Long story short, I've become acquainted with Randy Pobst, a world-class race driver and moto-journalist. If you aren't familiar with him, give him a Google.

Anyway, I heard he was at a track day at Sonoma Raceway today and, having seen him drive the 914 on a recent Jay Leno's Garage, I wanted to give him a look at my LS car and talk with him about the Ferrari build.

He asked that I take him for a ride, so we did that. On the way back into the track, I said "You should drive it..." He suggested we see if he could make a run on the auto-cross that was also underway...

The interesting news is that he said the car works pretty well. Granted, he didn't spend much time in it but... High praise, coming from someone with his experience. And that's the first time I'd seen the car "on the road" as an outside observer. Looks pretty good, IMO!

BTW, it's true what they say: Randy is as down-to-earth as they come. Folks were regularly coming up asking for selfies, looking for driving advise, etc. He'd stop what we were doing and happily acommodate them. An overall super nice guy. And FAST...

Boy, what an experience. I'm truly blessed. (And the car's value just went up another $10k!)

https://youtu.be/Cee5tz2Bs3w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cee5tz2Bs3w

S W E E T !!!!

That is cool. I see him pop up on several shows I watch and was very familiar with his Pikes Peak run in the Tesla. He is very smooth and does not miss many corners.

I'm with Oscar and Kent, SWEET!
BTW this is the only kind of Corvette allowed on this forum. LOL
Mike
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How are you going to top that Chris!

Nice! Very cool video, thanks for sharing.

Had a similar, although humbling experience in a 914-4 about 25 years ago while at a Driver Ed event: Instructor was teaching me the basics and I complained about my little 2.0-4cyl not having enough power as everyone was on my tail.

Instructor asked me to switch seats and hold his beer.

Needless to say, he and my little 914 start passing other cars.

I spent a lot more time at any event I could for the next few years just learning how to master my little 914-4.

Totally cool Chris totally impressive to view. Your work is well, its art. Serious art

Best Bob B

Sooo . . . did ya spill the beer?

Contrast, Chris - good stuff!

Thats cool! Im going to be hanging out with him next weekend at an even in Las Vegas. Now I will have something to talk to him about

Randy Pobst is a ROCK STAR!!!!

I met him at Road America at a NCM event the day after the IMSA races.

Very down to earth guy and very talented. He seems to be the go to guy for the car mags test pilot for all the new super fast cars.

Very cool!

I'm envious of both your car and having that guy experience it.

Awesome! Ask him if he wants to drive my 3.6L and compare the two

That is so great. What a wonderful experience.

Hey, Hey, Hey!

some of us have other cars too. all are good. I notice in the off topic/sandbox area there are a lot of pics of other cars, including Corvettes.

BTW, love that bug!

What was his time on the course compared to the other cars?

Look looks good out there Chris, by the way what is dragging on the ground under the front section?

PAINT THAT B!#TCH !!!!

It's now famous. Time for paint.

Epic, Chris..... Epic. World-class build driven by a world class driver.

WOW! That is so cool! Did you get him to sign the car somewhere with a sharpie?

Wow Chris. That is about as cool as it ever gets. Pobst is an outstanding driver and by all accounts exactly how you describe him. That is the ultimate cool experience.

Very very impressive and quite a validation! That dude can really drive.

Too Kool!

Now that is awesome

I rode shotgun with him around PIR in an RS6.
The other Audi salesman got out and kissed the ground.
What a thrill !
A legend drove your car......absolutely cool !

What?!
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What about this?
Or this?
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Or this? They all seem relevant to powering a 914. Just as soon as I hoist my mizzen to the gangplank.
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That is cool!

Randy Pobst is one of the fastest, most talented American drivers in recent history given his speed in, well, everything. FWD, RWD, AWD, front-engined, rear-engined, mid-engined, etc…he's quick in anything you put him into. Also one of the most approachable, most personable individuals in the automotive space full stop.

Too cool that you got to do this, Chris, and knowing Randy just a bit, I suspect you made his day too.

Loved the video showing his control and flicking thru the cones! Your car is now showing you what you need to learn to drive it like that!

Did you give him your phone number? If you did, you’ll likely get a call from Tim Suddard. The Ferrari project is made for the pages of Grassroots Motorsports.

I used to AutoCross (SCCA ProSolo) with Randy in the mid 80s when we were kids

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@ConeDodger Rob - Randy does have my contact info. He texted me over the weekend:

"Thank you, Chris! Car looks and drives so well for such a radical build so early in its development. It has so much potential."

Gotta say, I'm pretty proud to have received that and it's quite motiviating to hear that from someone of Randy's experience and stature.

On Grassroots: Randy only saw a couple pics of the Ferrari build so not sure it's top of his mind. I'll poke him about it if/when we communicate. I certainly don't what to bug him.

You really need to get him to drive the 914 Ferrari once it is done.

That is very cool both the car and Randy. I spent a Saturday talking and driving with Vic Elford about 15 years ago, great memories. Best, Mark

I knew someone would bust my chops on the joke. Lol. I was just showing off my latest 1961 Schwinn. Old Schwinns is another sickness I have.
Mike

@tygaboy Chris,

Randy actually spoke to the large groups of doctor car guys I’m with this weekend about your car and how you can never have too much power. He had very positive things to say and I thought it was pretty cool how he can use your build as a good example of a vehicle needing skills to drive. Super nice guy and great day with him as well as night q n an until 11p. Heading to the the track now to hang. Super nice and very smart man.

@Dr Evil - How cool is that? Thanks so much for letting me know! Randy and I plan to get him in the 914 Ferrari, once it's "done". Hope it measures up to the mighty LS-mobile!
You fellas drive safely!

Randy came by the Track I work at today. Talked to him a bit, he showed me the Polestar he was driving. Hopefully he will be back in the next few days.

Randy with my son and he is always so approachable!!!