[Steve Chryssos]

Seriously, I hate getting into a pissing match with Tom, but people are being misled. His statements are technically accurate, but the application is wrong. His remarks apply to racing--not pro-touring. Every statement is fully applcable to a race car where lap times are all that matter; where banging fenders or an off track excusrion is a possible by-product of winning. But that favorite back road? The one with the 30 mph recommended speed limits? A typical pro-touring car can run that 30mph road at about 70-75mph without breaking a sweat. That's 4/10ths--NOT racing. That is what almost all pro-touring enthusiasts will experience. If you're taking that 30mph road at 90mph then you're either stupid or negligent. Ultimate parts will not change that. Buy the ultimate parts because you want them. I do. But don't buy them because someone told you that the ordinary off the shelf parts are unacceptable.

Even those few pro-touring enthusiasts who enjoy track days or autocross are not willing to push their cars to the limit. They want to hot lap, but they don't want to lose grip and slide into a wall or another car. Hitting curbs or tire barriers is unacceptable. So they hold back. I do.

The original post makes no mention of competition or maximum performance. So why bring custom $1200 leafs into the conversation? Why tell people that the ordinary parts do not work? What is the possible benefit? Why waste people's time with imaginary parts? How much is shipping from Never-neverland? What is your shop's phone number? What forms of payment do you accept? What's your URL? Exactly how is the average enthusiast supposed to acquire these extraordinary leafs? Will tinkerbell deliver them?

I'll tell you what: I suggest we form two race teams. The Happy Idiots (that's my team) against the Rocket Scientists (that's Tom's team) Five pro-touring cars per team. All on approved full street tires. We meet at AirRides Putnam Park event and square off.