"Speed"

G'day,

Trying to concentrate on random thoughts with no particular significance and put into words is a bit difficult after the month I have just had.

Fast cars and motorcycles are a large part of Ali's and my life.  So are driving and riding fast, exploring the limits, but definitely not in situations where I might put any other people or property at risk.  I may be a little crazy, but I'm not nuts!

The Presidents Weekend was the start of this "speed theme" at the end of February, and if you haven't heard about it you must be on "speed" yourself, so have a look at the story and photo's on our recent events page.  Usually it's the Corvettes that have a special aura about them, but that weekend it was the people, not just any people, but our "speed" members.

Being out on a track is what any Vette enthusiast worth his salt has wondered about and, what it would be like to drive without any "speed" limits as these are aimed for the lowest denominator of driver, the sort who really shouldn't be behind the wheel of any motorized conveyance.  On the other hand, I slow down in school zones or on residential streets where a kid or dog might unexpectedly dart out in front of me.  I also drive more cautiously in the rain, especially in the C3 with the high "speed" wipers (not) and after one little yellow button, active handling incident in the C5, I keep my approach to "speed" within reason.

After 25 years of road racing both motorcycles and side-cars on the bitumen and dirt I've been wondering how and when to retire.  So 25 years of "speed" on the race track came to an end last week and as I wanted to do "something really big", we headed off to South Australia for the Australian Land Speed Records on Lake Gairdner Salt Lake, Bonneville's Aussie equivalent.  Deciding to chase the 500cc Motorcycle Land Speed Record was the goal, it took 2 days to get there, 2 days of preparation, 2 days to break the record 4 times, and 2 days to get home.  Goal achieved, mission accomplished, now do I really have to retire???? 

Nice to have Dave Kelly on board, Ross & Bob, visitors at our last meeting from Adelaide and catch up with the Taint's along the way.  Terrific to have hopes, goals and aspirations to work towards but to fulfil the dream and achieve the set goal is a very pleasing accomplishment.

I missed out on our Friday night dinner at Sanctuary Cove as we were not back in time, but managed to pick up Ali and catch up with the remaining ten still there waiting to hear my "speed" story.  No doubt Keith will have a full write up on the night, enough food to feed the whole pits I hear!

Mossy's right hand has been writing at "speed" with the events calendar for the year filling up as quickly as my "record"  book.  A heap of enthusiasm from lots of members and new ideas for things to do is always welcome, whether it be "speed" related or not.

News is obviously travelling at great "speed" about how much fun we've been having as Sally tells me the membership is up again with more new members.

Have a great Easter everyone, hope you catch some chockies from that "speedy" rabbit and those heading to the West take care at the Perth Convention.

Don't forget over the Easter break to watch your "speed."  I'm not advocating civil disobedience or mass lawlessness, but most enthusiasts and owners of Corvettes tend to drive faster than the average, and most "speed" limits are set artificially low.  So, drive in a normal manner on the suburban streets and you won't have to worry too much about supporting some local community's budgetary excess.  Indulge your "need for speed" in a controlled environment and that way we will see you on the next run.

cheers "Speedy" Peter Turner