Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

Sad Story

I was at my Tuner's place yesterday (Crispeed). We were talking about my setup, parts still needed, etc.

He told me that my setup was very similar to another one he did a year ago to another "very-detailed" Turbo 1st Gen Lover.

Turns out he built a Turbo GSL-SE for another guy also named Alex (like me). He sounded familiar, and I started thinking back a few years to the mid 90's (when I last had a Seven). I said,

ME:
"I know a guy named Alex, was he kinda short? Black hair?"

CRISPEED:
"Yeah, that's him. Real detailed too.. like you."

ME:
Thinking hard..."Real thin little guy, nice guy?"

CRISPEED:
"Yeah, that's him. He had a black GSL-SE"

ME:
"Was he called Alex Brice?"

CRISPEED:
"Yeah!, That's him. He had a Turbo SE that I built with the stock SE engine".

ME:
"No ****! We used to hang out at the races all the time! He was a good friend of mine. We raced against each other all the time! He even invited me to his wedding. Aw man.. Small world!...

So where is he?"

CRISPEED:
Long Pause...

CRISPEED:
"He's dead."

ME:
"WHAT?!?!? What the hell are you talking about?"

CRISPEED:
"We built the car, and he brought it by for more tuning.
I told him not to run the car hard, because it was running lean. It was a Friday, he left and never came back the following week like he was supposed to."

ME:
visibly upset...hairs standing on end, in total shock and disbelief..

CRISPEED:
"He drove on 107th avenue by FIU (a relatively wide open street) and I guess he raced somebody. I saw it on the news.. The car went through a wall and was broken in half. I knew it was him because of the Quiksilver sticker on the rear hatch"

ME:
"Oh my god... I simply cannot believe this..."
....... ........ .......
in my head
I was even going to find him and call him to tell him about my project.

We were good friends back then. We were both very alike with RX-7's..
in my head
DAMN IT!!! Why? Why? Why?!?!

"Chris, I'll catch you later... I gotta go."

CRISPEED:
Obviously seeing that I was freaked out..
"Be careful Alex, just relax okay?"

ME:
"yeah, ...Later"
I Got in the truck and left.

Moral of the story:

I don't really know. I am still extremely shaken and am having a hard time dealing with his death. It hit way too close to home and to me directly. I have dealt with death many times, but this one was different. This guy... could have easily been ME.
Is this a sign? I dunno..

I know my project will be a handfull on the street.
Now I have a different perspective on it.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. No eating **** on the street, like I used to do. I will reserve as much as possible for the track.

I already ordered Hawk Racing Pads, and new Stainless Brake Lines. I will get a helmet (for the track).

Suspension, springs, polyurethane bushings all were ordered already, even before I found this out.

Big difference in plans: I was going to just put a roll bar inside. Now I want a cage with a 5 point harness for the seats.

I know that cages are made for the 7 (found using the search feature.) by:

http://www.daveturner.com/rx-7.html
AND
http://www.ioportracing.com/rollbar2.htm#anchor575860

Are these cages streetable? I don't want to have to climb over a bar to get in/out of the car, but I want the safety of a 4, 5, or 6 point cage.

Does anybody have pictures of them inside the car?
Experiences with them? Recommendations? Things you would do different?

Should I forget these kits and just get it custom made?

Thanks.

jeremy

iTrader: (1)

i agree. after my wrx i decided when i get my fd the first upgrade will be a rollbar. just to much potential for disaster.

peejay

the first upgrade is the driver having some restraint.

Bad stuff happens out there, and there's no reason it can't happen to you too...

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

*sigh*.

I know. I am usually extremely restrained. I haven't street raced in 7 years easy.

I just have a newer perspective now. Safety used to be a "maybe in the future" kind of thing. Not anymore.

Too much to lose. A saying I kinda live by..
"Is the Juice worth the squeeze?"

1st7heaven

That is a wild story!!!!! I had my cage put in by a local guy here in Dallas. This is what he does for a living. For my cage he charged $1,700. He does custom cages to your specs. but with all the saftey requirments. Check mine out. http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...e=Mazda%20RX-7

sorry cant remember the short version

jeremy

iTrader: (1)

i don't really street race, i rally. so most of the time its just me and a passenger at risk. actually i might have saved the wrx but i wouldn't cross into the other lane on a blind bend because i was afraid of a headon collision.

Northern 7

iTrader: (3)

That's a very sad story... that kind of stuff is happening every day, however, it really hits home when it's someone you know. Hopefully your post will serve as a warning and a reminder to those who take the time to read it. Directfreak, Good luck with your car and drive safely - same goes for the rest of you!!

Redwood

If you're looking for a street bar, I'd recommend a 4 point. The local race car fabbers (my own term of course) gave me quotes between 350-450 for a bar with two supports to the rear wheel wells and a cross bar for mounting 5-point harnesses. This is really the way to go I think.

