Riding with Rado V2.0

Welcome back to the second installation of Ridin’ with Rado...

As you might recall, we left off last month with the Time Attack Scion tC badly beaten–but not counted out. Upon the return to Long Beach, the tC in question got dropped of at Steen Chassis. With a list of references from the likes of Leslie Armendariz, JoJo Callos, and Ali Afshar, Mr. Chris Rado knew his ride would be in good hands at Steen.

With the race season now officially over, you would think downtime would be on everyone’s agenda… NOPE! This is the time of year where preparations for next season’s chaos begin. Don’t get me wrong, its not like running around the pits at NHRA Indy, but running around SOCAL is no walk in the park.

One of first stops we made was to Toyota Race Development. Chris had gotten a call that morning informing him some of his blocks were ready to be picked up, so off we went. Upon arrival at TRD I was told to “check out the back room”, so being the curious type I am, I bolted for the back doors.

Brother, the room was full of–and I man FULL–of Scion tC’s from the Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Miles and miles of rides meant for the likes of Cameron Diaz and Jay Leno, along with a stellar collection of 50’s race cars and Supra’s from the 90’s packed the room like sardines. However, there was something else that caught my eye... could it be?... a small lot of Dan Gurney Eagle racing cars… the same cars that dominated the IMSA GTP in the early 90’s? Sure enough, it was... they were... oh yeah!

In 1992 and 1993 the Toyota Eagles won 17 consecutive races, back-to-back Drivers and Manufacturers Championships, as well as wins in the Daytona and Sebring endurance classics. And there they were, just sitting there, packed in with the rest. As awesome as it was to see them, when I think about it now it’s kind of sad such an important part of race history like that put out of the way. These babies should hand-polished everyday in a Swiss museum, you know? Wonder what Leno thinks?..

While I was ogling racing history, Chris was chatting it up with Chuck (he’s the go-to guy in the back of TRD). Everything from Chris’ drag program to Baja endurance racing was discussed. But as quickly as we got there everything was packed up in the truck for our departure, back to Long Beach it was and a tearful goodbye to the ghost of racing past.

Some might ask what Chris Rado does to unwind... Other then blasting down the quarter at nearly 200mph, he’s also been involved with martial arts for as long as he can remember. These days though, he’s finding it harder and harder to make room for The Fu–what with his racing schedule n’ all. However, a few months ago Chen Rado went back to his art and I tagged along to get a first hand view of SubLevel Four Kenpo.

This is some serious, serious stuff people. Not just anyone can walk in off the streets and sign up for this fury. Dr. Ron Chapel, Rado’s teacher, is a 10th degree black belt and one of the most respected instructors in the field of Kenpo, an anatomical based martial art, which includes control manipulation theory and cavity presses (nerve strikes) teaching you how to fend off attackers and protect yourself via your attackers pressure points.

From what I saw, I have a tough time believing this was Chris’ first time training in months, as he dished out the Kenpo ways with speed and vigor–just like he does on the track. Needless to say, I was deeply impressed with both the skill level he possessed, as well as the Kenpo curriculum.

Sadly, I was unable to whip out my camera (the only whipping I’m capable of delivering at this time) and snap a couple of shots, as I had to respect the privacy of Dr. Chapel and his students, many of whom are law enforcement officers. (And I didn’t want to get my ass kicked).

Till next time!