| jblaine | 03-31-2006 01:22 PM |
Irish Mike's @ St. Pete Grand Prix
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St. Pete Grand Prix Schedule: [url]http://www.gpstpete.com/schedule.cfm[/url]
Sebring pics from a few weeks ago: [url]http://www.irishmikes.com/img/images/index1.htm[/url]
Second round of SCCA Touring Car practice is today at 4:45PM
Everyone put your fingers on your temples, close your eyes, and send them good vibes for the weekend, please.
I searched Google for images matching "winning vibes" and got this jazz musician :huh:
I am nominating him as the official Irish Mike's vibes guy.
[url]http://www.venetojazz.com/Foto/davesamuel.jpg[/url]
[img]http://www.venetojazz.com/Foto/davesamuel.jpg[/img]
Sebring pics from a few weeks ago: [url]http://www.irishmikes.com/img/images/index1.htm[/url]
Second round of SCCA Touring Car practice is today at 4:45PM
Everyone put your fingers on your temples, close your eyes, and send them good vibes for the weekend, please.
I searched Google for images matching "winning vibes" and got this jazz musician :huh:
I am nominating him as the official Irish Mike's vibes guy.
[url]http://www.venetojazz.com/Foto/davesamuel.jpg[/url]
[img]http://www.venetojazz.com/Foto/davesamuel.jpg[/img]
| Rally_wgn | 03-31-2006 02:32 PM |
Go Irish Mike!!!
| lukerussell | 03-31-2006 03:21 PM |
the early morning practice showed him way off pace, but he only made 2 laps. i'm sure they'll get it dialed in for the second practice. the fastest srt4 was 3 seconds off pace but got 11 laps in.
| jblaine | 03-31-2006 07:06 PM |
I wish I was joking, but...
The car was on a flat bed truck after an accident during what was close to the last lap of practice.
Given the car's state, I cannot imagine that Mike had any injuries, but I don't see any chance they'll make they next race, or perhaps the race after that. The rear end was smashed to hell.
No idea what happened or how :(
The car was on a flat bed truck after an accident during what was close to the last lap of practice.
Given the car's state, I cannot imagine that Mike had any injuries, but I don't see any chance they'll make they next race, or perhaps the race after that. The rear end was smashed to hell.
No idea what happened or how :(
| doghauler | 03-31-2006 09:39 PM |
Good lord. :(
I have never seen anyone with this kind of luck, especially Irish! I hope Mike is ok, and ditto for the car. Sorry guys. Hopefully we can get some details on what happened and how bad. I really feel for Mike and his crew. It was really cool getting to see them at a few races last year. Seeing a small private one car effort in swc is getting to be less common, and Mike and the team are really nice. I was hoping to see them at Mid-ohio. (fingers crossed)
I have never seen anyone with this kind of luck, especially Irish! I hope Mike is ok, and ditto for the car. Sorry guys. Hopefully we can get some details on what happened and how bad. I really feel for Mike and his crew. It was really cool getting to see them at a few races last year. Seeing a small private one car effort in swc is getting to be less common, and Mike and the team are really nice. I was hoping to see them at Mid-ohio. (fingers crossed)
| Opie | 03-31-2006 09:41 PM |
Mike's first practice session was slowed by a shift fork problem that was sorted prior to the start of the second practice session...
The second session was going well and the Impreza WRX was getting consistently faster until some incidental contact in the closing minutes of practice. Entering what I believe is Turn 6 Mike was struck by the Stasis Audi driven by Chip Herr which put the car hard into the wall (8g impact recorded by the onboard recorder).
I was at the Irish Mike's hauler waiting to apply the Mastro Subaru sponsorship graphics when the car returned after the second practice on the flatbed. Thankfully Mike was not injured but the car suffered terminal front & rear end damage and has been withdrawn from the St. Pete race.
I'm sure the guys will be posting more info as soon as they get back to Orlando.
Sorry but I didn't have a camera handy but the car is basically a hatchback now...
The second session was going well and the Impreza WRX was getting consistently faster until some incidental contact in the closing minutes of practice. Entering what I believe is Turn 6 Mike was struck by the Stasis Audi driven by Chip Herr which put the car hard into the wall (8g impact recorded by the onboard recorder).
I was at the Irish Mike's hauler waiting to apply the Mastro Subaru sponsorship graphics when the car returned after the second practice on the flatbed. Thankfully Mike was not injured but the car suffered terminal front & rear end damage and has been withdrawn from the St. Pete race.
I'm sure the guys will be posting more info as soon as they get back to Orlando.
