269 Comments

People like this trigger us because we are descended from founders of high trust societies. The golden rule of such societies is that all members tell the truth and don’t deceive to benefit themselves at the expense of others.

I’m not castigating every citizen of third world countries, but it would seem that there is a limit to the percentage of sociopaths a society can handle before GDP plummets.

Anyways, your boy Casey breaks some of these rules. Even if they are white lies. He is completely wasting numerous peoples time, at least.

Even more disgusting to me is that he’s a clout chaser or fame seeker. A charlatan. Normal well adjusted and well rounded people also have a distaste for this characteristic.

Sum it all up and I start to wonder how exactly daddy did make all of the money. Did Casey learn to be a liar from a young age?

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Tangentially related - I really enjoyed your Avoidable Contact #135 on the Maverick. I’ve got an XL / AWD turbo / tow pkg on order. It should be able to do some truck things, take my kids places (can’t do in my NC Miata), and not be so expensive that I have to sell said NC. It’s frustrating that I haven’t been able to even sit in one / check that the car seats fit, much less test drive. But that’s how it goes these days.

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While we are bringing up old episodes of AC, I was always a bit disappointed that #69 was spent on a father-son road trip.

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Comment of the day

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[Avoiding reality] Wouldn't that at least in part depend on the destination?

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You're going to like it. I am certain.

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Are you still taking Ask Jack questions?

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Every day. I'll drop you an email

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Have been shopping Chargers casually lately, mostly because I don't want to take delivery until after the salt is off the roads. I've heard more than one sales person (they/them/it?) refuse to let people test drive a base V6 Charger because they are special cars and don't want the miles on them. Strange times we live in.

Good luck with the Maverick...sounds like a sweet little setup.

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Guessing it is because cheap assholes a lot like me are the prime demographic for the V6 Charger and there isn't any way I would buy a new one with a bunch of test drive miles on it. Not without a healthy discount, anyhow.

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In 2015 bought a 1 year old service loaner with 24K miles, with new rear tires and front brakes, for $22K. It had a buffed out dent on one of the fenders visible under close inspection. 110K later none of the red flags checked out, but the rear rocker corners rust through like all American cars.

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I'm not sure if my inner cheapskate is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm the kind of guy who would go in to look at a Hemi Hellcat and come out with a stripper 6 cylinder. Even when I build a car on a website, I am looking for the minimum viable product, just the things it takes to get what I want and not a cent more.

But getting an awesome deal and not taking an ass pounding in the process feels just about as good to me as getting the Hellcat would. And, truth be told, I'd never get the goodie out of all that engine anyhow...

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You're a better man than I am. I didn't even go into the dodge dealer when I was looking for a car. I want a 6.4L challenger bad and I don't trust myself enough to not leave with it. It was in that sweet spot where I could get financed on it but I couldn't afford it.

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Just understanding that makes you a pretty damn good man. I do that a lot, avoid temptation by not even going where temptation is. One hard and fast decision eliminates the need for a hundred others on the slippery slope.

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My 2012 AWD Hemi Charger is still my favorite vehicle. Had to sell it because of a job change. Wish I still had it. I’d really like to get a scat pack, but my truck is almost paid off and I want to go without a car payment for awhile. That being said, they are about to stop making them.

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I'll be doing the 20k service on my XLT FWD EB Maverick this weekend, just two weeks shy of it's six month anniversary.

Overall, its a great cheap car. Drives just like a Focus, which makes sense as it essentially IS a Focus.

There a a few things I've noticed. One is that some seat covers are in order for high mileage use. The seats are very comfortable and heated (on mine anyway) but the surface material doesn't seem all that durable.

Another is that any rumors that the radio sucks are true! I have a $220 box of speakers from Crutchfield sitting in my shop that I think will fix that.

Gas is nearly free again so I haven't paid much attention to economy, but it's in the mid to high 20s at an average speed over 70mph.

As long as you don't try and tow anything heavy, I suspect you'll like it.

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Dang. Never knew they were Focus based. I guess it shows my level of interest in the truck world. Saddens me a lot, as I liked the Focus a lot in its various guises, and would easily pick one over anything that looked like a truck. No offence intended.

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Strictly speaking, it's an Escape/Bronco Sport, a bit larger than a Focus in all directions.

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None taken. The Maverick sits on Ford’s C2 platform. It’s used for a variety of vehicles, including the now non-US Focus.

https://fordauthority.com/fmc/ford-motor-company-platforms/ford-c2-platform/

Best way to get Americans to buy economy cars is to shape them like pickup trucks.

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My parents have one. Having driven it a number of times, I can tell you that it's like somebody took a station wagon and turned it into a crew cab pickup. It drives like a car, but you have to floor it to get any acceleration out of it. It's extremely practical, a truck for people for whom even the most basic F-150 is too much.

