Car Care & Dating Tips

by Nika of racerchicks.com

Don’t ask me why but I’m always asked for advice on two subjects: car care and relationships.  I can’t comprehend why someone thinks I am an expert in either area  In fact,  the term “blind leading the blind” comes to mind. But the one question that is constantly asked is “Can a relationship work between a racer and a non-racer?”  I was hard pressed for an answer.

First Myth: Racing is just another hobby
Building model airplanes is a hobby, Origami is a hobby, collecting shoes is my hobby, but racing is a commitment. The visions of my beau and I strolling through a Beanie Babies Convention is not what I consider fun, even on the rainiest days. Are  racerchicks and racerdudes meant to be together?  We’ve been bred to know “the family that plays together stays together” but does that rule apply when talking motorsports? A partner in a racer  relationship will have to make incredible sacrifices and compromises.  Just how much understanding can a non-racer give? 

The Three Race Rule
A racerdude once told me about his Three-race rule.  The first race, his new girl is in awe about the sport; the family atmosphere, the excitement, the thrill of competition and the amazing feeling of being part of a team.  She loves it and can’t wait to go back.  Race Number Two: All of sudden the reality of the work involved in racing comes to light.  The “you’re not paying enough attention to me” phrase creeps into conversations. Her job as “helmet holder” all of a sudden seems demeaning and sexist.  The understanding that racing is the priority at the races,  sinks in. Alas,  Race Number Three: Where is she?  Gone…….over at the competitors pit – chatting up the tire guy there.

A Gallon of Race fuel costs THAT much?
Racing has it’s own triumphs and pitfalls.  A non-racer may not see the benefit in having the top-of-the-line Snap On Tool Box in the garage. How frustrating it may be to discuss why all torque wrenches are not created equal…that is even after you explain WHAT a torque wrench is.  As for money, you know the old saying: “what do you call a racer without a girlfriend? – Homeless”.  Unless you are Michael Schumacher, chances are the splurges will be at AutoZone rather than Gucci.

Ready to be committed? The Nomex Straight-Jacket
My answers to the questions: Change your oil every 3000 miles is my rule. As for: Can a relationship work with a non-racer?  It is simple: I don’t know.  It takes effort in any alliance and in the rules of nature there are bound to be exceptions.  All I do know is that when the time comes for me to commit to a guy - I will always look at my diamond ring and think quietly to myself  “shucks – do you know how many sets of racing tires I could of got for this”.

Next week: My car is running rich and my boyfriend’s poor – what should I do?

Note: Apologies to all Beanie Baby collectors out there. No insult was meant when mentioning this hobby.  Nika herself, is an avid collector with a total of 3 (three) beanies none of which were harmed in the writing of this article.

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