Sorry but I didn't have a camera handy but the car is basically a hatchback now...
| Bort | 03-31-2006 09:49 PM |
Ugh. :(
| Opie | 03-31-2006 09:54 PM |
[QUOTE=doghauler]Good lord. :(
I have never seen anyone with this kind of luck, especially Irish![/QUOTE]
The [i]good[/i] news is that Mike has 2 prepped chassis' at the shop and 1 is brand new...he said the car that was crashed today seems to be cursed as it is the chassis that is always involved in "incidents". :lol: He didn't think it should be repaired...hopefully they can get the motor and all necessary parts into the new chassis before the next race.
I have never seen anyone with this kind of luck, especially Irish![/QUOTE]
The [i]good[/i] news is that Mike has 2 prepped chassis' at the shop and 1 is brand new...he said the car that was crashed today seems to be cursed as it is the chassis that is always involved in "incidents". :lol: He didn't think it should be repaired...hopefully they can get the motor and all necessary parts into the new chassis before the next race.
| Goodradwrx | 04-01-2006 08:06 AM |
If you go to the World Challenge site John Thawley has a few pics of the Hatchback!
| Opie | 04-01-2006 08:47 AM |
Link? I can't find it...
| jblaine | 04-01-2006 08:50 AM |
[url]http://www.world-challenge.com/[/url]
| jblaine | 04-01-2006 08:53 AM |
Err, duhhh... sorry. I see what you mean now. I can't find the pic either.
| Opie | 04-01-2006 09:09 AM |
Found them here: [url]http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/albuo99[/url]
| Opie | 04-01-2006 09:10 AM |
Page 6 has the worst looking pic...
| lukerussell | 04-01-2006 09:28 AM |
oooooouuuuuuuuuuchhhhhhhhhhhhh! page 6 is bad. my condolences. get that new chasis going guys!
luke
luke
| jblaine | 04-01-2006 09:38 AM |
Ya know, I'm sure there will be a lot of "that's racing" talk and such, and knowing the Irish Mike's team they will probably be very diplomatic about the situation, but as a fan, I'll go on record as saying:
Contact of ANY SORT during [b]practice[/b] is total BS.
The only valid excuse Chip Herr can have, in my opinion, is total equipment failure to cause this.
And I would say the same thing if it had been any other car hit, not just Mike's.
:mad:
Contact of ANY SORT during [b]practice[/b] is total BS.
The only valid excuse Chip Herr can have, in my opinion, is total equipment failure to cause this.
And I would say the same thing if it had been any other car hit, not just Mike's.
:mad:
| Opie | 04-01-2006 10:25 AM |
I agree with the fact that had this happened in the actual race I'm sure it would've been much easier to handle.
I will also state the the Stasis team was right there when the car was unloaded and did apologize many, many times directly to Mike and Chip Herr came over as well to apologize.
In the end...it is just one of those racing deals...
I will also state the the Stasis team was right there when the car was unloaded and did apologize many, many times directly to Mike and Chip Herr came over as well to apologize.
In the end...it is just one of those racing deals...
| Patrick L | 04-01-2006 12:41 PM |
Christ!!!
How hard did he hit Mike? THere should be a penalty for that. That kind of contact is uncalled for.
How hard did he hit Mike? THere should be a penalty for that. That kind of contact is uncalled for.
| Storm | 04-01-2006 12:48 PM |
Why wouldn't Chip Herr be there to apologize with the rest of the stasis team? They should've come over with a dam checkbook in hand to offer a little more than "we're so sorry...want Chip Herr's autograph?".
This sucks. I hope they can shake the curses and get something right for once.
Jay Storm
This sucks. I hope they can shake the curses and get something right for once.
Jay Storm
| Opie | 04-01-2006 01:04 PM |
[QUOTE=Storm]Why wouldn't Chip Herr be there to apologize with the rest of the stasis team? They should've come over with a dam checkbook in hand to offer a little more than "we're so sorry...want Chip Herr's autograph?".[/QUOTE]
He got stuck in the pits (with his car) and couldn't get over to the haulers because the World Challenge GT Practice was going on (no access to cross the track)...his Crew Chief literally ran over before the access was closed to meet up with Mike.
The Audi hit the WRX in the passenger-center of the car while trying to pass Mike on the inside entering a high-speed right-hander, this caused the spin into the wall. The Audi should still be able to compete.
He got stuck in the pits (with his car) and couldn't get over to the haulers because the World Challenge GT Practice was going on (no access to cross the track)...his Crew Chief literally ran over before the access was closed to meet up with Mike.
The Audi hit the WRX in the passenger-center of the car while trying to pass Mike on the inside entering a high-speed right-hander, this caused the spin into the wall. The Audi should still be able to compete.
| D.R. | 04-02-2006 05:18 PM |
So sorry Mike.... that really sucks.
AFAIK Chip has always been on friendly terms with Mike and the team, he's a nice guy. Things like this happen in racing and it sucks, all I can say is that I hope Mike put the bits from this car into a new chassis, don't give up when the car is so close to being really well sorted. They were only 4 seconds off the lead in practice and that's monumental considering they didn't have any time to set up the car in the first session.
