2009 - a brief retrospective."looking back on the year that was"
2009 was a great year for the Roadster and I, and we just managed some good track time (and times) as well as hitting some new circuits (Marulan a few times, and I finally spent a day at Oran Park).
For 2010 the plan is to cross some drives I've been meaning to do for some time off the list, including the legendary (amongst NSW drivers and car magazines) Oxley Hwy.
Some more enhancements are planned as well, including a much needed muffler upgrade.
However, 2009 has been most significant for a close friend of mine, Karl. Karl nearly lost his life in a bicycle accident only a few weeks ago. This event has put some things into sharp focus which I feel compelled to mention here in this thread.
You see, Karl is one of those random guys you meet through car circles (the Renaultsport gang, actually) who goes on to become a good friend
outside of car circles. Karl's Cliosport had a typically French dummy spit on January 3rd of 2009, when it's gearbox catastrophically failed when we were driving back from our first outing at Marulan. The car was rendered undriveable, and was sold.
Up until this point, Karl and his Clio had become something of a legend in our circle. You see, back in 2007 when I was modding
the Lexus IS200 and talking about doing trackdays with all of my mates, it was Karl who got jack of all the talk and started doing Circuit Club days.
It was at this point that I realised that I didn't need to make this mod or that to my car before I hit the circuit, I should just stop stalling and go out there and drive. It was a defining moment in this enthusiasts journey when I first hit the track ,as it started a complete shift in the way I drove, and how I looked at the car.
Karl's attitude to his driving and indeed to forums began to permeate my actions. You could summarise it thus: less talk, more action.
Chroist, imagine how long my posts would be if Karl hadn't influenced me?
Karl's journey this year has been nothing short of epic. Since losing the Clio, he has done a track day with me at Marulan in the MX5 Racing NC Roadsters, and a day at Wakefield with Chris Barry's PRB Clubman (and his Elise). He has spent quality time behind the wheel of a host of cars, mine included.
He also started the year as one of those naysayers of the MX5. (Yes, I
have to point this out!). Oh, he loved poking fun at my hairdressing ways. He'll be taking delivery of his next car very soon... a Mazda MX5 NA8 Clubman. In Laguna blue. One of the rarest flavours of NA available in Australia.
Karl and I went to look at this car a few months ago. Stepping out of my car and into the driver's seat of a high-mileage NA8.. well, let's just say that I wasn't prepared for greatness. 45 minutes later, Karl had to pry the keys from my hands, I was having waaaay to much fun. It really is testament to the determination to the whole Light Weight Sports concept - even today, after stepping out of a late model MX5, the NA Roadster still puts a smile on my face, every time. Yes, I suspect that Karl's actions will continue to influence my own in the years to come.
So that's really what this post is about. Props to Karl. One of those cool car guys that, through actions alone, influences the actions of those around him.
And, in a small way, I hope that some of my actions in this thread can inspire the same. Don't worry too much about your car's offset, or what swaybars your going to get. Just get out there and enjoy driving the thing!
that sticks you firmly into Class 5 with or without R-Spec tyres.
Well you're probably right there. Just wasn't sure if Matt was saying that Bana has found himself a replacement for his binned XB coupe.
