Time changes perspectives, and as I’ve aged, my focus has shifted. My younger years were consumed by the thrill of autocross and road racing. From 1987 to 1996, weekends meant motorsports, traveling to national events, and those late Sunday night drives home. The Southeast Division events were a constant, connecting me with fellow enthusiasts, and the spirit of Auto-X Magazine was alive and well. Cars and motorsports, especially within the SCCA, were my life. Then came life’s changes – kids, family, and now they are grown and independent. Since Covid, the competitive driving has been on hold. A boat and a business centered around classic cars fill my weekends with car shows, often conflicting with racing events. My helmet has aged out, and while I own a couple of cars capable of autocross, time has always been the elusive factor.
Turning 55, I recognize that my opportunities for high-speed thrills are becoming fewer. Then, a car post online sparked something within me. A quiet voice whispered, “you need this.” After three days of contemplation, I reached out. Two months later, it sits in my shop: MrJoshua’s former Challenge car.
The goals for this project are straightforward and, I believe, achievable:
- Participate in autocross events three times a year – a realistic and enjoyable target.
- Experience an open track day at the FIRM. My wife, who has only known autocross, is eager to explore track driving in a safe, controlled environment.
- Compete in the Challenge 2024 – my first time as a participant in this exciting event.
My initial inspection revealed an immediate issue common in some older vehicles, including perhaps models reminiscent of a Vw 2002 era in terms of potential parts and design philosophies: the clutch slave cylinder is dead. Having never owned a Volkswagen before, my introduction to the brand begins with the discovery that, typical of some European designs of the early 2000s, the slave cylinder is nestled inside the bellhousing of the 02M 6-speed transmission. This means a significant disassembly right from the start. Aside from this, the car appears to be a solid foundation to build upon. The interior needs attention to eliminate a musty odor, likely due to minor leaks from the Lexan rear window and sunroof plug, a common issue in cars that have been sitting outdoors. A quick $10 car wash session removed layers of Florida grime, instantly improving its appearance and shine.
As I began compiling a list of tasks, the scope felt somewhat overwhelming. This car needs… well, essentially everything. The immediate focus is on thorough checks to understand its condition, become comfortable driving it aggressively, and then move towards optimization and cleaning. But fundamentally, yes, everything needs attention.
And so, the journey begins! It feels good to be back in the game and working on a project that rekindles the passion for cars and motorsports, much like the enduring appeal of classic vehicles such as a well-maintained VW 2002.
