It just blows to write a post like this.
At the Columbus Goodguys autocross, someone randomly re-adjusted the shocks on at least 5 of the RideTech equipped cars. By re-adjusted, I don’t mean a couple clicks off from our intended settings, I mean radically misadjusted. Some were set to full soft, some to full stiff. Enough to dramatically change the performance of the cars [and trucks]. My 33 Ford, Rob McGreagors C10, Chris Smith’s C10, Jimi Day’s AMX, and Jason Brady’s C10 were all attacked. For whatever reason, none of the other RideTech customers were affected [that we know of]. This shock sabotage resulted in vehicles that quite unpredictable handling…to the point of being dangerous.
We know this was an intentional and deliberate action. My 33 is all exposed, but on the other vehicle you had to open hoods, open bed covers, or crawl underneath to get to the shock adjustments. We found a sweaty armprint on Smittys C10 fender [he’s real anal about such things].
Why? Obviously someone doesn’t want to see these vehicles go fast.
Who? I have no clue.
I know who it was NOT: our honorable competitors. The racing competition is tough but in addition to racing, we all routinely eat, drink, party and room with the same people who have just beaten us by a tenth. I know many of these people better than my blood relatives.
The business competition is also tough but I have a great relationship with EVERY suspension manufacturer in the country. I have their cell phone numbers, we buy and sell components with them, I’ve shared meals with all of them, even stayed at some of their houses. “Competitor” is not interchangeable with “enemy”. Detroit Speed, No Limit, SpeedTech, Schwartz, Chassisworks, JRI, Roadster Shop, QA1, TCI, Fatmans, BMR, AFCO, Hotchkis, Art Morrison, Penske…they all work as hard as we do to create the best products they can…and have no time nor tolerance for this kind of bull****.
To whomever did this…here is what you accomplished last weekend:
• You tainted the results for the winners.
• You proved how crucial proper shock tuning is and how easy it is to tune the RideTech pieces. Kudos for that one.
• You’ve stolen a bit of joy that we all get from this hobby. Now we all have to guard our cars. Shame on you.
• You’ve put yourself in a precarious position…did you really not see all the Go Pro cameras mounted on these cars? They’ve got a really wide lens…
I do not yet have a clue who did this, but I will find out. These type of people cannot keep their mouths shut for long.
Retribution? Wallowing in their own shame. They’ll need no help from me.
Rumor, innuendo, and uninformed opinion will not help this situation. If you WERE THERE and have DIRECT TANGIBLE information…my direct email is
[email protected].