I know Sam & his dad, they are family friends from my Carson City days. I would not call them an idiot.
I was thinking it was good that at least Sam did not try to 'prove' his claim -- which may have it's own set of negative consequences including breaking the law, breaking the car, etc.
Most of us don't understand the reasoning behind giving a teenager a 300hp car, or 'worse', you all have seen the stories where a 16 y/o gets a Ferrari or a Lamborghini - I guess it's that particular family's value system and financial ability. I thought the STi was going to be a car that Sam and his dad would share and do things with like autocrossing or taking it to tracks (and bond as dad & son); and least the STi is also a decent car in the winter, has great safety ratings. So maybe there are other reasons we don't see.
As far as a claim of 485 hp to the wheels - did your Nova friend ask to see the dyno chart, instead of challenging him to a duel? I mean, you can be mature about it and chalk it up to a teenager's 'talking crap', or you can try to 'put him in his place'.
The only thing in my mind that gives young racers a bad name, are those who illegally street race, and end up hurting someone.
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