03-07-2003, 06:43 PM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Uranus,
cal
Cobra Make, Engine: NAF replica, 351W, about 420 HP
Posts: 3,046
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Not Ranked
Open Track at Streets of Willow Springs
The alarm on the clock radio went off at 5:30 AM, and I roused myself out of bed. The dogs heard the alarm as well, and they were up and "chomping at the leash", 'cos they knew a walk is the first thing on the agenda every day, and they were right. It is just getting light at 5:40 when we hit the streets, with the temperature in the high 40's. After a quick mile walk with the dogs we returned home and cooked a quick bowl of oatmeal, which I consumed as I read the comics in the newspapers. Gotta start the day off right! Hit the road in the Cobra at 6:45, on the way to Willow Springs Racetrack, about an hour north of my house in Sunland (on the northern edge of L.A.) It's a bit chilly on the freeway, but the heater was going full blast, and gloves kept the fingers comfy. Got to Willow just after 8 AM. Only eight cars for the day. A quick once-over with the rules of the track, two leisurely pace laps to get a feel for the track, then away we go! By now, the temperature is in the low 60's, with nary a trace of wind. Then reality sets in: Streets of Willow is a tight, 2nd and 3rd gear track, about a mile in circumference. After about 10 laps, I am close to being lapped by the Honda s2000s and Toyota MR2s. They cant catch me on the 400-yd straight, but they eat me up on the twisties! After a couple of laps with me leading thru the straight, (and watching them disappear in the mirror!) but getting caught in the curves, I call it a day! I ride shotgun in the MR2 for a few laps, and, boy, a properly set-up and -powered car is just a HOOT to be in! I wish the track was a two mile oval, then the Cobra could really stretch its fangs! It was a great day to be out and about, and to get some actual track time, I could not have asked for more! Speed is an addiction, I tell ya!!!
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Edley, The Cobra Rogue!
"If you think that you can cut it, if you think you got the time, you'll only get just one chance, better get it right first time. 'Cause in this game you're playing, if you lose you got to pay, and if you make just one wrong move, you'll get BLOWN AWAY. Expect no mercy.
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