If you can get one, it's a good buy.

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My Uncle ordered his XLT Hybrid early July 2021 and it arrived end of July this year. I have driven it a few times and it is a really great experience understanding some of it's limitations particularly with backseat space. I would think the XL's are getting built quicker with less chips for the fancier electronics plus opting for the ecoboost vs. the hybrid. Supporting that (maybe?), a coworker ordered a Lariat AWD Ecoboost in November of 2021 and just gave up last week and leased a "cheap" Frontier ProX. His 22' order was bumped to a 23' and still didn't have a build date after a year of waiting.

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I'm amazed at what an incompetent manufacturer Ford has become. It's taking them a year to get these things out the door, and they STILL have significant engine problems.

I'm glad somebody's building something like the Maverick, but two Fords were enough for me.

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I have been a Ford guy for most of my life right up until my last Ford Escape. When I had to replace the Ecoboost engine with 34,000 miles on it, I got rid of it as quickly as I could. It’s a shame because they put out some nice looking vehicles with good features, but I just don’t trust them anymore.

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All the small displacement turbo fours are trash, including the Hondas. There's a reason Toyota didn't make the switch in the Camry, I think.

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I'm quite happy with the 1.4T in my 2019 Jetta for what it is worth. Reasonably quick, I can get up to 50mpg depending on the route, and reasonably pleasant to drive as long as you keep it out of the higher revs in 1st/2nd. Jury is out on how it will hold up, but I've owned cars with much worse engines over the years.

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That is precisely why my wife and I both drive vehicles with naturally aspirated V6s now (Pilot and Ridgeline). I want to avoid turbo fours as long as possible. I’m afraid my only choices will be an EV or a turbo four the next time I am vehicle shopping. Not much in the market gets me excited anymore, except for the Challenger, Charger, and 5.0 Mustang. Although I am not impressed with Ford’s latest effort.

I don’t trust a vehicle with over the air updates. I can envision a future where an “update” decides I’ve been taking too many unnecessary trips and parks me against my will.

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This was one of the reasons I chose a (used) Highlander. NA V-6 was available and while unglamorous it is certainly a known quantity and under-stressed when compared to ze 2.0L turbro 4s.

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What’s small? My 2.3 litre mazdaspeed3 engine was nice. I still want a v8 mustang before i die

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Different generation and philosophy from today's emissions engines.

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The chip supply issue is not entirely in their control and it is a good look at globalization and consolidation gone wrong.

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I thought part of the problem with Maverick availability was Ford prioritizing electric car stuff.

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Supposedly Toyota is planning something similar. I’m a Ford guy, and would love to get a Maverick, but Ford really s**t the bed with this and the Bronco. Oh, and the Mustang

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Oh, good. Something that's built way better, but lazy, retrograde and worst-in-class in every other respect. Toyota's the one automaker I despise even more than Ford - they need to stop screwing around and get the new Tacoma and 4Runner out before they do anything else.

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Agreed. As someone who's currently shopping a Ford Explorer against the Toyota Highland (and the 4Runner as a wildcard), the Toyota is built better, but boring in every other sense.

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Not before they de-uglify the Supra.

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I was excited for the supra “a straight six with Toyota reliability” to find out it’s just a bmw

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Buy a body on frame Toyota with a servicable 5spd Aisin and port injected 1GR 4.0 V6 while you can. I can't imagine *complaining* about that.

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Been there, done that...FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. Liked the vehicle and the drivetrain at the time - don't need to re-live it.

Especially at the prices they go for, new and used, even before the current clown world car market.

The fact that Toyota let this platform sit on the market until it's nearly old enough to drink without at least updating the transmission for better mileage and towing is '90s GM-tier bullshit. Based on what a turd the new Sequoia is - a vehicle that actually has direct competitors - I assume the next 4Runner will be a major disappointment, but I don't see that as reason enough to laud the current model.

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Mavericks are still backed up that far? I've been trying to get my grandparents into one (they have a hard time getting in and out of their F150), but have had a hell of a time finding something on the lot for them to even sit in.

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Maybe try and check used car lots for a test drive. I've seen quite a few around me (Detroit area) listed for 10-15k over sticker but at least gets you a chance to test it out and place an order. I just remembered another friend ordered a hybrid lariat in September from one of the biggest Ford dealers and they told him to expect at least 12 months for delivery also.

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To late for those already in queue since the 2023 bookings closed after only a few days in September, but the only answer for the Maverick is the Hybrid. If you need AWD and the Tow Pkg, bump up to the cheapest Ranger-class you can find.

Given that only 35% of Mavericks will be Hybrids in 2023, Ford doesn't really want to sell them unfortunately - which will only make them that much more desirable down the road. I really want the bigger battery AWD Hybrid with a Tremor Pkg, but Ford is helping me save some $$$ by not offering it so FWD Hybrid it is.

