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  #1  
Old 03-01-2009
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Pipe dream?

Hey Guys,

A brief introduction from the latest FNG:

I've been a lifelong race fan and have always wanted to participate. One thing and another has gotten in the way, however, and I've never managed to have the time and the money simultaneously. I've spent a lot of both in aviation over the years, flying aerobatics, building homebuilts (1.5 completed so far), instructing in warbirds, etc. Finally, it's time for Skip Barber.

I'm sure that I'll love it and, barring any unpleasant and unforeseen surprises, my question is this: Is there any hope of a guy starting at my age (42) and being able to make a living racing? Not being rich, but simply making a living driving open-wheel cars. Am I just fooling myself that it's possible?

If it's not a complete pipe dream, how should I proceed following the 3-day class? Two-day advanced class, lapping, etc.? Then what? Is it possible to get sponsorship for the race series, or is that all necessarily out of pocket?

Thanks in advance for any guidance and advice... :-)

Regards,
Ken
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Old 03-01-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Well, there's the one about making a small fortune in racing by starting out with a large one.
And the one about the difference between a Skip Barber instructor and a large pepperoni pizza being that the large pepperoni pizza CAN feed a family of four.
That said, the only way to find out is to jump in. It will take a fortuitous combination of skill and finances. You'll find out fast enough via your three-day and two-day advanced schools if you: A. are having fun and B. have the skills and instincts. Of course, you need to add seat time to that mix as well. What SBRS does best is help you develop the first 80-85% of those skills quickly. You bring the last 15-20% to the table. Along the way, you'll develop friendships and connections which can point the rest of the way. The odds aren't great, but a corny friend of mine used to say" Aim for the eagle so you can bag the pheasant and never have to eat crow." Whether you make the big time or not may not matter so much if you find the journey satisfying.
Best of luck. When you're at Lime Rock be sure to say hi. With a last name like yours, I predict greatness.
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Old 03-01-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Substitute 'aviation' for 'racing' in that old saw about fortunes and I can attest to the truth of it. Same with flight instruction. :-)

I hear you loud and clear about a & b and the 20% I'll need to bring with me. That said, I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out. I hope I'll be able to bring some piloting instincts to bear, but we'll see how it goes. I'm not counting on the 'big time', but it would be nice not to have to find another, shall we say, more traditional job.

I'm planning to do the 3-day course at Sebring next month. Stay tuned for more questions, no doubt... :-)

Ken
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Old 03-01-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

you'll have a great time ! Bring piles of cash if you want to get good. It's addicting! You'll never make a living at it, but it is a blast. You started 35 years to late. Few 100k down the road you'll be competitive !!
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Old 03-01-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Well, that's oddly encouraging and depressing at the same time. Hmm...

Ken
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

I think what the others are saying diplomatically is that it is extremely unlikely that you will make an actual living as a professional race car drive in open-wheel race cars (or ALMS or Rolex Grand Am) starting into the sport in your forties. However, there are many options available that will offer highly competitive amateur racing over a wide range of budget capabilities. Odds are highly in favor of it being an expense; best to mitigate it by figuring a way to write it off.
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Originally Posted by dlippert View Post
Odds are highly in favor of it being an expense; best to mitigate it by figuring a way to write it off.
The best advice I have heard. I would add that the only guy guaranteed a seat, is the one who can write a check. Control your own destiny.
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Howdy Ken, welcome aboard.

Pretty much been said by others here, but get into the Skip Barber Racing experience regardless. Tough to find a school where you will get up to speed as quickly, have as much fun, meet as many great people, etc etc. The instructors and staff are the best, great fun.

On the old Skip website there was a logo of sorts, the original text said "you don't need tools, spares or a trailer - just a helmet, gloves and desire". To the point of financing racing, I modified the logo a bit

Good luck at Sebring, you will have a blast
(and no matter what you hear, Skip is the best deal in racing bar none)
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and generous advice.

