Well, it's friday morning and I have smashing news. As in, physically smashing.
Yesterday we hit a house. For real. It was the second stage of the afternoon leg, heading through Garnish and Nick was driving. We were looking good and made it through the right hander that caught a 944 Turbo out last year, sending him for a swim, but the next immediate right was covered with loose dirt and we got in a bit hot, locked up and slid straight into a house.
As it turns out, it's the same house that an E36 M3 hit last year. We didn't hit it as hard as they did, but we hit it hard enough. You can see it somewhat in the picture here:
http://www.flatovercrest.com/2007/09/targa-leg-4-wra.html#more
Unfortunately, the house is a frame house and the frame floor was just high enough to clear the bumper and take out our radiator and core support, as well as the cap and rotor. Also, curiously the right front steering knuckle sheared off, we're not quite sure why.
After becoming instant local celebrities and getting our TV interview out of the way, we headed to Marystown to fix the car. We got some great help from the Subaru Canada team who welded up the broken knuckle while we pulled the broken sheet metal off and replaced the radiator. We got the suspension back together but we can't be sure the weld is structurally strong enough, so we aren't running any competitive stages today.
Targa has a Finisher's Medallion award for crews completing 75% of the stages, and we're one stage short, so we're going to tow the car to the final stage this afternoon and cruise through it to the ceremonial finish.
How does it look? Not too pretty, but we did hammer the fender and hood out and get them back on the car.
How were we doing? Beyond belief, or at least my belief. We were having a great time and really raising a lot of eyebrows. Apparently you're "not supposed" to switch driver and co-driver, and certainly not in the middle of the day like we've been doing.
As of lunch yesterday we were third overall, winning the Modern division by 24 seconds, and we were over 3 minutes clear of our next competitor in class 7. We were excited as you may imagine.
How does it feel? Well, we weren't hurt and the car is going to be okay, so that's the main thing, but it's a tough thing at this point. We've really been up and down the emotional rollercoaster this week and we're sort of at the point where the coaster is screeching back into the station and you've just moved your hand on the handrail and found the last kid's wet gum with your fingers. It's just sort of a big disappointing end to a fairy tale ride.
So, we will get to the finish today and head home at the end of the weekend. But, there's no rest for the weary. As soon a we get home we get to rebuild the car for the O'Fest club race.
I'll post pics once we get them up, but that's about it for now.
I'll get the pics done and post some follow up thoughts tomorrow. For now we're off to St. John's for the wrap up.
Thanks for reading and for all the kind comments.
Cheers from Marystown, NL.
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6 comments:
OH MAN!
But it is an interesting way to get your 15 minutes of fame on TV.
See you guys when you get back.
Did the Strawberry Larger soothe the situation?
I've spoken with a few "associates" and we're going to make sure that house gets what's coming to it.
Very impressive driving overall, though.
I spoke to AA about sending a 777 up there to pick up the truck and trailer, and fly y'all back. Surprisingly, they said no.
Sorry.
DRAT!!! Hit a house???
Regardless, you guys put on a class act and had a blast, too. I expected nothing less! Thanks for taking the time to blog about it. -MV
I suspect that many of the thoughts which have crossed my mind since I first read your "Semi-Final Update" are ones which have been racing through your minds. Unfortunately, the words that come to mind which could express those thoughts make them sound like greeting cards or beer commercials.
I certainly want to say that I'm glad you're alright and sad that your car (and their house) aren't. I also suspect that you have won the award for "Best Story to Tell the Grandkids" for the next few days, weeks, months, years.
I need to say THANKS. Thanks for sharing your adventure with all of us; but more importantly, thanks for the interest, energy, effort and enthusiasm you invested in the adventure and for the excellence that resulted. You're winners in my record book. Congratulations!
Strawberry Lager(?) and salted fish...now there's a combination to consider
Well you could have picked one with more architectural significance! Yikes, that's a bummer. Let me guess, the first few words out of Nick's mouth where unpronounceable? I suggest saving the new euro grills for me next time.
Seriously, you guys have done well and when Henna is put back together, it'll be fine. I'll do what I can once you've returned to the now not so scorching southwest.
Please be safe and know you put in a fabulous effort. Fly low & slow.
Best,
Bill
I know it's hollow, but great job!
for your first year you did an amazing job. I was with you thinking "damn, we can podium this thing!" :-) but as you well know, all it takes...
still, I am very impressed. you gave me a great thrill ride and I want to say thanks, so "thanks!"
It was fun meeting "yall" (that's me best texas - i'm from the north after all) and seeing you live and
in person.
all I can say is - see you at the curling rink next year!
have a safe tow home.
-brad
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