Rallycross!

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
06/07/2018 at 09:32 • Filed to: None

So, I tried rallycross, and it was pretty much the best. I drove in my way too new, way too shiny STI:

I got last in Stock AWD, 1 second slower than the driver ahead of me. Not too bad for my first event, but last is last. The course was way rockier and rutted than I had anticipated, so I felt pretty nervous about my car after the event. Nothing was seriously damaged, except for the wheels which now look like I’ve driven into every curb in Seattle. I should note that the car kicks ass in the dirt, and the feeling of the AWD pulling that hard on such a loose surface is a little intoxicating.

Even though my car made it out of this event mostly unscathed, I can tell that it will rattle itself apart or worse if I do too many of these events. Even driving on unpaved forest roads for a couple hours wasn’t as rough as this. Therefore, I did the most logical thing:

Hi.

I bought a Neon.

Specifically, a 2-owner 2001 ACR with 79,000 miles on it. FWD on the dirt is plenty of fun, and this specific car is lightweight, has a short wheelbase, and even has decent ground clearance. The only thing missing from the rallycross wishlist is an LSD. I’ll need more seat time before that becomes my limiting factor.

I’m extremely excited not only to have a rallycross car, but also just an extra car that I don’t have to worry about.

DISCUSSION (23)

Stapleface > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 10:44

Looks like it’s in nice shape.

It’s weird, I haven’t seen a Neon in years in any shape. It’s like they all just vanished.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 10:52

You came up with literally the best answer for your problem. That generation Neon is a ton of fun, and is perfect for rallycross or any other dumb fun stuff you want to do. Hell, a base one would have been fine, but a low mileage ACR is the perfect combo of ‘kinda cool actually’ and ‘who the hell cares it’s a Neon’ that you can do anything to it. Nice work.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
06/07/2018 at 10:56

Wait, how did you know I had dumb stuff planned? But thank you, and I agree that it’s just about perfect for my plans.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 11:12

I’m thinking the neon was a very wise choice. I wouldn’t want to flog a $35k car on a dirt track either.

vicali > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 11:15

I cringed at the first pic,

and sighed with relief at the second..

good job!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > vicali
06/07/2018 at 11:23

During my first run, my thought was “my God, what have I done?”

Then for the next 4 runs, it was “must go faster!”

Afterward, I held my breath and looked for damage. Nothing horrible, and I waxed the car as penance.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Stapleface
06/07/2018 at 11:29

Maybe they’re all garage queens now?

vicali > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 11:40

Fwd is nice because you can throw it around without it getting too crazy, watch your tires+pressures, and get used to left foot braking.

My rally toy back in the day; I was a TSD driver though, rallyX made me dizzy.

Kinja'd!!!

gettingoldercarguy > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 11:42

+1 And I’m pretty fucking jealous. Having to sit out the entire racing season because of newborns is bittersweet.

That neon looks great and it’ll be a blast! Well done!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 11:51

How in the hell did you find an ACR in any condition other than modified and thrice crashed?

I’m jelly.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > gettingoldercarguy
06/07/2018 at 11:54

Newborns, plural? Best of luck to you.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/07/2018 at 12:22

Only mods are a CAI, and a ridiculous Python alarm.

The first owner commuted in it, and the second owner seems to have let it sit a lot. The Craigslist ad kind of sucked, and the pictures didn’t do it justice. The seller was great, but had never sold a car before.

I was shocked on the test drive not just how fun it was to drive, but how good it was.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 12:43

Seriously? Now I’m just more jealous. That’s incredible.

Cash Rewards > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 12:48

There was an acre package for non-srt models? Or is that an srt without the hood?

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Cash Rewards
06/07/2018 at 13:45

Yes, non-SRT. There was an R/T with the NA 2.0 MAGNUM and lots of options. The ACR is the same as the R/T, without a/c, without power anything, and smaller 15in wheels.

gettingoldercarguy > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 14:01

Yeah, twins are crazy. Also why I can’t take off for track days anymore.

shop-teacher > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 14:53

AWESOME! I’d never rallycross my DD. You’re doing it right!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > shop-teacher
06/07/2018 at 17:03

Well, I did it wrong once, but turned out lucky.

shop-teacher > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 18:30

That’s alright! You had to try it once, to know how awesome it is!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 18:45

I have a pretty janky Neon, well had I suppose. My dad still has the car 3000 miles away from my new home. Not worth keeping it basically. It was barely worth keeping my Miata considering the condition of the body on that car. Your post makes me wish I could keep that Neon though and do fun racing stuff with it. But its okay, the Miata can continue to be my cheapo race car. Agreed on keeping the STi away from that stuff. I imagine my STi would honestly be a better track car too but the best track car is not the fastest, but the most reliable and cheapest to run!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
06/07/2018 at 18:59

Yep, it takes a while to learn that.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/07/2018 at 19:33

The window sticker was in the glove box!

Kinja'd!!!

That’s $22k in today’s money. Not sure what to even compare it to. BRZ, Miata, Fiesta ST?

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
06/07/2018 at 20:53

Closest I can think of would be an Elantra Sport, which hits the streets at about 22k.