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goodguidanceptc · 6 years ago

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Ironman New Zealand Race Report March 2, 2019

Welcome masochists and insomniacs. When people ask me about my races, I usually try to deliver a balance of facts (split times, data, total race time) and feelings (mind & body perceptions, key moments) in an entertaining yet succinct report. As usual, that often means STRONG LANGUAGE. Here goes:

Prologue:

A few weeks prior to the trip, I learned that I’d been selected for the “Ironman New Zealand Experience,” an online contest, administered with typical Kiwi approach by the local council. Read: relaxed, with ZERO Ironman lawyers involved. Six men and six women were selected--based on online posts--to learn a haka, perform at the athlete dinner and attend an after-race luncheon that included a presentation and performance of Maori history and traditions.

I suspect my "pick me! pick me!” post got me plucked from a small applicant pool. Supporting evidence: of the twelve selected, two others were my training buddies from Chicago, Christine B. and Bernie Mc. SIDE NOTE: Each winner was allowed one additional guest at the luncheon--so a very special thanks to Christine for graciously counting my wife as her guest which meant I had both my wife and son at the luncheon.

Haka is Maori for “breathe fire.” Historically, hakas were performed by Maori warriors prior to battle. These days they are performed ceremonially to celebrate major milestones (marriage, retirement), honor important guests or--perhaps most notably--to intimidate opponents at athletic events (here’s a link). Outside of New Zealand, the most famous and awe-inspiring hakas are performed my the Maori All-Blacks National Rugby team prior to each match.

I learned that there are hundreds of haka versions, each with its own inherent weight baked into the story it’s presenting. Although it was very different than the aggressive, male-only, pre-battle version the All-Blacks perform, I personally felt a tremendous honor and reverence for the one we learned.

The haka preserves indigenous culture, energetically injects traditional language into a modern forum, gathers and channels group energy by seamlessly melding ritual gesture and movement with raw emotion. It all adds up to a sum greater than it’s parts that’s simultaneously respectful and rebellious. Taken as a whole, the haka is something like how the Incredible Hulk would dance if the Incredible Hulk danced.

All of which is just to say that before I even started the race, I’d already experienced that tremendous joy that comes with receiving an unexpectedly perfect gift. IMNZ was already a success before the race even started. Now, let’s get back to facts...

Total race time = 11:33

Not a PR, but a mature result. “Mature?” you may be wondering, “Really?” Granted, few people would describe anything I do as mature, so perhaps a better word is un-deluded. Why? Because plantar fasciitis made for a “No-Run November” (all long runs performed in a pool), I hadn’t done enough resistance training, and winter holidays not only make it impossible to train, they make it nearly impossible to fuel properly.

In his book, Elite Minds, Dr. Stanley Beecham suggests giving yourself a W when you trained your best and an L if you didn’t. My record for this training sequence (Nov-Feb) was 89-20-11. ( I gave myself T for Ties on days when training went right but something else went bad...usually diet.) In other words, a respectable-but-not-stellar W average (.741) earned a respectable-but-not-stellar result.

But still, the haka was awesome.

Pre-Race

Slept well. Ate well. No mechanical issues. Huddled briefly with most of the training buddies and Iron sherpas prior to warming up properly in the water.

Swim (1:06 total swim time)

Clear sighting, aggressive line, good tactics (drafted when possible), and even got some help from the current towards the end. That said, the two turn buoys at the far end were both a raucous scrum. First time I ever took a hard shot to the lip. My best swim ever.

T1 (7:49)

"T1 is a 400 meter run from the swim out...” My ass. If that’s 400 meters, I’m Leslie Jones from SNL. Plus, AFTER the “400 meters,” a winding grass staircase comparable to any third-floor-walk-up or Wisconsin helix--easily another +50 meters at an +8% grade.

Once I did get up Mount Metric Bullshit, I moved right along. Sprayed on some sunscreen, stuffed a plastic bag under the regular bike jersey with some light gloves (in case it was nippy for the first hour), shoes on in the tent. Go.

Bike (5:38, technically a bike PR)

Two loops. Windy? A tad. The outbound tailwind was so strong, I struggled to maintain target watts. Get that? I didn’t have to pedal as hard as I’d trained to because I was easily traveling +20 mph on flat sections. Ditched the plastic bag and gloves at the first aid station because it was sunny and mild and I was feeling really great. Of course, logic dictates that inbound would be a shitstorm. Which it was. Oy. Mixed with some crosswinds too just in case you, oh I dunno...tried to pee on the bike and took too long...or wanted to take in some nutrition. Nasty. I caught myself using a bastardized mantra from IMAZ, “Frontside fast side, backside strong side” which morphed into “Out bound, throw down; In bound, get down.” whenever I was tempted to chase or draft.

A word on drafting: it’s illegal in Ironman races. BUT! By slipping into the draft zone of somebody passing faster than you are passing then letting them go, you can save energy and still stay within the letter and spirit of the rule. That said, 12 meters = 6ish bike lengths so don’t be the fucko that lingers.

Repeated that song and dance inbound on both loops. It’s a terrible thing when you can’t stay in aero-position because you gotta pee but can’t pee because the wind stuffs any momentum you need to keep your leg straight long enough to break the seal. But it WILL keep you legal.

For you data geeks: Normalized Power was 197 but I AVERAGED 20 m.p.h.

Another notable: the bone-shaking chip-seal they use to pave most New Zealand roads. It just rattled my whole rig from pedals to fingertips to helmet. That shit literally rattled my Torpedo bottle right out from between my aero-bars about halfway through. I’d already taken in the nutrition so I left it (apologies to all the Tidy Kiwis and the whole leave-it-like-you-found-it philosophy) and just held fresh bottles in with my thumbs as needed.

T2 (4:13)

Efficient but could have been a tad quicker. At this point in the race, I was on plan, feeling good and ready to attack the run. Nutrition was on point. Legs were solid, stomach was a non-issue and weather conditions were near ideal. Sunny and delightful low 70s. I was actually looking forward to Run Special Needs where I’d planted a fresh shirt and an extra bottle of nutrition.

Run (4:36 aka: avg 10:39/mi)

I went sub-4 hours in Louisville under raining mid-40 degree conditions. If I could have just matched that, I’d have delivered a juicy PR of under 11 hours.

It seemed reasonable that flat IM-LOU shitstorm would vaguely equate to hilly IM-NZ sunny delight, yes?

No.

That three loop run over what my training bro Andrew T. would call offensive hills was having none of that nonsense. Turns out, I was woefully undertrained. My legs were just not up to the second and third loop of hills, despite biking to plan, executing nutrition properly, and taking the first loop at a very easy RPE.

In past reports I’ve shared some of the actual mental chatter that runs through my head but in this case none of my mantras were very interesting or helpful. What I have learned to do when I’m truly falling apart is to reinvest in technique. Focus on the extremely immediate present, which I used to counter punch one particularly angry and persistent neg that I just couldn’t shake. See if you can pick it out of the following scientifically gathered brainwave transcription:

...chatter-chatter-chatter...BREATHE...left-right-left-right-Toe-off-knees-up-hands-up-lean-easy-at-the-ankles-glutes-tucked-somebody-fucking-LIED-to-me-goddamBREATHE!-Toe-off-knees-up-hands-up-lean-easy-at-the-ankles-glutes-tucked-somebody-fucking-LIED-to-me-goddamnit-Toe-off-left-right-left...chatter-chatter-chatter...BREATHE

On a slightly more-vulnerable note, I will share this: typically, a few tears leak out at special needs. Hormones? Pain? Mental breakdown/relief that the marathon is half over? All of the above, probably. Just a few moments of a grown man losing it. (Do NOT watch Ricky Gervais’ After Life while jet lagged. But DO watch it. Amazing. Shut up. Don’t judge my process.)

