BEGINNING
Since my brother first informed me that the Type R was coming to the US for the first time in '97 I dreamed of owning one. In June of '98 I finally got a '98 Integra Type R, number 897. The ITR did not remain stock for long however...
MIDDLE
Modifications: JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) front end conversion HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights JDM ITR (Integra Type R) 16" wheels Azect front chin spoiler JDM CTR (Civic Type R) shift knob AEM cold air intake Thermal R&D stainless exhaust JDM ITR 4-1 stainless header Custom catalytic converter Mugen sport pedals
END
Around 11:30 PM on July 10, 2000 the life of my '98 Integra Type R ended (to an extent at least). The drive began on the windy back roads of Great Falls, Va. Before that night I had driven all over Great Falls quite frequently, especially at night. However there were many small, narrow roads I had never been on before. I was following behind two cars that were both driven by good friends of mine. The course I was told we were taking that night did not consist of any narrow unmarked roads. However when we reached a certain point in the drive we made a right rather than the planned left. This put us on a road I was extremely unfamilar with. It was in the middle of dense woods, completely unlit, and no lines on the road of any sort. I no longer had any clue where we were going. I became distracted by my thoughts so I was no longer completely focused on driving. Thats my excuse anyway... I remember coming upon a turn that was marked with a 30 mph speed limit. I was in third gear, but I'm not sure exactly how fast I was going. I am pretty sure it was not any faster than 40 mph. The turn was quite deceiving in the dark. The next thing I knew I was in a four wheel slide going through the turn. I counter steered to try and regain traction, however it did not seem to want to hook up again. Finally it regained traction and the car snapped off to the right. There was not enough road to counter steer again so I ended up going off the edge of the road into a small creek. If the road had been wider things would have most likely turned out differently. It also turned out that many cars have wrecked at that same turn. There were numerous parts from other cars scattered around the area. I recommend staying away. When I went into the creek the two cars ahead of me were already a good bit ahead. I sat in the car dazed for a few seconds, then I climbed out and back onto the road. It was totally pitch black and I didn't know what to do so I screamed. A few minutes later one of my friends came back, but it seemed like forever. I was not injured badly in the accident. I bruised my knee, got seatbelt burn, and whiplash. I went to three weeks of physical therapy for my stiff neck. It ended up being a bit worse than just normal whiplash...but I was pretty much fine. I have put all the possible parts from the ITR onto my Civic. I am not sure anymore on what the fate of my old ITR chassis was...
A picture of the aftermath.