Miata Mailing List: June 1998, Message #151

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>
>I know you'll have a lot of fun either way, Brian, but don't expect your 
>plan to result in faster lap times, past an immediate small improvement. 

I absolutely expect to see at least two seconds of improvement on racing
tires which would place me VERY close to the Neons and the faster cars in
the group (which, BTW were running on racing tires). I agree that driver is
important but that's not the question I've asked nor the advice I'm seeking
(why bother, I'd rather receive training closer to the track) I'm after
advice for exhaust and tires to improve my car not me. As for fun, I was
*not* enjoying blistering my SP8ks (and slowing down was equally lame for
80% of the course just to do well on the most important 20% of it).. 

I find this really amusing that people who've autox'd before assume that
someone who hasn't is an absolute moron when it comes to car control,
racing lines, mods, importance of driver's skill e.t.c. (or near-common
sense). I expect to learn alot and really do recognize I have alot to learn
(which is why I'm doing this). Just realize a few things: 1) email-based
driving schools really are a recipe for failure 2) understanding the
original question is more important than the emotional response the
remaining portion of the message generates..

As far as the car goodies, I know what will work for me and I'll cease to
post questions of this sort until I have signifigant "achievements" to
remove myself from the newbie-moron status.. 

I know you folks are trying to help and some have trouble removing the "I'm
better than you" hat. I appreciate the gesture though, honest. I'm sure my
posting sounded *bad* enough to elicit these
newbie-needs-dire-help-before-he-blows-lotsa-money responses. I tend to get
lazy in figuring out the appropriate way to convey my thoughts / situation
as I type enough already. I'm also quite touchy to something that hints of
elitism.. I don't mean to take this stuff the wrong way, but heck, I'm
thin-skinned and enjoying every minute of it.. :)

It's also reminicent to Mom saying, "Drive carefully.." I know she has only
good intentions but how else would you drive?? Duh.. :p  Oh well, another
lesson learned.. :) 

Wish I didn't take those replys that way.. 

-Brian 
'95R

Brian Porter
'95R / '90 ITA Project Mule
Arlington, MA