Anyway, I was all business during the Special Needs of this run but lost it right after a particularly steep descend where some guardian bros had set up an “unofficial aid station” consisting of Red Bull, handles of vodka, and liters of Jaegermeister. A runner just ahead of me had grabbed something off their card table and their robust cheering were suddenly horrific screams warning him off of chugging it. I was just tickled and toasted at the same time and it all came gushing out. Just all kinds of quads burning gasping ugly face craughing (learned that word from a tweet praising After Life, btw). Of course my male ego would NEVER allow me to overly express vulnerability in front of the drunken bros, thoughtful though they were. So I kept running. A woman running along side me kindly asked if I was okay, I said, “Oh...yeah...this...just happens,” between gulping breaths, “The good...news...is...it’s much...later...than usual.” Which cracked her up, so... y’know, pay it forward.

After slogging my way through the third loop, and making my way through the finishing chute, where the normally incomparable Mike Reilly butchered my last name, I was told that I’d been on the leaderboard during the bike and immediately fell off during the run.

So even though I did not over-bike, I did under-train. Plus, I did not need to go directly to Medical in shock, which suggests that my race plan, nutrition strategy and execution was pretty spot on. IMAZ was a PR of 11:19 and IMNZ was 11:33.

OVERALL RACE GRADE: C. Just a C.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE GRADE: A+

As with prior races, IMNZ yielded some incremental improvements. As I said at the top, this was a mature result, with which I am unsatisfied. I haven't yet done my best race. I haven’t yet DONE MY BEST. There is clearly opportunity for improvements to all five aspects of my racing:

Swim was well executed. Still room for growth.

Bike was properly executed. Adequate. If anything, I could have pushed more.

Run. Ugh. Time to throw myself into Runner’s World and CARA and make like Forrest Gump and Prefontaine and Mo. Also, back to Hokas. Or maybe Altras. The Brooks I ran in were farts. The blisters on my toes had blisters. Not kidding.

Fuel strategy and execution was on point, although I was a few kilos heavier than previous races. Holidays and too few resistance training sessions.

Transitions were adequate.

Am I one of the guys at the pointy end of the bell curve? Clearly still yes. Maybe I’ve just evolved beyond a standard group training plan. Self-Coach? I’ve got the credentials and experience. Back to a previous coach? Maybe a new coach? I’d take some applications. Yes.

In the meantime, I’ll see you in Chattanooga for some 70.3 action in May, 2019. That’s only two build cycles. Ima go noodle around in TrainingPeaks.

WAIT. HERE’S THE BERNIE STORY...

Bernie McNally is one of those people I am just glad to have in my life. This race report would be wholly inadequate if I didn't share how this amazing woman is absolutely unstoppable.

First, she got everybody who trained for New Zealand (at Well-Fit) a fleece.

I forgot to mention she broke her ribs in a bike accident a few months ago.

Then, in what can only be described as the luck of the Irish, she charmed her way into the “New Zealand Experience” haka class. Just showed up and got in. Turns out one of the women selected didn’t show up. Classic.

Here’s the unstoppable part: at around Mile 110 of the New Zealand Full fucking Ironman race, she hit a cone and went over her bike handle bars. Road rash up her arm, split her knee open and cracked her head/helmet on a curb. A bystander said, “Do you need some help? I’m calling an ambulance.”

Her reply?

“Just help me get my chain back on.”

So he did. And she finished the bike. The medics in T2 told her she needed stitches. She said she didn’t have time, to just patch her up so she could get on with it. She finished the race with half an hour to spare. Words fail.

All I know is this: whenever I’m feeling like I can’t get it done--and it can be anything from driving in traffic to folding laundry to a holding pace on a long run--I know exactly what I’ll hear.

A thick, sassy, Irish brogue doing the haka.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR…

I’m very grateful to my lovely wife Susan and my wonderful kids, Peter and Veronica for their support. Susan, you are my salvation.

I’m grateful to have the expert professionals Coach Russ and Coach Sharone and the entire Well-Fit staff and athletes who generously share their wisdom.

I’m grateful to my inspiring and impressive training partners. Especially the seven hardcore savages that got it done in New Zealand--Adam, Christine, Dan, Kelly, Megan, Mike, Will and Bernie.

I’m very grateful to anybody willing to excuse my terrible smell, deplorable language and barbaric sounds during training.

Maximum gratitude to Well-Fit, Get-A-Grip, Fleet Feet and all the pools I use.

I’m grateful for Crushing Iron (C26), Matt Fitzgerald, Joe Friel, Training Peaks, Scott brand bikes, Apple, Ironman.

Thank you to all the on-course maniacs cheering and making signs and wearing all sorts of crazy outfits to show love and support. For strangers exercising.

I’m grateful that I’m able to race triathlons. I’m grateful to you for reading.