I'd pretty much concluded on my own that making a living at this was pure fantasy, hence the 'pipe dream' subject line. Alas. :-)

For the moment, I'll try to contain my enthusiasm and just see where the course takes me. I couldn't agree more about controlling one's own destiny. I aim to have as much fun & competition as my checkbook will stand. If I can find a way to augment that somehow, so much the better.

While it's obviously better to start earlier, I find it hard to believe that one's professional options are closed at 'only' 42 years of age. Wow. I'm still young!! :-)

Ken
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
Originally Posted by kbalch View Post
While it's obviously better to start earlier, I find it hard to believe that one's professional options are closed at 'only' 42 years of age. Wow. I'm still young!! :-)
You betchur sweete patootie 42 is still young, sonny. Unfortunately, from my perspective, 60 is still young, so what do I know???
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Danny Sullivan, when he was running the Red Bull Driver search program, commented that he began racing at 21 when he was given a racing school course for a present. He went on to say that today when someone 21 years old comes to him wanting to be a professional race car driver, he advises them to pursue other options; they are already too old.
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Welcome to the group, Ken. One thing we can all guarantee is that you will have a great time and be pushed to learn new things.

In reference to Ken's age comment, I wonder what the median age of the current group Skippy drivers is?? Any comments?

GT
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

sweet looking plane Ken
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Ken,
Welcome to the group!
I too began my Skip Barber journey at a young 42 years old and while finances have limited my participation in a big way, I can wholeheartly vouch for what a amazing journey it can be. This past season (2008 eastern series) I finally managed to scrape enough dough together to do a full season, and at the end, at a young 53 years old managed to find the podium a couple of times!
Like others have said here, its an experience you'll never forget, go for it!
Tom
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Originally Posted by cdh View Post
sweet looking plane Ken
Thanks! I spent 2.5 years building it and another 2.5 years flying it around the country. I sold it a few years back and miss it every day.

Ken
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Old 03-02-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Thanks! I spent 2.5 years building it and another 2.5 years flying it around the country. I sold it a few years back and miss it every day.

Ken
It would make a really nice helmet design. Welcome to the neighborhood. Look forward to seeing you this summer.
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Welcome Ken,

Asking if you have a shot as a pro open-wheel racer before you've done your three-day is like asking if beating Michael Phelps is possible before you've learned to swim. Anything is theoretically possible but let's get you in the pool first and see how you tread water before we put you on the blocks next to Mr. Phelps. :-)

The great thing about racing with Skip is the supportive camaraderie that is experienced at race weekends and other Skip events by both the young and the follicly challenged. Those with great talent and drive are nurtured to reach their full potential just as someone with no expectation of ever standing on a podium. The fundamentals apply to everyone.

Probably better to start with low expectations and be suprised than expect perfection and be disappointed. We've seen overly result oriented middle aged racers squeeze the joy right out of their experience by making gaining a tenth more important than enjoying the journey. They don't usually hang around very long. In fact, those who enjoy the journey the most seem to also make the most forward progress.

Not really worried about you though Ken. If you've built and flown your own aerobatic planes you shouldn't have any problems blending with the Skippy crowd and testing your limits in a race car. It's all chicken soup.

Many long time instructors (and a few drivers) are pilots and/or have serious remote control airplane hobbies. You certainly won't have any problem finding something to chat about.

We'll all look forward to seeing your progress.
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalyduo View Post
Welcome Ken,

Asking if you have a shot as a pro open-wheel racer before you've done your three-day is like asking if beating Michael Phelps is possible before you've learned to swim. Anything is theoretically possible but let's get you in the pool first and see how you tread water before we put you on the blocks next to Mr. Phelps. :-)

The great thing about racing with Skip is the supportive camaraderie that is experienced at race weekends and other Skip events by both the young and the follicly challenged. Those with great talent and drive are nurtured to reach their full potential just as someone with no expectation of ever standing on a podium. The fundamentals apply to everyone.

Probably better to start with low expectations and be suprised than expect perfection and be disappointed. We've seen overly result oriented middle aged racers squeeze the joy right out of their experience by making gaining a tenth more important than enjoying the journey. They don't usually hang around very long. In fact, those who enjoy the journey the most seem to also make the most forward progress.

