posted
Hey Alma, I was just wondering what got you started in car audio.
I read in another forum that you and your son approached the current SPL record holder and asked him some tips on where to start for your son's system since he was just getting into car audio and he said something to the extent of 'piss off.'
Then the next year you competed and you shattered his world record and he retired the same year.
I was just wondering if this story was true, if not, correct it please.
THANKS ALMA!
------------------ "Only God can judge me." - 2 Pac
1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
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- Thanks - Riley Pool
Posts: 45 | From: Inola, OK | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
You know, what motivated me to get involved in car audio is not important anymore. What motivates me to stay in car audio is important. There have been a few times since the 1998 finals, when I had to really take a hard look at who I am, what I want, and if car audio is still fun.
There have been many changes in our lives since 1998, some good, some not so good. It's interesting how things seem to work out for the better. If many of these things had not occurred when they did, we would not be in the position we are in today.
I think the one driving force that keeps me going is all the friends I have made throughout the world. None of this would be worth the effort without you!!!!!
------------------ Alma Gates
Posts: 3134 | From: phoenix, arizona - usa | Registered: Aug 1999
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Ok, this is the answer that was posted on 4-2-2000. I though someone has asked the question before - so I just copied it up here.
You really want an answer? Its long. I am 42 years older than Patrick. I needed something that we could do together and have a common interest. Did the soccer mom, band mom bit - neither of us were very good at those things. Then Pat discovered car audio when he was about 13. We would often talk about competitions and competitors. At 16 - he was put in the bronco and mom got a new car! First thing he did was put 2 RF 15s in the back of that thing and that was when I discovered the top came off the Bronco. We decided in 1995 that we wanted to do a competition vehicle but really was undecided between sq and spl. So Pat and I went to the IASCA finals in Dallas in 1995 just to check things out. We decided to go SPL - came home and started on the bronco. In the meantime, I had purchased a 1996 ford F350 dually to pull the bronco. We decided that since the ford would be attending the shows, it could do sq. We got the F350 qualified in the 301-600 novice division. Off to Greenville we went - and made a very frustrating discovery. You cannot do novice and pro at the same time. So Pat took the sq car and I took the bronco. Both took first in its division - no one ever heard of the F350 and the bronco is now history. I think the fact that I am not the standard competitor in the car audio demographics played a big part in our being able to get more public exposure than the average competitor. Not many 64 (65 now) year old females doing db drag racing!!
Sponsorship is not easy to get. Once we got the record for dB Drag, sponsors were much easier to get because we had something sponsors could use - Team Gates and that Bronco. You cannot blame companies for being careful about what they do with their products and budgets. They want something for their investment - we all do!
At the 1995 finals, I was amazed at how some competitors made sure their cars were locked,covered and/or roped off like some big secret or star attraction, and many were not willing to talk to people. This upset me to no end. What we do is not rocket science. When you are sponsored, you should be showing off the products in that car and talking to future consumers and competitors! That is how people know what you have and how good it really is. To this day, when I see a car covered - the thought is always there - what do you have to hide and Why?
In all fairness, the people I know today in car audio are for the most part wonderful competitors. The majority of them are out there with their cars and are willing to show it off and talk to people. We have come a very long way since 1995.
------------------ Alma Gates
Posts: 3134 | From: phoenix, arizona - usa | Registered: Aug 1999
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posted
excellent story, inspirational. i do believe the same about people being secrative. why would you work your arse off and not want to show how and why you did it to get it to perform this certain way. i learn from people who share and i always try to help people who need help. that is the competitive spirit.
------------------ website coming soon= 92 Tbird w/4 12svc4ohm OrionXtr3's, HCCA250R, Alpine MRV1507, Alpine MRVF405, 2 sets(front=sq and back=street pounding) JL Audio XR653CS component systems,1 farad Orion Cap, SVR battery, (soon to be changed)Clarion DRX7375 cd, and Sony MKII 11band Digital display 1/2 din EQ
Posts: 9269 | From: over yonder | Registered: May 2001
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This is not too much related with topic, but anyhow.
I just want to say that you are one of the best members of car audio world, and I must congratulate you that you still have time to talk to us ''normal'' people.
And be sure that almost every dB-drag person in Europe knows you.
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