Looking for a New Veloster N

I was data coaching at Watkins Glen today. I went back into town to get a few things and on the way back to the track, I heard a siren behind me. I pulled to the side of the road and stopped, as one does to let them pass.

The emergency vehicle’s driver was distracted or didn’t see me, and plowed into the back of my car at full speed. My car is totaled.

It was a fire and rescue truck, perhaps a Chevy Suburban. I saw it coming the whole time. In disbelief I watched the distance close. And then the impact. It was loud. Jarring. Painful. The airbag didn’t go off, and I got a face full of my spectacles on the steering wheel.

This comes at such an inconvenient time; I’m coaching with Ross Bentley and Peter Krause next week, doing a new program we’ve developed. Luckily my brother Ian and co-coach Josh Herbert are helping with last minute stuff. But, man, super unhappy about this turn of events, and the timing!

I’ve put so much work into this car. It’s truly gutting to see this mess. And to know it’s not coming back.

There’s a 90% chance I get another Veloster N and just hit the reset button with everything I’ve learned. I probably won’t be able to get another 10-year track warranty, though.

I used to track a ’93 Miata, and it occurs to me that if I was in that car, you might be reading my obituary. The height of the bumpers on the truck that hit me are considerably higher than standard bumper height, and I probably would have been steamrolled. Now that I’ve crash tested the Veloster, I’m more convinced this is the right car for me.

I’ve been to the ER twice, and passed the CAT scans and X-rays tests. There’s no glass in my face, even though it feels like it. My back and neck are pretty sore, and my left shoulder is lower than my right. This is going to some time to come back from, both mentally and physically. But I’m also thankful; it could have been a lot worse.

Tell your loved ones you love them. Appreciate the time you have. We are lucky to be here.

Update 7/17: I think I found my replacement car in Florida. Same color, 6-speed manual, Hyundai certified (100k powertrain warranty). It’s a 2021 not a ’22, and it has almost double the miles, but I don’t want a DCT, and there just aren’t many to choose from.