[GTR2b]

First I was taught by my father who was a hot-rodder during the late 50's. Even before I got my driver's license, I restored a 1971 Ford Ranchero with the 256hp H.O. 302 and began learning how to drag race at Seattle Int'l Raceway. During that time, I learned about staging strategies, track conditions, tree reading and launch control, also ideal shift points. Once I had learned the basics, I began learning about suspension setups, engine tuning and basic fabrication. Then I started taking Automotive Vocational Classes which over the next 4 years learning more advanced concepts. While in school I worked at two Service Stations, a Ford Dealership's Service department near Seattle and finally an early tuner shop called "Super Shops" near Seattle in the late 90's.

I also began street racing in the cities around 1990. Loooong before it was cool to do so and there wasn't the law enforcement presence that you see today.

Over the last 15 years I have built a total of 5 cars myself and helped out on countless. Obviously this number would have been much higher but a 5 year stint in the Navy and an eroding interest in performing custom fabrication has put a big damper in many of my prospective projects. Also, for several years, I didn't have a place to work on one any more even if I wanted to.

Don't be thinking that the internet is the only source of information about cars... ever and here's why. When you have someone teaching you something in person, there is a lot of accountability there because if they are wrong, you will go back to them and tell them so. On the internet you can make a website that will say just about anything you want. Anominity breeds disshonesty so take most of what you read with a grain of salt. If you want to learn, go buy a toolbox and start wrenching with a good book to guide you. Or, the best and most obvious choice is to go to school.

Either way you chose... get off your computer and put your head under a hood.