Rally Series Day 1: Driver Dmitriy Martynov

Welcome to the Rally Series. Throughout this series, the questions asked will be the same with each driver or co-driver I interview. I wanted to give my readers a look into the world of rally through the eyes of the participants, and the chance to see each individual's take on it.
My interview today is with rally driver Dmitriy Martynov.

(photo courtesy of Dmitriy)

Berry Favorite Things: Tell us a little about yourself, Dmitriy.

Dmitriy Martynov: "I've always been into cars, and started racing when I bought my 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS about 10 years ago. At the time I didn't know anyone who did any sort of racing, not family, not friends, so I just went online, and stumbled onto SCCA... so I bought a helmet and went to my first AutoX. I was instantly addicted, and AutoXed for a couple of years, claiming a couple Detroit Regional titles. Then, one winter, when AutoX was sleeping, I tried RallyX and was hooked. I have now been through a number of different cars and have tried all sorts of off and on-road racing. I seem to always come back to rally because I find it has the greatest element of adventure, and a very closely knit community. Right now I race a Group 2 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS in the very competitive NASA RallySport and Rally America 2WD championships."

(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

Berry Favorite Things: Who, or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?

Dmitriy Martinov: "I don't think I have a single person, but every time I get on Facebook and see someone doing something awesome (cars, motorcycles, bikes, hiking...etc.) I get inspired and do it myself."

BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?

DM: "The close knit community and adventure it provides. You get to see all sorts of interesting new places, experience new things, and overcome challenges. I think I've faced more challenges on some of my rally weekends than most normal people face in a decade."

BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?

DM: "Definitely the cost. Sure, it's awesome that you're out there running in the same event as Ken Block, but having to pay the same entry fees and get beaten because you can't put new tires on at every service kind of sucks. It would be great if there were more smaller, local events with more reasonable entry fees that would attract a less celebrity crowd. Most other motorsports have this, but US rally doesn't seem to. For example, compare a national level autocross- where people show up with two story trailers and $20,000 suspensions; to a regional one- where teenagers run their parents Honda Accords. NASA RallySport is trying, and the field is a bit more amateur... but it's still not quite there due to the $1000 entry fees."

BFT: What advice would you offer to someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.

DM: "Something I wish I would have known earlier and done: Start autocrossing as soon as you have any car. Don't wait until you buy a car that you think is sporty enough to race, or until you modify your car to be "race-worthy". Take your parents Taurus and go racing! Some good rally specific advice: *For the youngsters out there, get a good job, and focus on your career. It's a lot more fun if you have a good career to support your hobby and you're not stressed over funding or trying to find sponsors. *Buy, don't build your first rally car. You can buy a very competitive ready to go car for under $10k. No matter what kind of hookups you have, you will spend at least $10k building your own and probably 500+ hours of labor if you work on it yourself. The benefit of building your own is that you get to set it up exactly how you want it, but if you don't have a bunch of rally experience, you have no idea how you want it. *Don't limit yourself to rally. I honestly don't think it's the best place to learn to be a good driver, definitely not the most cost effective. You're never going to become an amazing driver if you only race 3-4 times per year. Try autocross, track, go-carts, dirt bikes, mountain biking...etc. *If you're building a car, leave the drivetrain stock (i.e. reliable). Spend good money on cage/seats, suspension, wheels, and tires. Those are the bits that keep you safe and make you go fast."

(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC (Global Rallycross) growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?

DM: "I think more attention is good. Considering that the current events are already close to filling up every time, I'm hoping it will mean there will be more events. Hopefully there will be series that appear to cater to more of a grassroots crowd. More people in the sport also means more vendor support, which means more volume of parts/tires and cheaper prices for all."

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.
DM: "*Run a Baja event. *Build a retardedly fast pavement car, BMW or Porsche or something similar. Then troll it around track days. *Run a rally on a motorcycle. *Alcan 5000, have been wanting to do this for a while. *Win a NASA or RA (Rally America) championship of some sort...not really a must do, but would be nice."

BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?

DM: "Probably Rally Idaho. Amazing AMAZING roads and super friendly people."
BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?

DM: "Super epic adventure."

BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?

DM: "I don't have a single moment, but I'd say that I'm proud of how far I've come by virtue of basically my work alone. I've never really had people encourage me, push me along, or give me free stuff/rides. Not to say that I don't have supportive friends, and haven't had a bit of luck, but I've definitely got to where I am by working hard through the entire process."

