Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook?

Wade Mahaffey · 01-12-2011, 09:37 AM

As I read the threads on the new Mustangs and Challengers. I see that the cars are factory built as a race car. Then taken to a chassis shop, then a body/paint shop, then an engine is purchased from a builder, etc,etc and then in some cases someone else drives it! If you take that senario and win with it, Do you feel like a winner? If you do, I'm happy for you and to each his own. I guess I'm just old school, but I see that as a fan with a check book or a sugar daddy. It tickles me to watch sports on TV and see the fans screaming for their team to win. They feel, that they are a winner if their team wins! When they did'nt throw the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball, etc, nothing, notta, no effort at all, just watch! How can you be a winner, if all you do is watch what somebody else did to win! "The glory belongs to the man in the arena". Now I know there are many out there that would say it's a team thing. I respect that, and agree somewhat, (being a retired career firefighter) and know the importance of the team concept. In the big game, if I'm on the bench or in the dugout all game and the team wins....I'm a winner.....but I sure don't feel like one! (my opinion only) Where has the pride of building your own car gone?

Wade Mahaffey

Ed Wright · 01-12-2011, 09:42 AM

Here we go! :-)

X-TECH MAN · 01-12-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wade mahaffey

as i read the threads on the new mustangs and challengers. I see that the cars are factory built as a race car. Then taken to a chassis shop, then a body/paint shop, then an engine is purchased from a builder, etc,etc and then in some cases someone else drives it! If you take that senario and win with it, do you feel like a winner? If you do, i'm happy for you and to each his own. I guess i'm just old school, but i see that as a fan with a check book or a sugar daddy. It tickles me to watch sports on tv and see the fans screaming for their team to win. They feel, that they are a winner if their team wins! When they did'nt throw the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball, etc, nothing, notta, no effort at all, just watch! How can you be a winner, if all you do is watch what somebody else did to win! "the glory belongs to the man in the arena". Now i know there are many out there that would say it's a team thing. I respect that, and agree somewhat, (being a retired career firefighter) and know the importance of the team concept. In the big game, if i'm on the bench or in the dugout all game and the team wins....i'm a winner.....but i sure don't feel like one! (my opinion only) where has the pride of building your own car gone?

Wade mahaffey

x 10

herbjr · 01-12-2011, 10:19 AM

So I guess Buddy Martin shouldnt be proud of what he did since he owned the cars and never drove them. Or how about almost every NASCAR TEAM there are only 3 owner drivers out there, Or Vinney Barone for spending money to give Biondo a ride in the comp car. I mean my opinion is if you have enough income to do this at that level then let those people do it. Why bitch because someone can afford to do it this way, I cant afford to run a Challenger or Mustang but I dont have a problem for anyone who has WORKED THEIR *** OFF TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY to be able to buy one. I dont like alot of things in this world but if someone wants to spend 100K to run a stocker then thats their business.

Herb jr

Andys dad · 01-12-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbjr

So I guess Buddy Martin shouldnt be proud of what he did since he owned the cars and never drove them. Or how about almost every NASCAR TEAM there are only 3 owner drivers out there, Or Vinney Barone for spending money to give Biondo a ride in the comp car. I mean my opinion is if you have enough income to do this at that level then let those people do it. Why bitch because someone can afford to do it this way, I cant afford to run a Challenger or Mustang but I dont have a problem for anyone who has WORKED THEIR *** OFF TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY to be able to buy one. I dont like alot of things in this world but if someone wants to spend 100K to run a stocker then thats their business.

Herb jr

Well said Herb

Also some guys choose to have a $300k motor home and trailer.

I am going to tow on a $1500 trailer and race a $100k car.

BTW - I am very proud I have worked and been able to afford it

:-) peace

buzzinhalfdozen · 01-12-2011, 10:42 AM

I think some are missing Wades point, I think he's simply pointing out that there seems to be more "check book" racers now than ever before. Maybe it's all the attention these new cars are recieving or just the fact that you can scratch off a check and have a competitive race car right out of the blocks. Most of the racers I know do most if not all of their own work, some because they take pride in doing it themselves, some because they don't have the financial means to have it done for them. Either way is OK with me personally I find a sense of pride in doing most all of my own work, it challenges me and provides an outlet, some folks bowl, golf ect. Don't really care how the other racers do it if they think a 100 large stocker is the ticket than more power to em, I'll just carry on with my junk. Joe

