People connect with their cars on different levels. For many, their car is a means to get from Point A to Point B with little or no fanfare. For others, an emotional bond is created between person and machine. This bond can be made because of a fond memory associated with the car or maybe it is the style, color or even the tone of the exhaust that got their heart pumping.
I am always curious what causes people to connect with their cars…especially when it might be a quirky or unique vehicle. I usually satisfy my curiosity by talking to people at car shows or in a store parking lot. Not so in this year of COVID!
Just like a fast food drive-thru, I will deliver a contactless, delicious snack that can be quickly consumed. Also, all of the machines in the Vehicle Nanny Drive-Thru work (take that, McDonald’s!).
In this installment, I welcome Chris West to the Drive-Thru! Chris’ vehicle serves a different purpose than most featured here…
Name: Chris West
Age: 43
Current Residence: East Lansing Michigan
Occupation: Client Advocate for Digital Air Strike
Current Fun/Unique Car: 2002 RPM 100cc Enduro Kart
Reason for buying:
My family has been involved in enduro kart road racing since I was born. My dad still races to this day, and also my 3 brothers.
How the kart is used:
Me and my family have traveled the eastern side of the US racing at many famous road courses including Daytona International Speedway, Road America, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, and a couple local tracks in Michigan such as Grattan Raceway, Gingerman Raceway and Michigan International Speedway!
Modifications made (or plan to make) to your vehicle:
Well since this is pretty much a road racing kart everything is modified from brakes to engine to clutch and pipe! The next modification on my list for the current kart will be switching the fuel system over to alcohol from 110 octane racing fuel! The engines run a lot better on alcohol.
Do not let the title of “go kart” fool you, my kart is capable of speeds anywhere from 100-125mph out of a 100cc engine. Other karts with 125cc shifter engines will touch 150mph on tracks such as Daytona. There are also Twin engine karts that will hit well into the 160mph range. The shortest track we run on is 2 miles, which is Grattan raceway. Tracks such as Grattan Karts are faster than the Super Bikes. We get thru the corners quite a bit faster!
Other Fun Unique Vehicles:
The picture of the yellow kart was my first 100cc enduro racing kart. The picture of the other two karts the one on the left is my brothers current 100cc kart and the kart on the right is my dads 125cc shifter kart
Any dream car I would love to get:
Kart wise I want to put together a twin 100cc engine kart in the next couple years. Now if I were to pick any car (and eventually I hope to have one), a 1967 Chevy Nova Coupe modified and updated with a 6.0 Liter LS
Supporting the Hobby
I can’t thank Chris enough for sharing his fun vehicle with us, and hope this inspires you to think differently about car (or kart!) ownership. This is the intent of Vehicle Nanny, and certainly helps nurture the automotive interests of budding car enthusiasts.
In addition to sharing stories like this, I am providing ongoing support of automotive programs designed to inspire and educate young car enthusiasts through the sale of items in the Vehicle Nanny Merchandise Store. All proceeds go directly to the Hagerty Automotive Youth Program, so I hope you can find a fun item for yourself that also supports our budding car enthusiasts.
Chris is one of the “Good Guys” both on the track and off!
Chris belongs to a great kart racing family. They all are willing to give any kart racer help with anything that is asked of them. Congratulations Chris and the West family.
Wow Chris-impressive😎and Fun!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was
curious what all is needed to get setup?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% certain.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
I highly recommend you take an online course on how to start a blog. You will learn how to set one up and techniques for promoting your content. Good luck!