AFAIK Chip has always been on friendly terms with Mike and the team, he's a nice guy. Things like this happen in racing and it sucks, all I can say is that I hope Mike put the bits from this car into a new chassis, don't give up when the car is so close to being really well sorted. They were only 4 seconds off the lead in practice and that's monumental considering they didn't have any time to set up the car in the first session.
| AdsWRX | 04-02-2006 05:38 PM |
I just got back from St. Pete running SWC GT. I saw the accident and Chip was clear and never hit Mike. Mike moved over to let Chip through on the inside line and it really did look like Mike hit some marbles as he moved off the racing line and the rear end of the car stepped out. Unfortunately for Mike he just missed the tire wall and hit the concrete wall. Ill ask Chip about it a little bit later. He and I are very close friends.
| Opie | 04-02-2006 08:16 PM |
[QUOTE=AdsWRX]I just got back from St. Pete running SWC GT. I saw the accident and Chip was clear and never hit Mike. Mike moved over to let Chip through on the inside line and it really did look like Mike hit some marbles as he moved off the racing line and the rear end of the car stepped out. Unfortunately for Mike he just missed the tire wall and hit the concrete wall. Ill ask Chip about it a little bit later. He and I are very close friends.[/QUOTE]
Ummm....Chip came over and apologized for the hit...and the live in car camera (out of Chip's car) being displayed on the jumbotron clearly showed it...it definitly happened.
It is just a racing deal though...no hate for Chip, just a bummer for us hoping to see the WRX out there...
I just got back from the St. Pete GP myself...what a crazy start to the touring car race! :eek: That SRT4 shot across the track at full throttle backwards....freaky!
Ummm....Chip came over and apologized for the hit...and the live in car camera (out of Chip's car) being displayed on the jumbotron clearly showed it...it definitly happened.
It is just a racing deal though...no hate for Chip, just a bummer for us hoping to see the WRX out there...
I just got back from the St. Pete GP myself...what a crazy start to the touring car race! :eek: That SRT4 shot across the track at full throttle backwards....freaky!
| jblaine | 04-02-2006 08:24 PM |
[QUOTE=Opie]I just got back from the St. Pete GP myself...what a crazy start to the touring car race! :eek: That SRT4 shot across the track at full throttle backwards....freaky![/QUOTE]
Yeah, that was bizarre.
I'm not a fan of the standing start from a cost and "gee, there goes everything out the window for me!" point of view.
Yeah, that was bizarre.
I'm not a fan of the standing start from a cost and "gee, there goes everything out the window for me!" point of view.
| PA04STI | 04-02-2006 08:39 PM |
It's a Subie Hatch now that really sucks!!! :furious:
| AdsWRX | 04-02-2006 10:21 PM |
Ah, i must have missed it then. Yea i was real sorry to see it happen. I have hungout with Mike a bunch during the course of last season and hate to see things like this happen!
| Bagelw | 04-02-2006 11:50 PM |
That sucks. :(
I watched the race wondering what happened. I just thought they weren't able to make this race for some reason. I noticed Chip isn't shy about giving other cars love taps.
I watched the race wondering what happened. I just thought they weren't able to make this race for some reason. I noticed Chip isn't shy about giving other cars love taps.
| AdsWRX | 04-03-2006 11:00 AM |
Its touring car racing...hahaha, bumping is encouraged. Its ashame though for Mike. He has been the the only Suby racer in SWC for 4 years now.
| WRX_orlando | 04-04-2006 10:00 AM |
The chassis is a total loss, as well as a large majority of the remaining components on the car. We have had a long streak of bad luck in our effort to campaign the Subaru WRX in the nations premier road racing series SPEED World Challenge. This series is the highest level of road racing competition in the country, pitting some of the best sportscar drivers in the world armed with the most extremely tuned roadracing sportscars in the respective classes in the country. Although we have made great leaps in engineering the Subaru WRX to compete at this level, we still stand alone in our efforts. With no manufacturer contingency and no title sponsor, we do not see a continued effort for the remainder of the season in our future. Irish Mikes Racing would like to thank Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, Southern Window Design, and Stone Crazy Inc. for the funding to attend the first two races of the season. We would also like to thank Titan Motorsports, Hotchkis Tuning, and Performance Friction Brakes. We love our Subarus and may continue with our program; however, at this point we are in need of support. If you would like to see Irish Mikes Racing continue to campaign a Subaru in the SPEED World Challenge, and can provide support in our efforts, I urge you to contact our PR director Sam Watkins. [email][email�protected][/email]
Thanks for the kind posts - Joel
Thanks for the kind posts - Joel
| mofugga | 04-04-2006 10:05 AM |
that sucks, i really hope you guys can line up some funding!
| jblaine | 04-04-2006 10:11 AM |
That's what I figured.
