I guess I pushed one to many of his buttons.

My Dad always told me I was hard-headed and liked to argue too much. Not a good combination.

I've never been one to accept what someone tells me. I question everything. Not so much because I don't trust them, but because I want to know why. I want to learn the thought process behind one's opinion. and not necessarily the results.

In doing so, I guess I pushed sam over the edge. He really went off on me ... and I deserved it.

So, Sam Strano ... I apologize. Not for asking questions, but asking the questions in an unprofessional and disrespectful manner.

Trackbird told me once I should be kinder and gentler ... I will, once again, attempt to foster that.

I posted this apology here, because I respect all of you the most. I want no ill will harbored here because of the tension between Sam and myself.

I'm sure Sam has forgiven you.
Both of you have great hearts.
And when passion gets mixed with discussions, it can get boily.
But that's where we learn the most

These forums (here and elsewhere) are populated by people with diverse talents, experiences, interests, goals, and biases. That's what makes this a valuable resource and interesting community.

It's important to recognize that weaknesses in one area do not negate strengths in another, and to "get to know" your fellow community members, and what their strengths are.

For instance, Mitch, I think we would both agree that I have a deeper background in physics and theory than you do. On the other hand, you have a test track in your back yard, and tend to be meticulous about data collection and analysis.

So, I will often press you for more details from your data, and have often found it valuable. I'm not likely to press you too hard for the theory to back it up, but that doesn't make your observations and insights any less valuable or astute (and in fact I've learned a lot from you).

Lonnie has fabrication skills and a creative streak that leads/allows him to "think outside the box" and explore a lot of new ideas.

Mike earns a living by developing new engines and has a background in cam design. As a development engineer myself, I realize he isn't free to discuss all he knows, and that there's usually "something more" behind his hints and words-to-the wise on engine matters.

Jon obviously has a very good grasp on physics, though he sometimes tries too hard to fit the data to the theory (sorry Jon, couldn't resist ).

I've also learned (through past mistakes) the value of keeping a car fun to drive (in other words, moderation), etc.

Sam doesn't have an engineering background, but his experience is very broad, and his accomplishments speak for themselves. I haven't always agreed with his explanations, but generally when I haven't followed his advice I have regretted it later

And so on. Many people here have tried things I haven't tried, or found a different solution, and of course they're all good people that make this a fun place to be.

This year has become and will continue to be the worst in my life, and I'm chock-full of untapped "fight or flight" aggression. I find it helpful to reread every post before clicking "submit" (even though I still won't catch all the typos ), and to remind myself that I come here (and elsewhere) to learn, enjoy the company of others with similiar interests, and now mostly for diversion - not to win or prove anything. That belongs on the track.

And most important, everyone needs to be courteous with each other. We're all here for the same reason, to have fun and go fast. How we achieve that is as different as each person up here and there will always be disagreements as to how to get there. And in this sport, there is no absolute answer, it's a combination of science, art, and voodoo.

Be nice and have fun....

While I appreciate the responses here guys, this thread was a genuine attempt to bury the hatchet between us.

Yes passions can lead me to post things I later wish I hadn't (you ought to see what I backspace over).

But that isn't an excuse ... there is no excuse that could make some of the things I've said and done, specifically to Sam and Stranoparts, OK.

When I find myself in this situation, I seem to fall back to what I learned from my father. He told me once to never burn bridges. I just hope that someday, when Sam and family realize how sincere I am, that the bridge might very well be repaired in some fashion.

Again, I post this here simply because I know how many of you know, deal and ultimately respect Sam. It's important for me to bare my soul here, not to make me feel better, but to come clean in front of those who I respect the most.