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?

Dmitriy Martynov: "I've had many... but the one that sticks out is having to back up past the start at Sno*Drift two years ago in order to make it up the icy hill that the start was on... while waving to a line of competitors behind us."



(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

Big thanks to Dmitriy for taking the time to answer my questions. Keep an eye out for Mr. Martynov at upcoming rally events, and give him lots of support and big cheers! He's a great guy, and a lot of fun to watch.

**Update: After a substantial off at Magnum Opus 2014, Dmitriy was forced to retire his car. 

He is currently in the process of finishing a new build, to debut this year. He has also started a new team, with girlfriend (and first time codriver) Molly Disend. To follow their adventures, check them out at Tachyon Racing.









Pet Adoption Woes

I love dogs. I grew up having them, and have been wanting to get one with my hubs for some time now. He is the ultimate animal lover, and I think he definitely needs a furry little buddy.
I have said for years that if/when I was to get another pet (we've previously had cats) that it would have to come from a shelter or rescue. No puppy mills for this girl. But in the past year and a half, I have come to find that many of these places seem to not want to place their animals. For starters, the hoops that you must jump through to give a dog a good home are ridiculous. I understand the need for SOME background, so as not to send an animal into a bad situation, but some of the requirements are just plain absurd.
The last place had a pre application. That's right I said PRE application. Meaning you have to apply and be approved to formally apply. I'm offering a home to a dog, not asking for security clearance at the CIA. Once you get passed that step, you have to do the actual application process. This includes, but is not limited to, a full questionnaire, interviews, home visits, etc. Many of these places expect you to have a minimum amount of property, and upwards of 14 free hours a day to spend with your pet. Now, if you have those things... great. More power to ya. But if you don't, does that make you a bad candidate for a dog? It would seem so to these places.
I live in an apartment. It isn't a tiny, cramped space by any stretch of the imagination. My complex also caters to dogs, and has a Bark Park, walking trails, and more. So no, I don't have 5 acres, and a Westminster Dog Show style play center, but isn't what I'm offering better than the little cage the animal is squeezed into at the moment? Not according to most of the rescues I have looked into.
My hubs and I also both work. So this means we are gone during the day, and doesn't allow us 20 free hours a day with our would be pet. Now, I could potentially take the dog to work with me, and I may do that, but my office doesn't have a pet playground attached, so this may pose a problem still. The benefit to both of us working is that we could afford to actually own and take care of a dog. Apparently this isn't something the rescues and shelters take into consideration. This could explain why so many unemployed, broke people seem to have no problems getting animals. It could also explain why so many animals are there to begin with. But I digress...
Another issue I am finding with these places, is the cost. It should not cost as much to rescue an animal as it does to purchase one from a professional breeder. I understand that these places run on donations and volunteers, but if the whole point is to find loving homes for these animals, maybe making the cost substantially less (or free) would make an impact. Especially considering that the majority of adoptable animals are not babies, and many of them have health issues to be dealt with as well. Thus costing the would be owners even more money up front, on top of the outrageous adoption fees.
I guess what I am getting at, is that if someone comes into a shelter or rescue, and genuinely wants to give an animal a warm, happy, loving home... do these places really have the right to deny them? Isn't their main objective to NOT have animals that need homes? Because I'm starting to feel like maybe their main objective is to keep these animals locked up forever. Or at least until some "perfect" candidate comes along.
Well wake up. There is no such thing as perfect. And animals need companionship. They only want to be loved. They don't care how big your house is, just that they fit in it. They don't care how much money you have, as long as they are fed and taken care of. They don't care if you have to take them on walks to the local park because your yard isn't big enough, as long as they get to run and play somewhere. They don't care about pre applications, endless interviews, and job schedules. If you love them, they will love you. It's just that simple....

