LATE BRAKING NEWS

by

Ben C. Hracing

I have to begin this article by stating your response to my request for racing stories has been "underwhelming". Just remember, if you don't send me stories about other people, I may tell a story concerning YOU! If you don't want that to happen, by all means submit true stories about other individuals. Once again, send them to benchracing@hotmail.com.

This months story happened a number of years ago. There was a race at an airport circuit. Unless I am mistaken, if a driver goes off course at an airport circuit he has to re-enter at the spot where he went off course. The driver in our story was out on the course for a practice session. The starter threw a checker to end the session, and everyone returned to the pits. Except our driver. So his wife inquired as to his whereabouts. The report came back that the workers all reported there were no cars on course or parked off of the course. Her husband must have come in to the paddock somewhere in the back, and she should be able to find him somewhere in the paddock. She then thoroughly searched the paddock, could not find her husband, and angrily returned to the officials. By this time several more sessions had been run. After a heated discussion she finally convinced them he was nowhere to be found, so they expanded their search.

I have been told a feature at some airports is a "containment pit" for lack of a better term. If they have an official name, I am not aware of it. I was told the containment pits are out of the way, and planes would be refueled near them, so if there was a major spill it could be contained in the pit. Some military planes hold a lot of fuel, and if several need to be fueled you would need a large pit. I may not have all of this correct, however, the containment pits are there, and they are large. How large? Apparently big and deep enough to hold a car and driver. Our driver had gone WAY off course, and in attempting to turn around and return to the course had driven unseen into the pit. It was too deep for him to pull himself out, and too distant and noisy for him to be heard. So he had to patiently (?) wait to be found by his loving wife and her newfound friends.

One has to wonder how they got the car out.

Now on to the emails asking for advice. With great humility I have decided to call this new addition:

Dear Ben,

I am a fairly new member, and someday I would like to race. I know this is expensive, so I am saving my money to do this. Here is my problem: At the present time I drive an old beater, but would like to step up to something a little more sporty. My girlfriend likes Miatas, but I like the looks of the new Pontiac Solstice. What are their individual strengths and weaknesses? Which car would you recommend I buy?

signed,

"Trying to make the right choice"

Dear "Trying to make the right choice",

I can tell by your letter you are a sensitive and sincere young man. If I am reading your letter correctly you are placing too much importance upon trying to impress your girlfriend with material things. If her heart is sincere it will not matter to her if you are a "brave, young racing driver", or if you drive a fast sports car. Don't get rid of your Escort wagon with 195,000 miles on the odometer, that pulls to the left under braking, has a bald tire, and which desperately needs a valve job, just to make a good impression. That would be superficial on your part. The important thing is that you begin, your relationship is based upon mutual respect. Once that is established, you can build upon that base with trust and honesty. If she is truly the girl for you ( and I believe she is), you can then begin the long, slow courtship toward marriage. I can't emphasize enough the importance and sanctity of marriage. And as you then begin your life journey together, remember, marriage is a lifetime commitment, for which the two of you will have laid a strong foundation.

I hope I have answered your question to your satisfaction.

Ben

another reader writes:

Dear Ben,

My wife and I have been married for about 10 years. We have three children, of which only one was planned. I make a good wage and am a good provider, but lately I have been stressed because of the long hours I put in at work. My wife has taken on a part time job. Her hours vary, and she says she works so she feels like she is contributing, but I feel it is really an excuse to get away from the house for a while. Lately she has been leaving the house at odd hours, and will be gone for hours at a time. When I ask her where she has been she tells me she has been out with friends, or that she has been comforting a friend who is going through difficult times. Several times over the last few weekends she would leave the house unannounced, and someone would pick her up down the block, and when she returned she would be dropped off half a block from our house. The last time this happened I decided to check things out. When I expected her to come home I went outside to see who was giving her a ride home. I was standing next to the garage when I noticed a car stop half a block from our house, and she got out of the car. Not wishing to to be seen, I crouched down behind my older, classic British sports car parked on our driveway, which I had recently purchased. While crouching beside this car I could not help but notice a puddle of oil which had obviously leaked out of the car. I was distracted by this and never got a good look at the driver of the car that dropped her off. Do you think my fears are imaginary, or do you think things are normal and I should let the situation blow over?

signed,

"At my wits end"

Dear "At my wits end",

This is normal. When those British cars were new they should have had drip pans under them as they sat on the showroom floor. And to answer your second question, no. It will not blow up if you check your oil regularly and top it off as needed. Now don't bother me with any more obvious questions concerning British cars. This column is intended to help people with real problems.

Ben

Well, that's about all for this month from ASK THE EXPERT!.

'till next time'

Ben