Go fast? And Jay Leno

So, the other day, I went to get a part for my new engine. I needed a water neck. No big deal. I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten to get one in the first place.

For a little fun during a stupid parts run, I took the Viper.

On the way there, I almost blasted past a cop. Whoops! Thank goodness for Granny in her Camry, whom I was behind, or I’d’ve probably gotten a ticket.

On my way home, however, things were a little different.

Traffic was kind of bunched up on city streets. It seemed like everyone was Christmas shopping and in zero hurry. (And that wasn’t just because I happened to be in a car that hates going slow! People really were driving far under the speed limit in one giant herd.) I passed a blue late model Mustang that was wheezing like it had a supercharger on it. I glanced again and saw a cowl hood. Okay, so this was the moment of truth.

Generally, when another sporty car rolls up on me in the Viper, their first thing to do is spar with me, rev, cut me off, something. It’s usually some hot-headed guy, too.

But this guy–or I should say ‘person’ because unfortunately, I never did see the driver–kept giving me room to get around.

It was weird. I was totally expecting the small-minded, gotta-get-in-front-of-the-Viper, how-ya-like-me-now attitude, but instead, there was this weird respect-like thing.

Personally, when I see anyone driving something that sounds healthy and looks like the driver is a car enthusiast, I always give right of way, lots of room, thumbs up “nice car” if I can, no matter which of my cars I’m driving. But generally, in the Viper I don’t receive the same whether I give it or not.

So, I’m driving toward the freeway, the Mustang’s giving me room, I wanna see who’s driving just to give a thumbs up if nothing more, when finally, there’s a break in the traffic and I can squeeze through.

I drop a gear and blast. So does the Mustang. And I’m sure we were both hoping to spar a little on the freeway.

But dammit…I was going east and he was going west. Ah well. I hope we meet again. His ride was damn sweet and probably would’ve smoked me because I’m not real good at speed-shifting the Viper. Ah well. That story’ll happen another day, I’m sure.

Speaking of sparring…I’ve got a few other favorite stories.

Last year, I was in the Prowler, following Jason who was in the ’98 Corvette we no longer have. I was hardly paying attention to much other than driving when a black German car kept speeding up, slowing down, goofing off next to me.

Finally, I glance over, unsure what/who I’m gonna see and there’s this really, really, really, really cute guy rolling down his window. I smile, unsure why other than that he’s obviously some kind of car guy and having fun on a Friday night.

I don’t remember the exact conversation other than that he was surprised that my Prowler wasn’t fast. It’s really not. It’s only got a V6 in it, but because it looks odd, people think it’s fast anyway. He wanted to spar, but then, he asked me out.

And oh my goodness, if I weren’t married, I totally would’ve accepted.

But then, as I shook my head, he said, “You with him?” and pointed toward Jason in the Corvette ahead of me.

I nodded, completely shocked that the guy guessed it…like somehow he just knew. That was such a strange encounter and I loved every minute of it. When Jason and I got to the restaurant, we both had a good chuckle.

I guess car chicks are simply hard to come by and guys will go to crazy lengths to score one sometimes.

Last year around this time, I did a shoot waaaaaaaaaay out some of the canyon roads near my house. I left the shoot and had zero intention of following the directions to the freeway because I didn’t want to take the freeway, I wanted to play in the canyon twisties. I was driving my ’68 Mustang Fastback.

So, I haul ass, 4-wheel-drifting around corners, keeping my car in my lane, of course. Only once did I go over the yellow and I’m not sure if that was because I was drifting or I couldn’t turn the wheel hard enough. My car does not have power steering, but I muscle it down the road at warp speed and in my rearview, I notice a Cadillac that had been following me since I left the shoot.

Anyhow, out of the canyons and into town, we stop at a traffic light. My window was down. Mr. Cadillac called out, “YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” He was truly in awe judging by the grin on his face and enthusiasm in his eyes, but then he continued, “How do I get to the freeway?”

Whoops….Poor guy hadn’t been keeping up with me because he wanted a hard drive, he’d wanted to find the freeway! Sorry!

From that stop light, I had him follow me to the freeway. That was a very fun trip.

And now for my best sparring with the boys story:

I was on my way to Jen’s baby shower, so this had to’ve been 2000.

But anyhow, I was heading southbound on the 101 through Studio City. Traffic was tight, but there was a little room to move. I was in my ’68 Mustang Fastback.

I’m bored in traffic and still have at least an hour left on the road, so I start to weave a little bit. Not cutting anyone off or anything, just trying to change my scenery when a bizarre 20s car…make that racecar…rolls up on my tail.

Stranger than that, I think the driver looks like Jay Leno.

Yeah, Jay Leno is a car guy, so anything’s possible.

But still, me being a car chick and him driving the cooler car, I most definitely feel obligated to get out of his way, even help him get through traffic easier.

So, I keep weaving, leaving him room to get by me, but he’s just not taking it!

I’m still going, waiting, leaving a mile in front of me…

Finally, as the 134 is about to split off, he changes lanes to my right. Then he rolls alongside and with a big ol’ grin on his face, gives me a thumbs up!!!!

Yep! Jay Leno gave ME a thumbs up!

Good golly!!!! I still grin at that memory!!!!!!!!!

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