I'll be racing the Elantra 4-Ever, the wife has decreed! Options

[Toecutter]

The wife has finally put her foot down. I have been scouting around for a little lightweight car to be used as a dedicated racer. I have been a bit more secretive about this than Bob, but I believe that we are of similar thought. I spotted a Swift the other day and mentioned it to my wife. Well, she finally put an end to the idea. She said that I have spent enough money on the Elantra to turn it into a racecar, and that I should be able to race it for a good long time because I don't drive it in the winter. She told me that she doesn't see a dedicated (prepared) racecar in my immediate future, so no gutting the Elantra either. This means that the Elantra will be remaining in STS indefinitely, and I will just have to be thankful that she lets me race at all. So, the Elantra in STS is what I have to work with. I just have to try my best, and I will enjoy every minute of it.

I will be doing little things to the Elantra yet. This winter it gets a Tibby brake booster, and I am contemplating replacing the rubber bits on the K-sports with thrust bearings. I would like to get a set of 225's at least for the front. I wonder if I can run the 'kooks on the front and my 205 RT-615's on the rear. Anyway, I think that she will let me do the "little things" as long as I don't start talking about ESP mods.

[silet]

That is actually good news You have approval to race what you got and you know where to go with it. Your goals and objectives are set

[Toecutter]

Yeah, I suppose I could look at it that way. Thanks Silet!

[Doohickie]

On the other hand, I bet you could find a good divorce lawyer...

[Silentwolf]

and you married this gal, why?

This is one reason that makes me wanna stay single, and/or make sure the girl understands me and shares passions.

[Bobzilla]

^ It's not that easy. . . trust me. Things like "life" get in the way of "passions" way too often.

I've pretty much been told the same, mostly. It's either the Accent or the Elantra and I already have money invested in the Elantra.

[Toecutter]

Listen, my wife lets me race. I haven't missed a single race this season, and next year I will do a national tour event, some other venues, and a PDX. She is OK with all of this. In fairness I didn't start racing until after we were married, so I think that she has been rather accomodating. Marriage is compromise, and although I detest compromise, I love my wife dearly and would like for her to be at least content enough to stick around. So I sometimes compromise, and she does the same. Its just part of being married.

[Bobzilla]

Listen, my wife lets me race.  I haven't missed a single race this season, and next year I will do a national tour event, some other venues, and a PDX.  She is OK with all of this.  In fairness I didn't start racing until after we were married, so I think that she has been rather accomodating.  Marriage is compromise, and although I detest compromise, I love my wife dearly and would like for her to be at least content enough to stick around.  So I sometimes compromise, and she does the same.  Its just part of bien married.

Dude. . . you hade me at "Listen, my wife let's me". . . .

Seriously, I swear we are identical twins with identical wives sometimes. . . Is your wife a picky eater as well?

[silet]

You're lucky you can race your car. Have fun and enjoy it!

[theman]

If it is my money I will do what I want.... if it is hers then I see the point. You only live once don't let them suck it out of you. I saw my parents and will never be married; 28 years of hating each other.... both of them said to me it sucks I am not really living until I am 60.

This goes for girls as well don't let us suck the life out of you!

[gpagpa]

Just wondering if there are any downsides to racing. For example, regualar everyday street driving vs racing or autocrossing, I assume it takes a toll on the engine, how many miles are taken off the engine that would have been there if not racing.

[Bobzilla]

There's no more strain on the engine in an auto-x than a day of spirited driving.