Not really worried about you though Ken. If you've built and flown your own aerobatic planes you shouldn't have any problems blending with the Skippy crowd and testing your limits in a race car. It's all chicken soup.

Many long time instructors (and a few drivers) are pilots and/or have serious remote control airplane hobbies. You certainly won't have any problem finding something to chat about.

We'll all look forward to seeing your progress.
Great advice throughout this post. Thanks! I'll try to keep my enthusiasm from putting the proverbial cart before the horse. Or is that CART? :-)

As a member in good standing of the Order of the Follicly Challenged, I entirely agree with you about not squeezing the joy out of the experience by being overly results oriented. That said, I resent the 'middle-aged' comment. I can't be in the middle; I haven't done 10% of the stuff I want to. :-)

The only thing I can remember wanting to do longer than auto racing is flying (and air racing). I've been fortunate to have gotten more out of aviation than I ever hoped (though I still want to race a Corsair at Reno), and I'll absolutely try to enjoy the journey for its own sake.

I'll report progress as it happens and I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go forward.

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Wow! this thread really took off, or maybe I was out to lunch. But, I had to reply. I too was a full time racing fan and SUDDENLY, at the age of 42, I attended my three day school.
I too had that idea of making a living in some form of racing. I loved racing and would have loved being a part of it. My Walter Mitty dreams were carefully put to rest by the very supportive instructors. But that didn't curb my enthusiasm for JUST PARTICIPATING. At first I was hoping to be an undiscovered Vintage racing hero; courted by rich owners to drive their priceless race cars at Laguna. NOT!
I soon realized that my racing ambitions were more in line with the social love of driving and other drivers. They are a weird and wonderful gorup. From the instructor, to fellow participants, they all have a story to tell. All you have to do is listen and be carried away by their story. This is 90% of the experience, enjoy it.
As for making a living at 40 in racing, at 40 years young it probably won't happen. But Just ENJOY the experience and learn the craft. Everything you learn at the track can easily be taken to the street and be used to umpress your friends ( and the local constabluary)
I hope to see you at one of my racing weekends. I am a mid pack driver that takes it very seriously in the cockpit, and can't wait to improve. But, as soon as I step out of the car I want to hear about everyone elses experiences
Welcome aboard and have fun with the whole group. Roger Penske is probably not in the pits looking at me as his next driving prospect; but in the car I feel as fast as anyone. "Top of the world Ma!"
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Ken,
You are soooo "In the right place" about all of this. Can't wait to meet you.

I'll happily retract the "middle aged" comment. Most of us habitate in a blissfull state of arrested development when it comes to racing. I don't think there's ever been a day at the track when I haven't been humbled by the challenge of doing it well.

Upon reflection there are probably more youthful offenders who get all bound up about being fast and winning because they (and/or their parents) have pressing visions of a professional racing career. That's particularly true in the National Race Series because it's the first serious ladder rung for young men and woman who want to be pros. The regional series is less pressured but no less hard fought and a great place to learn to race at any age.

I see great potential for smiles in your future Ken. Both given and received.

BTW Jim Pace, Bruce MacInnes and Nick Nicholson are all master racer/instructors who also fly their own planes.

After the racing stops... Rob Slonaker, Mark Hamilton Peters, Jason Holehouse, Keith Watts, Phil Lombardi and a gaggle of other instructors almost always fill the skies around race weekend tracks with the joyful noise and aerobatics of both gas and electric powered model planes.

So Ken, the table's set and we've been waiting for you. Grab your knife and fork and dig in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kbalch View Post
Great advice throughout this post. Thanks! I'll try to keep my enthusiasm from putting the proverbial cart before the horse. Or is that CART? :-)

As a member in good standing of the Order of the Follicly Challenged, I entirely agree with you about not squeezing the joy out of the experience by being overly results oriented. That said, I resent the 'middle-aged' comment. I can't be in the middle; I haven't done 10% of the stuff I want to. :-)

The only thing I can remember wanting to do longer than auto racing is flying (and air racing). I've been fortunate to have gotten more out of aviation than I ever hoped (though I still want to race a Corsair at Reno), and I'll absolutely try to enjoy the journey for its own sake.

