Confessions of a Car Girl...Part 1

by Nika of Racerchicks.com

CARS CARS CARS
There are some women who categorize cars into 2-door and 4 door models - and that is the extent of their knowledge. I am on the other end of the spectrum. I have learned the nuances of specific models, makes and years much to the surprise of many a male. But what makes me a car-nut and how did I get here? That is the million-dollar question.

Oh those Hot Wheels
I grew up a typical girl playing with Barbie but with only one slight difference. While my friend's dolls were marrying Ken and living in the Barbie Townhouse - my figurine was on a mission to find a Tonka Type car to cruise the living room floor in. When indeed the Townhouse arrived for Christmas - I found ways to set up my hot wheels track to run through it like the monorail at Disney. Was I different? I didn't think so.

Oh God - it's PUBERTY!
As a teenager, there was no such thing as shop class in an all girls school so I relied on the TV, magazines and boyfriends to teach me the finer things of vehicles. Car & Driver, Road & Track became my bible and were read cover to cover - I don't think I bought my first Cosmopolitan, Vogue or People magazine until my 20's. The time I spent watching and learning while my first beau worked on his 69 Skylark came in handy during my later years when I became a car owner myself. Mechanics were not my forte and during the eighties I regressed and followed the pack - poofy hair and all, but inside was this longing...for horsepower and it could not be tamed. I found myself borrowing my father's car every chance I could and driving it to the max out of curiosity and shear thrill. I think he knew something was up with his constant need to change brake pads and tires - I certainly gave it away when I recommended the set he should get. I should of said "Buy the black round ones Dad" instead of " Yes - The Goodyear F1's have a great speed rating and I like the soft compound - really sticks to the road when cornering, Pops"!

Dating and the Car Girl
Things got worse when I started dating. A boyfriend would find me at the local parts store admiring a torque wrench and would give me a puzzled look. Many a relationship faltered at my critique of a beau's vehicle or driving technique. While on the surface my date would beam at my love of cars underneath he would loathe the day at the go-kart track. I learned the hard way - if you want a second date - learn to lose.

Now that I'm a grown-up, I've turned into a REAL Car Girl - but it wasn't easy! More  NEXT WEEK - Nika continues her Confessions of a Grown-Up Car Girl.

 For comments, feedback and just plain greetings, feel free to e-mail me at nika@racerchicks.com or AOL IM  "racernika"