Video: Incredible rain driving

David Kirkham · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:51 AM

Gents,

I thought I was a good driver...

Then I rode with a professional driver and I realized I suck.

Then I saw this video and realized why Hemmingway said, “There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”

http://vimeo.com/325662

David

David Kirkham · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:55 AM

After a through searching of the internet, I found F1's National Anthem.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=g23GiivXC78

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:59 AM

So much for giving the other driver room.

nikbj68 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

So much for giving the other driver room.

What`s wrong with that? they weren`t actually in the VIP seating area?!
Really, we need more of that sort of attitude in F1. tough but 'sporting', both drivers later said that it was fun, rather than b1tching about 'the other guy'.

I vote that all Grand Prix circuits be fitted with sprinklers & cars have 8"F & 10"R tyres!

HI Cobra · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 11:15 AM

Now that was some driving - the song do fit!

Jamo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 12:16 PM

sonofa.....!

Madmiles442 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 12:40 PM

Just like in the video game!!

Silverback51 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikbj68

What`s wrong with that? they weren`t actually in the VIP seating area?!
Really, we need more of that sort of attitude in F1. tough but 'sporting', both drivers later said that it was fun, rather than b1tching about 'the other guy'.

I vote that all Grand Prix circuits be fitted with sprinklers & cars have 8"F & 10"R tyres!

Didn't say there was anything wrong with it.

It definently takes a big set to play that game with open wheel cars.

David Kirkham · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:25 PM

This video reminds me of my first day ever driving on the freeway--in Washington DC no less. I remember being in the slow lane and the freeway was PACKED bumper to bumper. Next thing I knew, there was a steady stream of cars coming up the on-ramp. (Must have just been let loose from a red light). There was NO WHERE for me to go so I just kept driving in my lane. I figured they HAD to yield...RIGHT???

WRONG!

That line of cars didn't slow down one bit, they just merged. I'll never know how I didn't wreck. But, I did learn how to drive!

That driving reminds me of Peru. There are precious few rules and one rule above all must be obeyed--the first guy to hit the horn has the right-of-way--no joke. Pedestrians have NO right of way, btw.

David

Jamo · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:33 PM

Reminded me of a drive Jeff, Mark, Master(bator) and I were on coming back from Mt. Rose to the south shore of Tahoe a few Snakes to the Lakes ago. Cold driving rain in the late afternoon.

Mark pushed on ahead on street drag radials (don't ask).

Jeff and I have always held to the belief that we didn't need no stinking windshield wipers (or top for that matter). Every time we came around a corner and were headed west, the rain covered windshield would turn opaque. We used our senses of touch and ears...if we felt gravel, we knew we were too far to the right; if we heard horns, we knew we were too far to the left.

Master had wipers, and followed us. Told us we were driving weird...we hated him.

imagine2frolic · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:33 PM

Nerves of STEEL!

pmfranke · #12 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:34 PM

ahh , anybody can drive 700hp cars in the rain at over 120mph while bumping 12 inch wide tires,with no wipers, but on grass too. maybe not!

Durt · #13 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 01:58 PM

When Bob Bondurant was selling Superformances in Phoenix, part of the sales pitch was having Bob take you for a couple of hot laps around Firebird.
Humbling doesn't come close to describing it. It was an out-of-body experience that was so amazing I truly felt like I was in the presence of pure genius. He was as relaxed and confident as if he was driving to the 7-11 for a six pack.
He steered almost exclusively with the accelerator, drifted like Astaire danced and cleaved the apexes like we were on a straight line.
One of the ultimate thrills of my life, but it was a bit embarrassing to have to fly back to LA with a load in my pants.

rbray · #14 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 02:56 PM

I was amazed to see the guy keep accelerating and going up through the gears after he went off the track and was in the grass!!!!!!

mobilenuke · #15 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 03:17 PM

All I can say is DAM*
Those guys and girls that are able to have that type of control
have my admiration and respect. Big brass ones on display for all to see.

nikbj68 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 04:18 PM

I don`t know how long this will last before Formula One Management get it pulled, but check out 9 languages of commentary on that battle!

David Kirkham · #17 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:05 PM

The one that got me was when Massa was forced off the track, across the grass onto pit lane and he just kept grabbing gears. In that sequence he bumped tires, got forced across the grass and DOWN PIT LANE. Then, he darted across the grass again right before PIT WALL came up to greet him. He was up-shifting the whole time. Nothing like 150-180 mph??? on the GRASS!!!

I think I have watched it 20 times already today.

I am going to put a link to this video under Wikipedia under BIG CAJONES.

Man, I am NOT worthy.

David

xracerbob · #18 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:26 PM

I used to love wet races. There are a few tricks to it that at first seem insane but work really well- Since you really can't see you have to look to the side for reference points, brake markers, etc. to know where you are. Also you must listen to the guy in front of you- if he lifts, you better do the same or at least duck out from behind him so you can figure out whats going on. This gets harder if you are in a pack of 6+ cars because everyone is doing the same and nobody is predictable.

The biggest problem comes from the visor fogging up. Rain-x, anti fog, what ever only can do so much. I always cracked my visor some and put a little piece of tape onder it so it wouldn't close all the way. I also jammed some paper towels under one of my legs where it would stay dry so I could use it during the inevitable full course caution.

I've gone about 170 in a steady rain in the "dip" at the old Road Atlanta. That was very interesting.

Excaliber · #19 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:33 PM

Whoa, the skill level is beyond my comprehension.

lineslinger · #20 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 05:59 PM

Gawd!
Impressive, wish I had a clue about what that must feel like.

Thanks for the post David.