[Pete C]

Dave Cranky,

I am grappling with the same problem/choices. I got a Cobra, cuz I always wanted one based on legend, looks, novelty, that spit in your eye stance! I never thought I’d race it or anything else but parade laps shortly after I bought it hooked me! I gotta try this! The high torque, short wheelbase combo make the Cobra a real challenge to drive on the one hand but teach you finesse and demand that you find the right line. So, possibly more than a purpose built car, a Cobra teaches you how to drive it by providing immediate feedback when you do something wrong. An experienced mistress!

Because of the raw power catching cars on the straights doesn’t give me a great feeling of accomplishment but admittedly blasting past em under full throttle is an undeniable rush! More rewarding is the satisfaction of catching cars in the corners. Especially those that are purpose built or the late model Stangs and Vette’s with a 40 year advantage in technology. What a rush!

On the other hand, I know that the Cobra isn’t the wise choice. It first occurred to me on the high banks at the California motor speedway in Fontana at SAAC 27. Near the wall, on the tire debris, collected sand etc the cars can get a bit squirrelly and the wall looks pretty imposing at 140+ MPH.

So I’ve begun to seriously look at track cars, early mustangs with a full roll cage. A small block stroker motor etc. I know that I’ll be faster, safer, less invested. The question remains: Will it be as much fun, provide the same rush, sense of accomplishment or will the romance disappear?

Conflicted, Pete C