I just thought I'd report on a conversation with Bob. His actual name is "B-Spec Bob", but I call him Bob for short.
Like us, he's a Geezer. Exactly the same age as I am, which is a strange coincidence. But I digress.
My better half was given a 1962 Mazda Carol 360 for her birthday. She's younger than Bob and me, by the way. Anyway, Bob looked at this tiny underpowered relic of a previous era and said "I'd like to drive one of those in the 24 Hours ("Minutes", he meant, I'm sure), of the Nurburgring."
Before he could change his mind, I bought one, and with no mods handed it over to him. I did ask him to treat it gently, it's old and it's probably a death trap in a prang. I like Bob.
Anyway, after about 40 minutes into the 24, I feared the worst, but a while later, Bob arrives and unfolds himself from what looks like a most uncomfortable seat. The interior on this car is called "simple" for a reason.
We sat down to discuss the experience, and here's how the conversation went after the usual pleasantries.
Me: How'd it go, Bob, what's that car like?
Bob: Well, it's not very quick it seems. (Bob never rushes to judgement)
Me: How fast did it go?
Bob: Unassisted, I did see 78 miles per hour going down the Fox Hole. Of course, he means "Fuchsröhre", but his German is very limited.
Me: 78 mph doesn't sound TOO bad, but hang on, what do you mean "unassisted"?
Bob: I'll get to that, but yes, 78 is OK, however a lot of hills saw me down to about 30, and that long climb up to the Carousel (Karussell) was a beast.
Me: I'll bet that got a bit boring. What was the Karussell like? (Notice how I show off my command of the German language here. With Bob, I like to act superior since I am his boss)
Bob: I found the Carousel a bit daunting. The handling on the Carol is frightening. I wish you'd told me that you were too cheap to put decent tires or any suspension upgrades on it. And the brakes, well.....
(He trailed off here remembering something that happened out there in the dark no doubt).
I was cautious on the Carousel, took it at 22 mph. In retrospect, I should have taken it a bit quicker, since the next uphill section is very steep. Dropped back to 10 mph there. That was when they started lapping me.
Me: Of course, the other cars were a little faster than you.
Bob: You can say that again.
Me: Of course, the other cars were a little faster than you.
Bob: (Ignoring my witticism) I said I'd explain the "unassisted" bit. Here I am grinding up the hill and cars are swinging by until one of them crashes straight into me, giving me a big boost and some whiplash, I might add. Then he tucks in behind, and none-to-gently starts pushing me up the hill. The Carol's motor is screaming, and so am I, while the speedo is reading about 83 mph. Uphill! Actually, it might have been more than 83, but the vibrations made it hard to read the instruments. Then he pulls out, getting bored with the game, he flies by and the next one crashes into me as well.
Me: Wow, did they all do that?
Bob: No, just two. That's enough.
Me: And how come you got back so late?
Bob: I'm proud of that. Since I squeaked in under 24 minutes, I got to do a second lap! In retrospect, that was a mistake. I'll never complain that GT6 doesn't have a proper endurance race. 47+ minutes in a Carol was enough!
Me: Do you want to do it again?
Bob: Sure thing!
but why not consider Susuka first week as your report 2589