The Imaginary Birthday

Today is the last day of February. Sort of... Every four years, there is one extra day in February. This is called a Leap Year.
The year 1976 was one of those years. And on February 29th, my hubs was born. The world rejoiced. This giant 10 pound ball of chunky baby rolls would someday grow into an even bigger, balder, bearded, goofy, snarky, wonderfully weird, amazing man.
Now, I've told you before how much I love birthdays. I think they are extremely important, and should be celebrated to the nines. My hubs on the other hand, thinks birthdays are stupid, especially once you are an adult. For the life of me, I cannot understand this attitude. Well for 16 years, we have had the birthday battle. Me wanting to go big, and him wanting to go home. I think I've finally figured out why..
He has an imaginary birthday. Since his actual, real birthday only comes once every four years, he has to celebrate a faux one all the other years. This would make anyone a birthday hater. While everyone around him gets to celebrate their real, genuine birthdays every year, he doesn't even get to see his on a calendar. Not to mention the constant "Which day do you celebrate?" debate. Do you go for February 28th or March 1st? I say the 28th, since he was technically born on the last day in February, so that would be the 28th on the alternating years. Others say the 1st, since it is the day after the 28th, where his birthday would normally fall. I don't think there is a real solution. We usually end up doing something on both, to please each side of the debate.
Now some may see this as beneficial. You get TWO days worth of birthday love. While this is true, neither one is really HIS day, so I don't think his heart is truly in it, because deep down, he knows that it isn't really the day he was born. Keep in mind, this is just my theory. Since I don't know anyone else with a Leap Year Birthday, I cannot scientifically test this. But since I see no other logical reason for one to not enjoy birthdays, I'm going to assume my Imaginary Birthday Theory is spot on.
My hubs won't get another REAL birthday until 2016. He'll finally reach double digits. The big 1 0. (Yeah, that's right, I'm married to a 9 year old. Suck on that, cradle robbers.) Maybe that year he'll find his inner birthday party animal. A girl can dream, right? Until then, I shall enthusiastically celebrate for the both of us.
Happy Birthday, Daniel. Even if it is just an imaginary one...

 

(My handsome hubs. AKA: The Bald One)

It's Not Rocket Science, People

Sound the alarm! Turn on the flashing lights! This is the grammar police, and you idiots are under arrest!
I am far from perfect (ok, not THAT far from it) and I'm certain I make grammatical errors from time to time. But.... I think anyone who passed the 4th grade should be capable of at least understanding basic grammar. I am constantly seeing the misuse of common words and phrases, and it sends me into a rage. So today, I am going to offer an Idiot's Guide to Grammar on three of the most popular grammar mistakes.

*Your vs. You're:
YOUR is used when placing ownership on something. This is YOUR car. These are YOUR pants. I am YOUR friend. Are you following me so far?
YOU'RE is used in place of YOU ARE. YOU'RE my friend. YOU'RE the best. YOU'RE going to start using these words properly, or I'm going to start punching you in the neck.
If you have doubts about when to use one or the other, try this simple method. Replace the your/you're with YOU ARE, and see if the sentence still makes sense. Example: Is that you are phone? Sounds wrong, doesn't it? So you would use YOUR. You are so funny. Sounds right. So you would use YOU'RE.

*Their/There/They're:
This one is a little trickier, because you have three choices. Let me help you out.
THEIR is possessive/shows ownership. This is THEIR house. I like to use THEIR shampoo. I think we took home THEIR child by mistake.
THERE is generally referring to a location/place. The ball is over THERE. THERE you are, I've been worried! Who's THERE?
THEY'RE is used in place of THEY ARE. THEY'RE the nicest people. THEY'RE pretending to ignore you. THEY'RE right over THERE. <--- see what I did THERE?
When in doubt, ask yourself if THEY ARE sounds accurate. I left my keys in THEY ARE car. Hmm... nope. So it must be THEIR or THERE. So, how do you know which one? Here's a little trick: THEIR contains the word heir, which makes you think of a person who has ownership/possession of something. THERE contains the word here, which refers to a location. In the sentence 'I left my keys in ___ car.' you are referring to an object (the car) owned/possessed by someone else. This means you would want to use THEIR. If the sentence was 'I left my keys in the car, over ___.' you are referring to a location, so you would use THERE.

Seen and Saw:
SEEN will generally have a "helper word" in front of it, like have, has, was, or had. Example: I have SEEN the light! If she had SEEN his glasses, she would have told him. He was last SEEN at his office?
SAW follows a pronoun (I, she, he, we, etc.) Examples: I SAW your friend yesterday. She SAW him naked. We SAW that movie last week.
So if you are referring to something you witnessed with your eyes, you would say I SAW or I have SEEN. The phrase 'I SEEN' is never, ever to be used. Ever.

