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Today is the day I would normally have my truck and trailer in process of loading up for the life experience that is Drag Week. This is of course after the requisite last minute thrash that inevitably happens when I start remembering the 20 little things I meant to do earlier in the year. As others who cannot make it this year, I’m pretty bummed that I’m not going, especially considering the significance of the 10th anniversary. I have been to and completed four years though so I can’t whine too much.
Waxing nostalgic, I went back and reread my adventure entries for 2011, ‘12, and ’13. It made me laugh thinking how someone from outside our psychotic group might perceive those experiences which still have an ending of…’had a great time’. Honestly, after reading some of the issues I and others went through, it doesn’t seem like an experience one would want to do again.
Adversity however is what makes this event thrive for me. As Jake once said, it’s us against Drag Week. Breakdowns and problems bring us together to troubleshoot, pool resources/ experience, and keep everybody on the road if at all possible. Helping others on the side of the road or having something that can keep someone going in the event is truly a great feeling for me. I have a ton of great memories so far and look forward to making more in the future.
For those of you on your first voyage with the DW family, I suggest you take in as much as you can. Try to remember to take a few minutes at each track and just look around to soak it in. It’s easy to get in a rush to hit the road but you really don’t want to miss out on the full experience. Maybe talk to at least one new car owner/ driver/ copilot at each stop. You’ll be surprised how friendly everyone is. This is definitely a no Poseur event where everybody is a pretty hardcore car person. You can make lifelong friends your first time out, simply by helping others and hanging out in the parking lot. These are what I call ‘Low Maintenance’ friends. It doesn’t matter that you have not spoken to them in six months or a year because when you see them that first time in the pits or staging lanes, the time gap vanishes and the DW connection sparks the handshake and smile. You may not even remember each other’s name, just the face and their car. That’s ok, we’re car guys and that’s how we are.
To my friends and all the veterans, keep an eye on the newbs and be open to letting them hang out or ‘caravan’ with you. I can tell you from experience that it is a huge help. Steve and Bob in the bitchin’ ProCharged S10 Blazer took me and my friend under their wing that first year in 2009 and I am eternally grateful. Showing us the ropes and guiding us along made all the difference in the world. Besides that, have a blast and good luck with new personal bests and in your classes.
To everyone, safe travels on the track and in between. The event helps me completely unplug from the reality of daily life as it requires a ton of effort just to finish with our highly modified entries. I hope it does the same for you. I'll be watching/ listening in the shop while I work on my junk so put on a good show!
Rich
2011
2012
2013
Waxing nostalgic, I went back and reread my adventure entries for 2011, ‘12, and ’13. It made me laugh thinking how someone from outside our psychotic group might perceive those experiences which still have an ending of…’had a great time’. Honestly, after reading some of the issues I and others went through, it doesn’t seem like an experience one would want to do again.
Adversity however is what makes this event thrive for me. As Jake once said, it’s us against Drag Week. Breakdowns and problems bring us together to troubleshoot, pool resources/ experience, and keep everybody on the road if at all possible. Helping others on the side of the road or having something that can keep someone going in the event is truly a great feeling for me. I have a ton of great memories so far and look forward to making more in the future.
For those of you on your first voyage with the DW family, I suggest you take in as much as you can. Try to remember to take a few minutes at each track and just look around to soak it in. It’s easy to get in a rush to hit the road but you really don’t want to miss out on the full experience. Maybe talk to at least one new car owner/ driver/ copilot at each stop. You’ll be surprised how friendly everyone is. This is definitely a no Poseur event where everybody is a pretty hardcore car person. You can make lifelong friends your first time out, simply by helping others and hanging out in the parking lot. These are what I call ‘Low Maintenance’ friends. It doesn’t matter that you have not spoken to them in six months or a year because when you see them that first time in the pits or staging lanes, the time gap vanishes and the DW connection sparks the handshake and smile. You may not even remember each other’s name, just the face and their car. That’s ok, we’re car guys and that’s how we are.
To my friends and all the veterans, keep an eye on the newbs and be open to letting them hang out or ‘caravan’ with you. I can tell you from experience that it is a huge help. Steve and Bob in the bitchin’ ProCharged S10 Blazer took me and my friend under their wing that first year in 2009 and I am eternally grateful. Showing us the ropes and guiding us along made all the difference in the world. Besides that, have a blast and good luck with new personal bests and in your classes.
To everyone, safe travels on the track and in between. The event helps me completely unplug from the reality of daily life as it requires a ton of effort just to finish with our highly modified entries. I hope it does the same for you. I'll be watching/ listening in the shop while I work on my junk so put on a good show!
Rich
2011
2012
2013
I know and my problems were not even that bad compared to many!
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