Me = Novice

[fast_eddie_72]

Hey All,

Twice this week, in very polite fashion, my status as a "novice" has been called into question. I don't think anyone has any negative intentions (really). I think folks are just trying to help.

I know that I am a novice according to all the rules. I also know that I'm not the only novice who ran six events last summer. I haven't spent hours pouring over everything, but if you look at the 2006 novice class, there are folks who ran a lot of events and returned as novices last year. So I don't think I'm taking advantage of anything or exploiting any loopholes. I think it's only being called into question because I am doing relatively well this year and everyone wants to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly.

But, I am really having a great time autocrossing and I intend to do it for a long time. I have met some great people and want everyone to feel good about how I'm competing. I do my best to be a positive and helpful member of our local autocross comunity. The last thing I want is anyone mumbling under their breath about me doing something they percieve as cheating or stretching the rules. So, please, if anyone thinks I should change my status, let me know. If you have talked to people who have complained about my status, let me know. If there's any significat feeling that I shouldn't be allowed to compete as a novice I'd be happy to change my status, but I have to say, after the first few events, it has become my goal for the season to be the top placing novice. So I'd like to retain my novice status if it doesn't cause any problems.

And really, if you have feelings about this, don't be affraid to post them. I won't be offended as long as it's stated in a respectful manner.

Thanks,

Ed (the oldest novice)

[arniecoleman]

Ed,

I have not heard from anyone questioning your Novice status.

You are well within your rights and the rules to claim Novice status. While you are flirting with exceeding the points threshold (940 or more points in three events in the series), you haven't done so yet.

I'm sure you know that if you are uncomfortable with the attention you are getting, you can "opt out" of Novice status at any time.

I don't know what your critics are saying, but perhaps your detractors are ignorant of the rules???

[GingerGSR]

Hey All,

Twice this week, in very polite fashion, my status as a "novice" has been called into question. I don't think anyone has any negative intentions (really). I think folks are just trying to help.

I know that I am a novice according to all the rules. I also know that I'm not the only novice who ran six events last summer. I haven't spent hours pouring over everything, but if you look at the 2006 novice class, there are folks who ran a lot of events and returned as novices last year. So I don't think I'm taking advantage of anything or exploiting any loopholes. I think it's only being called into question because I am doing relatively well this year and everyone wants to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly.

But, I am really having a great time autocrossing and I intend to do it for a long time. I have met some great people and want everyone to feel good about how I'm competing. I do my best to be a positive and helpful member of our local autocross comunity. The last thing I want is anyone mumbling under their breath about me doing something they percieve as cheating or stretching the rules. So, please, if anyone thinks I should change my status, let me know. If you have talked to people who have complained about my status, let me know. If there's any significat feeling that I shouldn't be allowed to compete as a novice I'd be happy to change my status, but I have to say, after the first few events, it has become my goal for the season to be the top placing novice. So I'd like to retain my novice status if it doesn't cause any problems.

And really, if you have feelings about this, don't be affraid to post them. I won't be offended as long as it's stated in a respectful manner.

Thanks,

Ed (the oldest novice)

And what differance does it make? Ok, you can go for rides with other drivers before your runs and you're still in the mix for the Novice trophies at the end-o-year. Big woop!!!

The "N" after your name doesn't change the way you drive... Tear it up Ed!!!

[Randy Hickman]

What Arnie said.

You haven't completed 1/2 +1 events in a season, and you haven't "pointed out" with 3 940+ point events. You're solid as a novice, and well within the rules. If you're taking flack because you're a *fast* novice, I think your response should be "too bad." As long as we're all playing by the same rules, it's a fair game!

[SuperWhiteGT4]

Ignore the haters.

[cojsl]

I'm good with your status.
<sarcasm> I'm sure you pre-read the rules before racing last year to strategically only run 6 races to get max experience in order to be a top contender for the novice trophy, yet then strategically manage to avoid "pointing out" so far this year </sarcasm>

Meh, your within the rules, more power to you! Your just doing so well that you are getting (positive) attention. I've not heard anything that was anything but admiring.

There would only be genuine grumbling if you ran 6 races this year, then claimed novice next year.

[Tom Hunsinger]

Ed,

I really think you should think about slowing down a bit, Novice or non-Novice ranking. Take your time out on the course, waive to the course workers and explore alternate lines. If that doesn't let me catch you I'll think of something else you could do (like drive a Miata!) :D

You've done a great job this year and I wish you continued suceess (even at my expense).

