[T.O.Dillinder]

I have recently found out after a barage of tests that I have some arteries partially blocked, and I have a rhythmic problem with my heart.
My Doc says no wheel to wheel racing. And for right now no track days. The new prescriptions are blood thinners and may cause problems when participating in a track day type outing even.
The kicker is I am halfway through a build. The firewall has been too modified for converting the car back for street duty.
My wife and I have been discussing what to do. And we just cant seem to find a happy solution.
Your advice would be much appreciated.

This post has been edited by T.O.Dillinder: Aug 31 2008, 08:09 PM

[sgarnett]

I don't know anything about your condition or treatment options, but my wife just had part of a lung removed on Wednesday. Ever since she was diagnosed with advanced (metastatic) breast cancer, I've been expecting my motorsports activity to come crashing to a halt. So far that hasn't happened, but it will someday unless my daughter becomes interested when she's old enough. Meanwhile, it provides some welcome distraction, though I've cut back to mostly local events now.

Knowing that my involvement will decline, I've tried to avoid sliding too far down the slippery slope, and to keep the car in a condition that I can live with (or even detune slightly) to retire it to street driving. Recently, I picked up a C-Stock 99 Miata Sport, and while it's certainly not the track car that my Camaro is, it's a ton o' fun (actually not much over a ton) for daily driving.

Well, you already said your car is too far gone to return it to street duty. Half-built, you're going to have a hard time trading or selling it. So what the heck, keep building it, but keep your investment of time and money to whatever you enjoy doing, knowing that someday you may be selling the roller. Make it less about the destination and more about the journey. Who knows, someday you may find yourself with a car that's ready to run, and a ticker that's stable. Meanwhile, you might want to consider picking up something used that's fun to drive NOW, as-is, whatever that may be for you. Personally, I find a drive through the country (or even just home from work) with the top down to be very restorative.

You might also find it helpful to just shut the garage door for a month or so or six. You don't have to make any decisions today, at least regarding your car.

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Sep 1 2008, 05:05 AM

[mitchntx]

My Doc says no wheel to wheel racing. And for right now no track days. The new prescriptions are blood thinners and may cause problems when participating in a track day type outing even.

The biggest worry at this point is the rythmic problem. My heart will skip beats especially hot and overstressed.

my exercise program to start we are looking at swimming laps. It is cool, and easy on the knees.

I hilighted those 3 sections because my family doc was reluctant to sign my license waiver because of the "dangers associated with racing". (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
I politely asked him if he preferred I sit on the couch and WATCH racing while eating chips and drinking beer. I think he understood at that point.

I am NOT suggesting you NOT follow your doctor's advice. But it's Wisconsin for crying out loud. It's "hot" 12.5 hours a year in Wisconsin. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool2.gif)

I think that sometimes doctors don't fully see the big picture. I doubt he would have curtailed your golf or tennis habit. But racing/ track days are too "whatever". (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Educate the man and continue stress relief with your car build.

my wife just had part of a lung removed on Wednesday.

I've wondered how she was doing, but didn't know how to ask.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.