I'll report progress as it happens and I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go forward.

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Ken,

Welcome aboard... You've found the right school and the right forum for your entry to road racing... in my much less than humble and very biased opinion! I started where you are (41 and dreaming) about a year and a half ago. I've found that, like Tom and Pat have remarked, the goals of growing personally and having fun far outweigh any specific performance goals. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a burning desire for a podium finish... and to run a full season... and hopefully, ultimately, someday to... you get the point. As for where you land (no flight pun intended), that's entirely up to you. But, be ready for: 1.) Spending more money than a good, solid cocaine habit would cost (a word of advice here - bent cars waste seat time!!!); 2.) Being humbled by teenage girls; 3.) Experiencing more than you can possibly concieve of in terms of sheer joy and excitement; it's a life changer. And, it IS about the journey...

Good luck.

gdr
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

AND - as opposed to buying, trailering and wrenching your own race car, as the old saying goes...

If it floats, flies or f__'s, it is cheaper to rent.

you are undoubtably familiar with this Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
(though I still want to race a Corsair at Reno)
Now thats a plane! I remember seeing one fly at a Confederate Air Force show in Texas years ago. Absolutely beautiful!! The sound, the speed, all impressive.
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Re: Pipe dream?

fantastic pic - posted with permission

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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Now THAT's an avatar photo if there ever was one. Hope that's Ken at the stick!
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Old 03-03-2009
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Talking Re: Pipe dream?

Welcome to the fold! Most fun you can have on 4 wheels - with your clothes on! I started out as a teenage dirt oval pit-rat in the late 1960's, but but waited to age 50 to do the 3-day school. I tell you, you can still be delusional at its completion. It took the 2-Day Advanced to wake me up. Best way to ensure your racing budget is to MARRY your sponsor. If that turns out to be a member of the opposite sex, you hit the jackpot, otherwise, you find out just how bad you really want to race.
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Now THAT's an avatar photo if there ever was one. Hope that's Ken at the stick!
Yep, that's me flying and my wife riding shotgun. This photo flight was her first formation experience. Big fun.

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Now thats a plane! I remember seeing one fly at a Confederate Air Force show in Texas years ago. Absolutely beautiful!! The sound, the speed, all impressive.
There's nothing like it. 2800 ci, 2000 hp, 400+ mph, and gorgeous to boot. What a piece of engineering. My favorite example of mission-specific design. I've sat in one, but the closest I've come to flying anything like it thus far was instructing for awhile in the T-6. Someday!

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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fantastic pic - posted with permission

Lots more where that came from. If there's any interest, I can put a quick gallery together and post the link.

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Originally Posted by cdh View Post
AND - as opposed to buying, trailering and wrenching your own race car, as the old saying goes...

If it floats, flies or f__'s, it is cheaper to rent.

you are undoubtably familiar with this Ken
Yeah, I've lived, um, I mean 'heard', that one before. No truer words...

That said, I sure got lucky (eventually) in the wife lottery. Mine has supported me in all my endeavors. She's my biggest fan and I couldn't do it without her. In case she's reading this... :-)

Ken
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Old 03-03-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalyduo View Post
Ken,
You are soooo "In the right place" about all of this. Can't wait to meet you.

I see great potential for smiles in your future Ken. Both given and received.

BTW Jim Pace, Bruce MacInnes and Nick Nicholson are all master racer/instructors who also fly their own planes.

After the racing stops... Rob Slonaker, Mark Hamilton Peters, Jason Holehouse, Keith Watts, Phil Lombardi and a gaggle of other instructors almost always fill the skies around race weekend tracks with the joyful noise and aerobatics of both gas and electric powered model planes.