[fast_eddie_72]

<sarcasm> I'm sure you pre-read the rules before racing last year to strategically only run 6 races to get max experience in order to be a top contender for the novice trophy, yet then strategically manage to avoid "pointing out" so far this year </sarcasm>

You know, I didn't do that, but I was sure to ask if running winter events would count. As it turns out, with the snow and my epic dental work, I only made it out a couple of times, and even then I was so out of it I drove like doo doo. I have run almost as many events as you could run and still be a novice.

And to be clear- no one has in any way been a hater, or mean or anything else. I'm probably being overly sensitive. You know, when someone asks you about something like that in a nice way, you just know in the back of your head there are ten others who are cursing your name.

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far.

Take care,

Ed

[fast_eddie_72]

Ed,

I really think you should think about slowing down a bit, Novice or non-Novice ranking. Take your time out on the course, waive to the course workers and explore alternate lines. If that doesn't let me catch you I'll think of something else you could do (like drive a Miata!) :D

You've done a great job this year and I wish you continued suceess (even at my expense).

Yeah, I start wondering about you guys- I tried running 4psi in my tires like you guys suggested, but it didn't really seem to work out well. And the potato in the tail pipe didn't really seem to give me the kind of power boost you guys made out like it would.

Seriously, though- one of the great things about this sport is how the folks you are racing will help you beat them. I'm trying to pass that on as best I can, I just don't have as much to share yet. Ed and I huddle between almost every run and talk about how we drove the course. And yes, I DID tell him to go CCW last week. It took him 'till his fourth run to finally try it and win the class.

Take care,

Ed

[Too Big Small Turbo?]

Ed, as a fellow n00b I love what you are doing! You are a great driver, your enthusiam is the greatest I've seen for this sport so far. Don't let anyone try to curb that.

[Goku]

Ed your well with in the rule, go out there and show the haters what a little bit of experience can do for you!

Plus its nice to see how well your doing, and its always nice to see a Novice hot on the heels of seasoned drivers. Take Chris Mayfeild, he's so damn fast he broke the 940 rule! I mean come on thats fast! I'm just flirting with 940's. Plus most people don't understand that your car setup has a lot to do with it as well. No one is gonna be breaking 900's and tearing it up on All season M/S tires as I did my first 2 seasons. Now I have my car setup with R compounds and I'm in the hunt for a good points showing this yr. So next time they question your past experience, you just tell them its all in the car. :rolleyes: well mostly...:D

[fast_eddie_72]

Plus most people don't understand that your car setup has a lot to do with it as well... So next time they question your past experience, you just tell them its all in the car. :rolleyes: well mostly...:D

Uh, no. It's all me. I'm running 165 section snow tires that are 11 years old and dry rotted. My car actually has NO struts on it right now. None at all. And I had to sell the front sway bar to pay my entry fee for the last event. Besides, everyone knows MR2s are no good for E Stock. It's all my raw talent.

lol- ok. Yes, I saw big gains when I made each change to my car. My second event (I know) I was on race tires. Before too long I had adjustable struts. This season I have my huge front sway bar. Allignment work is on the list for getting done soon. The good news is there's not much more I can do! I hope (as does my wife) that means there's not much more money I can spend.

And yeah, I'd love to find myself in the position of having to relinquish my Novice status because my scores were too high, like Chris last year. Somehow that looks a little further away to me than it does to Arnie, but I'm not sure that it can't happen if I get a little better at driving.

[Goku]

Uh, no. It's all me. I'm running 165 section snow tires that are 11 years old and dry rotted. My car actually has NO struts on it right now. None at all. And I had to sell the front sway bar to pay my entry fee for the last event. Besides, everyone knows MR2s are no good for E Stock. It's all my raw talent.


LMAO, you had me going for just a second!

[nrickli]

[QUOTE=fast_eddie_72]
The good news is there's not much more I can do! I hope (as does my wife) that means there's not much more money I can spend.


Don't forget that the tires do wear out.:o

neil

[fast_eddie_72]

Don't forget that the tires do wear out.:o

neil

SHHHH! My wife is home!

(edit) intrestingly I just realized that I said "there's not much more money I can spend." As opposed to "there's not much more I can spend money on."

[cojsl]

SHHHH! My wife is home!

(edit) intrestingly I just realized that I said "there's not much more money I can spend." As opposed to "there's not much more I can spend money on."

ultra light wheels? Cat-back? ;)

[fast_eddie_72]

ultra light wheels? Cat-back? ;)

Yes, but the "good" news, such as it is, is wheels for a '91 MR2 in the right offset don't exist. Unless, of courese, they're custom. And a cat back is said not to do much for power, but it can save 20 or 30 lbs, so maybe down the road. But it's my daily driver, so I really don't want an obnoxious exhaust.

