After competing at the Nationals Supersprint, I am not sure about driving the car any more.
Even though I am not quite as 'sharp' as I was when I started racing, 55 years ago, and despite not feeling too well, the day end up OK. Having often told myself I would know when to 'give it away', perhaps that time has arrived ❗
The problem now is what to do with a '59, drum-brake, swing-axle Beetle ? Is it too 'Old School' for most people ?
I am open to [sensible] suggestions.
G.M.
cnfabo ·
I'm not sure what to say other then if some one else becomes the driver I hope it gets used for the intended purpose end keeps that old school bug racer flag flying....
Good luck greg....
Fabo.
nbturbo ·
At last- straight line racing and it's all over in a few seconds.Thats what us old blokes are used to these days in most things we used to be good at.
HappyDaze ·
Thanks Chris...and NO, Gary - I won't be dressing up in women's clothes, to go drag racing.
vlad01 ·
get someone else young to race it, someone that is into old school racing.
adlbeetle66 ·
I'm only 13 and would love to race it, but i suppose i cant because i dont have my license yet 🥲
Craig S ·
Hi Greg,
Always deeply admired the fact that you have a long history of racing and continue to do it. For me there are two main questions:
1. Do you still enjoy it? Feeling unwell on that particular day might have just been bad luck, and might not be repeated.
2. Did you endanger anyone (including yourself)?
If you don't present any greater risk to people at the circuit than anyone else and still enjoy it then keep going. As soon as you stop enjoying it or start being dangerous, it's time to have another think.
Cheers
Craig
HappyDaze ·
adlbeetle66...you are at the opposite end of the scale [lucky b.]. I've got 61 years on you. Plenty of time for you to to learn, and gain experience. 👍
Craig S...you've probably nailed it. I don't think I am old, but that may be wishfull thinking. I probably treat my old cars [1924, and 1934] with more care than I treat myself.
nbturbo ·
...and NO, Gary - I won't be dressing up in women's clothes, to go drag racing. [/quote]
Don't get it Greg-I was sure you had never seen me in my tight black number.
cnfabo ·
HappyDaze wrote:Thanks Chris...and NO, Gary - I won't be dressing up in women's clothes, to go drag racing.
😂😂😂😂
Are you unwell Greg,or was it just that a one off day??
adlbeetle66 ·
^^ 😂😂 ^^
Thanks Greg, will keep practising.. at the moment I've only been practising in my uncles 100 acre farm 😂
HappyDaze ·
nbturbo wrote:...and NO, Gary - I won't be dressing up in women's clothes, to go drag racing.
Don't get it Greg-I was sure you had never seen me in my tight black number. [/quote]
Well Gary, I happened to accidently get a glimpse of you in that "black number"...that's what put me off.👍
modnrod ·
Greg, never, EVER, EVER let the car go.
Even if you get too old to drive it, you're never too old to get scared shitless by your kids driving it! 😂
Keep it man, it is yours and yours alone.
cnfabo ·
modnrod wrote:Greg, never, EVER, EVER let the car go.
Even if you get too old to drive it, you're never too old to get scared shitless by your kids driving it! 😂 😂😂
Keep it man, it is yours and yours alone.
nbturbo ·
All jokes aside Greg- you are a very clever and astute bloke,you will know when and if you need to give it up.I have a mate here who is 70 and he is still racing his EH with a hot 202 and he doesn't look like throwing in the towel any time soon- in fact he has the head off at the moment looking for more HP.Hope the little blue pills aren't clouding your judgement
HappyDaze ·
That's right, Gary...I felt the same way when I was 70 🙂. Now, 4 years later, I'm not so sure. I don't want to wait until I become a danger to myself and others.
landfall ·
Trouble is I've just turned 70 and like to have a day out club racing at Baskerville here in Tasmania.
At the moment am building a nice new engine for Herbie.
Now on race days I promise myself and the wife that I am only going out for a bit of fun, just happy to circulate at a constant speed, stay out of trouble and come home.
Then comes the "moment" brain forgets it's 70 and still thinks it's in its 20's. Fortunately lots of experience keeps me from getting into too much trouble and car not fast enough to be up front of field.
I'll give up when the fun has gone, that will probable mean I will be racing my mobility scooter with the old guy up the road.
hellbugged ·
I doubt very much you will ever be a danger to yourself or others Greg.
Sounds like you need another outing to either confirm or dismiss the way you felt at the Nationals.
I hope you continue to race...................and remember you are far, far safer on the track with other enthusiasts and all the safety associated with a race meeting.............. than driving down to the local for Saturday arvo bingo!!! 😵
No.8 is a masterpiece.......wont be hard for it to find a new home. How much $ ?
barls ·
I hear they make a great lawn display.😂😂😂😂😂😂
Just kidding keep doing it as long as you enjoy it and can do it
1303Steve ·
Hi Greg
This decision couldn't have come lightly. I just want to say thanks for what you have done for the VW community and the wider racing community, I hope we still see you around the scene.
Cheers Steve
pete wood ·
HappyDaze wrote:The problem now is what to do with a '59, drum-brake, swing-axle Beetle ? Is it too 'Old School' for most people ?
I've seen pics of the suspension setup on that car. There's not much "old school" about them!
Sneaky... 😂
waltermitty ·
Find a driver and you become his mentor pit crew?
Still involved car still running young talent gets a break?
Mitchell
Yogie ·
waltermitty wrote:Find a driver and you become his mentor pit crew?