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icecat62 · 7 years ago

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Ask Ask Ask

Ask Ask Ask ;) Send me a # 1 - Who was the last person you texted? - My boyfriend. 2 - When is your birthday? - April 28 3 - Who do you want to be with right now? - My daughter. 4 - What sports do you play? - Ice hockey, but it’s on hold right now because of a knee injury. 5 - Who is the first person in your contacts? - My mom. 6 - What is your favorite song as of the moment? - Disturb’s The Sound of Silence. 7 - If you were stranded on an island, who do you wish to be with? - Nightcrawler from the X-Men so he can teleport me home. 8 - What do you feel right now? - Content. 9 - What chocolate is your favorite? - Aero bars. 10 - How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have? - 4 11 - Why did you create a Tumblr account? - To read Sherlolly based posts. :) 12 - Who is your favorite blogger? - I have a lot of favorite bloggers, but my favorite vlogger is Kosdff of Team Kaliber. 13 - Where do you want to be right now? - Right where I am. 14 - What do you want to be in the future? - Financially stable. 15 - When was the last time you cried? Why? - Two days ago due to finances being so crappy and worrying about my future. 16 - Are you happy? - Even with all the financial issues, I am. 17 - Who do you miss? - My dad every single day. He died close to six years ago. 18 - If you were given a chance, would you like to have a different life? - Parts of it. 19 - What was the best thing you were given? - A divorce from the piece of shit I made the mistake of marrying. 20 - Who was the last person who called you? - My daughter. 21 - What is your favorite dish? - Not really a dish, but I love burritos. 22 - Who is your bestfriend? - My boyfriend is one, another is a friend from since I was four. 23 - What is your biggest regret? - Getting married to a piece of shit user. 24 - Have you ever cheated on your partner? - No, but he cheated on me our entire marriage. It was a joke. He only married me because of financial reasons. 25 - Who do you spend crazy moments with? - My daughter. 26 - Name someone pretty. - My daughter. 27 - Who was the last person you hugged? - My daughter. 28 - What kind of music do you listen to? - Classical, rock, dance, alternative rock. 29 - Are you over your past? - Some of it yes, other parts I’m still mulling over. 30 - Who is the last person in your contacts? - My ex. 31 - What kind of person do you want to date? - Lucky to be dating him now. 32 - Do you have troubles sleeping at night? - Thank God no. 33 - From whom was the last text message you received? - My boyfriend. 34 - What do you prefer, jeans or skirt? - Jeans all the way. 35 - How’s your heart? - Physically 100%, emotionally it’s 95%. 36 - Did you ever have a girlfriend/boyfriend whose name starts with a “J”? - Nope (popping the p). 37 - Do you like someone as of the moment? - My boyfriend. 38 - What would you want to say to your latest ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend? - I say it all the time. I call him a cheating loser piece of white trash shit. :) 39 - Do you have any phobias? - Spiders. I love to look at them, but don’t let them touch me. I also am afraid of flying. 40 - Did you try to change for a person? - My ex and no matter how much I changed he kept wanting me to be even more different than I was. Fucker. Glad I’m still me after all of his shit. I was stupid to try and please that trash. 41 - What’s the nicest thing have you given to someone? - My time, my loyalty, my friendship. Monetary items mean so little to me. 42 - Would you go back to your previous relationship? - Fuuuuuccckkkk no. 43 - Are you in a good or bad mood? - Good. 44 - Name someone you can’t live without. - My daughter. 45 - Describe your dream date. - Sitting on the couch next to my boyfriend, the two of us playing our favorite video games. We’re nerds. :) 46 - Describe your dream wedding. - Never getting married again. 47 - How many roses did you receive last Valentine’s? - None, because my boyfriend tells me how much he loves me every day. I don’t need expensive flowers that will die to show me that. 48 - Have you ever been kissed? - Yes. 49 - How long is your longest relationship? - 27 years. 50 - Do you regret your past? - Well yeah. See all the comments about my shit marriage. 51 - Can you do something stupid for someone else? - Hell yeah. :) 52 - Have you ever cried over someone? - Yes. 53 - Do you have a grudge against anyone? - Yes. 54 - Are you a crybaby? - No. 55 - Do people praise you for your looks? - Some do, some don’t. 56 - Did you fall for someone you shouldn’t? - My piece of shit using ex. 57 - Have you ever done something bad but you don’t regret? - Yes. 58 - Do you like getting hurt? - No. 59 - Does anyone hate you? - I’m sure my ex hates me. 60 - Did you slap anyone whose name starts with an “R”? - No. 61 - What hair color do you prefer? - Ginger/red. 62 - If you can change anything about yourself, what is it? - My teeth. They need work. 63 - Do you love someone as of the moment? - My family/relatives and my boyfriend. 64 - Have you ever thought of killing yourself? - When I was in my late teens and early twenties I thought about it a lot. So glad I didn’t. 65 - Do you have issues with somebody in your school? - Graduated, so no. 66 - Can you live without internet? - Hellllllll no! 67 - What’s the song that remind you of your special someone? - I can’t remember the titles of the songs so I’ll just skip this question. 68 - Are you good at holding back your tears? - I don’t cry a lot. 69 - Are you a crybaby? - No. 70 - Have you ever experienced being hysterical? - No. 71 - Are you a KPOP fan? - No. 72 - Do you study hard? - I did. 73 - Have you ever sacrificed something important to you for someone you love? - Yes, myself during that sham of a marriage. 74 - Did you ever had a kiss under the moonlight? - Yes. 75 - Have you ever ridden a boat? - Yes. 76 - Did you have an accident last year? - No. 77 - What kind of person are you? - Loyal, honest, thrifty, giving, defender of so many things. 78 - Have you ever thought of killing someone? - Yes, but I would only take a life in defense. 79 - Have you ever been jealous? - Yes. 80 - How can you prove your love to someone? - Love insn’t something you should have to prove. I learned that from my shit marriage. 81 - What are you thinking right now? - I’m going to play Overwatch after I post my responses. 82 - Who is the 6th person in your contacts? - I have no idea and am too lazy to check. 83 - Do you have any memories you want to erase? - None because my memories make me who I am and I like who I am. 84 - Have you been hurt so bad that you can’t find words to explain how you feel? - I can always find the words to express my feelings. 85 - Did you ever badmouth someone? - Lol. At hockey I was a pro at taunting. :-D 86 - Have you ever had an argument with someone? - Sure I have. 87 - Do you have trust issues? - Somewhat due to my asshole ex. 88 - Are you broken-hearted? - No. 89 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”? - My daughter. 90 - Do you think all the pain is worth it? - Pain is a part of life, just like joy, so yes. 91 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”? - Not all the time. I try to forge my own path. 92 - Who do you want to marry? -Never getting married again. I’ll live with my boyfriend and be in a partnership. 93 - Do you believe in destiny? - No. 94 - Have you ever thought “I already found my soulmate”? - Yes, with my current boyfriend. 95 - How do you look right now? - A mess. My hair needs cutting in the worst way. 96 - Do you believe that first true love never dies? - Psssst. 97 - Have you found your true love? - I found someone who shares so much that I love, so if it’s that, then yes. 98 - What should you be doing right now? - Posting this so I can go play Overwatch. 99 - Name one of your ex-boyfriends/ex-girlfriends. - Rob. 100 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough? - Yup

#survey #fun times #truth #here it is

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vandoornestoffel · 8 years ago

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who is maria de villota? I've heard from her before and heard she had something to do with carlos sainz career, thats why im asking you

Dear Anon, please sit down because I’m about to lecture you about one of the greatest woman in the world, and a real life heroine.

This amazing woman is María de Villota Comba, born in Madrid, Spain on 1980. In two days she would had been turning 37. She competed in multiple series including Spanish F3, the Daytona 24 Hours, and Superleague Formula Championship, won the 1000km Hyundai on 2005 and stayed on podium the years 2002 and 2006; she became the first woman to be part of WTCC, Superleague Formula, first woman to get a pole on Ferrari Challenge. She was breaking stereotypes and was set for greatness.

Her relationship with Carlitos began in 2009, when Red Bull invited him to try a Formula car to test him for a sponsorship. He was led by Maria and her brother Emilio de Villota Jr. in a prior test, his first time driving a Formula car. Thanks to this, he got into the Red Bull Junior Team.

In mid 2011, she tested for Renault being the first woman the test an F1 car since 2005. On early 2012, María joined Marrusia as a test driver, her full ambition to get a F1 seat, and she almost did it. During the 2012 European Grand Prix (then hosted in her beloved Spain), on mid June 2012, Timo Glock got sick and couldn’t drive for qualification, but Maria couldn’t get his seat because she didn’t had a Superlicence. Then, something terrible happen.

On July 3rd, 2012, María was testing for aero on a Marrusia at Duxford Aerodrome. It was her first time driving their new F1 car. Not many details are known but she crashed into a stationary truck, suffering head and facial injuries. While María was still fighting for her life, Marrusia pretty much just said “it wasn’t the car’s fault”, but nothing more was ever said over the accident itself, a few things here and there but I believe nothing official. She underwent many surgeries to fix everything, lost her right eye, the senses of smell and taste but she insisted that she wanted to get her hands behind the wheel and keep racing. She also wanted to be part of making motorsports a lot safer.

