[Donno]

So the subject.... why does watching 43 cars turning left 'do it' for so many people, yet others think we are insane...? Where is the thrill watching a ball (golf/baseball/football) fly across a stretch of grass...? The thrill of NASCAR for me is the thrill 'of the chase'.... man in metal machines at suicide speeds relying on breaks on tires to keep them on the track, and an engine to keep them in front. Could you drive around at 128mph a half mile track...? Wow!!! Ive driven a single seater formula Ford at Silverstone in the UK. Nuthin like that speed rush, and feeling your body crushed on entry into a corner. These drivers have 'balls'! How they do that bump and draft thing week in week out without loosing their nerve as they spin out into the wall.

Is it a sport...? yes: man in machine against man in machine.... somehow the fans have a 'connection' to this that supersedes the relationship between fans of other sports.

More power to the drivers 'elbows'... ok, yeah, money helps, but when the race is on, its ON!!!!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Donno

So the subject.... why does watching 43 cars turning left 'do it' for so many people, yet others think we are insane...? Where is the thrill watching a ball (golf/baseball/football) fly across a stretch of grass...? The thrill of NASCAR for me is the thrill 'of the chase'.... man in metal machines at suicide speeds relying on breaks on tires to keep them on the track, and an engine to keep them in front. Could you drive around at 128mph a half mile track...? Wow!!! Ive driven a single seater formula Ford at Silverstone in the UK. Nuthin like that speed rush, and feeling your body crushed on entry into a corner. These drivers have 'balls'! How they do that bump and draft thing week in week out without loosing their nerve as they spin out into the wall.

Is it a sport...? yes: man in machine against man in machine.... somehow the fans have a 'connection' to this that supersedes the relationship between fans of other sports.

More power to the drivers 'elbows'... ok, yeah, money helps, but when the race is on, its ON!!!!

Good post, Donno. Each of us have our own reasons for liking auto racing, of any stripe. I'd venture to guess that if you asked 25 fans why they followed racing, and if you could get an in-depth answer, you'd get probably 20 different reasons, each one being valid on its own merits.

Speaking of Silverstone, that was the sight of one of the most intriguing races I ever witnessed. Back in 1985 I attended a semi-tractor race there. I don't remember the particulars of the race but I recall that a Mercedes cab-over won. Amazing, watching vehicles of that size and weight racing around a tight road course like Silverstone.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Good post, Donno. Each of us have our own reasons for liking auto racing, of any stripe. I'd venture to guess that if you asked 25 fans why they followed racing, and if you could get an in-depth answer, you'd get probably 20 different reasons, each one being valid on its own merits.

Speaking of Silverstone, that was the sight of one of the most intriguing races I ever witnessed. Back in 1985 I attended a semi-tractor race there. I don't remember the particulars of the race but I recall that a Mercedes cab-over won. Amazing, watching vehicles of that size and weight racing around a tight road course like Silverstone.

That reminds me of a race many, many years ago ... probably on ABC's Wide World of Sports. Old # 98 ran with several other tractors and won. It amazed me at the time because I was thinking that this was their livelihood and they were out on a track running these beasts. I'd love to see that again. Even if it were the races from way back when it would be great to see.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

That reminds me of a race many, many years ago ... probably on ABC's Wide World of Sports. Old # 98 ran with several other tractors and won. It amazed me at the time because I was thinking that this was their livelihood and they were out on a track running these beasts. I'd love to see that again. Even if it were the races from way back when it would be great to see.

They actually had a Semi Series for a few races. I believe it was sponsored by Stoops Freightliner, but don't quote me on that.

Shawna Robinson, who ran BGN for a year or so, then tried to make it in Cup, came out of that Series. I think the race you saw might have been the one they ran at Talladega back in either the late 80's or very early 90's. That race had a shot they used from time to time in ABC's WWoS promos; a tractor having both drive axles knocked off and it was shown sliding down the enbankment.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

They actually had a Semi Series for a few races. I believe it was sponsored by Stoops Freightliner, but don't quote me on that.

Shawna Robinson, who ran BGN for a year or so, then tried to make it in Cup, came out of that Series. I think the race you saw might have been the one they ran at Talladega back in either the late 80's or very early 90's. That race had a shot they used from time to time in ABC's WWoS promos; a tractor having both drive axles knocked off and it was shown sliding down the enbankment.

Yup, Yup ... I think that may have been the one. I would have guessed that it may have been as early as the 70's but not really sure.

[SpaceCadet]

What a great question, Donno. My love of the sport has come about because my dad was a racer way back in the '50's. I never saw him race because he quit when I was born (major guilt trip). But I sure loved going to the races every Labor Day at the fairgrounds, setting on top of the car in the infield because we didn't have the money for the grandstands. I can still remember my heart pounding inside my chest when those old stock cars came around that forth turn for the start. My whole 10 years or so of life was focused on that moment and I thought I would die of anticipation before they got to the green. It was better than Christmas. Listening to my Dad's stories, looking at the old photos of the #99, geez, I could freakin' cry. The fact that I am extremely competitive also comes into play here. Not to mention, from a female perspective, race car driver's are just plain HOT!

My ultimate fantasy - yes, indeed, someday I will pilot a very fast car around a very fast track. If it kills me, I will find a way to live out that dream. Might have to pay a lot of money to do it, but I will succeed someday!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

What a great question, Donno. My love of the sport has come about because my dad was a racer way back in the '50's. I never saw him race because he quit when I was born (major guilt trip). But I sure loved going to the races every Labor Day at the fairgrounds, setting on top of the car in the infield because we didn't have the money for the grandstands. I can still remember my heart pounding inside my chest when those old stock cars came around that forth turn for the start. My whole 10 years or so of life was focused on that moment and I thought I would die of anticipation before they got to the green. It was better than Christmas. Listening to my Dad's stories, looking at the old photos of the #99, geez, I could freakin' cry. The fact that I am extremely competitive also comes into play here. Not to mention, from a female perspective, race car driver's are just plain HOT!

