Local racer in the news

[Cavi Mike]

Speechless.

[SPROCKIT]

Hi my name is Peter Robinson, the so-called “Serial Speedster” who was profiled in Monday’s Times Union.

It is amazing to me, how many inaccurate twists and turns that story took. I was given the impression that the focus of the article would be about how I’ve worked to transform my truck from an everyday vehicle to a racing machine capable of setting the World Speed Record. Instead, the journalist decided to focus on my past, and because of his exaggeration, I have been made out to be a dangerous driver.

There has been a violent reaction to the article, and I would like the opportunity to set the record straight.

First of all, Filkins mentions that I’ve had “more than 20 speeding tickets.” True, I have more than my fair share of tickets. When Filkins asked me, "How many tickets have you had," I answered 15, maybe 20 in a sarcastic, joking manner, not wishing to talk about my driving history, but to bring the focus back to the subject at hand. In fact, a look at my DMV record shows that I have a total of seven tickets in the past five years, only three of which were speeding tickets.

We DID NOT go 160 mph or drive recklessly in the rain. The journalist asked me to go for a ride and show him the results of my labor. As we got on the highway I pushed the accelerator for 5 seconds or so, and we reached a POSSIBLE 85mph, then slowed down because we were coming up on traffic. I guess he forgot to take into consideration that my smaller "race" tires are in fact MUCH smaller than the stock 31" tire, causing my speedometer to read somewhere around 85mph when keeping up with traffic in a 55 zone. I use smaller tires for more torque and better launch times where I race in a controlled environment at Lebanon Valley Dragway. Therefore, any estimate of the truck’s speed is based on a calculation of RPMs, gear ratios and a number of other factors. Not only is Mr. Filkins not qualified to make the claim that we rode at such extreme speeds, but he is erroneous in doing so.

Then we got off the exit and as we turned around to come back, it started to rain... so badly that all of the highway traffic was doing about 40 (myself included) and I was hydroplaning because of the slicks (“slipping” as he said in the article). Mr. Filkins made it sound like all I do is speed and made it seem like I don’t care about anyone else on the road, which in fact is not true.


Just the other day, I was passed by a minivan that was cruising on the bumper of the car in front of it. The van was packed with kids, and a woman, who I assume was the mother, was driving. The car was loaded with smoke, since all the windows were up, and not only was she smoking with the windows up, she was on her cell phone. I couldn't do anything but shake my head. As she drove away I noticed that the 2 passenger side tires were severely under inflated which aggravated me even more. Underinflated tires lead to blowouts and blowouts lead to rollover accidents. I tried to pull up next to her to inform her but the traffic was too congested.

I just want to see how fast my truck can truly go and in order to SAFELY do so IN A CONTROLED Environment.

In order to do that I have to spend thousands of dollars on safety equipment. I am required among other things to have...
a certified safety cage (incase of a roll over)
fire extinguisher system
fire suit, gloves and shoes
racing seat
racing harness
helmet
parachute
racing tires
racing wheels
change the center of gravity of the truck by lowering it

Many of us love cars and love to talk about cars with the latest and greatest modifications. I just happen to have a truck and a bad journalist. Thank you for your fairness and willingness to listen to my side of the story

[waltbabyluv]

Originally Posted by DAV0320

You can flap your lips all you want, doesn't change my opinion, I'm sure he is a nice guy (aren't we all really). Also, never said he was a loser. All I said was he made poor judgement in spilling his driving habits to a journalist. I'm sure his supervisors at UPS are proud that he mentioned he works there as well. I've got quite a few friends in local law enforcement, and just recently got together with some, and they just shook their heads in disgust when I told them about the article.

I'm willing to bet that at least 90% of the local population that read the article thought the same thing I did. You think a 37 yr old soccer mom who commutes everyday is thinking "Geez, I bet he's a nice guy, even though he drives like a schmuck on public roads risking his life, and the life of others"

Not saying I'm a saint on the road, as noone is, and I've done my fair share of speeding, but not this his extent. Though I would never, NEVER advertise it in a newspaper.

I see that Pete registered, and I see that he realized his error. Never trust a journalist. Especially one that finds a story about a speeding truck something of interest.

well thats cool, I shake my head in disgust everytime I see law enforcemnet officers.

[aroney]

I've sent Pete the message below asking him to come on the show and give his side of the story. If any of you guys know him or how to get a hold of him (phone etc.) I'd appreciate it. Check with him first of course. I want to give him the chance to set the record straight. Thanks! You can e-mail me at al@wgy.com .

Pete,

It is true I ripped into ya pretty good on the air (810 WGY) yesterday - no denying. Seriously who wouldn't when presented with the "facts" in the article?

That said, I'd like to give you the opportunity to give your side of the story. I ask tough questions - but I am fair.

Many of the callers also thought that the paper itself was irresponsible and if what you are saying in this forum is true - it's off the charts. In fact it's more disturbing.

It sounds like you didn't want or seek this type of notoriety - and I want to give you the chance to set the record straight.

I'm on from 9 till Noon - any length of time is available for you. I'm flexible.

