Re: Question
Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 2:52 pm
I hate to admit it but my interest in road cars in general is definitely on the wane.
A big part of it is the increasingly hostile public road environment (traffic, idiots, police enforcement). Another big part is just not wanting to drive on the road like my hair is on fire - I take the Westfield out sometimes "enthusiastically", but it's *nothing* like the commitment levels on track - it's not even getting the tyres close to their operating temps. It's mildly entertaining in short bursts, but really there's a big feeling of "what's the point".
Then there's the freedom aspect in terms of what you can and can't do to a roadcar. Even little things like a chip or exhaust can put you into the realm for needing a "friendly" MOT man and all the annual hassle that involves. My younger self would've been ashamed the day the man from the Bosch centre offered me an extra 65bhp and 100ftlb for the Merc for £300 and I decided I just couldn't be arsed with the grief.
I think, increasingly, my automotive future belongs in my workshop, where I can build what I like, and the racetrack, where I can drive whatever I like, however I like. And I'll have a comfy van with a tow bar for everything else.
A big part of it is the increasingly hostile public road environment (traffic, idiots, police enforcement). Another big part is just not wanting to drive on the road like my hair is on fire - I take the Westfield out sometimes "enthusiastically", but it's *nothing* like the commitment levels on track - it's not even getting the tyres close to their operating temps. It's mildly entertaining in short bursts, but really there's a big feeling of "what's the point".
Then there's the freedom aspect in terms of what you can and can't do to a roadcar. Even little things like a chip or exhaust can put you into the realm for needing a "friendly" MOT man and all the annual hassle that involves. My younger self would've been ashamed the day the man from the Bosch centre offered me an extra 65bhp and 100ftlb for the Merc for £300 and I decided I just couldn't be arsed with the grief.
I think, increasingly, my automotive future belongs in my workshop, where I can build what I like, and the racetrack, where I can drive whatever I like, however I like. And I'll have a comfy van with a tow bar for everything else.