Take care,

Ed

[Chris_Swearingen]

Hey Ed, if it makes you feel any better my car has been almost done for the last three years.:eek:

[Matt Leicester]

Hey Ed, if it makes you feel any better my car has been almost done for the last three years.:eek:

I've almost had the transmission done for the Hotruck for the last three or four months... :eek: :eek: Oh, different thing, sorry...

[usakubko]

I miss being a novice.... :(

[StevenP]

Ed, if you change your novice status then you're not a true Noob;) You've set a goal at the start of the season don't let others detract you from that goal. keep at it.

[67rschev]

Keep kicking ass Ed , you have been the " Model " novice for all of us to look up to , with all of your personability and enthusiasm .

AND , I'll tell you all those Miata clowns have been messing with you . Its not a potato in the tail pipe that will make ya go faster ....... Its a banana , Duh !

GO TEAM NOOB !

[GingerGSR]

Keep kicking ass Ed , you have been the " Model " novice for all of us to look up to , with all of your personability and enthusiasm .

AND , I'll tell you all those Miata clowns have been messing with you . Its not a potato in the tail pipe that will make ya go faster ....... Its a banana , Duh !

GO TEAM NOOB !

"Ole, the potato goes in the front!!!"

[fast_eddie_72]

"Ole, the potato goes in the front!!!"


Paul, a guy on the local beach just couldn't make it
with any of the girls, so he heads over to the
lifeguard tower to see if the lifeguard has any advice for him.

"Dude, it's obvious," says the lifeguard, "you're
wearing them baggy old swimming trunks that make you look
like an old geezer. They're years outta style. Your best bet is to grab yourself a pair of Spandex Speedos - about two sizes too small - and drop a fist-sized potato down inside 'em. I'm tellin you man...you'll have all the babes you want!"

The following weekend, Paul hits the beach with his
spanking new tight Speedos, and his fist-sized potato and for cryin' out loud! - it's worse than before!

Everybody on the beach acts disgusted as he walks by, covering their faces, turning away, laughing, looking sick!

So Paul goes back to the lifeguard again and asks him, "What's wrong now?"

"Jeezzzzz!" says the lifeguard......."The potato goes in front!!"

[GingerGSR]

Paul, a guy on the local beach just couldn't make it
with any of the girls, so he heads over to the
lifeguard tower to see if the lifeguard has any advice for him.

"Dude, it's obvious," says the lifeguard, "you're
wearing them baggy old swimming trunks that make you look
like an old geezer. They're years outta style. Your best bet is to grab yourself a pair of Spandex Speedos - about two sizes too small - and drop a fist-sized potato down inside 'em. I'm tellin you man...you'll have all the babes you want!"

The following weekend, Paul hits the beach with his
spanking new tight Speedos, and his fist-sized potato and for cryin' out loud! - it's worse than before!

Everybody on the beach acts disgusted as he walks by, covering their faces, turning away, laughing, looking sick!

So Paul goes back to the lifeguard again and asks him, "What's wrong now?"

"Jeezzzzz!" says the lifeguard......."The potato goes in front!!"

I first heard that joke as a "Lena & Ole" Norwegian joke (Told by Swedes of course). :D

[Too Big Small Turbo?]

You know Ed you should give yourself a slogan... Ed Cushing raising the novice index since 2007. :D

[67rschev]

Paul, a guy on the local beach just couldn't make it
with any of the girls, so he heads over to the
lifeguard tower to see if the lifeguard has any advice for him.

"Dude, it's obvious," says the lifeguard, "you're
wearing them baggy old swimming trunks that make you look
like an old geezer. They're years outta style. Your best bet is to grab yourself a pair of Spandex Speedos - about two sizes too small - and drop a fist-sized potato down inside 'em. I'm tellin you man...you'll have all the babes you want!"

The following weekend, Paul hits the beach with his
spanking new tight Speedos, and his fist-sized potato and for cryin' out loud! - it's worse than before!

Everybody on the beach acts disgusted as he walks by, covering their faces, turning away, laughing, looking sick!

So Paul goes back to the lifeguard again and asks him, "What's wrong now?"

"Jeezzzzz!" says the lifeguard......."The potato goes in front!!"

I'm thinkin I would still use the banana :D

[fast_eddie_72]

I'm thinkin I would still use the banana :D
rofl! I thought exactly the same thing!