A buddy of mine had a built (running high 13s) 79 civic. Tiny car with massive weight reduction, similar to a tin can. He got creamed in the rear by a SUV (go figure, said they didn't see him) with him, his friend, and his sister in the car. Thanks to his 12-point cage, his sister was only put into a short coma and he and his friend suffered only minor breakings. Scary stuff happens out there. Definitely better to save the fancy stuff for the track.

mperformance

Directfreak,

I just got back from street racing (I'm an idiot) and read up your story, and I must say that it was very sad indeed. To top it all I must write this down to tell you a little about me since you brought up 107th ave.

Man I went to FIU where I got my mechanical engineer degree. I used to drive my 1985 street ported 12a RX7 to got to school there. I was just shocked at your story since I remember plenty of times were I raced down that street. One time I got caught in a race with a mitsubishi eclipse turbo and it wasn't pretty since we got caught at over 130mph on that same street, I automatically recieved a court order and almost got arrested. Your story has really caught my attention since I have gotten into a lot of trouble because of racing back in the days....yet I keep on doing it, although a bit safer nowdays. Still there is no safe street specially one that is used regularly...I hear your story and I must say you have made a great impact towards my future actions. A friend of mine, last thrusday, crashed his car to a stopped BMW were increadible enough was my girlfriend riding as a passenger. The impact was unbelievable and both cars were totalled....my friend was racing at well over 100mph when he crashed, luckily nobody was badly hurt. I no longer have a girlfriend because of this ( and we were ready to get married) we no longer think alike in terms of cars and speed.

Well, I just hope I don't get flamed for being such an idiot, but I am being honest and sincere. I'll keep a mental note on this story and all the things that have been going on as to be able to stay away from danger.

About the rollcages I am going to install one ASAP and invest in a 5 point harness soon. I'm also going to order the Hawks HP+ pads and new discs. No joke, you are right safety first. I'll stop for now.

BTW I no longer live in miami, but I do know that streetracing is out of control there (saga bay and all the hot spots) and at least one kid dies every month due to it. One thing is what you hear on the news (nothing) and one thing is reality...yet we all (well some of us) keep on doing it (streetracing) until it hits home.

you did hit home with that story for all is worth ...thanks man!

Felix Wankel

Sad, sad story.

And my friends ask me why I don't street race...

You guys wanting to run cages in your street cars may want to think harder about it. You'll have to always wear a helmet to keep from bashing the **** out of your head on the upper bars in the event of a wreck. Rollbar padding alone won't really cut it. I'm going to put a simple 4-point bar in my TII. Then, hopefully my head won't be near the hoop.

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

Mperformance, I am saddened by your story as well. I originally did not want to tell that story to anyone, but I figured it might open some eyes here and there as mine are now open.

I hope things work out with your GF, and your car as well. Good luck.

mperformance

thanks man, I think everything is going to work out just not now.

....felix I don't want to run on the street anymore (I'm serious) I'll take to the track (if it ever opens for drag). The cage and all that is important and I will begin work ASAP. But I know myself, I could be preaching about not racing on the street, but it only takes one day of stupidity to blow it all up while street racing.

...Since I know myself, that is why I drive a slow diesel truck daily and own NO motorcycles.

WackyRotary

Man that is sad stuff. And even though I don't street Race and have no intention of doing so in a urban area, I do find myself driving faster then I should sometimes, but only out on country roads were no one will be ...most of the time. Of course the Thrill factor of such activity is hard to beat. THis is why I think maybe if there is some orginizing goes into it and since people are going to do this legally or not, cops should just go with it instead of fighting it. What I mean by this, they should particapate in blocking off roads and keeping the street clear for racers till there done. But since no insurance company would go for this, it probably not ever happen.

But its a good point that it would be better if cops didn't surpress these activities and instead make it as safe as possible since it will happen with or without legal consent.

Quik 93 FD

this really changed my opinion on street racing from
"well, its ok if theres nobody around and its open" to "i think ill keep ot on the track" i think that someone should copy this or post a link in the kills section of this forum and it might hit home to a few of them there. im sorry about what happened. stay safe.
-quik

mperformance

let's make this fellow rotary lover's death worth something. We all can make a change. Eventhough I never met the kid it touched me.

Wacky I am actually trying to do that where am at. We have a strong organized group which is trying to find a safe spot to run. Legally and with safety in mind. Currently there are no tracks or legal spots to race.

