Wood If We Could
Marko, it's called the Pinewood derby, so where did you get that the cars were balsa wood? (Straight Scoop, "Future Car Crafters of America," Nov. '03) Around here, the rules say no modifications to the wheels, so the "super dyno tune" would be out. Maybe the rules are different there. I took over the tech inspections when my kids were scouts due to rampant cheating. One family had four scouts through the years, and they went completely undefeated in every race. I threw their car out for many infractions, and the father volunteered to discuss the matter in the parking lot. I felt everyone had more fun with fair racing when all cars held to the rules, but after two years the parents said they wouldn't show up if I tech'd the cars again. So the parents with access to lathes had their kids win again. Oh well ... I tried.
Greg Rourke
Batavia, IL
Marko's response was, "I'm not a carpenter...." Guess we're lucky this isn't Wood Craft magazine.
Reader's Letter Of The MonthHatemonger
First off, I would like to inform you that I am one of those import racers you so often like to bash. I just wanted to respond to all the letters out there, especially to Marlon Blount (Oct '03, pg. 18). The reason we soup up imports is that it takes a lot more talent. You gearheads tune 7.4L 454s, while we tune 2.0L four-cylinders and get the same horsepower results. How do we do it? The answer is that we actually research and develop parts and push the industry forward.
I understand why you guys tune those cars, though. You envy us because the average musclecar tuner is an old, fat, balding, and unemployed man who watches NASCAR in the living room of his trailer home. It's OK if you want to tune a 30-year-old piece of crap that is rusted to hell. Be my guest. But if you are wondering why import racers don't like your cars, it is because they can afford the finer things in life and can afford to make car payments, buy parts, and still have money left over. It is also humorous to see all the old men at their events. I went once for a laugh. The whole show was a bunch of old guys with either nasty, ugly women on their arms or lame oldsters trying hard to pick up women. All the good-looking ladies you may have had in your industry have switched to ours.
Rice for life!
J. Bond
via e-mail
This should bring in a few responses. By the way, when did all this get personal?
The Reader's Letter of the Month winner gets a free Car Craft license plate. There's just one rule: In order to receive the prize, you have to include your full name and return mailing address in your letter, fax, or e-mail so we can ship the prize to you.