F1 - The experience of a lifetime today...

[Thorst13]

Nice Erik, you deserve it!

[F1 monster]

Couldn't happen to a more deserving person. Well done. I am reading it again and again--simply awesome!

I can't believe you saw a bonus 2nd McLaren as well. That's great!

[_MrMan_]

F1 monster took the words out of my mouth: it couldn't have happened to a better person.

I could practically feel the elation emanating out of the text of your story, congratulations! - and may there be more such experiences for you in future.

[Peloton25]

Wow everyone - thanks for the comments. Its hard for me to say or even think that I "deserved" the experience. I'm just here doing what I love and I'm always happy to share what we have learned with those who are interested. I'm mainly motivated by the amount of misinformation that has circulated on the F1 in the past, but really the desire to educate people who are interested in knowing more is what really drives me. I had so much fun yesterday standing around the two F1s answering people's questions and making sure they all left knowing more about the car than before they arrived. Still, to be rewarded in this way for being passionate about something would be a rare treat for anyone, regardless of their subject of interest, and for that I am incredibly thankful.

I'm also glad to be able to share the experience with a group of people I know would appreciate it. This sounds rather cliche, but I really don't think it would have been possible without the rest of you. Seriously, this would be a pretty boring forum if it were just me here talking to myself. I may be the Moderator here, and there aren't many threads I don't add my .02¢ to, but everyone who contributes something to this place is overdue for a giant "THANK YOU!" for those efforts. I love coming here everyday to learn and to share what we have learned.

I'm sure many of you are just as 'deserving' as me to have an experience like this - you all share the same passion and desires when it comes to the F1. I honestly wished that every one of you could have been there with me yesterday, especially those who've never had the chance to see an F1. You'll hear Richard in one of the in-car videos say to his friend "Look, there's another F1 over there" referring to XP4 - I'm sure that doesn't happen very often for an F1 owner.

So you're all probably foaming at the mouth for my pictures. Before someone posts the "This thread is worthless without pics" smiley, I figured I had better get to sharing them. I've uploaded them all to Imagestation since that is easiest for me. Unfortunately Imagestation blocks remote hosting here, so I can't embed the photos from there. If you want to ask about one, or want a larger version, just give me the image number. I have them all uploaded at 1024x768, but I have larger copies on my HD.

Without further ado...

McLarens in Monterey <-- 135 images

05 Monterey Historic Races <-- 260 images - No F1 content, but still lots of good stuff.

Enjoy the photos... I'm still working with the videos and will try to have them online tonight. Flinger - thanks for the offer to host - I may be able to get by without it, but I will let you know.

>8^)
ER

[zx4000]

Wow, i am very happy to know the person who can describe very well real feeling of this sensational amazing car, Mclaren F1 more than anyone. As you know, we just heard the story of Mclaren F1 from time to time from just unregular owner in this forum or other site. Although you might have not experienced Mclaren F1 at very high speed, we can keep up with the what you wanted to feel. Because, we are enthusiast to share same one and Mclaren F1 is not the one to get thristy of top speed as the fact that common people realize unconsciously.

[AussieSlacker]

Congrats Peleton! if anyone deserve to sit in it and enjoy it its you mate!

good stuff!

[peter i]

Can't wait to watch some video ! man ,with the source that you have . enough to create yours own website........

[AussieSlacker]

Peleton, you mention that the gentalman highly regarded your car against the mclaren, mind i ask what car you drive? must be a pretty damn good all rounder!

[bucciali]

Originally Posted by AussieSlacker

Peleton, you mention that the gentalman highly regarded your car against the mclaren, mind i ask what car you drive? must be a pretty damn good all rounder!

I'm guessing it's the metallic Ford Focus parked besides the Mac. Couldn't see the type though, but I'm guessing it's not an RS...

[AussieSlacker]

i suspicion too hahaha, focus are great little rockets

[theflinger]

Pelo, the link wasn't working for me. I shall try later!!

[Peloton25]

Originally Posted by AussieSlacker

Peleton, you mention that the gentalman highly regarded your car against the mclaren, mind i ask what car you drive? must be a pretty damn good all rounder!

No, no, no... I said that Scott told me "he enjoyed my car." which is quite a bit different than saying it could even be compared to the F1.

Yes, that is my Focus - it's an '03 with the 2.3L Duratec engine. Cosworth Racing makes a 3 stage upgrade package they call d-Power for it using parts they developed for the Caterham CSR 200 & 260 which uses the same engine. My car has the Stage 1 kit at the moment which added ~27hp at the flywheel. I also have their Race Exhaust and flex pipe which probably add a bit more power. Those familiar with the US-spec Focus will recognize that my car looks similar to the SVT version because I have added the front and rear bumpers and the small spoiler on the hatch. The front grill is from the Euro-ST170 which is similar to our SVT Focus. I also installed a set of Recaro seats in the interior. I've done lots of other stuff to it as well, and could tell you more about my future plans, but I'm not sure this is the place to cover all of that. It's a fun car to drive - I love it.

buccali - The US market was never blessed with the Focus RS unfortunatley.

>8^)
ER

[theflinger]

link works for me now!

[lqda4]

Congrats! Very cool and deserving!

[Peloton25]

Originally Posted by McLaren F1 Guy

I wonder why Frank is getting rid of his F1s? The LM was certainly something only a handful of people will ever own. It seems like right when he got rid of the LM, and now #068, is when he stopped posting on the forums. Perhaps he didn't want to hear our reactions to his decisions?

I have gotten similar questions in a few PMs now, and while I don't really want to speak for Mr Selldorff, I figured it was best that I address it for everyone with what I know.

Frank isn't in any financial trouble that I'm aware of. I was told that he's just refocusing his interests to something other than McLarens. He still has #007 which he uses more than most other owners use their cars, so I'm sure his passion for the F1 has not diminished.

Jay Leno can be quoted as saying "I believe we don't really own these cars. We just keep them for the next owners." Frank kept two of the cars as long as he needed to, and they have now moved on to two very wonderful owners who both share the passion of the F1 and I'm sure will appreciate them just as much.

>8^)
ER