You can e-mail me at al@wgy.com and we can set something up.

thanks!

al roney

[waltbabyluv]

Originally Posted by aroney

I've sent Pete the message below asking him to come on the show and give his side of the story. If any of you guys know him or how to get a hold of him (phone etc.) I'd appreciate it. Check with him first of course. I want to give him the chance to set the record straight. Thanks! You can e-mail me at al@wgy.com .

Pete,

It is true I ripped into ya pretty good on the air (810 WGY) yesterday - no denying. Seriously who wouldn't when presented with the "facts" in the article?

That said, I'd like to give you the opportunity to give your side of the story. I ask tough questions - but I am fair.

Many of the callers also thought that the paper itself was irresponsible and if what you are saying in this forum is true - it's off the charts. In fact it's more disturbing.

It sounds like you didn't want or seek this type of notoriety - and I want to give you the chance to set the record straight.

I'm on from 9 till Noon - any length of time is available for you. I'm flexible.

You can e-mail me at al@wgy.com and we can set something up.

thanks!

al roney

Oh snaps its Al Roney!!!! sweet, when i lived in NY I used to love WGY, i listened to you guys everyday. Especially Al in the morning, and Michael Savage at night. Pete, call Al, im pretty sure he hates the TU anyways so if your telling the truth hell probably take your side.

[DAV0320]

Originally Posted by waltbabyluv

well thats cool, I shake my head in disgust everytime I see law enforcemnet officers.

Yeah yeah, the usual response. Think hard to come up with that one? Join all the other anti-police tough guys that frown upon law enforcement until they find themselves in a situation where they need them.

[GranMassaX]

I'm sure Pete will come back and check this thread and get back to you, Al. He seems to be doing anything he can to clear his name and time on your show is something I don't think he can pass up.

[sully93vr4]

He's gonna be famous!!!! lol
I'm actually amazed at all the coverage this has gotten on multiple boards.

[gsxtc]

Pete is "Sprockit" on here and many other forums

[nctarheel1089]

this actually is on nasioc.com. haha i was thinking it was about some guy in california, but then i read later on that the albany times union did the sotry.

[waltbabyluv]

Originally Posted by DAV0320

Yeah yeah, the usual response. Think hard to come up with that one? Join all the other anti-police tough guys that frown upon law enforcement until they find themselves in a situation where they need them.

no, it actually didnt take much thought at all to think of that one.

[DAV0320]

Yes, you caught the sarcasm. So hard to translate it on the interwebs.

[aroney]

Originally Posted by GranMassaX

I'm sure Pete will come back and check this thread and get back to you, Al. He seems to be doing anything he can to clear his name and time on your show is something I don't think he can pass up.

I hope so. I'm just looking to give him a fair shot. He's now infamous here in Capitol Region. If the paper got it wrong - people need to hear about it.

Again, if anyone knows Pete, get a hold of him and let him know that I'm looking for him. Our airwaves are his if he wants to get his side out.

al@wgy.com

thanks!

al roney

[GranMassaX]

I saw that pete signed into this site this morning so I'm hoping that the message got to him

[DAV0320]

He did. He called into Roneys show to give his version of the events. He did a good job and he seems to be keeping his cool in this whole situation.

810 WGY | WGY.com | WGY-HD | New York's Capital Region


"Serial speedster speaks out"
Al talks to Peter Robinson. (pt.2)

"Serial speedster speaks out"
Al talks to Peter Robinson. (pt.1)

"Serial Speedster"
Listener reaction.

"Serial Speedster"
Times Union reporter Brenden Lyons.

[waltbabyluv]

just listened, interesting

[SPROCKIT]

that link doesnt work

[waltbabyluv]

Originally Posted by SPROCKIT

that link doesnt work

yeah, you have to go to wgy.com then find Al Roney on the top and you can listen to it

[SPROCKIT]

i got it
there are 4 of them
3 named serial speedster
1 named A menace in our midst

[DAV0320]

my bad. fixed the link.

[SPROCKIT]

i have taken everything into consideration ....

i am buying another truck tons of work will be done (around the rule book) but my budget is limited so first i will do all the safety stuff to get that over with. i will see what speed i can reach with the stock block. when my old truck spun the rod beraing and shot the spark plug half way out of the head a week before the article was published it made 448hp to the wheel with spray

theres alot of work to be done
pay for the new truck $14,000
safety cage, parachute, seat, harness, fire system, lexan windows...$3,500
suspension...$1,000
turbo kit...$5,000
300mph land speed tires $400ea
Rims...$?
Fuel Management Unit ...$1000
200+MPH satelite speedo...$500
OPTIONAL...URD short shifter $108
OPTIONAL...URD engine data acquisition system $1,300
OPTIONAL... CRY-02 intercooler sprayer, air intake temp reducer, fuel rail attachment
OPTIONAL...rear disk brake conversion kit $500

A TOTAL OF LESS THAN 28,000
i am still trying to sell thousands of dollars of brand new hi perf. small block chevy stuff

[blackparis]

Racer runs into speed bump -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY


Look who is back in the news.....

[mikecentola]

Wow, lol.

[GranMassaX]

hahahahaha

[waltbabyluv]

hahaahah, that shit is mad funny, he cant say anything now lol