These are just a few examples of basic grammar that I see used incorrectly most often. While I know there are many, many more, these are the three that I felt needed addressing the worst. I'd like to point out again that I am NOT an English teacher, or perfect by any means. I'm certain that I make numerous grammatical mistakes in my posts, so please don't feel the need to point them out to me. I am simply offering this lesson out of the kindness of my heart, and for your safety, because each time I see one of these errors, I am tempted to do bodily harm to the offender. So please help keep me out of prison, and share this with your loved ones. Together, we can help make the world a happier, and smarter place.

Think Spring

I miss warm weather. It's no secret that I'm not a fan of winter in the least. But come February/March, I start feeling near violent in my hatred of this dreaded season. Enough is enough already. And this year has been especially brutal and harsh, so I am BEYOND ready for it to end.
Needless to say, Spring Fever has hit me hard. I'm fantasizing about all the things I've been missing since Jack Frost stopped by for his most unwelcome and extended stay. Here are just a few of the things I miss...
1. Being warm. Seriously, I don't think I've been truly warm in what feels like forever. I'm either chilly, or flat out shivering. Fake warmth just doesn't cut it. I need sun, and I need it now.
2. My feet. I know they exist, because I see them when I shower, but the rest of the time, they are trapped in their cotton prison. I swear I hear them crying...

3. Pretty dresses/clothes. I hate winter attire. Loathe it. In theory (and on TV) you can wear cute cold weather gear, but in reality, we all know that those cute, heeled boots are just asking for a broken ankle. And those tights will only keep you warm enough if you are spending your day in front of a cozy fire, with a hot toddy.
4. Casually walking from car to door. I don't know about you, but I move a lot quicker when it's ass cold outside. I don't leisurely stroll, enjoying the sights. I grab my shit, and damn near run to the next source of heat. Sorry mailman, no time to chat. Talk to you in a few months!
5. Outdoor activities. Camping, walking, playing with my nieces and nephews, etc. Any excuse just to be outside. The feel of grass between my bare feet, sipping on a cold beer, face to the sky.

6. A tan. I'm pale. And I don't mean cute, china doll pale. I mean glow in the dark, you could see my white ass from space, pale. And cosmetics, for all their wondrous magic, can never compete with the rosy glow from good old Mr. Sunshine.

7. Cute shoes. Try as I might (and I have tried) I cannot find winter shoes that even come close to being as fun, funky, and cute as my warm weather ones. There's just something about a strappy wedged sandal that makes any outfit better.

8. Windows down in the car. This is hands down, one of life's simplest pleasures. Windows down, moon roof open, music cranked, cruising along in your car. Even the drive to work is better when you can enjoy it this way.

9. Color. Winter is just so.... white. I don't do white. White is depressing, and sterile. I need color in my life. Greens, reds, oranges, blues, pinks, all of it! It's hard to be sad when you are surrounded by beautiful color.

10. The smells. Lilacs, bonfires, BBQs, race gas, fresh cut grass, and on and on. The fragrances of life, and happiness. The scents that make you close your eyes and inhale deeply just for the pure pleasure of it.

This list could be endless. Winter just can't compare to any other season, yet it seems to always be the longest. Maybe this is so we can truly appreciate the other three. Or maybe Mother Nature just has a twisted sense of humor, and an extra long menstrual cycle come December. Whatever the reason, I am just ready for it to be over. Before my Spring Fever starts causing hallucinations, and I run naked into the snow, thinking it's a field of daisies...

 