Still involved car still running young talent gets a break?
Mitchell
x 2
beetleboyjeff ·
waltermitty wrote:Find a driver and you become his mentor pit crew?
Still involved car still running young talent gets a break?
Mitchell
Great idea. You have a lot to offer Greg - as long as it doesn't become a chore.
wombatventures ·
As your tag line says Greg....
I'm sure that's not just the car.
If you think its time, you'll know exactly when, but don't stop until you know your ready.
Maybe the mentoring is a good way to keep enjoying the input to your favourite sport, especially the wealth of knowledge you've gained from experience, whether in No.8 or with someone with another car.
Many happy years ahead mate, whatever you chose.
HappyDaze ·
It is great to have so much encouragement, from so many...some I know, some I don't. Thanks all ! [Will call you, Henry].
Decided to take ol' No.8 down to Marulan for the GEAR club track day last week. Had a ball...2nd fastest. Retirement on hold for now. 👍
modnrod ·
Good stuff. 👍
Have you got the "number 8" tattooed in the centre of your chest yet? 🙂
mactaylor ·
Great stuff greg! You must be pretty sharp still, because some of those MG boys know how too steer!
vassy66T1 ·
Fabulous work!
Great to hear
hellbugged ·
👍
adlbeetle66 ·
👍👍
bat69 ·
HappyDaze wrote:Decided to take ol' No.8 down to Marulan for the GEAR club track day last week. Had a ball...2nd fastest. Retirement on hold for now. 👍
Thank fuck for that. Greg you are a 'spring chicken' to some of the old blokes at MGCC. One of the members, Old Tom has a few years on you. Gee wizz he's old enough to be my grant father and he is still racing. And Tom's one of the young ones. In fact I believe the average age of the 'old boys' is 75. There is a bloke in my own carclub that is still rallying his old datto competitively and he is in his 80s. If you still have your shit together and you enjoy, it then why not keep doing it. Just like sex really.
Camo ·
Hey old bugger, never thought I would hear that from you.
Anyway, I found what you can do with the number 8. Wack it on your new set of wheels.
Save a bit of your pension, and you can probably even step up to the racing version 😉
adlbeetle66 ·
Hey - where's the '8' on the racing one ❓❗
HappyDaze ·
Listen here, Kev, if you don't behave yourself I'll whack you with my walking stick !👍
That 'race version' looks the go...carrying a bit of neg. camber on the rears.👍
nbturbo ·
Now look here Greg- if your serious about competing still, I will come over with all my gear and do an IRS conversion on old no 8 - neg camber already built in and with a spline or 2 we will get it even better. I have a lot of spare BJ front beams so we can do that swap as well so can have heaps of neg camber at both ends. Car will go round corners like its on railway lines then-so should make the steering job so much easier on the shoulders for an old bloke.4 wheel discs then to pull it up.
HappyDaze ·
Gary, you wouldn't know what a corner was if it bit you on the arse. 🙅
You could send some of that neg camber over, if you can spare some...I'll pay the freight.
nbturbo ·
Greg, I would almost give my arse for just 1 straight line run at the moment with my car.
amazeer ·
When you give racing away you probably should give the car away. To someone deserving who has spent their entire adult life on multiple car club committees, to someone who has spent their entire adult life competing, crewing, officiating at all levels of motorsport, someone who is dedicated to the VW brand having owned at least one their entire adult life, someone who will keep it warm inside a VW garage and wouldnt dream of bastardising it with any alien engines. I'll text you my address for delivery when the day comes. 🙂
amazeer ·
adlbeetle66 wrote:I'm only 13 and would love to race it, but i suppose i cant because i dont have my license yet 🥲
You are old enough to compete in motorkhanas now. You've missed a whole year, could have been doing it at 12 years old. Soon when you turn 14 you will be old enough to do speed events.
HappyDaze ·
amazeer wrote:When you give racing away you probably should give the car away. To someone deserving who has spent their entire adult life on multiple car club committees, to someone who has spent their entire adult life competing, crewing, officiating at all levels of motorsport, someone who is dedicated to the VW brand having owned at least one their entire adult life, someone who will keep it warm inside a VW garage and wouldnt dream of bastardising it with any alien engines. I'll text you my address for delivery when the day comes. 🙂
What a fantastic idea, Chris. Problem is, it would seem almost impossible to find such a worthy person, although it would be nice to think someone out there has done so much for VW and motorsport.
You have tried your best, also, Chris...however I know you are too modest to 'blow your own trumpet'. Keep up the good work.
😏😏😏
adlbeetle66 ·
amazeer wrote:
adlbeetle66 wrote:I'm only 13 and would love to race it, but i suppose i cant because i dont have my license yet 🥲
You are old enough to compete in motorkhanas now. You've missed a whole year, could have been doing it at 12 years old. Soon when you turn 14 you will be old enough to do speed events.
Yep, looking into it now... 😀.
HappyDaze ·
Time to let it go to someone who is prepared to enjoy a 2276cc, swing-axle, drum-brake Beetle, that is a lot of fun. 👍
Carl and Emily ·
HappyDaze wrote:Time to let it go to someone who is prepared to enjoy a 2276cc, swing-axle, drum-brake Beetle, that is a lot of fun. 👍
I don't know you Greg, but I feel I do from this forum over the years.
Thanks for sharing your times in No 8 with us.
Hope it goes to a good home.
Carl