Date:         Tue, 7 Apr 1998 14:15:56 -0000
Reply-To:     Larry Carter <lcarter@COWICHAN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Carter <lcarter@COWICHAN.COM>
Subject:      stoplight drag races
Comments: To: van <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Comments: cc: type 2 digest <"type2~digest"@bigkitty.azacess.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hello;  Our subject for today will be stoplight drag racing.  Ever since I
started to drive, (63 or 64) I have had the urge to drag race the guy
beside me at a stoplight.  It doesn't matter if it's a beetle or a
trans-am, the race is on as soon as the light changes, assuming the road is
clear ahead.  The Vanagon driver has the advantage of surprise over the
un-suspecting rival.  Hardly anybody is sharp enough to beat me off the
line. I know all the tricks, watching the other lights, and timing the
yellow, keeping the revs low until the last second, leaning back and
looking asleep.  Most people won't race with me, but the occasional "sport"
will step up.  Teenagers with mommies car will usually go for it, but
usually back down quickly once they fall behind.
it's the 40 something's that give me the best races.  European cars are
more likely than Japanese.  The whole subject kind of supports the theory
that most people are asleep, and barely notice subtle little changes around
them like the changing light.  My other car is a BMW 535i, a wonderful drag
racer.  You can jack up the back end by holding down the brake while adding
throttle.  Then when the light turns, release the brake, nail the throttle.
 You win.
The etiquette of the drag race says if your tires squeal, you lose, so it's
cool to force your opponent to lose.
All those front wheel drive cars/vans don't have a chance.  The weight
during acceleration is forced back, unloading the front wheels and reducing
traction.  Even if they try to beat you, they can't.  All those SUV's out
there are dead slow, no contest.
Yep, I'd say this is just about the best time in history to be a frustrated
drag racer with a 87 Vanagon GL.  I don't think I've lost a race in 3 years
now.

This is another way I enjoy my Vanagon, that I've never seen mentioned.
Larry Carter