So Ken, the table's set and we've been waiting for you. Grab your knife and fork and dig in.
I'm looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the guys, too. Sounds like some great camaraderie to be found here; it reminds me of my old RV crowd. I can't wait to dig in!

Ken
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Welcome Ken,
The previously mentioned Instructor/Pilot Bruce MacInnes is on his second RV.
Used to have a RV4, now has a RV8. We have a series racer from the Seattle area, Tom Roberts, that has an RV as well and if I am not mistaken Eastern and Southern series driver Jim Norman has one.
You're in good company, have fun at the 3Day and see where it goes from there.
Cheers,
Rob
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Bruce and Vicki, Bruce said this was their wedding pic
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdh View Post
Bruce and Vicki, Bruce said this was their wedding pic
Nice looking -4. He's a big guy for one; I'm sure he's happier all around with the -8. I'll be looking forward to meeting him. I can talk about airplanes forever. And cars, motorcycles, guns, cameras, etc. :-)

Ken
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Does Bruce only own 1 hat. Every time I see him he has that same skip barber hat on !
Ron
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  #36  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Does Bruce only own 1 hat. Every time I see him he has that same skip barber hat on !
Ron
Actually, he isn't wearing a hat.
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Trigger pulled. All signed up for Sebring 3/27-29. Had a nice chat with Kelly. I'll be looking forward to meeting her at some point.

Going Faster should arrive tomorrow.

Now to get some appropriate shoes & gloves...

What am I forgetting?

Ken
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  #38  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Quote:
Originally Posted by rslonaker View Post
Welcome Ken,
The previously mentioned Instructor/Pilot Bruce MacInnes is on his second RV.
Used to have a RV4, now has a RV8.
Actually, I believe the new plane is a RV-6A. The side-by-side version of the 4.
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  #39  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Originally Posted by cheekychica View Post
Actually, I believe the new plane is a RV-6A. The side-by-side version of the 4.
He went to the dark side twice over. Side-by-side and nosewheel.

Ken
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Looks at helmets, and if you are going to run the series get a HANS.
Also, always remember to work up to to much entry Speed. (sorry nik-nik). Leave the set of large ones at home for the first few months, it is much cheaper that way.

Ron
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  #41  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Not much... Earplugs are a good idea as the cars are numbingly loud. A package of any good drugstore foam throw away earplugs will work... Just remember to put them in before you put your headsock on.

Enjoy Carls book and get relatively narrow racing shoes that maximize pedal feel and you should be fine. Driving Impressions has some inexpensive gloves that I'm partial to. Driving Impressions Link Delta 1 or 2's are perfectly fine. No padding in the palm but I've never had the blistering issue. I see Delta 3's are on sale with padding so if you can stand the color pattern go for it. Probably can't go wrong with Black unless they all have that white palm that's guaranteed to look like hell after two or three uses.

Once the hook is set you'll want your own helmet, drivers suit and seat insert. There are a few Skippy mechanics who make custom foam seat inserts for about a hundred dollar tip and its the best investment you'll ever make. Anchoring your seat in the car is very important as you progress. Not such a big deal at your 3 day but as you progress it makes a big difference that you can't appreciate until you experience it. The seat insert is, in my book, the most important thing to have after your shoes, gloves and helmet.

I see Ron has mentioned a HANS device and I'll amend my comments to say if you get your own helmet... Definitely get a HANS. Most of us use them now and it's all just smart safety and peace of mind.

Hope for decent weather but a little rain is even better as it gives you a more advanced car control challenge.

The only other thing that might help is a good nights sleep the night before.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kbalch View Post
Trigger pulled. All signed up for Sebring 3/27-29. Had a nice chat with Kelly. I'll be looking forward to meeting her at some point.

Going Faster should arrive tomorrow.

Now to get some appropriate shoes & gloves...

What am I forgetting?

Ken
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  #42  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

OK, that all sounds good.

I'll definitely pick up the earplugs. I've started to research gear and sources from the links in my other thread. I've pretty much narrowed down a list of things to buy (including a Hans - model 30?) prior to my first race weekend. I'll contain myself for now, but will probably start ordering stuff before the 2-day advanced class.

