Need favor from local F1 tranny owner (DFW)

Not many of you know, but the reason for my lack of participation in all the recent F-car events (Italian Car Fest, Rob's party, the road rally, MSR events, etc.) is the fact that I have been recovering from a torn achilles tendon on my left foot. Since my 355 has a manual clutch, its been sitting idle on a battery tender as I've been learning how to walk again while dreaming of getting behind the wheel again.

Fortunately, I've responded well to therapy and my trip to the French Quarter Classic next week will go uninterupted. I had a custom carbon fiber brace made and I expect to be able to drive my 355 to New Orleans on my own with the help of that brace. The bad news is that while I will be ready to drive on the street, my ankle will not be strong enough for the track. To drive on the track, I hope to 'borrow' a F1 equipped Maser coupe from FoH to allow me some track time.

So here is the favor - Is there an F1 tranny owner out there who might let me drive their car for a few miles this weekend so I can learn how to work the transmission smoothly? I've never driven an F1 car and I don't want to learn how to do it for the first time on the track. I'm thinking a few miles on the street would go a long way towards getting me comfortable on the track. Naturally I'd offer a few miles in my car in return.

I know this is like asking someone to give up their first born, but if anyone can help and has a little time to kill this weekend, please pm me. Thanks!

 

Wow, that is an impressive club. Do we all get to sleep with Jennifer Aniston also?

You are right about the robocop brace. I can't even get my foot close enough to the clutch pedal to even try and push it in. The pedal box is too tight. My doctor and therapist thought it would take about 4 months for me to drive again. They laughed pretty hard when I told them my goal was to drive again in 2 months. But I have been busting my @ss in therapy and luckily my body has responded well. Its only been 7 weeks since the surgery and I am already on the stationary bike and even began to do some assisted squats yesterday.

The brace I had made slips into my Sparco driving shoe and should provide support while also being small enough to work the pedal. I see my surgeon in about 1 hour and will find out if I have his approval to try and get behind the wheel with the help of the brace. If he gives me the green light, anytime that works for you this weekend will work for me. I sincerely appreciate the offer!

I'll check back in a few hours from now and let you know the verdict. Wish me luck ...

 

Actually, I'd enjoy the swap as well. Once I am 100% and comfortable driving someone else's car with a clutch, you're on!

 

I got the OK! Yoshi, got your pm and will give you a call this weekend.