914 stories Options

[Ace Le Count]

Does anyone have some crazy 914 stories that they'd like to share? Maybe your son/daughter was born in one? Maybe you drag raced someone that was getting cocky because they thought their riced out civic was faster? Maybe you used a 914 as a getaway car after you robbed a bank? How has your 914 saved the day?

[jat914]

On May,2003, I did an HPDE (high performance driving education) event with the Chicago Region of PCA at Road America with my 914. The morning sessions were plagued with minor problems so I was VERY anxious to get back on the track after lunch. I lined up in my run group and everything seemed to be great on the warm-up lap. As I made it around for the first lap at speed, my steering wheel came off at the apex of the turn known as the "kink". It is the fastest turn on the 4 mile course that I could usually take with my foot flat to the floor. In my hurry to get on the track, I had only put the steering wheel on the splines but forgot to lock it!!! In the split second that it happened I tried to get it back on once and then closed my eyes for the impact with the concrete barrier. They always talk about your life passing before you at this time but there really wasn't that much time!! I should also mention that I have a full welded padded roll cage (tied into the shock towers), racing seat, a six point harness, fire suit, and helmet. Also the 914 crumple zone worked perfectly and I came out of it with only bruises from the shoulder harness. My 914 is another story but to sum it up I got another solid 914 front clip from my good friend Brad Mayer and my car was back on track September,2003. If you are ever at Road America you must go to Siebkens bar (the place where all the famous racers hung out after the track) and see the plaque that was placed there by the Chicago Region to remember my crash and also to give a yearly award to the person who does the same bonehead move!!