The seat insert sounds great. I know how good a proper seat and harness setup helps from flying aerobatics. There's no substitute for being anchored to the machine.

Is there any reason to spring for the GP-5 over the -5K? I'm a great believer in Arai, so I'll definitely stick with them here.

Sleep? What's that? I'm going to be awake thinking about this for the next three weeks...

Ken

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalyduo View Post
Not much... Earplugs are a good idea as the cars are numbingly loud. A package of any good drugstore foam throw away earplugs will work... Just remember to put them in before you put your headsock on.

Enjoy Carls book and get relatively narrow racing shoes that maximize pedal feel and you should be fine. Driving Impressions has some inexpensive gloves that I'm partial to. Driving Impressions Link Delta 1 or 2's are perfectly fine. No padding in the palm but I've never had the blistering issue. I see Delta 3's are on sale with padding so if you can stand the color pattern go for it. Probably can't go wrong with Black unless they all have that white palm that's guaranteed to look like hell after two or three uses.

Once the hook is set you'll want your own helmet, drivers suit and seat insert. There are a few Skippy mechanics who make custom foam seat inserts for about a hundred dollar tip and its the best investment you'll ever make. Anchoring your seat in the car is very important as you progress. Not such a big deal at your 3 day but as you progress it makes a big difference that you can't appreciate until you experience it. The seat insert is, in my book, the most important thing to have after your shoes, gloves and helmet.

I see Ron has mentioned a HANS device and I'll amend my comments to say if you get your own helmet... Definitely get a HANS. Most of us use them now and it's all just smart safety and peace of mind.

Hope for decent weather but a little rain is even better as it gives you a more advanced car control challenge.

The only other thing that might help is a good nights sleep the night before.
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  #43  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

For more data, here is a suggested reading list - library

Although I must view racing from the sidelines I have every racing book, article,
forum and blog in my data banks and would say these are good selections.

HAL
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Don't do it hungover

that old bottle to throttle thing again
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?



Eight hours, whether I need it or not!

Ken
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  #46  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

I went for the GP-5 because I thought it might be the only helmet I ever wore so I wanted something that would look good on a shelf and was what F1 drivers wore at the time... In retrospect I'd have probably been happier with the 5K because the wider eye opening makes it possible to wear sun glasses if the weather changes suddenly and the field of vision is more sedan friendly if you go that way down the road. They're both great helmets. The 5K is probably the more practical choice and its cheaper.
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

all great advice... I personally could never do a lap at anything more than 5/10ths without a seat though. unless you're way thicker than I am, ( 5'10" and 195lbs) I'd think about the seat ahead of time. I think that makes alot more difference than what kind or even IF you wear gloves.

If you wanted to, you could call the Sebring shop and see if you can set up a time early your first day or the day before and have one poured. Or if the race series parts trailer is there, borrow a similair sized on. It's always done and people always take good care of them in the Skippy family.

besides that. I'd say just don't forget to relax and just soak it all in...

just my 2cents

Roger
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  #48  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

I'm actually considerably less thick at 6' & 160 lbs., so I'll plan to arrange for an insert.

I can't wait!

Ken

Quote:
Originally Posted by rcote View Post
all great advice... I personally could never do a lap at anything more than 5/10ths without a seat though. unless you're way thicker than I am, ( 5'10" and 195lbs) I'd think about the seat ahead of time. I think that makes alot more difference than what kind or even IF you wear gloves.

If you wanted to, you could call the Sebring shop and see if you can set up a time early your first day or the day before and have one poured. Or if the race series parts trailer is there, borrow a similair sized on. It's always done and people always take good care of them in the Skippy family.

besides that. I'd say just don't forget to relax and just soak it all in...

just my 2cents

Roger
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  #49  
Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

Ear plugs.... ya bunch of Sallys.
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Old 03-04-2009
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Re: Pipe dream?

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Ear plugs.... ya bunch of Sallys.
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