to auto-x and have done a total of maybe 8..? IÔÇÖm not sure. Cloverleaf, VMP, Stanton, FedEx, and one more place I can't remember. This was a great experience!! I was able to really push my car at slower/safer speeds for a very affordable price. The auto-x's were key in my opinion to starting in the 'scene'. I started when I was 19.
After working several track weekends I decided to use the credit I earned. I decided to put the Si on-track at Summit Point. Working Summit Point enough, talking with many people about being on the track, and getting ride-along's (key way to first experience a track and very fun!!) I thought I was prepared enough to have my first track weekend. The weekend was in September of 2004. Like an addictive drug, the rush of adrenaline after each moment on-track had me yurning for more. I felt like I had so much more to learn about the car, about the physics of driving, and about my limitations and faults as a driver.
The following year I decided to put the recently purchased Integra RS on-track. With the initial intentions of eventually (read: very long-term) putting this thing in HC4 I bought this car, a little influence from RJ :wink:. This was an incredible car (still is). It handled very similarly to the Civic Si I used to drive. After purchasing Maeng's old teg suspension and putting some XP-10 brake pads IÔÇÖm realizing the capability of this car. An incredible car and a great car, but I am in a predicament. I have two cars (read sig). I have a personal obligation towards the '86 vdub. I cannot sell this car. If you care to know why I can tell you via PM or email or something.
Now I stand at this point... I have a VERY capable and incredible starting car, the Integra RS. Reliable, strong, cost effective, nimble, and quick. I'm in the process of maturing my thoughts of developing the 1986 Gti as a track-car. Using the Integra as my seat-time car to gain experience, eventually selling it, using the vdub for a dedicated track car. I'm hoping that once it is ready I will be ready for competition school (3/4-years away??) Gaining my comp license and entering the GTS Challenge...maybe with Pete :twisted: with a 1986 Gti VR6 at about 2200 lbs. Is this a realistic plan OG's?
I hope to hear more stories. Motivation and nostalgic thoughts were just crossing my mind.
'19 Golf R
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Intro
J Ray's Top Ten
Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v