Even before her crash, she was ambassador of the Day of the Women in Madrid and fought against gender-based violence. On March 2013, she was named part of the FIA Drivers’ Commission for Single-Seaters, alongside Nigel Mansell and Karun Chandhok. She wrote a book “La vida es un regalo” (Life is a gift), and she gave speeches inspiring people to keep pushing forward no matter what. She never gave up, but the consequences of the crash never fully left.

On October 11th 2013, María de Villota passed away, age 33, by supposed side-effects of her injuries. She left such a legacy for motorsports in Spain and for women in motorsports.

To fully explain how much did María meant to Carlos, you can watch this video. While it’s on Spanish, the way Carlos speaks of her, his voice and behavior, the way he tried to keep himself together and not cry yet crying anyway… it’s beyond emotional; he quickly explains how she was the one who allowed him to first test a single-seater car, how she was before and after the crash and how he will always remember her. Truly fully emotional.

Spanish Motorsports Queen: Maria de Villota

1980-2013

#maria de villota #carlos sainz #carlos sainz jr #formula 1 #f1 #asks #anon #it was really hard for me to explain maria #i cried like 4 times writing this #she trully inspires me to never giving up #55 #de villota

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itsworn · 6 years ago

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Origins of the iconic 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split-window design

In 2015, hemmings.com posted a story about an obscure car called a 1938 Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine. Maybe 10 were built, the exact numbers are not known; and four or five raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937, 1938 and 1939. One of the cars took a 1,500cc Class win. Today, only three are known to exist. The styling is late 1930’s German aero: rounded front; wraparound windshield and a long, tapered tail. This is a quirky-looking car … until you get to the back of the roof. Wow! It’s a Sting Ray with a split rear window and two round taillights on each side!

The Sting Ray story is that in 1957, young GM designer Peter Brock sketched the basic design, as per Bill Mitchell’s loose direction for the next Corvette: “Mitchell’s” Corvette! Around the same time, Chevrolet general manager Ed Cole wanted all 1960 Chevrolets (Corvette included) to use a transaxle for better weight distribution and improved interior space. Brock’s design was used for the body of the Q-Corvette and included a fastback; but not what we know today as the Sting Ray. A fullsize clay model was created, but due to cost, the overall project fell apart and only the Corvair got a transaxle. Brock left the company shortly afterward.

When Mitchell acquired the mule chassis from Duntov’s Corvette SS racer, he had Larry Shinoda take Brock’s Q-Corvette shape and make a roadster body to fit the chassis. This became the Stingray Racer. When it was decided that the Stingray Racer shape would be the styling direction for the next Corvette, Mitchell gave the assignment to Shinoda. But the Stingray Racer was a roadster, and Mitchell wanted a convertible and a fixed roof coupe for the new Corvette. So how did Shinoda come up with the now-iconic Sting Ray roof? Everyone just assumed that Shinoda or Mitchell designed it, and no one ever asked.

In July 2015, I wrote a post about the Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine on my corvettereport.com blog site, as part of my “Corvette Odd-Ball” section. In September 2018, I got an email from a man in Florida named James McLynas telling me that he found my story and that back in the late 1980s he owned a 1938 Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine. I got his phone number and we had a very interesting conversation.

The 1963-’67 Corvette Sting Ray coupe roof is one of the all-time great automotive styling elements. Photo: GM Archives

McLynas explained that he’s always liked unusual cars. One day in the late 1970s, in Michigan, he saw the back end of an unusual-looking car parked in an old man’s side yard shed. Thinking it was a Corvette Sting Ray, McLynas knocked on the door of the house and met the eccentric owner, Rubin Halprin. When McLynas asked about the old Sting Ray, Halprin went off on him. “Ha! That was Hitler’s car! That’s not a Sting Ray! That’s a 1938 Adler Trumpf! It was raced at Le Mans and won its class! Those bastards at Chevrolet photographed my car, stole my design (Halprin did not “design” the car) and made it into the Sting Ray!” Halprin was a serious hoarder and a real crank.

Halprin went on to explain that he bought the car for $2,000 or $3,000 from a retired Air Force officer that brought the car back from Germany in the mid-1950s. The paint was bad so Halprin gave the car a $19.95 Earl Scheib blue paintjob and used the car for years as his daily driver. One day in July 1959, Halprin took a bunch of local kids to the State Fair. While at the fair, GM Styling executive David Holls and a co-worker approached Halprin and asked if he would bring his unique car to the GM Tech Center. Thinking that GM was going to buy the car and he’d make a nice profit, Halprin had a friend follow him to the Tech Center so that he’d have a ride home.

Holls met Halprin at the tech center with a photographer to document the car. After the pictures were taken, Holls thanked Halprin and that was that. Well, Halprin is royally pissed. He cussed them out, left all steamed up, and was surly about it the rest of his life. A few years later the car was stolen then recovered with the car’s nose banged up. Eventually, the car wouldn’t run anymore so Halprin pushed it into his shed.

In 1985, McLynas happened to be in Michigan and thought he’d look for the old Adler Trumpf. Halprin still had the car, only by then the shed had fallen down and the car’s condition was even worse. McLynas has affection for unusual cars, so he worked a deal with Halprin and bought the car.

The shape of the Sting Ray’s roof and sharp creases fit perfectly with the shapes of the fender humps. The only other car to use this unique design was the 1971-’73 Buick Riviera. Illustration: K. Scott Teeters

McLynas didn’t do much with the car and eventually sold it in 1990 to the Black Hawk Collection. The new owners gave the car a total restoration with the help of a prison work program that taught auto restoration skills to inmates wanting to learn a trade. Years later, the 1938 Adler Trumpf won a class at Pebble Beach, was purchased by a private collector, taken to Austria and never seen again.

After McLynas sold the car, he heard that retired GM Design Director David Holls was to be one of the judges at a concours car show. McLynas went to the show to specifically ask Holls if the Adler Trumpf that he bought from Halprin, had been photographed at the GM Tech Center. Holls explained that he couldn’t talk then because he was judging the show, but offered to have him over to his house. Holls said, “I think I know what you want to know.”

The following week, McLynas visited Holls in his studio. After they had lunch, McLynas asked, “Did GM take the roof design from the Adler Trumpf and use it for the 1963 Sting Ray?” Holls then took out a binder and showed McLynas the photos of Halprin’s 1938 Adler Trumpf. McLynas was looking at his car; the day eccentric old Rubin Halprin took to car to the tech center thinking he was going to get a lot of money. Instead, all he got was a “thank you.”

Holls then said, “Let me answer your question.” (All the while nodding his head up and down) “This car had nothing to do with the Sting Ray.” Holls also had snap shots taken the day he saw the car at the State Fair.