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You will love it. I’ve had my XLT ecoboost AWD since April and have been loving it. One of the main reasons to get the XLT over the XL was the unavailability of cruise control on the XL. That has been fixed for 2023 so of you like the more plain interior and the steel wheels the XL is a great choice. Rear facing car seats will be pretty tight but forward facing works great. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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I saw earlier this week that a local guy, Andy Didorosi, had his student racing nonprofit profiled on Hagerty. Unlike Casey, who obviously uses child labor as part of a vanity project, Andy actually lets the kids race the cars. Having been Facebook "friends" with Andy for some time, he's tried to do a lot for the kids in Detroit over the years.

If anything, the Andy article makes Casey look like an even bigger grifter than he did previously.

The entire comment section on that BaT auction is weird. Everyone is parroting the same lines about how "rich" people didn't bid more and what a deal it is. That car, if sold via traditional means, would be lucky to pull down $25k I'd imagine. It's basically an unfinished kit car, regardless of how people want to spin it.

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I met Andy when I agreed to serve as the "stunt driver" for this:

https://jalopnik.com/switzer-p800-nissan-gt-r-first-drive-5209429

Example of a not-rich kid, but more upper-middle-class kid, who has used his advantages to do some wonderful things.

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I don't know what's sadder - that Hagerty pulled that article because it annoyed a total nobody, or that you were fired over Zoom.

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I got fired over Teams, the idiot cousin of Zoom. So yes it could be worse.

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This one actually hurt. Sorry I laughed and Sorry man for that outcome

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It was for the best

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At least it wasn't a text message

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Back to the Future Part II told me we'd all be getting fired by fax machine by now.

I've broken up with two serious girlfriends via text, so I can't really throw stones. Big in-person fights predicated both instances, but according to the internet this makes me a horrible person.

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BTTF II also said we'd have flying cars by now.

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Oh, but we do! It's all the batteries that are weighing them down.

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I had a girlfriend in the late 90's that I never really broke up with. Wanted to, but was concerned about having a potential suicide on my conscience. Ended up moving across town (she didn't have a car) and changing to a new job at work where I was traveling a great deal. Nine months later she was seriously dating (and eventually married) an Intel engineer who had never had a girlfriend before. Guess it all worked out.

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Hate to break it to you but you’re still a couple

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at least they didn't make him travel a long distance and spend his own money to fire him. Not classy of them in the least, and not a surprise really (on how classy they really are) but he is probably better for it in the end.

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The irony was that I was literally in the middle of picking up a motorcycle for a Hagerty reader, as a favor.

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scumbags. Egos ruin companies, and I suspect that is part of the reason why they are experiencing so much loss over there.

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I’d say it was cowardice. They let jack publish the article but didnt have the stones to say “pound sand”

It amazes me how many people who make lots of money have thin skin. He makes 12mm a year and can’t take a joke. If I made 12 million, you could say whatever and id laugh all the way to the bank.

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However, when you have all the money you need, what's left besides people demonstrating proper RESPECT of your class, enlightenment, and ability to wear vests over t-shirts? And if you don't get your propers, woe be unto you! You gotta have something to fight about.

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Was it an HR hack who did it, or did a superior actually grow a pair and do it himself?

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Webster, reading from a script, while the HR hack nodded.

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I'd imagine some of your latest work here and this in particular has encouraged a former employer to procure your discretion, but I hope not for our collective future entertainment!

And speaking of Mr. Webster, I read his 'Never Stop Driving' drivel from time to time as reminder to stop going to Hagerty - definitely working. Absolutely AWFUL! His latest entry #29 is a new low. It would be less embarrassing for him to wear a French maid outfit and blow the CEO, at least that would be behind closed doors vs. on display for all.

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I didn't realize how far Larry had sold out. I guess when job opportunities start drying up, that's what happens. "First they came for Jack, and I said nothing. Then they came for me ..."

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Prediction: they're gonna come for him, and sooner than he really thinks.

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That happened to my sister's ex twice. Fly half way across the country to get canned. Sales guy.

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Having experienced the humiliation of having to come in for an "exit interview" I think I would have rather it been handled by email.

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Nice to see Casey getting some of the fame that he craves.

