Dang, I had planned on going. I even changed oil, plugs, pads and rotors, but while doing brake job realized front pistons were hell of dirty, the piston boots were all burned up and my backing plates were cracked and brittle.:cryin: Alright, I just can't make it! No but for reals that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Please post pics and videos, please!!
Ok, here's you're update! Holy fricking crap! Ian is an amazing driver, as I recal we got up to 140 on his 4th lap ever at T hill. The car is the most glorious GP ever. Now Jan admitted it's only at about 380 bhp, but the thing is a fricking rocket. Best of all, the whole race team is incredible, they were courteous, fun to be around, and helped me out with an overheating issue ( the dealer overfilled the coolant reservoir). I'll post pics when I get home tomorrow. Oh, and the graphic design is wicked cool!
wow that was fun. I've gotta get back out there for more time on that track. It was a blast shuffling people in and out. Not sure I've ever taken so many passangers on track in one day. Car was amazing. They did a great job shaking it down the previous weekend at SOW and it needed nearly no changes. Couple things I'd move on the alighnment but for the most part this car is ready to rock and roll. Thing just pulled and pulled up top. Really wish my video camera hadn't swung around to point at the roof when chassing the F430 down. That would have made for a great Youtube video. Great meeting everyone it was a blast. Looking forward to seeing any video's people gathered. We didn't take any lap times but someone mentioned to me they got us at a 2:02 at some point which I'm pleased with since we had passengers on all laps.
Ian, Thanks for coming out. Sure enjoyed watching you get around Thunderhill. Sorry I was unable to take advantage of a ride with you. I had plenty to do keeping up with the event. We have to do this again next year. Cheers, Norm
Home now. Here are the much requested pics of the car. I can't wait to see what this team gets up to next!
Here is what one of these laps look like at 2:02 in a classic Mini. Joe Huffaker & Doug Peterson go at it trying to get by a Corvette. Both Doug & Joe share the lap record for classic Minis in GT5 at Thunderhill. Gotta hand it to Ian for getting to a 2:02 in his first day on track with passengers, but he was in a RMW GP MINI. Next year maybe we can see who gets around the quickest! Just trying to promo next years MINI Thunder III. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWMPMEWfox0]YouTube - 2004 SCCA "Gathering of Champions" National Race - Part 2/6[/ame]
That would be awesome..........next year we can have a time trial to see. Ian will be able to rev to 8k instead of 7300 where the belt was slipping. I have to get another idler pulley on the car to get more belt wrap
Those little production cars fly around. Usually they aren't fast on tracks with any real straights (as you can see what the T1 car does to it once pointed straight). But they are uber light. I figure Jan's car probably would lap with what T1 cars do knowing the track and without a passanger.
Ian - It would be fun to watch. Thanks for coming out and putting on a real show. I keep hearing people talking about their ride with you. Hope you enjoyed it! Cheers, Norm
Look forward to seeing what you and Jan's car do at Road Atlanta and VIR with all that top end power!!!
Norm, it was a blast, thank you for having me. And Very sorry about leaving the rental car in Grid all those times. You put on one heck of an event. We need to duplicate that event here on the east coast some time.
I 2nd the need to duplicate that event on the East Coast!!!! VIR would be a nice central location!! hint hint....
I think the east coast tracks are just to much $$$$$. What's VIR something like $40,000 for a weekend with insurance and corner workers etc etc.