Fast moving traffic

[bandit1250]

I decided to go to the drag races yesterday instead of deer hunting. The way I go is all but a few miles totally interstate. Wasn't on there long before I found out my normal speed of 75 MPH yesterday I had people on my bumper(which I hate) pushing me down the road. So I stepped it up to the traffic speed and it was 82-85 MPH except where there was work zones which were few. Well I did get there faster and had no problems which was good. I have five mountains on the interstate to go up but little '12 Toyota Corolla S with the manual transmission tanks them in stride. I never ever seen so many race cars at the track. They were having the points finals for about 5 tracks in the division all at one track. It was a packed house but not many actual spectators. All was mostly the car drivers and family members. Talk about some big fancy car haulers and touring buses towing them. I was amazed at this race and just thought what kind of income does this hobby take. I have never seen so many cars in each class. It was a 180 mile round trip to the track and even running faster than normal my average mileage was 38.9 mpg. I like this car for the mileage I get but still prefer a bigger car
to drive. On a 70-75 mph trip to the same track I usually get 40.2 mpg. Here is my little gas miser.

[Mags]

Looks very nice still for 6 yrs old.

Know the feeling of being pushed down the freeway. Drove through LA area once. Couldn't keep to the speed limit. Almost bumper to bumper traffic doing 80+. Pressured to go the flow or get squished!

[BrokenolMarine]

We used to do the bulk of our driving for our long trips at night. Think about having most of the pushing traffic being eighteen wheelers... ... even in the SLOW lane. Of course the up side to this was there was little worry about speeding tickets, sitting in the "rocking chair."

[BrokenolMarine]

Used to love going to the drag races. While stationed in Memphis as an instructor in the mid 80s, we would attend the NHRA event there. The big names of the era were still running, and my friends and I always spent the money for pit passes. Nothing like the feeling of standing just a few feet away, only a rope between you, when the crew fires up the funny car to tune the engine after swapping pistons following a qualifying run. This was the old days of NHRA when the top guys wives rode their bikes around the pit area and would stop and chat. The drivers themselves might come up and chat with those few fans still at the rope during down time. I really loved it.

[bandit1250]

[quote="Mags"]Looks very nice still for 6 yrs old.

I detail bikes and cars and just like seeing them clean. If you can't clean your car up at least do the tires and wheels and it will actually look decent. Dirty tires and wheels on a car the whole car looks dirty. Here is a detailed engine compartment on my Corolla. 65,000 miles on the clock. Has 71,000 now.

[Mags]

That is new car, show room clean. Very well done. At my place not possible. Gravel road, tree debris and tree pollen.

[BigAl52]

When they do that to me I slow down to 60. Then they go around, nothing more aggravating than being tailgated. I figure running that speed of 80 to 85 is just costing me more money. Anything over 68 mph and your just burning extra gas. I like clean cars to. I dont like riding in a dumpster. The back seat isnt made for fast food sacks and pop cans.

[bandit1250]

That is new car, show room clean. Very well done. At my place not possible. Gravel road, tree debris and tree pollen.

I can totally understand the gravel and dirt road thing having worked for quite a few years in a bike shop in W.Va. Turn off the main road and there just maybe a passable road there. I feel for those guys in W.Va. trying to keep their stuff nice. We have areas here the same way. I would rather drive back a gravel road than get another car through our house again. This was a W.Va. Harley that had some dried mud under the fenders and some under the engine. I don't believe he lived on a dirt road but got in some mud once in a while. The chrome took some time cleaning it up and I believe it was from sitting a lot maybe in a damp basement or garage. If they give me enough time I can usually get them to shine.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

When I had my '72 HD Sportster, people would say that I cleaned it more than I rode it, lol.

It was all Black and Chrome.

One day I timed it. I spent 3 3/4 Hours cleaning and waxing it, lol.

It really helped that Harley gave my bike an exceptional paint job. No one would believe it was factory.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

When they do that to me I slow down to 60. Then they go around, nothing more aggravating than being tailgated.

I agree. Other than a truck going downhill fast as I know they are trying to build up speed to make the next hill, I also slow down when the traffic is trying to "push" me faster. I refuse to drive any faster than I want to. Also hate Tailgaters myself. If they are on my bumper, after a short while they'll get my Brake Lights. If that doesn't work, I just slow down a little bit more. I also always stay in the Right Lane unless I'm passing someone. If they don't like my speed, they can always pass me.

[Mags]

Way back when right after getting married, we had a brand new '73 Mustang. Neighbor at the time put me shame saying I spent more time on the Mustang than with my new bride. Almost, but not quite that way now with my firearms and reading/researching about them.

...One day I timed it. I spent 3 3/4 Hours cleaning and waxing it, lol...

