This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (now say that five times, fast). Having been to this event on several occasions, I found myself spending more time seeking out stuff I didn’t recognize.
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Quick Spin – ’70 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1.6 Biscione
One tries not to fall into stereotype. To not spin about the lamp post, “Bellissima!” ringing from your lungs. One tries to avoid gesticulating unnecessarily, working your shoulders in such a way that prompts others to ask if you need to stretch. One tries not laugh in the same way that leads you to cry from the joy of the moment. Or to not fill one’s lungs only to sigh the blissful exhalation of overflowing contentment.
One tries.
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A View to a Car – ’16 Ford Mustang GT350
Growing up I never had brand allegiances. My taste in cars changed with the season, and without any justification beyond the automotive ADD that follows my ownership habits to this day.
A History of Vehicles – ’92 Mazda Miata
Back to basics.
At least, that was the idea. After being so put off by the idea of having to strip my last Miata down just to rebuild it into what I wanted, I decided it was time to try something a little different. This would be my fourth NA Miata, but my first example powered by the 1.6L B6ZE.
Quick Spin – Porsche Cayman GT4
It sounds so fantastical, it may as well have been a day dream.
A History of Vehicles – ’97 Mazda Miata
Somehow we’re at Car 11 and I’ve yet to offer any advice. Of course, that we’re only at Car 11 with no end in sight means I should be asking for it rather than doling it out. But the following advice would have prevented a couple of gaffes for me and may safeguard your sanity, pocketbook, or marriage in the future: Never Buy a Modified Car.
Engagement Point
The aural pleasure of a pinned throttle ebbs as you look through the next turn. Just past the hero point you prod the brakes, bringing weight onto the nose and shifting grip for that rotation drivers live for. Deftly, your foot rolls to blip the throttle while the other simultaneously disengages the driveline from the motor. One hand leaves the wheel, pulling the gear lever from third to second as tho…
*CRUNCH*
Dammit.
You rushed it into gear. What, you don’t like your synchros? Cause they sure don’t like you right now. It’s ok. Slow it down, take a breath, and we’ll try again in the next corner…
A View to a Car – Mark Higgins @ 2016 Isle of Man TT
If you’re reading this blog at all, you’re probably into cars. Which means you’ll likely have played and remember racing games like Need For Speed: Underground or the early renditions of the Burnout series.
Enough Suspension of Disbelief allowed you to enjoy the ridiculousness of blur motion graphics, and the seeming ease of holding a triple-digit-speed drift through a city block. For some though, such fantasy isn’t necessary.
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Honorable Mention – Porsche 930 Turbo
Do you remember the first car you recognized as a car?
A History of Vehicles – ’89 BMW 325i
Finally, my fourth E30 but now my first 325i. Up until this point my E30s had been of the high-torque but low-revving “e” or “eta” version. Another late-night Craigslist session brought me upon this car. It was posted locally, had a ton of miles, and a couple choice modifications.
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