Intelligent vs. Educated

I cannot tell you how many times I've been asked where I went to college, and when I say that I didn't, the most common response is "Really?! But you're so smart!" While I am flattered by the compliment, I can't help but be annoyed by the assumption that you can only be smart if you have gone to college.
This is a common misconception in our society today. There is this notion that if you are intelligent, you must be well educated. And that if you are well educated, you must be intelligent. While this may sometimes hold true, the opposite is often more accurate.
I know many college educated, overly degreed morons. True story. These folks could quote classic literature, do math faster than a calculator, and ace a spelling test. But don't ask them to change a light bulb, or chew gum and walk at the same time, because I can promise you... it ain't happening.
I also know several non educated folks who can barely spell their names, but they could tell you every detail about how a computer, or an engine works.
The point is... Educated does not always equal intelligent, and vise versa, and we need to quit assuming that it does.
I didn't go to college, but I would hardly call myself stupid. While I may not know quadratic equations, or the Latin names for plants and animals, I can still hold my own in most conversations. I also don't need help tying my shoes, or making a pot roast. And I've come to find that some of the most highly educated people cannot function well in everyday life. If you spend too much time in the relative shelter of university walls, you often miss out on basic life lessons & skills. This makes functioning in the real world difficult for some, and impossible for others. There are many a great scholar, and leader in their fields, who have the common sense of a door knob.
Am I suggesting that you cannot be both intelligent AND educated? Not at all. I know many people who are both. But I also know many people who are one, and not the other.
I'd also like to point out that telling someone who didn't go to college that they still could, or "It's not too late." is also annoying. Do I wish I had gone to college? Sure. Because it's much more acceptable to be 20, and have no idea what you want to be when you grow up, than it is to be 34, and still not know. Yes, I COULD go to college. But I don't WANT to go. It's just not for me. I hated school. It was not an environment that I thrived in. I love learning things, and while some classes do interest me, college as a whole does not.
I also do not think I need a degree to be a better person, and this is another perception that many people have. There is an attitude of negativity associated with non educated people. That we must not be functioning, worthwhile members of society. That needs to stop. Yes, there are many uneducated people out there who may fit this stereotype, but there are just as many educated ones that fit it as well. A degree (or several degrees) does not make you better than anyone else. Mechanics, cooks, janitors, and construction workers are just as important to a well balanced society as doctors, lawyers, and art history majors.
Now, I'm a big fan of inspirational quotes, and when it comes to the subject of knowledge vs. wisdom, there are many. Here are some that I'd like to share:

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life."

"Knowledge comes from learning, wisdom comes from living."

"We can have all the knowledge in the world, but it means nothing without the wisdom to know what to do with it."

"To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe."

I think you get my point. Some of the wisest, most intelligent people in this world are also some of the least educated. While I firmly believe that education is important, I also know that it isn't an option for everyone. And I know that life lessons can often teach us a great deal more than any teacher or book. So the next time you want to make an assumption about someone without a college degree, try assuming they are just as smart, well balanced, and capable as you.

No Make-up, No Thank You

This morning on The Today Show, they were doing a series called "Love Your Selfie" where the idea is to post a photo of yourself with no make-up. (No Make-up Monday)
Ummm... no.
I understand the idea is to bring attention to body image issues and such, and while I am all for this new "self love" movement, I don't understand why I need to hate make-up in order to do that.
I LOVE make-up. I am a loud and proud fan of cosmetics, and have been for as long as I can remember. I wear it daily, and it makes me happy. Does this mean I hate myself? Not at all. Do I have body image issues? Of course. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But wearing or not wearing make-up doesn't change that fact in the least. My make-up doesn't cover my stomach rolls, my stretch marks, or my veiny legs. So should I also post a photo of myself naked to prove how much I love me? That's just utter nonsense. Body image issues are a very real thing, and blaming cosmetics, beauty supplies, and clothing isn't solving anything. If wearing Spanx under your favorite dress makes you feel that much more comfortable in your skin, then I say go for it. And if wearing make-up makes you feel prettier, what's the harm?
Why can't we love ourselves, and still love our make-up? I could post a million pics of myself without cosmetics, and it wouldn't change the fact that I still look better with it on. It doesn't transform me from one person to another. It merely makes me the best possible version of myself. And isn't that what we SHOULD be aiming for? If working out changes your body, does that mean that you shouldn't do it, because isn't that saying there was something wrong with your body to begin with?? No. It means you are trying to be a better, stronger, healthier version of yourself. And if being the best version of yourself means a sassy haircut, a flattering outfit, and some make-up.... who's to say that's wrong?
I don't like this new movement towards making women feel guilty for wanting to look better. Yes, we should love ourselves, flaws and all, but that doesn't mean we need to announce those flaws to the world. I'm not going to strut around in a crop top to show that world that I'm ok with myself, even though my tummy isn't flat, any more than I'm going to go out without make-up just to prove a point. Doing that won't change anything.
Body image issues are not going to be solved by plus sized models, anti airbrush campaigns, or naked faced selfies. The only person who can change the way you view yourself is YOU. The more we continue to blame everything and everyone else, the more we get away from the real issue. Ourselves. If you think you should look a certain way because some model in a magazine looks that way, how is that the model's fault? It isn't. If you can't separate a model just doing their job, from reality, the problem is with you.
So no... I will not be participating in 'No Make-up Monday'. I will continue to post images of myself with my make-up on, and looking my best. And I will continue to be perfectly OK with myself, flaws and all. And if you want to see me without my "face on", I'm going to have to kill you after...

 

(Today's selfie. Make-up and all.)