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03-12-2013, 07:28 PM | #1 |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,266
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24 Hours of Lemons
http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/loudon13.aspx
A co-worker of mine, who MANY years ago raced bikes professionally, has been part of a lemons team for a couple of years. We've talked about starting our own team at work, but that will take some time. In the meantime, one of his team members is out for the upcoming May weekend and he asked me to join in. I'm thinking yes. They have a crappy VW cabrio, stick-shift. That's all I know. Anyhow, I need to get gear. A suit, gloves, boots, and an SA 2005 or better helmet. My wife insists I get the Stig helmet. I'd love to (if only because it would make for a great Halloween costume), but as a newbie at the track, I don't want to come across as the pizza/french fries guy with $3,000 worth of ski gear. Of course, the ~$600 price is nowhere near as expensive as they can get, but it appears that spending $400 on a helmet does the trick. Thoughts? Too cheesy, or what the hell, go for it? It's just a plain white helmet anyway. Either way, it seems like it will be fun. You get an awful lot of track time for very short money. |
03-12-2013, 07:32 PM | #2 |
Old Fart
Join Date: Oct 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: T4R,GTI
Location: San Diego
Posts: 8,565
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I would be all over it if I had the same opportunity, do it.
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03-12-2013, 07:35 PM | #3 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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I suspect that if you do this one, it will not be your last--go ahead and do it, and spring for the helmet you want.
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03-12-2013, 07:35 PM | #4 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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Also, sell me the Turbo for $500 and let's go racing!
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03-12-2013, 07:41 PM | #5 |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,266
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I've already told him that I would have no problem volunteering my yet-to-be-built garage with a lift as the team garage (I happen to live less than 4 miles from work), and I do think we can get the necessary people. So yes, I expect to do this a few more times if not a lot. |
03-12-2013, 09:20 PM | #6 |
•••••••
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M
Location: Churzee
Posts: 17,741
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Definitely do it. So what it some people think you're a douche. All that much sweeter when you place well.
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2011 1M |
03-12-2013, 09:48 PM | #7 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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I should say that the most important thing is making sure it fits well.
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03-13-2013, 08:16 AM | #8 | |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,266
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Quote:
It seems the Stig's suit is a karting suit that doesn't get fire rated the same way as the automotive ones, so I can't get that anyway. Too bad too, because his suit is ~$300 but the automotive ones from the same brand (alpinestars) are ~$1000+ . Time to look at other brands. But if that is the running cost everywhere, so be it. I'm not F'n around with safety. |
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03-13-2013, 09:06 AM | #9 | |
lawn boy
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14,029
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Quote:
http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/home And to what JV said, I agree, there is no way I'd get in a car on track without a HANS. I don't know about that stig helmet, looks like it has an awfully small eye port. I prefer a larger opening for visibility. |
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03-13-2013, 09:27 AM | #10 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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I assume your "Bitch Basket" race car has a real racing seat and harness, as I think that's one of the things you can spend money on without it counting against you. I agree with JV and Bren--a HANS is important. The true HANS can only be used with a five-point belt, since it sits underneath the shoulder straps. There are versions that use a harness that essentially straps to you independently, but presumably you won't need that.
OTOH, if you decide to start doing DEs, you won't be able to use your HANS without getting a harness bar and a harness for the Porsche (or Mini, or whatever you decide to use). |
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