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car people do have some weird compulsion to feel obligated to participate in car oriented competition to feel "legit". people get incredible imposter complexes in this hobby, feeling like they dont below unless they either race or LARP as a racer. the fact is this is a big tent and most people, like me, indulge in spirited midnight empty backroad shenanigans, the occasional autocross, and thats it. my car buddies and i swap cars, talk about ON ROAD dynamics at sane speeds, and enjoy the mechanical and aesthetic wonder of them all. we all have lives and other hobbies; we understand not everyone has the time, resources, or motivation to race wheel to wheel or even TA. my message to you, casey, is stop being such a pussy and just accept your station in car enthusiasm. there are millions of us. its ok little guy.

on BAT and C&B (run by the lamentable, limp wristed champagne socialist doug demuro) there is an insane amount of dick riding that i cannot stand. every nice example is a "BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE"; every rusted out one is a "PERFECT RUNNER"; every winner will "surely enjoy this car!". every buy is a "nice buy", or "well bought". come in with a realistic or, god forbid, straight up WOW JUST WOW MEAN comment and surely you will be flagged by the community for such malfeasance, or just deleted by the website operator.

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It's worth a separate article, but I think that's because the nature of high-value and collector cars has changed. Nobody felt compelled to race Silver Shadows.

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I used to visit BAT quite often and liked it a lot before it became its own dedicated auction site. Once it started showing up on CNN profiles and it became apparent that people like Jay Leno were occasionally buying cars there, I knew I would never be able to buy anything interesting that wasn't just total junk. No hard feelings though, Jay worked for his money like I worked for mine, but I just can't compete with him. It's not even worth daydreaming about.

What I do have hard feelings about is the way BAT sales figures have distorted the entire collector car market. Everyone knows what the best version of the car they are selling for went for and they want similar money even if their car isn't in similar condition. Worse, I have heard rumors that some collectors are staging auctions and using shill accounts to "sell" cars to themselves at outrageous prices to pump the market. Rumors, sure, but it seems to make some sense.

It's stuff like this, though, that gets me and why nothing fun can ever really last - especially once the assholes decide it looks like fun, too.

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BAT is still a lot of fun for me. Unlikely I'd ever be a serious buyer there, but there are some extremely detailed photo collages of fun cars an trucks. I end up thinking of it as more of an internet car show than an auction site.

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Same here.

But now i have a thing for 60s Lancias

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Oh yes, one Fulvia please with a side of HF.

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over the last 18-24 months, BAT has typically been straight up depressing to watch. i agree. a lot of easy money is exiting the system. there is speculation that between FTX and SPAC death, we have seen more top end wealth erode than the GCF and dot com bubble combined. that plus a pending recession and more inventory coming online should bring valuations back to a close to pre-pandemic level. i hope.

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It is imploding. I bought the absolute top of the market if you want to feel smug at my expense.

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i prefer to save for schadenfreude for people who deserve it. plus you bought a porsche, so ultimately, the floor is pretty high.

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That's a modern delusion. I remember dozens of 911SCs and 928S4s going unsold at 10-12k.

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Got a time machine I can borrow? Feels like yesterday I was a senior in high school looking at those $12k SCs...

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I sure hope so. As soon as I was in a position to maybe swing a 550, a few BaT sales sent prices to the stratosphere. Now I can barely get a nice 456 for what a 550 used to go for.

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For that matter, my C5Z with 90k miles is somehow worth more than I paid 8 years ago when it had 30k.

I had a feeler out to see what it may fetch as-is (needs brakes, tires, and a good detail). Car is probably #4 condition but mechanically sound. I had people beating down my door to give me low 20s. It’s insane.

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Spoofing! Is the financials world term for this. It is illegal in regulated markets. I’m not sure how rigorous the policing is though.

This is how FTX pumped its valuation.

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True that.

One quick anecdote. Last track day at Grattan this year, the advance group for the organizer, contained several guys with Porsche GT4 club sports (cage, race seats, 425hp, etc). With them was a buddy in racing gear with some sort of badass Corvette (I don't keep track which one is top dog, but it was that. It had a wing). These guys brought a transporter, and what looked like a race shop set up in the infield. Why, I don't know because the cars are brand new and the organizer is an Indy shop that maintains them. They run.

The track day was predictable. The Porsches roared down the straight and overbraked in the corners. It looked like a total shit show. I immediately took myself down to a lower speed run group because I didn't want to have to look out for these folks. Where I encountered the Vette buddy who braked on the corners and needed a bit of waving to let my friends'stock Mini by.

I guess this answered the question who buys these things, but not why. You're surrounded by people at the track on a casual weekend who enjoy driving their sports cars quickly, and who don't really like to have a $200,000 quasi race car driven badly around them.

Casey Putsch is what we call a putz.

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the caged porsches are simply part of the mise en scene of their deliberately manicured lives. they would all be happier in C5Zs or god forbid a mustang track pack, but the way they paint themselves and project their lives, it must be a porsche, and it must be 200k. i work with many like this. its close to the male equivalent of instagram selfies on the beach in st kitts or the south of france with their 50k tits just barely in frame.

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I'm an entitled asshole myself, but I wouldn't know how to manicure my life.

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