dragracer9911 · 01-12-2011, 10:48 AM

Wade, as you know, I have a lot of respect for you as a man and for your fabrication abilities. I grew up in this sport with Dicke Estevez, who build everything from the car to the engine. He fabricated the car, did the body work and painted it. He did minor upholstry work. Even though he was not a transmittion man, he has rebuilt his C6 the night before a race when he couldn't get it fixed but the trans man of the day. He has rebuilt the rear as well. But, having that be said, he also had different engine builders, transmittion men, and rear end men as well. At one point in time, he worked with a can shaft company to help develope FE cams, to the tune of a cam a week. He commisioned a guy in NJ to make a base intake that allowed a 351 Torker to fit a FE motor. As you also know, hin and Alfred did rollbar and tub work to support the "habit". He did most of it because he couldn't affo0rd to pay someone to do it.
I guess what I am driving at is, not everyone can do what you or Dickie, or a lot of other people can do, or they can to up to a point. Most everyone has a fabricator do their suspension, tubes and rollbars. Most have a engine builder, trans man, or get their rear for Strange or Mark Willimans, etc. In alot of ways, these guys that are racing "Factory" car are rebuilding them after they get the car. I know a stock racer that has a competitive older mustang that Ford gave him a body in white, some exterior trim and some interior trim and he still has over $70,000 in the car and it's not finished yet. In hind sight, he wishes he wasn't give the "free" car.
We allo do what we can with what we have, whether it's a Class car, a bracket car, or street rod. Some may look at your roaster and say look at that guy, "guess we all know who has the money". I may know what it took for you to build that car, how much work and time you personlly spend on it, what you sacrificed to afford what you didn't fabricated or all the side work you did to be able to afford it, but the average guy doesn't know that.

Tom Sr.

herbjr · 01-12-2011, 10:48 AM

Racers havent done their own work for a long time. When is the last time a racers built his own Super Stock car. And I mean build it not buy a roller and finish it. The days of racers doing all their own work is over unless they are in the business to build cars or motors. How many class racers that are fast build their own motors from TOP TO BOTTOM. Even some of the top engine BUILDERS(haha) in this country are engine assemblers. The days of doing all the work in house is gone due to specialist who do only heads, custom pistons etc. Its all about the money anymore and has been for a long time.

Herb Jr

Andys dad · 01-12-2011, 10:49 AM

How many racers can say they do not try to buy "going faster" in some form or another.

You know "trick of the week" stuff - or stuff that has evolved (been allowed)

It all a matter of perspective

I look on this as a piece of history not just a car

We will definitely not be the fastest V10 - others will be able to build a real motor

:-) peace

Adger Smith · 01-12-2011, 10:51 AM

Wade,
I understand what you are saying and I do agree there is a certain amount of pride in being a "DYI" type guy. I've been fortunate enough to have God given talents to be a DYI guy in the automotive arena. (some other areas, No) I have found that just because a guy opens his check book and says build it fast and damn the expenses doesn't mean he doesn't have pride in what he is doing. I've seen it with customers for many years. Their pride is based upon ownership, accomplishment or other forms of gratification that they seek. They all feel they have accomplished something and I think they have. First they got off the porch and are running with the big dogs. There are so many people that don't even make an effort to be involved. Second they realize they need to pay their way. It is just like I pay the Heating and Air guy and Plumber and Doctor. I dare not do my own Brain surgery. Looking at it the other way I don't consider myself less of a person than them just because one of my buddies owns a getaway home in Florida or one of my engine customers invites me to his get away Villa in Mexico. They enjoy the fact that my talents give their rides power. I'm going to enjoy the path God has given me through life, use my talents and live with the Joneses as my neighbors. (Jones family with the pool) !!

P.S. I'm sure glad my Heating and Air guy put in that new unit, correctly, 2 years ago so I can type this while being warm and cozy in this 17 degree weather. let's see : what did i pay him for it??

01-12-2011, 09:37 AM	#1
Wade Mahaffey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 581 Likes: 0 Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts	Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? As I read the threads on the new Mustangs and Challengers. I see that the cars are factory built as a race car. Then taken to a chassis shop, then a body/paint shop, then an engine is purchased from a builder, etc,etc and then in some cases someone else drives it! If you take that senario and win with it, Do you feel like a winner? If you do, I'm happy for you and to each his own. I guess I'm just old school, but I see that as a fan with a check book or a sugar daddy. It tickles me to watch sports on TV and see the fans screaming for their team to win. They feel, that they are a winner if their team wins! When they did'nt throw the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball, etc, nothing, notta, no effort at all, just watch! How can you be a winner, if all you do is watch what somebody else did to win! "The glory belongs to the man in the arena". Now I know there are many out there that would say it's a team thing. I respect that, and agree somewhat, (being a retired career firefighter) and know the importance of the team concept. In the big game, if I'm on the bench or in the dugout all game and the team wins....I'm a winner.....but I sure don't feel like one! (my opinion only) Where has the pride of building your own car gone? Wade Mahaffey

01-12-2011, 09:42 AM	#2
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? Here we go! :-) __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