My ultimate fantasy - yes, indeed, someday I will pilot a very fast car around a very fast track. If it kills me, I will find a way to live out that dream. Might have to pay a lot of money to do it, but I will succeed someday!

Of course it's all relative but driving a race car is not all that expensive if it is really something you want to do. I don't have prices right off the top but a friend of mine did one of those driving school day long events for what I believe was under $300. Again I note that the amount is relative to what you consider it to be worth. Some are willing to spend that much for the enjoyment and thrill and others see it as far to much to go fast & turn left. Not sure what the closest NASCAR track is to you but check it out anyway. There are some good rates out there if you really want to do it.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

What a great question, Donno. My love of the sport has come about because my dad was a racer way back in the '50's. I never saw him race because he quit when I was born (major guilt trip). But I sure loved going to the races every Labor Day at the fairgrounds, setting on top of the car in the infield because we didn't have the money for the grandstands. I can still remember my heart pounding inside my chest when those old stock cars came around that forth turn for the start. My whole 10 years or so of life was focused on that moment and I thought I would die of anticipation before they got to the green. It was better than Christmas. Listening to my Dad's stories, looking at the old photos of the #99, geez, I could freakin' cry. The fact that I am extremely competitive also comes into play here. Not to mention, from a female perspective, race car driver's are just plain HOT!

My ultimate fantasy - yes, indeed, someday I will pilot a very fast car around a very fast track. If it kills me, I will find a way to live out that dream. Might have to pay a lot of money to do it, but I will succeed someday!

skipbarber.com

Skip has a one day school at Lime Rock but it looks pretty pricey...$1495

adventure racing.com

Dale Jarrett's deal.. Only at Talladega but it's reasonable, less than $400 for a one day, six lap deal

1-800-BEPETTY

Don't know the price but brother-in-law has done it at Michigan, Talladega and Kentucky (I think). He said it was worth the money.

Buddy Baker also has a one day deal and myabove-mentioned brother-in-law did it and said it was a total rip off.

As for me, I tried late models back in the '60's and it didn't take long to realize that I was a MUCH better wrench turner and fan than I was a driver.

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

What a great question, Donno. My love of the sport has come about because my dad was a racer way back in the '50's. I never saw him race because he quit when I was born (major guilt trip). But I sure loved going to the races every Labor Day at the fairgrounds, setting on top of the car in the infield because we didn't have the money for the grandstands. I can still remember my heart pounding inside my chest when those old stock cars came around that forth turn for the start. My whole 10 years or so of life was focused on that moment and I thought I would die of anticipation before they got to the green. It was better than Christmas. Listening to my Dad's stories, looking at the old photos of the #99, geez, I could freakin' cry. The fact that I am extremely competitive also comes into play here. Not to mention, from a female perspective, race car driver's are just plain HOT!

My ultimate fantasy - yes, indeed, someday I will pilot a very fast car around a very fast track. If it kills me, I will find a way to live out that dream. Might have to pay a lot of money to do it, but I will succeed someday!

Considering your "locale" of Oswego, look in to Pocono (Drive Pocono), New Hampshire (Richard Petty Driving Experience), Dover (Drive the Monster). There are offerings for under $125. Pocono , in addition to driving the big track, has road course packages in Formula style cars, as well as karts. Fun stuff all and not too far from home base.

[LSC9901]

I'll be seeing a friend tomorrow who has done Loudon. I'll get the price and who put the event on. I know NH is a ways away but .... for the right $$$ it might be worth the drive.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Donno

So the subject.... why does watching 43 cars turning left 'do it' for so many people, yet others think we are insane...? Where is the thrill watching a ball (golf/baseball/football) fly across a stretch of grass...? The thrill of NASCAR for me is the thrill 'of the chase'.... man in metal machines at suicide speeds relying on breaks on tires to keep them on the track, and an engine to keep them in front. Could you drive around at 128mph a half mile track...? Wow!!! Ive driven a single seater formula Ford at Silverstone in the UK. Nuthin like that speed rush, and feeling your body crushed on entry into a corner. These drivers have 'balls'! How they do that bump and draft thing week in week out without loosing their nerve as they spin out into the wall.

Is it a sport...? yes: man in machine against man in machine.... somehow the fans have a 'connection' to this that supersedes the relationship between fans of other sports.

More power to the drivers 'elbows'... ok, yeah, money helps, but when the race is on, its ON!!!!

Kinda like track and field without the guys gasping for air in the middle of a mile run huh?...so why doesn't track have the same appeal?...

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Kinda like track and field without the guys gasping for air in the middle of a mile run huh?...so why doesn't track have the same appeal?...

When was the last time you saw a T & F guy doing a barrel roll down the back stretch at over 125 MPH's ???

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

My ultimate fantasy - yes, indeed, someday I will pilot a very fast car around a very fast track. If it kills me, I will find a way to live out that dream. Might have to pay a lot of money to do it, but I will succeed someday!

I just did some searching and the Richard Petty Driving school offers an all day (basically) school with 8 or 10 hot laps for about $400.00. If you check into their website I'm sure you can find what best suits you and where the easiest place to go is.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

When was the last time you saw a T & F guy doing a barrel roll down the back stretch at over 125 MPH's ???

Well, I have seen them fall in the steeplechase Water Hazard, does that count?...

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Well, I have seen them fall in the steeplechase Water Hazard, does that count?...

If it got your adrenaline running ... then it was good.