What Sparked Your Interest in Road Racing? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

WARNING THIS MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF A READ.

My Grandfather use to race with the Thunder Valley Motorcycle Club in the 40's and 50's. The formats were primarily oval, hill climb, and trail.
My Father in the 60's drag raced at Union Grove (WI) and Byron (IL), and in the 70's he raced short track at Rockford (IL) Speedway. However My father would always make the yearly trip for the June Sprints at Road America.
Myself, I did karts in the 80's, AMA Motorcycles (Road Racing) and AutoX in the early 90's. Even earned a Comp Liscence that I ended up not using.
There is a whole list of people that have helped in some form or another along the way. I would have to say the biggeset and closest names that have been Dave Watson, Ray Irwin, and Gerre Payvis. As mentioned there have been others that have given support such as John Eberhardt, Bob Denton, Steve Butzen, Rick and Jill Peters, and Phil Daus.
I just wanted to thank these people for their assistance, advice, and friendship.
what I love about road racing is economics, seat time, and the variety of makes and models that are involved.
Economics:
If you were to fiqure what it cost for every minute you are in the seat, road racing comes out being cheaper than circle track and drag racing combined.
Seat time:
20 to 30 minute practice session, 20 to 30 minute qualifing session, and a 30 minute race each Friday and Saturday.
Your HPDE has 20 to 30 minute sessions, and that is usually three sesions per day for each group.
road racing provides tons of seat time.
Different makes and models:
No matter what kind of racing you do, we all have one common factor. They love of the automobile.
A road racing event is like a car show with the added benefit to see those cars perform.
Sorry for the length, but now you know a little about me.
So, what got you hooked?

This post has been edited by T.O.Dillinder: Nov 18 2007, 04:47 PM

T.O.Dillinder View Member Profile	Nov 18 2007, 04:42 PM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 119 Joined: 22-April 06 From: Beloit, Wisconsin Member No.: 1,167	WARNING THIS MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF A READ. My Grandfather use to race with the Thunder Valley Motorcycle Club in the 40's and 50's. The formats were primarily oval, hill climb, and trail. My Father in the 60's drag raced at Union Grove (WI) and Byron (IL), and in the 70's he raced short track at Rockford (IL) Speedway. However My father would always make the yearly trip for the June Sprints at Road America. Myself, I did karts in the 80's, AMA Motorcycles (Road Racing) and AutoX in the early 90's. Even earned a Comp Liscence that I ended up not using. There is a whole list of people that have helped in some form or another along the way. I would have to say the biggeset and closest names that have been Dave Watson, Ray Irwin, and Gerre Payvis. As mentioned there have been others that have given support such as John Eberhardt, Bob Denton, Steve Butzen, Rick and Jill Peters, and Phil Daus. I just wanted to thank these people for their assistance, advice, and friendship. what I love about road racing is economics, seat time, and the variety of makes and models that are involved. Economics: If you were to fiqure what it cost for every minute you are in the seat, road racing comes out being cheaper than circle track and drag racing combined. Seat time: 20 to 30 minute practice session, 20 to 30 minute qualifing session, and a 30 minute race each Friday and Saturday. Your HPDE has 20 to 30 minute sessions, and that is usually three sesions per day for each group. road racing provides tons of seat time. Different makes and models: No matter what kind of racing you do, we all have one common factor. They love of the automobile. A road racing event is like a car show with the added benefit to see those cars perform. Sorry for the length, but now you know a little about me. So, what got you hooked? This post has been edited by T.O.Dillinder: Nov 18 2007, 04:47 PM

wolfgang View Member Profile	Dec 6 2007, 01:24 AM Post #2
newbie Group: Members Posts: 5 Joined: 17-November 07 From: Buford, Ga. Member No.: 2,007	My interest started while in high school in Germany (61-65) My first car magazine was the July 62 issue of Sports Car Grapic. Cover was Phil Hill in Ferrari TR at Sebring 12 hr. Road racing was the only type of events in Europe except for Rallys. Went to the REAL Nurburgring in Aug 64 for the German Grand Prix won by John Surtees in a Ferrari. Still can only afford 1/18 scale models of Ferrari's. Started AX mid 70s then got a Lotus 61 Formula ford in 78 & 79. ran in the SE regional events. Wrecked car at Roebling Rd in 79 _ long story. Then havent raced until 2003 when I started DEs in my 2000 SS. Am trying to get back into real racing in the next couple of years - funds willing. Of course I've attended years & years of spectator events in the SE. Went to my first 24 hrs of Daytona in 1967. Won by a Ferrari - What else did you expect???? hahahahaha