01-12-2011, 10:19 AM	#4
herbjr VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 1,027 Likes: 1 Liked 83 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? So I guess Buddy Martin shouldnt be proud of what he did since he owned the cars and never drove them. Or how about almost every NASCAR TEAM there are only 3 owner drivers out there, Or Vinney Barone for spending money to give Biondo a ride in the comp car. I mean my opinion is if you have enough income to do this at that level then let those people do it. Why bitch because someone can afford to do it this way, I cant afford to run a Challenger or Mustang but I dont have a problem for anyone who has WORKED THEIR *** OFF TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY to be able to buy one. I dont like alot of things in this world but if someone wants to spend 100K to run a stocker then thats their business. Herb jr

01-12-2011, 10:42 AM	#6
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? I think some are missing Wades point, I think he's simply pointing out that there seems to be more "check book" racers now than ever before. Maybe it's all the attention these new cars are recieving or just the fact that you can scratch off a check and have a competitive race car right out of the blocks. Most of the racers I know do most if not all of their own work, some because they take pride in doing it themselves, some because they don't have the financial means to have it done for them. Either way is OK with me personally I find a sense of pride in doing most all of my own work, it challenges me and provides an outlet, some folks bowl, golf ect. Don't really care how the other racers do it if they think a 100 large stocker is the ticket than more power to em, I'll just carry on with my junk. Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

01-12-2011, 10:48 AM	#7
dragracer9911 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 75 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? Wade, as you know, I have a lot of respect for you as a man and for your fabrication abilities. I grew up in this sport with Dicke Estevez, who build everything from the car to the engine. He fabricated the car, did the body work and painted it. He did minor upholstry work. Even though he was not a transmittion man, he has rebuilt his C6 the night before a race when he couldn't get it fixed but the trans man of the day. He has rebuilt the rear as well. But, having that be said, he also had different engine builders, transmittion men, and rear end men as well. At one point in time, he worked with a can shaft company to help develope FE cams, to the tune of a cam a week. He commisioned a guy in NJ to make a base intake that allowed a 351 Torker to fit a FE motor. As you also know, hin and Alfred did rollbar and tub work to support the "habit". He did most of it because he couldn't affo0rd to pay someone to do it. I guess what I am driving at is, not everyone can do what you or Dickie, or a lot of other people can do, or they can to up to a point. Most everyone has a fabricator do their suspension, tubes and rollbars. Most have a engine builder, trans man, or get their rear for Strange or Mark Willimans, etc. In alot of ways, these guys that are racing "Factory" car are rebuilding them after they get the car. I know a stock racer that has a competitive older mustang that Ford gave him a body in white, some exterior trim and some interior trim and he still has over $70,000 in the car and it's not finished yet. In hind sight, he wishes he wasn't give the "free" car. We allo do what we can with what we have, whether it's a Class car, a bracket car, or street rod. Some may look at your roaster and say look at that guy, "guess we all know who has the money". I may know what it took for you to build that car, how much work and time you personlly spend on it, what you sacrificed to afford what you didn't fabricated or all the side work you did to be able to afford it, but the average guy doesn't know that. Tom Sr.

01-12-2011, 10:49 AM	#9
Andys dad VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arcadia, Ca Posts: 1,571 Likes: 48 Liked 175 Times in 78 Posts	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? How many racers can say they do not try to buy "going faster" in some form or another. You know "trick of the week" stuff - or stuff that has evolved (been allowed) It all a matter of perspective I look on this as a piece of history not just a car We will definitely not be the fastest V10 - others will be able to build a real motor :-) peace __________________ time is our most precious resource, you can always make more money but you can never make more time spend your time wisely with the ones you love - Ron Durham

01-12-2011, 10:51 AM	#10
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,446 Likes: 575 Liked 880 Times in 311 Posts	Re: Where is the pride? Is it just a checkbook? Wade, I understand what you are saying and I do agree there is a certain amount of pride in being a "DYI" type guy. I've been fortunate enough to have God given talents to be a DYI guy in the automotive arena. (some other areas, No) I have found that just because a guy opens his check book and says build it fast and damn the expenses doesn't mean he doesn't have pride in what he is doing. I've seen it with customers for many years. Their pride is based upon ownership, accomplishment or other forms of gratification that they seek. They all feel they have accomplished something and I think they have. First they got off the porch and are running with the big dogs. There are so many people that don't even make an effort to be involved. Second they realize they need to pay their way. It is just like I pay the Heating and Air guy and Plumber and Doctor. I dare not do my own Brain surgery. Looking at it the other way I don't consider myself less of a person than them just because one of my buddies owns a getaway home in Florida or one of my engine customers invites me to his get away Villa in Mexico. They enjoy the fact that my talents give their rides power. I'm going to enjoy the path God has given me through life, use my talents and live with the Joneses as my neighbors. (Jones family with the pool) !! P.S. I'm sure glad my Heating and Air guy put in that new unit, correctly, 2 years ago so I can type this while being warm and cozy in this 17 degree weather. let's see : what did i pay him for it?? __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS)