It was hotter than 7 hells, and we still had a blast. Two cars, 4 drivers, a 2nd and 3rd in class. What more can you ask for, besides cooler weather.
My wife and 17 yo drove my wife's Mustang GT. My 29 yo and I drove the P71.
It was the 17 yo first ever autocross. He's done some riding, but this was the first time he's been behind the wheel. His 1st run was a 57+, his last was just a touch over 43. Only 2 seconds behind his mom. Very well done!!
Then comes the bad news. My eldest and I battled back and forth for all 5 runs. In the end he beat me out by .1 seconds. That was good enough for a second in FS, leaving me with 3rd. Not too shabby for a fat Crown Vic. There were 9 drivers in FS, a V8 BMW that ended up in 1st, and 6 Mustang GTs. We sent a few people home wondering what happened.
All in, it was a great day.
Video shot by my 13yo.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JVzwd6Phh94
The CV is a hoot to drive. Maybe even one of the most fun cars I've ever autocrossed. You really don't expect it to be that competent on course. It will be getting thrashed on a fairly regular basis.
I was also surprised at how well the Sumitomo HTR Z III did on this heavy car. Even after 10 runs, on a hot day, they weren't greasy, and appear to be wearing well. Not bad for a $90 tire.
berkeleying epic. Congrats to you all!
That's awesome man, congrats!
JoeTR6
HalfDork
8/13/16 10:26 p.m.
I love it when someone brings a "different" car to an autocross and does well. Being familiar with a particular chassis often makes up for driving a more favorable car (e.g., Miata). It's great that your whole family is involved. That makes it so much more fun. Congrats.
There is something about those big cars. My 96 impala SS was a blast at the auto x.
Great story. Sounds like a great time.
As I read, "wife's Mustang" all I knew was of the totaled yellow Mustang. I did not realize a replacement green Mustang had been procured. Congrats.
The best run of the day for the Crown Vic. The run where the son surpassed the father.
For some reason he sounds happy about that.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/qiCcAPWitkA
This run put him a full second ahead of me with a 37.2. I responded with a 37.3, but just couldn't find that extra tenth.
In reply to Toyman01:
Nice smooth run! Looks way faster than a boat like that should be.
In reply to petegossett:
Yep, he nailed that run. Tight, smooth and no wasted motion. Not bad after a 5 year hiatus from autocross.
My 37.3 was a lot sloppier. I just could not find that happy place between over driving and under driving the car.
Just reading the thread title made me smile! Much win!
This is my favorite thing on GRM evar. You are a true American Hero, my friend.
It was a blast! That car was a lot of fun to drive. Thanks Dad!
car39
HalfDork
8/14/16 1:29 p.m.
That was a good event. Not every autocross has a 58 Edsel running.
In reply to Toyman01:
Where did you get your Wheels ob the Vic?
The Edsel was a lot of fun to watch.
As were these.
The Charleston autocross always seems to drag out some interesting cars. Surprising because the lot is small and full of light poles.
In reply to chada75:
The wheels came off Evil-bay. Four wheels, $240 shipped, new take offs from Mustang GTs. Click Me!
They will only fit the 05 and up Crown Vic. They are the wrong offset for the older ones. The offsets changed between 04 and 05 on the Mustang and the CV.
Edit: You can run a 1/2" spacer to mount them on the older CV and Mustang.