The Unlikely Track Star: How a Citroën 2CV and a Grandfather Clock Redefined Racing
There’s something utterly absurd—and yet, utterly brilliant—about the idea of a Citroën 2CV tearing around a race track with a grandfather clock sticking out of its roof. It’s the kind of image that makes you pause, laugh, and then think: Why hasn’t this happened before? Personally, I think this story is a perfect metaphor for the automotive world’s endless capacity for surprise. It’s not just about speed or engineering; it’s about the sheer joy of doing something completely unexpected.
The Setup: A Track Day Like No Other
The Autopian’s recent track day at Lime Rock Park was, by all accounts, a celebration of automotive diversity. From sleek Porsche 911s to a converted van, the event was a testament to the idea that any car can be a track car if you’re brave enough. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how the Citroën 2CV—a car often dismissed as slow and quirky—stole the show. What many people don’t realize is that the 2CV’s simplicity and unique design make it a surprisingly capable handler. Add a grandfather clock to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for automotive legend.
The Grandfather Clock: A Stroke of Genius
Let’s talk about David—the guy who brought a grandfather clock to a track day. In my opinion, this is the kind of commitment to chaos that the automotive world needs more of. It’s easy to take racing seriously, but David’s move reminds us that it’s also supposed to be fun. If you take a step back and think about it, the grandfather clock isn’t just a gag; it’s a symbol of how we can reimagine what’s possible. Who says a track car can’t also be a time machine?
What this really suggests is that the line between practicality and absurdity is thinner than we think. The clock, as ridiculous as it seems, might have even improved the car’s stability. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the 2CV’s design—with its soft suspension and low center of gravity—allowed it to handle the extra weight without flipping over. It’s almost as if Citroën engineered the car for this very moment, decades in advance.
The Record: A New Category is Born
Here’s where things get truly hilarious: the author believes they set a track record at Lime Rock Park—specifically, the fastest lap ever recorded in a car carrying a grandfather clock. On the surface, it’s a joke. But if you dig deeper, it’s a commentary on how we define achievement in racing. Why shouldn’t there be a category for clock-carrying cars? This raises a deeper question: what other arbitrary records are waiting to be set? Maybe the fastest lap in a car with a potted plant, or a car driven while wearing a tuxedo?
From my perspective, this is what makes the automotive community so special. It’s not just about breaking records; it’s about creating them. The 2CV’s “record” is a reminder that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. It’s not about having the fastest car—it’s about having the most imaginative one.
The Broader Lesson: Embrace the Absurd
If there’s one takeaway from this story, it’s that we should all be a little more like David. Bringing a grandfather clock to a track day isn’t just a prank; it’s a philosophy. It’s about challenging norms, embracing whimsy, and finding joy in the absurd. In a world where racing is often hyper-focused on performance and precision, this story is a breath of fresh air.
Personally, I think the automotive world could use more moments like this. It’s too easy to get caught up in specs, lap times, and horsepower. But what’s the point of it all if you can’t laugh along the way? The 2CV and its grandfather clock aren’t just a joke—they’re a manifesto for creativity and fun.
Final Thoughts: A Record That Matters
So, did the author really set a track record? Technically, yes. But more importantly, they set a cultural record. They proved that racing doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. In a way, this is the kind of record that matters most—the kind that inspires others to think outside the box and redefine what’s possible. As I reflect on this story, I’m reminded that the best moments in life (and in racing) are often the ones that make you scratch your head and smile. And if that means driving a 2CV with a grandfather clock around a track, then so be it. Long live the absurd.
