It normally takes 2 to 3 years before the nut behind the wheel is tightened enough to begin to extract much of the car's potential. I raced with NASA's PS3 (similar to IT
with VW Jetta, Datsun 510 (2nd gen), Nissan 200SX, and a couple of Capri's in 1998 through 2000. It took many years before I learned enough about suspension setup and tuning in addition to car handling so I could go faster. I've always been a fan of underdogs, and my current goal is to win a championship while racing a non-"YUPPIE" overdog.
1st gen VW Jetta - my starter car but it was so slow that I quickly was able to keep the gas floored around the track. The car needed development, but I just didn't feel passionate about the car to work on it. It was bulletproof and reliable, a good starter car.
80 Datsun 510 - this car was fast but had some issues with the rear suspension. I finally figured out that the rear bushings were binding which caused the car to inadvertantly oversteer and cause me to spin out. I replace the bearings (spherical) and the car was a dream to drive. I was still learning how to drive a rear drive car when I spun out and rolled it 3 times- May it rest in peace. Wonderful car.
72 Capri - I built it and wrecked it the first race. I was accidently punted on a fast straight and I went into a wall. RIP
80 Nissan 200SX - A friend and I built it as an Enduro racer. The suspension from the 510 bolted right on and the car handled like a dream once we got enough front camber. It felt like a go - cart and the car got quite fast with my friend and I driving it.
Current 71 Capri - I'm still developing it, and it is currently a wee bit faster than the 200SX. The car is more difficult to drive fast, but I'm confident that I and this car can beat the Yuppie cars.
83 GTI - I raced 2001-2002 in the NASA GTI Cup class and I was finally able to drive the GTI to nearly 100% of it's capability at our local tracks. It's a tremendous joy to master a particular track with a particular car, knowing that you are nearly at 100%, hitting the apexes right, braking right, and able to go around the track setting a track record.
2003 - 71 Capri. I've learned a lot the last 2 years racing in the slower GTI Cup class so I'm optimistic about extracting more performance from the Capri and myself. I hope to learn to drive the Capri to it's limits just like I drove the GTI last year, then I should have a lot of fun this year and maybe set a track record or two. I'll do my best to seek perfection, and therein lies my joy. However, I do expect to give those Beemers and Volvos a strong run so they better be at 100% if they want to keep up and perhaps beat me!
71 ITB Capri