I know that title may be a little confusing. I don’t mean it like in the traditional sense - or do I?

I have been recently evaluating my investment in the sport of AutoX. This investment has taken many forms.

I considered the type of car I wanted to race. That was a perfect investment, I of course was interested in something that was just too far out of my reach. I loved the idea of racing a VW, it just fits with my character. But the R32 or a vintage Golf wasn’t going to be attainable at this point in time. I found and fell in love with my little white GTI, she is a blast to drive! Currently there are 3 of us sharing it, which is why it often looks like I’m out on the course more than everyone else. Hope and Jamie seem to really enjoy their time in the car. But, while I am happy to share my beloved car with them, I will always be in at best 3rd place.

As a family team, Bad Hippie Racing, we have 2 other cars that we hope to get on the track sometime soon. Talk about investment! Parts, tools and engines, transmission, wire spaghetti and a hoist, yep. The girls and Jerry will be sharing the transformed 240sx. We want to get a Corvair out there as well. Aw, there you see it, a big monetary investment as well as an investment of time! Spending hours upon hours preparing a race car is a huge time investment. Once they get that 240sx out there, my class (GSL), will drop by 2! To me, it’s a worthy investment.

You always hear folks say that seat time will help you learn more about the sport and the car. I believe that is true. The more time I have spent doing this type of racing the better I get. I would probably be faster if I only raced on racetracks but the challenges of learning a new track design at every race is the challenge of AutoX.

I was recently given another way to invest in racing, AutoX school. Yep, I said it, another investment. I have mulled over this concept of going to an AutoX school where I can learn to be a better and even faster competitor. This is something I have had to struggle with. I wonder if starting out my racing fantasy at age 60 will really pay dividends? You know, I think it will. I have been blessed to have such a supportive racing community and race obsessed family and a real love of the sport myself, that the concept of investing in myself to learn to be a more skilled driver, is worthwhile.

I will be attending the Evolution High Performance Driving School this May 21-22. Our club (EESCC) is sponsoring the event at Sanderson Field, Shelton WA under the direction of Paula Loftin. I am excited and a bit intimidated, but the girls are going too, and it will be another investment in our family team. And most importantly an investment in myself.

P.S. Thanks Paula for the nudge!