What happened was this; the GM designer photographed an unusual-looking car, one of maybe 10 ever built before World War II that survived the war, eventually becoming a G.I.’s “spoil of war.” Bill Mitchell was GM’s Sr. VP of Design and racing his Stingray Racer on his own dime. But what he was really doing, besides having fun, was testing the public’s reaction to the Stingray’s unique shape. Mitchell saw the photos of the Adler Trumpf’s roof, handed the photos to Shinoda, and instructed him, “This is want I want.” Everything comes from something. The fact that the Sting Ray’s roof shape came from the Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine in no way detracts from the iconic Corvette. Mitchell had a keen eye for design and intuitively knew his Corvette had to have the Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine’s roof. Vette

The Adler Trumpf Company produced automobiles in Germany from 1932 to 1938. When this car was built in 1936-’37, it was considered advanced aerodynamic design. After World War II and by the 1950s, it was just a quirky-looking European car. Coincidently, the car’s wheelbase is 98 inches, the same as the C2 Sting Ray. Photo: www.dieselpunks.org.com

The Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine (racing sedan) was styled by airship designer, aerodynamicist Paul Jaray. The car’s basic profile shape was half of a lighter-than-air airship; rounded in the front and tapering back into flat wings on each side. The roof featured a curved windshield that wrapped around and tapered back to form a teardrop shape. This was very advanced for 1937. Photo: RM Sotheby’s

After attending the 1957 Turin Auto Show, Sr. VP of Design Bill Mitchell came home with a packet of photos of the Abarth 750 and Abarth Alfa 1000 Speed Record cars. He instructed his designers to produce sketches based on the Speed Record cars. This was one of 19-year-old Peter Brock’s sketches. Mitchell commanded, “This is what I want!” Photo: GM Archives

Working from a space buck designed by Duntov for Ed Cole’s Q-Chevrolet transaxle program, Brock and his stylist co-workers created a fullsize clay model. The final clay model had two rear window configurations, but the overall look was not yet what we know as the “Sting Ray.” Photo: GM Archives

The view from the back is amazing: teardrop coupe roof, split-window and two pairs of dual taillights. Photo: RM Sotheby’s, Illustration: K. Scott Teeters

Here’s the Adler Trumpf at the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine looks like a space ship surrounded by jalopies. By the time the 24 Hours of Le Mans started again in 1949 after World War II, streamlined coupes and open roadsters were becoming common.

Three Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine cars raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans event in 1937. Every Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine was handmade and slightly different. Note that cars No. 33 and No. 34 have the bug-eye headlights. Car No. 35, in the back, has faired in headlights and is the car that Halprin owned and was photographed at the GM Tech Center in July 1959.

Here are the drivers of the Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine in the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans: Fritz “Huschke” von Hanstein (aka, “The Racing Barron”) and Anne-Cecile Rose-Itier. Anne was the ninth woman to drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and competed in 1934, 1935, 1937 and 1939. Fritz and Anne were black-flagged for an improper fuel stop and were a DNF. The car had a crude four-wheel independent suspension, a four-cylinder engine with 56 horsepower that was cooled by a gravity-fed oil system and front-wheel-drive.

Above: Adler Trumpf car No. 33 raced at the 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans. This is the car that was photographed at the GM Tech Center. Bottom: This car raced at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans. Every Adler Trumpf car was handmade and slightly different. This version had a more streamlined roof and no rear quarter-windows.

This is another Adler Trumpf on display in Berlin. The roofline just screams “Sting Ray” and fit perfectly on Peter Brock’s design that Larry Shinoda was working on for the 1963 Sting Ray. Photo: www.flicker.com

After World War II, the surviving Adler Trumpf cars were used as daily drivers. One car was exported to America and eventually became part of Jimmy Brucker’s “Movie World Cars of the Stars and Planes of Fame” museum in Buena Park, California. Photo: www.justacarguy.com

When James McLynas visited retired GM Director of Design Dave Holls, he took photos of Holls’ photo album. The young woman in the photos is Anne-Cecile Rose-Itier at Le Mans in 1937. Photo: James McLynas Collection

GM Design Director Dave Holls took this photo of Halprin’s Adler Trumpf at the 1959 Michigan State Fair. Holls asked Halprin to bring his car to the GM Tech Center where it was photographed. The images were no doubt shown to Mitchell and Shinoda. Months later a full-size clay study of the XP-720 with the Adler Trumpf roof was shown to GM’s management and the project for the next Corvette was approved.

These three photographs are part of the GM Heritage Center Archives and are irrefutable proof of Rubin Halprin’s story. The photos are dated 7-27-59. Photo: GM Heritage Center

Bill Mitchell charged Larry Shinoda to take the styling of his Stingray Racer and make it into a car that could be manufactured as a convertible and a coupe. On October 20, 1959, the full-size clay Project XP-720 was on display for GM management viewing, with the Adler Trumpf “Sting Ray” roof. Photo: GM Archives

By the time James McLynas bought the Adler Trumpf in 1985, Rubin Halprin’s car had become a derelict. Photo: James McLynas Collection

Note how different the roofline of Halprin’s car is from the car the raced at Le Mans in 1939. This roofline is similar to the 1963 four-seater Corvette study. Photo: James McLynas Collection

There’s a strange kind of beauty with barn find, junkyard and side yard find cars. Photo: James McLynas Collection

Meet eccentric Rubin Halprin. Had he not bought his Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine from a G.I. in Michigan, we probably never would have had the iconic look of the 1963-’67 Sting Ray. Photo: James McLynas Collection

Here’s James McLynas helping to load up his Le Mans-winning Adler Trumpf. I’m certain that Halprin’s neighbors were very happy to see the car gone. Photo: James McLynas Collection

It’s hard to believe this is Rubin Halprin and James McLynas’s Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine. At least this unique car had a happy ending. Photo: www.wallpapermania.com

The post Origins of the iconic 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split-window design appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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I totaled my car. Car insurance question?

"I totaled my car. Car insurance question?

I got a new car that was worth about $19,000 last year. Ive only had the car for a year and 2 months. I had an accident and my car was totalled. I have full coverage insurance. I havent paid off the car, so I still owe quite a bit of money on it. Does the insurance pay off the rest of my car, or will I keep having to make payments on it and pay off the loan? Im so confused. Someone please explain this to me. Thanks in advance!

BEST ANSWER: Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://averageinsurancecosts.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr

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How much are you paying car insurance NJ?

I just want to know, please answer with how much, every 6 months? age? and any driving history? My mom and I are paying 2000$ 6 months, both of us have had unsafe operation in our driving records. does that sound reasonable to you? I'm really new to this car insurance and trying to know. thanks""

Anybody know health insurance provider which is inexpensive and trustable?

gimme the name and website address?

How much does it really cost to own a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S in California? MSRP is...?

...$88,400. What other costs are there? http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-carrera-4s/ I am trying to own one of these. Just wondering what's is in store for me (i.e. tax, ...show more""

""Spouse suspended license, live together, can I get auto insurance?""

Actually, it is my son in law who has a suspended license. My Daughter's policy was canceled and she wants to start a new policy, but she says that no insurance company will touch her because she lives with someone with a suspended license. Is this for real? Sound like a bunch of hog-wash to me. She lives in Massachusetts.""

If you have two insurances...?

We have two medical insurances on our children. Should there still be a copay? Should having 2 insurances cancel out the copay?

Does anyone know how to get cheap car insurance in the bronx ?

I totaled my car. Car insurance question?

How much does the cheapest insurance cost for a honda fit in the US?

i heard that cars r pretty cheap in the US, but insurance is a must they say??!, im from south east asia, and they sell cars triple the price here but dont required insurance, so how much is the average insurance for a honda fit in springfield virginia???""

Motorcycle insurance on a 2008 crf230l?

(around) How much would motorcycle insurance be for a 16 year old on a Honda crf230l?....thanks

Motorbike insurance?

motorbike insurance

Is it worth getting full comp insurance if your car is only cheap?

Is there anyone in california that helps people with claiming insurance from the other party's insurance compa?

