I finally took my 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Spec R1 wagon to the track recently, and in no time flat I struck up conversations with a bunch of like-minded young chaps who love to go fast, the right way.
I nearly forgot about the camaraderie that surrounds this activity. Then again, any hobby or pastime has its legions of fans and followers. Tracking road cars is no different.
As I pitted in, I headed straight towards the gorgeous, and freakin’ fast, 2000-'01 Impreza 2.5RS coupe that lapped the crap out of me. We briefly talked about Subarus, mods and I repeated how great his car was -- not that he didn't already know.
A little while later, a gentleman (possibly in his late 40s or early 50s) walked by my car and began discussing cars and the track. We talked about his EVO X MR that had transmission overheating issues, and about how he remedied the situation.
The point I’m trying to make is that spending weeks and months on forums is all fine and dandy, but nothing replaces direct human interaction. This is how new friendships are formed. I’ve got 1,500+ followers on Twitter, but I call only a small handful of them actual friends.
Cars bring people together. This is true. In this season of summer, the sheer number of car shows is proof-positive that humans like to mingle with enthusiasts or simply those who are curious about whatever it is they and others drive.
I love car shows. I’ve left said scenes behind in the past, but this year I hope to get out more. I say “scenes” because I’ll hang with the Euro guys, talk trash with the JDM bad boys, and sip brandy and smoke the pipe with the classic-car gentlemen.
If ever you feel bored or lonely this summer, make your way to the nearest car show. You’ll love hanging out with other car peeps. They’re the best kind!
I profess my love for cars!
I nearly forgot about the camaraderie that surrounds this activity. Then again, any hobby or pastime has its legions of fans and followers. Tracking road cars is no different.
As I pitted in, I headed straight towards the gorgeous, and freakin’ fast, 2000-'01 Impreza 2.5RS coupe that lapped the crap out of me. We briefly talked about Subarus, mods and I repeated how great his car was -- not that he didn't already know.
A little while later, a gentleman (possibly in his late 40s or early 50s) walked by my car and began discussing cars and the track. We talked about his EVO X MR that had transmission overheating issues, and about how he remedied the situation.
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| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
The point I’m trying to make is that spending weeks and months on forums is all fine and dandy, but nothing replaces direct human interaction. This is how new friendships are formed. I’ve got 1,500+ followers on Twitter, but I call only a small handful of them actual friends.
Cars bring people together. This is true. In this season of summer, the sheer number of car shows is proof-positive that humans like to mingle with enthusiasts or simply those who are curious about whatever it is they and others drive.
I love car shows. I’ve left said scenes behind in the past, but this year I hope to get out more. I say “scenes” because I’ll hang with the Euro guys, talk trash with the JDM bad boys, and sip brandy and smoke the pipe with the classic-car gentlemen.
If ever you feel bored or lonely this summer, make your way to the nearest car show. You’ll love hanging out with other car peeps. They’re the best kind!
I profess my love for cars!