First Look at my New AE86!
The Quest for Speed: A Closer Look at the Car and its Rider
As we sat on the pit wall, watching the car take shape before our eyes, it was hard not to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The car, a Nissan S15, was being fitted with new tires, a crucial component in the quest for speed. "Are they Reps less wide?" I asked, referring to the tire size. My companion nodded, "Yeah, yeah, are they the same width more white? Gotcha." It seemed that the debate about the ideal tire size had only just begun.
As we continued to chat, it became clear that this was not an ordinary car. The rider, Eric O'Sullivan, a former Formula D driver, had built this car from scratch years ago. Originally intended for use in Formula D competitions, it had been abandoned and left as a shell before being picked up and finished by O'Sullivan himself. Fast forward to the present, and O'Sullivan was now back at the same event where he first started competing, now driving against the very car that was originally built for him.
The car's design and engineering were evident in its sleek lines and aerodynamic profile. "It's not overkill in any shape or form," my companion said with a grin. Indeed, the combination of Toyota, Nissan, BMW, and Volvo parts made it a unique and formidable machine on the track. As we watched O'Sullivan take to the wheel, we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at his skill and experience.
The track itself was a challenging one, with a winding course that demanded precision and control from even the most seasoned drivers. "It's like a simple car," my companion said with a chuckle. "But it's got some stuff on it because we're still digging in because we didn't build it." Indeed, the team had been working tirelessly to fine-tune every detail of the car, from the suspension to the brakes.
As we watched O'Sullivan drive, we noticed something peculiar - a muffler mounted on the Fender exit. "I love that," my companion exclaimed. "It's neat." Apparently, this was a feature that had been designed by Eric himself, and it added a touch of personality to the car's design. It also seemed to be working its magic, as O'Sullivan was able to extract impressive performance from the car.
The ride itself was a treat, with the rear radiator cleverly tucked away in a space that would have otherwise been wasted on many other cars. "We just call them Boaters," my companion said with a smile. "Because they have a boot, not much of a boost." It seemed that this unique aspect of the car's design had become an integral part of its identity.
As we continued to chat and watch O'Sullivan drive, it became clear that this was more than just a car - it was a story waiting to be told. From its humble beginnings as a Formula D project to its current life on the track, this car had a rich history that was only beginning to surface. We were excited to see what the future held for O'Sullivan and his trusty steed.
And so, with our cameras at the ready, we set off on our own adventure - to explore the winding roads and scenic landscapes of Ireland. The world tour was just around the corner, and Mondello Park was waiting in the wings. We couldn't wait to see what the weekend had in store for us. With full hearts and a sense of anticipation, we hit the road, ready to take on whatever adventures lay ahead.
The journey would be long, but the excitement was palpable. We were all a little jet-lagged from our travels, but as we settled into our seats and began our drive, it felt like we'd been here before. There was something special about this country, something that had captured our hearts and imaginations. As we sped along the winding roads, the Irish countryside unfolding before us, we knew that we were in for a treat.
And then, there were the signs - random messages scrawled across the side of the road, each one more bizarre than the last. "Mashed potatoes bro," one sign read, accompanied by a drawing of a trucker and a laughing face. We exchanged a bewildered glance, unsure what to make of these strange markings.
But as we continued on our journey, it became clear that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be filled with twists and turns, each one leading us deeper into the heart of Ireland. We were ready for whatever lay ahead, our spirits high and our cameras at the ready. Bring on the adventure!