As a venerated representative of the opposite end of the prepared-car
spectrum from Babcock, I can say that I totally agree with him
My ole #196 is as close to a first derivative TR-4 as there is out there. I
drive it to the track with roll up windows, heater, turn signals and a
Georgia Tech license plate. And the trophies I add to the shelf are seldom
for being the fastest. Enduros are my forte and much of my modest success is
for simply finishing without a mistake. It's amazing how dependable a
mildly-pumped, 125HP TR-4 is. But, as Bill points out so well, I can still
race as hard as I know how. But it's against my select group of other guys;
other guys, frequently in other marks, who for what ever reason, run at
about my speed.
Now do I hold a grudge because another TR has a Tojo transmission? No, I
could care less. The way I look at it is that there is almost no limit to
the time/expense one can go to to squeeze another Joule of juice out of an
old Triumph. So I say, have at it. As long as there is a spot in a grid for
me to line up in and race my car to the best of my ability in the manner
that gives me great satisfaction, I'm happy.
All this said another way: I appreciate the be-true-to-your-cause driver's
concern, and I respect the efforts and difficulties of the sanctioning
bodies, but slicing and dicing rule book restrictions (other than safety
stuff) just isn't part of my sport.
I will also add that there was a time many years ago (maybe when I was
Babcock's age) when I didn't feel this way. So maybe it's just an old man
thing.
Admittedly, however, my view may be tainted because in the past there has
been very little control over who does what to their car.
Richard
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