Adventures on the Shen

Here's a video I assembled to show some highlights from my recent track day on the amazingly fun Shenandoah Circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park.  I spent about 100 minutes on track, and I managed to overtake every car I came across, with a single exception.

Scream, Expletive, Scream

One of the many internet memes that float about in the subculture of automotive enthusiasts is the video of a race-car driver taking his significant other, his mother, or a celebrity for a lap around a race track. Screaming, swearing, and wild gesturing ensue. Although these videos appear to reinforce the stereotype that women are afraid of driving fast, a few of them are actually pretty funny.

Here's a vid of former Formula One driver Riccardo Patrese taking his rather expressive wife for a spin in a Honda Civic Type-R. It's a street car, and they aren't wearing any safety gear, and, given Mr Patrese's relaxed and subtle smile, I don't think they are going all that fast. Still, Mrs Patrese is moved to offer her husband the traditional Italian gesture of love and respect.

In the below video, Rolex Sports Car series driver João Barbosa* took his bride for a lap in a Dayona Prototype. They are clearly wearing full safety gear (minus her gloves and probably shoes), the vehicle is a race car, and I've read that they reach 185 mph in the video, so Mrs Barbosa probably has a lot more to scream about. And scream she does. Indeed, its sometimes difficult to tell whether the high-pitched wails in the soundtrack emanate from her or the car's gearbox.

* And by the way, how crazy-cool is that first name?

2010 DC ProSolo: STR

Almost a month ago, I competed in the 2010 DC ProSolo. "What's a ProSolo?" I hear you asking. Well, solo is the name that the Sports Car Club of America uses for their version of autocross, which you've read me discus repeatedly on this blog. A ProSolo is not simply a solo contested by professionals; otherwise, I certainly wouldn't have been allowed to participate. No, a ProSolo is a closely related motorsport that mixes traditional solo with drag racing. It's a lot of fun, and, since the format is so different, I thought it warranted posting a video of me running my '09 NC Miata in Street Touring R at the event. Unfortunately, The video was cropped when I tried to embed it, perhaps because of the large number of pixels. So, instead, here's a link to said vid on YouTube. The superimposed text didn't work out as well as I would have liked, so I apologize for the difficulty you may have with reading it.

Team Grondul Goes Racing

A couple of weeks ago, Alison and I attended an autocross run by Autocrossers, Inc., an affiliate of the local SCCA region. Below is a video summarizing our exploits.

Newton's Duet with the Multimax

Well, we now know of two things that will reliably make Newton howl. One is, of course, emergency vehicle sirens. The other is, weirdly, the Dremel Multimax. This tool has been indispensable in our ongoing home renovation project, but it just got a whole lot cuter. Enjoy!

He's Tricksy!

I figured as long as we're videoing the dog doing stuff, I might as well actually get a video of him doing the tricks we have taught him. Enjoy!

Revenge of the Howl

Remember the video I posted a while ago of Newton howling along with an ambulance? Although the audio was cute, it was dark and you couldn't actually see him. So, admittedly, it was more like an audio file.

Well, tonight I got actual video of Newton howling along with a police car. There was some kind of disturbance in our apartment complex that required the presence of a fire truck, at least one police car, and at least 2 ambulances. I did see one person get loaded into an ambulance while I was sitting out on the balcony with my dog and my camera. (Hmm...in retrospect, that might have looked kinda insensitive and/or creepily intrusive. No, no! I swear! I'm just trying to get video of my dog howling!) I'm guessing (and hoping) that it ended up not being too serious because nobody seemed to be in much of a rush and none of the ambulances left with their sirens on. Anyway, all of the siren activity when the emergency vehicles first arrived got Newton singing, so here he is...our little American Canine Idol!



Please note the brand spankin' new hairdo (he was just groomed today). Also, I think my favorite part of the video is at the end when he looks back at me like, "Oh! Gosh! You're still there, huh?" It's like he was singing in the shower 'cause he thought he was alone and then realized he had an audience. Hee!

The Howling

I finally got a video of Newton howling along with an ambulance! OK, video might be pushing it as it was dark in my car and I took it with my cellphone. BUT, the audio works just fine and you can hear his cute little howl loud and clear. Enjoy!

I'll have to continue to try to get real video to go with the audio. Someday an emergency vehicle will pass us on our walk again and I will have my phone with me.

Newton is Growing Up

The funniest thing happened on our walk today. Well...at least I think it was funny. Not to mention super cute!

As we were walking along, two fire trucks drove past us with their lights and sirens blaring. Newton stopped walking, watched them for a few seconds, then threw his head back and said, "Aruuu...rurururu"! He howled. My fluffy, small, white Bichon HOWLED. It was the cutest, tiniest howl ever! OK, fine, it wasn't this cute and tiny, but it was pretty cute and tiny. Just don't tell Newton I said so. He thinks he's a fierce wolf. ;)

Two great tastes....etc...

As you all know, Michael is into RC cars. Also, Michael and I are into our dog, Newton. I suppose it was only a matter of time before Michael combined these two interests into one fun activity. Check it out:

It Turns Out It's Pronounced "Cross-Bow"

You ca go here to see video of my new favorite car, the KTM X-Bow, but you will only be able to understand the description if you speak German. Be sure to note the rocker-based suspension working visibly. Meanwhile, you can see photos of the vehicle at the the Geneva Auto Show here.

Colbert Meets His Maker

Those of you who get their news from Comedy Central and who have also been wondering why I've been talking up MAKE magazine---I know there's at least one of you in the readership---may be interested to know that the zine's editor-in-chief appeared on the Colbert Report* recently.

You can check out a video of the segment here or here.

* Those of you not familiar with the show will want to know that both Ts are silent.

I'll See You In Hell, Pachelbel!

Brian posted a link to this on his blog and, as an "orchestra geek" from wayback, I enjoyed it immensely. I hope you do, too!

Ready, Fight!

As I mentioned last time, Newton and Marley get along very well. Here's a short video of them play-fighting. Please note how well Marley restrains himself.

Newton Live!

One of Newton's favorite activities is chasing his tail. Here is a very cute video of him engaged in his favorite activity:



Also, of all the toys we have bought him, his favorite thing to play with is a used water bottle:



Enjoy!