[BrokenolMarine]

Most of the time, these days, we drive about five to seven miles over the posted speed limit and try to stay in the right lane between the traffic packs. That gives you room to maneuver if you need it.

[bobtodrick]

winner.jpg (62.32 KiB) Viewed 2604 times

Henry's are my 'inexpensive' hobby.
Pales in comparison to what this has cost me over the years

[Firearmfanatic]

Used to love going to the drag races. While stationed in Memphis as an instructor in the mid 80s, we would attend the NHRA event there. The big names of the era were still running, and my friends and I always spent the money for pit passes. Nothing like the feeling of standing just a few feet away, only a rope between you, when the crew fires up the funny car to tune the engine after swapping pistons following a qualifying run. This was the old days of NHRA when the top guys wives rode their bikes around the pit area and would stop and chat. The drivers themselves might come up and chat with those few fans still at the rope during down time. I really loved it.

YESSSSS!!!!! AND BREATHING IN THE LUNG BURNING, EYE WATERING NITRO FUMES!!! MAN THAT ALREADY GETS ME WOODY JUST THINKING IT ABOUT IT. I worked at Napa auto parts for 10yrs. And every time Ron Capps came to drag race in Pheonix AZ we would go to it.

[Firearmfanatic]

Looks very nice still for 6 yrs old.

Know the feeling of being pushed down the freeway. Drove through LA area once. Couldn't keep to the speed limit. Almost bumper to bumper traffic doing 80+. Pressured to go the flow or get squished!

Some of the interstates here in the bigger cities always get really annoying. The speed limit is 75. People in the right lane want to go 55 and people in the left lane go 90+ you literally have to constantly change lanes just to go the speed limit.

[Mags]

In the late 70's early 80's, fake gas shortage days, the federal imposed speed limit was 55.

Looks very nice still for 6 yrs old.

Know the feeling of being pushed down the freeway. Drove through LA area once. Couldn't keep to the speed limit. Almost bumper to bumper traffic doing 80+. Pressured to go the flow or get squished!

Some of the interstates here in the bigger cities always get really annoying. The speed limit is 75. People in the right lane want to go 55 and people in the left lane go 90+ you literally have to constantly change lanes just to go the speed limit.

[Firearmfanatic]

In the late 70's early 80's, fake gas shortage days, the federal imposed speed limit was 55.

Looks very nice still for 6 yrs old.

Know the feeling of being pushed down the freeway. Drove through LA area once. Couldn't keep to the speed limit. Almost bumper to bumper traffic doing 80+. Pressured to go the flow or get squished!

Some of the interstates here in the bigger cities always get really annoying. The speed limit is 75. People in the right lane want to go 55 and people in the left lane go 90+ you literally have to constantly change lanes just to go the speed limit.

Yup you are absolutely correct. I remember that. And you were only allowed a certain amount of gallons per vehicle too.

[BrokenolMarine]

Memphis was a great track for fans. The pit layout put you up close and personal, and the midway where the vendors sales booths were located was a great place to wander. Ran into Kenny Bernstein in jeans, plain tshirt, sneakers, and a ball cap to hide that distinctive curly hair. I spoke to him and he grinned, put a finger to his lips in a shhhh motion and slipped on thru the crowd, enjoying the anonymity. I let him continue on.

Once I ran into Ms. John Force riding her bike around the pit loop. One of those single speed balloon tire beach cruisers? She was killing time while they worked on the car I guessed... A beauty. No fire suit, no sponsor's T, just pedal pusher ankle length black pants and sleeveless top, enjoying the day. She stopped for a water break, I asked her if she was enjoying the memphis weather, and she smiled. I asked if they were going to win this weekend, and panic appeared in her eyes. I told her I wasn't going to tell. She grinned.

Some of you geezers may remember seeing her on tv, guiding her hubby's car back after each burnout. Never seen anyone else do the firesuit such justice.

The best part of the day every year? Standing on the low wall when the funny cars or top fuel dragsters came by and the pressure wave hit your chest. I loved it.

Then orders moved the family, and I moved on... watching on tv. Hard to get a pit pass, and no matter how close you sit or how high the volume... ... you still can't feel that pressure wave in your living room.

[BrokenolMarine]

Tailgaters are extremely dangerous. Not only can they rear end YOU if you have to brake hard for an emergency... but in doing so, could push you into the situation you were attempting to avoid. I'll tap the brake lightly to flash the brake lights, or slow down to the exact speed limit to get them to pass. If them are still right there, I have no problem calling for assistance. Too much misdirected rage on the road today.

[tx gunrunner]

Sold all my fast cars and bikes . I play with my Miata now . It is a super fun car to play with . This video shows it best .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH3JqomBrA8&t=13s