Great day for a Blat!!!

[yellowss7]

I've been tracking the car so much the last couple of years that I really haven't had it out on the street for the last two years. I guess I've been lazy and didn't want to take the time to switch the slicks out, take the Brooklands off and put the windscreen back on, take the Petty bar and cameras off.

 

The weather is so nice this week and I don't have any track days until October, so I got off my butt and Changed everything over to put it on the street.

 

MY 24 year old daughter is home and decided to come along for a ride. She use to ride with me at Autocross events when she was a lot younger.

 

Weather here in Philly is 72F, sunny and 45% humidity. Absolutely Perfect!

 

We just got back after about a 2 hour Blat and the smiles on our faces just won't go away.:driving: Driving on the track is probably safer as most of the time we are all going the same way, but a nice leisurely drive with people waving, honking and doing double takes was a lot of fun again.

 

Get out there and put a smile on your face. :smash:

 

Tom:driving:

[xcarguy]

I've been tracking the car so much the last couple of years that I really haven't had it out on the street for the last two years. I guess I've been lazy and didn't want to take the time to switch the slicks out, take the Brooklands off and put the windscreen back on, take the Petty bar and cameras off.

 

I can relate. It seems the only time I get my car out is for a test hop. At least I usually take my son or daughter with me.

[Klasik-69]

I don't want to sound stupid...............well, OK, it can't be helped............but what exactly is a BLAT. Is it a short drive or is it a spirited drive or is it just getting the car out on the streets ?

 

AND, I'm with you guys too. Taking the track wheels off and restoring the car to street use is a bit of a chore. And having a host of other cars to drive lessens the spirit. However, nothing compares to the open canopy drive of a 7.

Edited September 20, 2013 by Klasik-69

[xcarguy]

I don't want to sound stupid...............well, OK, it can't be helped............but what exactly is a BLAT. Is it a short drive or is it a spirited drive or is it just getting the car out on the streets ?

 

AND, I'm with you guys too. Taking the track wheels off and restoring the car to street use is a bit of a chore. And having a host of other cars to drive lessens the spirit. However, nothing compares to the open canopy drive of a 7.

 

blat (blt)

v. blat·ted, blat·ting, blats

v.tr.

1. To utter without thinking; blurt.

2. To sound or produce harshly or raucously: trombones blatting out a tune.

v.intr.

1. To cry, especially like a sheep; bleat.

2. To make a harsh or raucous noise.

 

 

Don't feel too bad . . . I had to look it up. I think the last one is us; loud, harsh, in-your-face driving.

:cuss: :devil: :driving:

[rotus8guy]

Yes, I would say the etymology is from the sound of an (relatively) unmuffled roadster engine. The common usage in the Seven community is a pleasure drive. Whether spirited or leisurely, a drive for fun.

Now, it's cool in the garage (finally), back to work.

Cheers,

John

[KS7]

Thanks for asking this! I have just gone with the flow and figured it was some sort of slang for a pleasure drive. Never heard it used before in any of my other circles!

[Klasik-69]

Ok, now we have the official definition of Blatting (assuming one is doing a Blat).

 

One step further.............if one farts while Blatting, is one then flatting or blarting:driving:

 

 

And all this started when one guy took his car out for a ride. I used to call that just going for a ride. Now I know I was really going for a Blat

[Klasik-69]

All of this brings me back to the original thread. I can really relate to Yellowss7 enjoying the blat. We were just in North Carolina for a week at our vacation home. Temps were 60 for a low and 82 for a high, bright sunshine, and I was wishing I had the 7 up there to romp thru the mountain roads. If ever there was a car designed to do just that, it must be the 7.............open cockpit, fresh mountain air flowing by, beautiful scenery.

 

Here in Florida, temps in the 90's, humidity nearly the same, with spontaneous showers and blind 90 year olds driving old Cadillacs looking to run over something, it's a bit of a challenge. Pa sounds like an ideal place to drive around. I'd love to have the 7 up in the Amish country area East of Hershey or the Catskills in NY, or similar places up north. Vermont brings good memories too. You guys up North have better scenery than we have in Florida, and for the most part, better roads too.

[xcarguy]

Ok, now we have the official definition of Blatting (assuming one is doing a Blat).

 

One step further.............if one farts while Blatting, is one then flatting or blarting:driving:

 

 

And all this started when one guy took his car out for a ride. I used to call that just going for a ride. Now I know I was really going for a Blat

 

Blarting gets my vote. It rolls off the tongue much smoother that flatting. Maybe we could use flatting to define high speed cornering.

Okay, who blarted? :leaving: :svengo: :ack:

[Klasik-69]

Blarting gets my vote. It rolls off the tongue much smoother that flatting. Maybe we could use flatting to define high speed cornering.

Okay, who blarted? :leaving: :svengo: :ack:

 

Ok, its official now. If you fart while blatting, you're

 

BLARTING :hurray:

[wemtd]

I don't know about better roads- I've encountered evil frost heaves in NH.

VT, the berkshires, and Catskills all get two thumbs up.

[Gherkin]

With rain forecast for tomorrow I played a little hooky and took my Saturday blat today. Temps finally staying out of the 90's means I don't have to bug the neighbors with my 7:00 am engine warm-up.

 

Today's run started at about 70* and ended at about 76*, perfect. Nothing delivers more fun units per dollar than a 7!

 

All the best,

Sir Blartsalot

[yellowss7]

Took the Caterham out again today. 2nd time this week. Weather in Philly is perfect. Thank you AL Gore. I did my part today to keep the global temps up.:driving:

 

I took it over to the mechanic and had it in for it's annual State inspection. No issues as he keeps it in shape for the track day season.

Good for another year.

 

Only saw one other convertible with it's top down, a Miata. What's wrong with people these days. I can't understand why if you have a convertible you drive with the top up on days like today. :smash:

 

Trackdays start up again next week so I'll probably get it out again a couple of times this weekend and then switch it back over to trackday trim. Best of both worlds IMO. :driving:

 

Tom