I have posted this thread on some other boards and all the race scene folks agree, let's keep it safe.

jspecracer7

...I am truly saddened by your loss. Street racing is almost a way of life here in Japan. I'll have to keep that saying in mind more often. Restraint...

mar3

iTrader: (8)

Gentleman, when it's your time, it's your time and a roll cage won't make a difference if the hand of God is nigh...

adssoccer

i'm only 17, and i haven't experienced a death first hand due to street racing, but i have found the common sense not to do it. maybe it's from my dad telling me at every turn do drive safe, the speed belongs at the autox. i've been doing that since i first got in a car at age 15, and i fancy myself a pretty good driver (2nd of 20 in class at the autox consistently), but even the best take a spill. i put my dads vette in a ditch on prom night. luckily it was just a screwed up u turn in a bit of gravel, so i wasn't going fast and there wasn't any damage, but many of us think we are better drivers than we are. speed belongs on the track and autox. in a nice little sports car, it's tough to be restrained, but if not for yourself, do it for your family. i've heard and experienced the times when "im the only one in danger" on the country roads or whatever, but putting yourself in danger should be enough not do it. think of the people you could affect if the backend didn't hold or there was some unexpected water on the road.

a quick comment on rollcages too. my dad races at a local dirt track. on opening night a car got sideways on the back straight and got t-boned by two other cars. welds on the roll cage had been broken, bars were bent and cracked, and the seat was ripped up and moved two feet inside the car. having safety equipment does not make motorsports safe, it makes them safer than before, but bad things can still happen.

jeremy

iTrader: (1)

you aren't taking yzf-r1's place are you.........................

rx-7girl

hahaahahahaha i think we have a first gen yzf-r1 i wander if the second and third gens have one

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

You are correct. I do believe in God. My time is my time.
In the Roman days, the Christians believed in God too.

Doesn't mean they were ready to jump into the Lion's den because it "was their time". I am sure they didn't want to.

As a Marine in Desert Storm, I was never afraid, even in good firefights. I knew my time would come only when God wanted me. Doesn't mean I tested him, and charged hills alone and unarmed either.

The cage is just as much to prevent me from getting hurt unnecessarily, as it is from getting Killed. I don't want to live as a quadraplegic either.

jeremy

iTrader: (1)

didn't question your faith, my man. just your preaching that i had never really heard from you.

dvls-7

Hey direct,

Man im readin your story and im sadden by it and in shock cuz it was literaly the other day i was talkin with some guys and was tellin a story of that guy and his 7....i didn't know him personally but i knew of him and his car......as for everything else u said and what every1 else said about not racing anymore......im sure i might get flamed for this but oh well......im a realist a lot of people will say that they won't or they will be more carefull etc...but those same people r hypocrits.....becuz time will past and your story will be forgotten and so will what they said.....and they will to go to their local weekly nite gatherin of other speed enthusiasts and all it takes is for some1 to talk **** about your car or u or of their own car and then it will on....they r off and racing......it really sucks that we lost a fellow 7 owner and every1 else who has fell victim to the horrors of racing but we also must realize that the reason we have the cars we do and do the stuff to them is not for jus view pleasure but mainly for the thrill of how it feels when drivin....now the fact we choose to do this we must be aware and responible for our actions and/or consequences....now don't get me wrong....there is no excuse for stupidity......but **** happens and sometimes we have no say in the outcome....(god reference).

I agree with u about the cage but if u gonna be drivin your car other than at the track like some1 said earlier u will need a helmet....i have banged my head on those cages before (just gettin in & out of car) i don't want to imagine how it would feel at speed of a collision.....

sorry for the long post....i jus wanted to say what was on my mind.....to ALL GUYS & GALS out there jus be aware and a bit more careful.....thats about the best we all can do.....

Da Omen

Literatii

This might be off-topic, but I've done a lot of mountaineering in my life-time and most climbers always distinguish risk from calculated risk.

There are some things in life you just can't control... like a pedestrian running across a street during your green light, or a patch of black ice on the road. But there are other things that you can control to minimize the risk. If you're willing to accept a death due to those uncontrollable objective hazards, while minimizing all other risks, then that's said to be a calculated risk. People who die while making that calculated risk (in climbing anyway) are mourned, but it's almost a given that they died doing what they enjoyed.

The only thing I'd add in regards to street-racing is that it would be possible to take an innocent life. In climbing that is almost an unimaginable event. Taking someone else's life, by virtue of your own actions is (in my mind) probably the worst possible thing that could ever happen to your conscience. By way of example, I almost died on a 700 foot face with my partner who had a wife and 2 kids. After that climb I really evaluated what was important in not just my life, but everyone else's life who was intertwined with mine. I honestly can't imagine if a stranger's entire life was altered because of one bad decision I made.

--Lit

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

Time has a way of making people forget. This one really hit home for me.



You're right. I am not 21 and "indestructible" anymore.
As Peejay stated earlier - RESTRAINT. There is a time and place for everything. I used to street race years ago. On deserted streets, by the warehouses, Saga Bay, etc. Never on regular public roads in the middle of the day.



You can have this fulfillment at the right place and the right time. I am not preaching "Track-only" racing, just common sense, and do safety mods as well as the power mods.



I have gotten 2nd opinions on this by trule knowledgable people. For a street car (even though mine is not a daily driver), a full cage is more dangerous. I have re-thought this to just a 4 point roll bar and a 5 point restraint harness.



It's a free country. Everybody can state their opinions. Nobody will flame you here unless you say stupid **** like racing with your kids in the car, etc...

Good Luck.