My wife and I were crossing the street in San Francisco when we were run down by a cab. Police report says cab driver is at fault. Problem is we're about to head back to our country (we're tourists) and need help settling obligations with the hospital by claiming damages from the cab company's insurance company. While we're back in our own country. Is there an office that assists foreigners with claiming?

Is there any insurance company that will insure horses 17 and over to cover illness.?

Does my car has to have insurance or do I have to have a new insurance for myself in order to drive in NJ?

I'm a bit confused about this issue. I have a permit and I want to do a road test in order to obtain the provisional driver license. The thing is that I heard a lot from people about insurance and now I'm that confused that I don't know what to do. Do I need to have insurance? or does my car need insurance? Can I be under my parents insurance? Would that be cheaper? Could you guys help me figure this out? All I want is to drive legally without any problems, and don't waste money. Could you give me some sources also? Thx ahead""

Can i park at my aunts to get... a good price on the car insurance?

The insurance is double the amount for cars in my area compared to my aunt who lives at the other side of the town, can i park at hers to get good price on the insurance..?""

What are some good car with cheap insurance and good mpg for a 16. I wanna tune it up?

I want a car that has low insurance and good mpg i wanna tune it up to like 400hp to 500hp

About how much is Walmart Life Insurance Worth?

If you are an assistant manager for over 5 years?

""24 wanting a first bike, 125cc to start with. How much for a cheap one with insurance?""

Wanting a motorbike, starting off slower though to get the hang of it before getting a bigger engine. Going to be using it for going around the dales on a weekend. Would 1000 pounds be enough for bike and insurance? Any models to look out for on my search too""

How much money can i get from a car accident?? it was not my fault?

i was in a car accident. the other driver crashed into me & did a hit and run. i was in the car with my g.f . my g.f ended up with back pains & neck pains. i ended up with two broken fingers & a cast in my left hand. in addition i had back pains too. it appears that the driver that hit me was d.u.i and did a hit and run and got caught. after that, the insurance from the driver salvaged my car. just paid me what is was worth 3k. ive been going to therapy for 2 months now with my g.f. i spend about 500-600 in medical bills. i was off work 3 months. im 21 years old and i live in the state of california. i have an attorney working on my case. so how much can i get from the insurance company and my g.f ????""

What is the average cost for a student possessions insurance policy?

How much does car insurance cost in California?

I know it varies but I just need a range.

Advise please im looking for a cheapest and reliable car insurance i?

For my honda civic 2012 LX, thank you!""

Can insurance companies tell me what car would be the cheapest for me to insure?

I was just thinking, it would be handy if websites such as Gocompare.com could just tell me what car would be the cheapest for me to insure. Based on the Information i already gave for a quote. Instead of me having to go through every car i can think of getting a quote for each one individually to find which car is the cheapest for me to insure. Dose any one no if there is a site that dose this?""

How do I know which insurance is primary?

I'm a full time student and I'm nineteen. I have insurance through my mother, empire blue cross blue shield. But I also work part-time at a hospital and receive local 1199 health insurance from them. Which one is primary?""

IM 19. I HAVE A FULL PAID CAR. WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST INSURANCE I CAN GET?

IM 19 YEARS OL. I HAVE A FORD CONTOUR. WHAT WOULD BE THE CHEAPEST ROOT I CAN GO FOR ONLINE INSURANCE. ALL I NEED IS COVERAGE..HELP!

HOW TO GET MY CAR INSURANCE DOWN PLZ!!?

Hi Ladies and Gents, im 24 yrs old and turn 25 in august and my dream is to get a car to help my mum and dad sadly im not the best with technology or bargain hunting im a little bit naive if im honest. Anyway i thought as this will be my first car my insurance would be quite high and i thought 1500 a year would be decent enough paying monthly. so i tried some insurance sites but best i could see was around 2700 and i thought wow thats shocking! i need help from you guys if you can spare a moment please thanks, i dont need anything fancy just an A to B car to help mum and dad with life and me get to work ofcourse. I decided to start my lessons and drive an automatic car starting end of this month at payday! so ive listed some details below that i think you can help me to get a cheaper deal, thank you guys very much for being kind. ok... my car will be a cheap one maybe 1000 2nd hand automatic civic,corsa or something pref 3 door 1.4L is fine also i seen some on auto trader. annual miles 10k SD&P<<im sure thats rite social and work? fully comp i may hang off till i turn 25 if my insurance will go down and also i thought a little about going on someone elses insurance (my aunt has a mobility car for my mum) or adding someone to mine? not sure? also my sister and her BF have a car but im a little scared to ask them haha! so can anyone please help me get a cheap quote thanks a million,!""

Are hearing aids covered by health insurance?

Since I was born, I've had a hearing problem on my left ear that I have to go to the audiologist for every year, and every year they say my ability to hear in it goes down by a fragment. I'm 16 now, and in high school, and they originally tried to get me to get hearing aids in 6th grade, but I threw a fit because I was afraid people would make fun of me, and they haven't brought it up since. This year I'm really noticing that my hearing is shot. I'm constantly asking people to repeat things, and whenever someone says something to me and I'm not looking at their mouth, it's all a jumbled mess. If there are a lot of people talking, and someone is standing directly in front of me, but I'm not looking at their mouth, I miss probably a fifth of what they say. I've been thinking about getting hearing aids, but I was wondered if they were covered by insurance. My mom gets the insurance through Fl Hospital, if that helps, and as I'm just now looking into it, I don't know many more details about it.""

How do i open a car insurance company?

my husband and i were thinking ofdoing this .We would sell insurance for geico or any other insurance company basically we would be the middle man. But we dont know who to talk to ? how to begin ?

Affordable health insurance?

how does health insurance work? what are we really paying monthly? what are deductibles and premiums? my boyfriend needs health insurance he is 22 and a smoker and lives in nj he graduated from college already so he cannot get the school insurance and his job does not offer him insurance where can i find affordable heatlh insurance for him

""In your opinion, who has better idea how make health care insurance affordable - B. Obama or W. Buffet?""

In your opinion, who has better idea how make health care insurance affordable - B. Obama or W. Buffet?""

Insurance question ? My husband pays $approximately $6.00 an hour for insurance that we dont use...?

but when we use the insurance BC/BS charges no less then 400.00 for simple examinations....WHY? it takes nothing for a Doc to look in my ears an see i have an ear infection. Why do they charge my insurance hundreds of dollars and i should be grateful to have insurance ?

Will i have to buy individual health insurance starting 2014?

I have a job I am paying Medicare tax. Is it still mandatory for me to buy individual health insurance starting 2014?

I totaled my car. Car insurance question?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/car-insurance-way-high-i-drive-motorbike-year-two-how-savoie-santa"

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charizardon · 7 years ago

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Answer all 117 you nerd

Okay TallBoy wants to Throw Hands (and so my Watch Begins)1: Let’s start with a tricky one; what is the real reason you are confused right now?-Confused because I thought I did everything right but the results show otherwise.2: Do you ever get “good morning” texts from anyone?-I’m usually the ones sending them but I’m pretty sure @bow-and-aero has sent me some before3: If your significant other smoked pot, would you care?-Honestly just because I would never do it wouldn’t mean I’d care if anyone else did it, Significant Otter or no4: Do you find it easy to trust others?-Yes*5: What were you doing at 11PM last night?-Watching Season 5 of Game of Thrones6: You’re drunk and lost walking down the road; who is with you?-Jordan most likely and some rando. I just know it7: What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on?-Lay down. Cry. Cry some more. Still crying8: Are you close with your dad?-We were very close. I loved him a lot9: I bet you kissed someone last night, right?-HA HA HA (continues to bitterly laugh into my grave)10: What are you listening to?-Jazz while it rains outside11: You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life - what is it?-Water12: Do you like hickeys?-13: What time do you go to bed?-Infinity ‘o Clock14: Is there someone who continuously lets you down?-Me15: Can you text as quickly with one hand as you do both?-I can type without looking at the screen16: Do you always answer your texts?-A L W A Y S. What is DEAD may NEVER DIE17: Do you hate the person you fell the hardest for?-No18: When was the last time you talked to one of your best friends?-Today19: Is there someone that makes you happy every time you see them?-Yes. Pretty much any person I consider a friend20: What was your last thought before you went to bed last night?-“I hope I can finish Season 6 of GoT before the premier of Season 7 tomorrow”21: Is anyone else in the room with you?-Uhhh it’s like 12am as I type this so…I hope not??22: Do you believe what goes around comes around?-Yes23: Were you happier four months ago than you are now?-No24: Is there someone you wish you could fix things with?-Yes25: In the past week, have you cried?-Yes x226: What colour is the shirt you are wearing?-White + Black27: Do people ever call you by your last name?-No, it’s weird28: Is anyone ignoring you right now?-Yes but that person reassures me that they are not as they continue to do it…29: Do you have a best friend?-I call everyone my best friend30: Would it be hard seeing someone else kiss the last person you kissed?-It would be very weird to see someone else kiss my pillow yes31: Who was your last call/text message from?-Last call, my manager at work. Last text, @daddyguzma32: Are you mad at anyone?-No33: Have you ever kissed someone older than you?-Seeing as I’ve only canonically kissed a pillow…no34: How old will the last person you kissed be on his/her next birthday?-Why is OP so concerned about this Last Person I Kissed™ they don’t even go here35: How many more days until your birthday?-I honestly don’t want to count36: Do you have any summer plans yet?-Canada37: Do you have any good friends of the opposite sex?-Yes38: Are you keeping anything from your best friend(s) now?-No39: Do you have a secret that you’ve never told anyone?-Yes40: Have you ever regretted kissing someone?-The pillow deserves every kiss it gets41: Do you think age matters in relationships?-In terms of Legality yeah42: Are you available?-No I’m currently married to my pillow (yes)43: How many people have you had real, strong feelings for since high school ended?-As many as there are stars in the sky I fall so easily for Boys44: If you had to get a piercing (not ears), what would you get?-Honestly? Nips. I’m not even joking45: Do you believe exes can be friends?-If they aren’t jerks46: Do you regret anything?-All 21 years of my existence (jk)47: Honestly, what’s on your mind right now?-Getting through answering every question on this list I’m such an asshole for thinking tha-48: Did you ever lose a best friend?-Yes49: Was your last kiss a mistake?-wh..50: Why aren’t you pursuing the person you like?-Distance. Physical or otherwise51: Has the last person you kissed ever seen you cry?-wh…y52: Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed?-s…t…op53: What was the last thing you ate?-A slice of cheesecake54: Did you get any compliments today?-“You sure look great in that new shirt I bought you” ~My Mom55: Where are you going on your next vacation?-Canada56: Do you own anything from other countries?-Yes57: Are most of your friend guys or girls?-Guys58: Where have you lived most of your life?-Arizona59: When was the last time you took a long drive?-The drive between Phoenix and Flagstaff doesn’t count60: Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?-No61: Have you ever TPd someone’s house?-No62: Who do you text the most?-Varies, probably @megaabomasnow or @bow-and-aero 63: What was the last movie you saw?-Spider-Man Homecoming64: What’s preventing your current boyfriend/girlfriend from going back to their ex?-N/A65: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2011?-N/A66: Is the last person you kissed younger than you?-N/A67: Do you curse around your parents?-Like All the Fucking Time68: Are you happy with where you live?-Yes69: Picture of yourself?- Loss.jpeg70: Are you a monogamous person or do you believe in open-ended relationships?-Monogamous71: Have you ever been dumped?-N/A72: What do you most like about making out?-N/A idk tongue stuff? I don’t know what is kissing73: Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren’t seriously involved with?-N/A74: When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?-N/A75: What part of a person’s body do you find most attractive?-Belly, Butt, Chest76: Who was the last person you talked to last night before you went to bed?-I actually do not remember77: Had sex with someone you knew less than an hour?-N/A78: Had sex with someone you didn’t know their name?-N/A79: What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?-When I make a new friend and I know it’s safe to call them a friend because it’s mutual80: Would you get involved with someone if they had a child already?-Step 1: Get involved with someone. Failed Step 181: Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?-Yes*82: Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?-I tell every soul about a boy that so much as smiles in my direction83: Do you miss your last sweetie?-N/A I don’t eat candy84: Last time you slow danced with someone?-Prom??? I guess??85: Have you ever ‘dated’ someone you’ve never met?-N/A86: How can I win your heart?-As in Trent, the person who made me answer this goddamn list? Or the OP that made his list. If it’s Trent? I just want to give you your “Thanks for Tolerating Me” present already??87: What is your astrological sign?-Taurus88: What were you doing last night at 12 AM?-Watching GoT89: Do you cook?-Yes like all the time. Like 60% of my Snapchats are me making a pizza90: Have you ever gotten back in touch with an old flame after a time of more than 3 months of no communication?-N/A91: If you’re single right now, do you wish you were in a relationship?-Like every day92: Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?-I have only ever gone on 1 (one) date so far ever in my life so idk 93: What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?-Soft boy94: Name four things that you wish you had!-A Nintendo Switch, a Preorder for the SNES Classic, the will to live, a free HBO Go subscription for GoT95: Are you a player?-We Are All Gamers96: Have you ever kissed 2 people in one day?-N/A97: Are you a tease?-Apparently98: Ever meet anyone you met on Tumblr?-Yes99: Have you ever been deeply in love with someone?-Yes100: Anybody on Tumblr that you’d go on a date with?-Yes101: Hugs or Kisses?-Hugs102: Are you too shy to ask someone out?-Yes103: The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?-Hair104: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you babe?- *the sounds of radio static*105: If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was in relationship, would you go for it?-No106: Do you flirt a lot?-*straight boy voice* And what would you be doing if I was there ;)107: Your last kiss?-N/A108: Have you kissed more than 5 people since the start of 2012?-N/A109: Have you kissed anyone in the past month?-N/A110: If you could kiss anyone who would it be?-Tom Holland111: Do you know who you’ll kiss next?-Not Tom Holland112: Does someone like you currently?-N/A113: Do you currently have feelings for anyone?-I feel so Much114: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?-I’d like to be in a serious relationship rn but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯115: Ever made out with just a friend?-No116: Are you happier single or in a relationship?-I’ve never been in a relationship so I can’t really say117: Your own question that you want me to answer. Just write it.“Why did I take up Trent on answering all of them”-Because I ain’t no punk-ass bonch

(And now my Watch has ended)

#answered #ask meme #Trent is a banch #sorry for the long post Boys I had to step up to the plate #unbowed unbent unbroken #long post

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itsworn · 8 years ago

Text

Smokey Stories: Teaming with Goodyear

You may recall that in last month’s episode about Smokey’s ongoing plights that he’d just been offered a crew chief’s job for the ’67 Indy 500. However, he was heavily involved with Chevrolet and his ’67 Chevelle project for NASCAR events. He’d been the fastest car at the Atlanta race and again at Daytona where the car sat on the pole, amid a plethora of factory-backed Fords and Chrysler entries.

So now we have Smokey eating dinner by himself at an Atlanta motel when he’s approached by Goodyear’s Larry Truesdale and “three of his lieutenants” who simply want to talk with Smokey about Indy. But his response to their offer is not a typical Smokey reaction, at least based on prior history of such events.

“He (Truesdale) throws a 40-grand check on the table and says, ‘Here’s a contract, you sign and you own the check.’ I push it back and say ‘I don’t want to work for anybody.’ He says, ‘What do you want?’ So I say, ‘I own the car and the driver gets fifty percent. I have the right to fire the driver if he don’t stand ready to qualify on the first day.’ He (Truesdale) says, ‘No way.’ I say, ‘Gentlemen, this meeting is over, thank you and good-bye.’ I learned that from Ed Cole (GM president at the time and a friend of Smokey’s). I also learned that a crew chief needs a fancy wood, high-buck brief case with very loud locks. Nope, I never got one.”

Then guess what? It’s 9:00a the next morning and Truesdale shows up with the contract Smokey wanted. “I took the 40 thousand and three hours later Turner gives the Chevelle its first flying lesson coming off of turn four. That didn’t hurt the car but a bad landing totally ruined it. Total junk. A squash job. A local car crusher made it into a 4×4 cube that I then set by the shop door.”

“The only Indy car I can get is a Gurney Eagle. As a matter of fact, Gurney was building it for Goodyear. So around April 4, we get it off a plane in Chicago and truck it to Daytona. It is a cigar-looking car without an engine. On April 6, this car is entered with a Ford four-cam engine, normally aspirated, 255 cubic inches. I get a couple of engines from Ford by April 8. Hell, I never even saw one ’til I opened the crate. I’ve got 22 days to show up at Indy with a race ready car. I’ve got one full-time helper, T. A. Toomes and my boy Smokey, Jr. who was about 18 years old at the time.”

So Smokey dyno tests one of the engines and is immediately disappointed in its power level. But before he re-visits the engine to find areas that’ll yield more power, he decides to tackle the aerodynamics issues of the car. Don’t forget, Smokey knew how aero worked and applied his knowledge and skills virtually every time opportunities presented themselves. He always told me that this was “free horsepower.” Well, sort of.

“I decided to clean up the race car’s body, fare in the engine, run inner and outer wheel discs and backing plate farings to reduce wheel drag, and use elliptical metal for the suspension components. For the engine, I get more aggressive cams made and open up the cylinder head ports. In short, I run it 500 rpm more and picked up 40 horsepower.”

So much for the car and engine. Smokey’s problem now was that he didn’t have a driver. “Goodyear is getting four Formula One drivers Indy rides and they are all Indy rookies: Mike Spence, Jochen Rindt, Dennis Hulme (the then-current Formula One champion) and I can’t remember the other one. I say, ‘I’ll take Spence.’ ‘Sorry, he’s gonna drive Granatelli’s turbine car.’ ‘OK, I’ll take Rindt.’ Well, so and so wants him and we’ve half-way promised him.’ “I say, ‘I’ll take Hulme.’ “They say, ‘Great.’ “It was what they all wanted, anyway.”

“So we arrive at Indy the last day of April, half dead. T. A. Toomes, Smokey, Jr. and me, in a bad motel. It’s a real-life whorehouse but that’s not the main problem. It is too damn far away from the track.”

And then it’s May 1 at about 9a and Smokey meets his driver. “Hello driver. He’s a New Zelander standing ’bout five foot nine, a little on the porky side with a ruddy face. This don’t turn out to be love at first sight. But he has a friend of mine with him, Jack Brabham, who has a famous race car engineer as his chief car designer. Jack was Denny’s car owner and Jack’s company designed and built the Formula One championship car. Jack says, ‘Would it hurt your feelings if the engineer and I did the chassis brainwork and you do the engine?’

“Hell, no. How can I get pissed? I got the two world’s best chassis men for free. (Jack had already won the Formula One championship himself.) So Jack calls the chassis shots and we do the work.”

Bit by bit, Smokey learns a more about his driver. “He’s read too many of his press stories and has a standard racer problem. He’s lady hungry. Much like a dog Pluto that I used to have. He’s either doing it, looking for it or just finished it.”

Then comes the exercise of sorting out the car and driver combination, with a rookie Indy driver. “The first week is the driver’s test and then we work up to speed. The whole week we are in a spring, shock and sway-bar changing contest. We run a week and he’s four miles/hour short and bitching.”

Somehow, amid all the pressure of trying to turn his car/driver combination into competitive package, Smokey gets yet another distraction, if you can imagine the magnitude of this one.

“Smokey, Jr. is missing. He is fed up with my slave driving and yelling and goes to Asheville, North Carolina to Banjo Matthews’ shop and goes to work. To this day, he’s never discussed this unusual method of job termination. Smokey is his real name. A mistake on my part. The next sentence is always, ‘What’s your real name?’ Love could have been a part of this movie. Shortly afterwards, I was told Smokey got married in Asheville. No, I didn’t get invited. I think three or four years later I saw him again. By now he a super welder and fabricator with race car driver’s aspiration.”

Unbelievable, especially given all the conditions at the Speedway prior to Jr.’s departure. And, back at the brickyard and the race, it’s just T. A. and Smokey. But there’re more surprises in store.

“Back at Indy ’67, it’s now T. A. and me. More chassis changes regarding static settings, ride height, caster, camber, and toe-in. On the tenth day, Jack says, ‘Do you mind if we leave? I’ve got to get back to feed my kangaroos and wallabies.’ By the way, Jack’s driven Indy a couple of times by now and he knows the problems. What can I say ‘cept, ‘thanks for the help you’ve given me.’ I think thirty seconds later I could hear their tires screeching as they came out of the tunnel and turned right on 16th street headed for the airport.”

So at this point, Smokey had no choice but to play the hand that he’d been dealt, no matter how difficult or foreboding.

“Overall, the car I had was about as good as any of the top five or six, but as I’ve previously said, to qualify at Indy you have to drive five miles/hour over your head. If you don’t, you ain’t gonna be one of the 33 fastest, and that’s the name of the game. So the Thursday before the first Saturday qualifying I hear, ‘I’m going back to England the first qualifying weekend and will qualify the last weekend. I need many more laps and the car has to improve.’ So Friday, with one day left before the first qualifying weekend, Denny says, ‘I’m going to England tonight.'”

Well, that was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s….

“I request a few minutes and ask if he’d read his contract. He says, ‘Certainly and so has his barrister (attorney).’ Did you notice that I have the right to kick your butt out and put Jochen Rindt in tomorrow? ‘No, no not so.’ Well, here’s a copy and you should read the crap that’s highlighted in yellow. He’s hates the idea of being replaced but complains the car ain’t right.”

What followed was an example of not only how Smokey operated but clearly how he thought, when it came to upholding what was not only correct but fair. Next month we’ll let you eaves-drop on how he handled this situation, including its outcome ahead of the ’67 Indy 500.

The post Smokey Stories: Teaming with Goodyear appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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