Thanks again, Chip.
Thanks again, Chip.
| Rally_wgn | 04-04-2006 11:17 AM |
Bummer...
| CirrusWRX | 04-04-2006 12:46 PM |
What the hell kind of "luck of the irish" is this!?
Sorry it had to end like this guys :( REALLY hope to see you back in there again!
Sorry it had to end like this guys :( REALLY hope to see you back in there again!
| Opie | 04-04-2006 01:35 PM |
Joel - That definitly sux :(
If there is anything I can do to help...whatever little bit it may be let me know.
[rant on]
SOA really needs to get with the program...there is so much more potential to gain new customers and exposure in the World Challenge program than any other motorsports series in the U.S. The average World Challenge viewer demographic is mainly males, 25-45 years old with yearly incomes of $35,000 to $70,000 perfect potential customer base. Where else can you see Subaru's compete on the track against the brands of cars Subaru is trying to compete with in sales...BMW, Audi, Mazda, etc?
I enjoy Rally as much as the next Scooby nut but when it comes down to where SOA should be spending their marketing dollars (IMHO) the would get a much better return from World Challenge or Grand-Am racing than they do from Rally which is relatively unknown and unwatched by the average American.
[rant off]
If there is anything I can do to help...whatever little bit it may be let me know.
[rant on]
SOA really needs to get with the program...there is so much more potential to gain new customers and exposure in the World Challenge program than any other motorsports series in the U.S. The average World Challenge viewer demographic is mainly males, 25-45 years old with yearly incomes of $35,000 to $70,000 perfect potential customer base. Where else can you see Subaru's compete on the track against the brands of cars Subaru is trying to compete with in sales...BMW, Audi, Mazda, etc?
I enjoy Rally as much as the next Scooby nut but when it comes down to where SOA should be spending their marketing dollars (IMHO) the would get a much better return from World Challenge or Grand-Am racing than they do from Rally which is relatively unknown and unwatched by the average American.
[rant off]
| MattGC8 | 04-04-2006 02:29 PM |
^^^^
Ding, Ding. Couldn't say it any better than that.
Ding, Ding. Couldn't say it any better than that.
| Ferg | 04-04-2006 02:41 PM |
[QUOTE=Opie][rant on]
SOA really needs to get with the program...there is so much more potential to gain new customers and exposure in the World Challenge program than any other motorsports series in the U.S. The average World Challenge viewer demographic is mainly males, 25-45 years old with yearly incomes of $35,000 to $70,000 perfect potential customer base. Where else can you see Subaru's compete on the track against the brands of cars Subaru is trying to compete with in sales...BMW, Audi, Mazda, etc?
I enjoy Rally as much as the next Scooby nut but when it comes down to where SOA should be spending their marketing dollars (IMHO) the would get a much better return from World Challenge or Grand-Am racing than they do from Rally which is relatively unknown and unwatched by the average American.
[rant off][/QUOTE]
I agree with you 100%, but the problem is with the television format.
It might be easier for a race team to convince a manufacturer to back them if they could show they'd be getting decent exsposure. Sorry to say but the coverage of the races is pretty poor as far as giving the viewer a feel for the whole race, at least what's going on behind the leading cars. I understand that's where the race is, but if you don't show who's running outside the top ten at least once those teams and their sponsors will go unnoticed.
They don't even bother talking up the entire starting grid these days, just a brief run-through of the first few rows than nothing after that, other than quickly showing names.
I love the Speed World Challenge, I think it's fantastic racing, but they have a long way to go to make the series truly attractive to a car maker.
SOA really needs to get with the program...there is so much more potential to gain new customers and exposure in the World Challenge program than any other motorsports series in the U.S. The average World Challenge viewer demographic is mainly males, 25-45 years old with yearly incomes of $35,000 to $70,000 perfect potential customer base. Where else can you see Subaru's compete on the track against the brands of cars Subaru is trying to compete with in sales...BMW, Audi, Mazda, etc?
I enjoy Rally as much as the next Scooby nut but when it comes down to where SOA should be spending their marketing dollars (IMHO) the would get a much better return from World Challenge or Grand-Am racing than they do from Rally which is relatively unknown and unwatched by the average American.
[rant off][/QUOTE]
I agree with you 100%, but the problem is with the television format.
It might be easier for a race team to convince a manufacturer to back them if they could show they'd be getting decent exsposure. Sorry to say but the coverage of the races is pretty poor as far as giving the viewer a feel for the whole race, at least what's going on behind the leading cars. I understand that's where the race is, but if you don't show who's running outside the top ten at least once those teams and their sponsors will go unnoticed.
They don't even bother talking up the entire starting grid these days, just a brief run-through of the first few rows than nothing after that, other than quickly showing names.
I love the Speed World Challenge, I think it's fantastic racing, but they have a long way to go to make the series truly attractive to a car maker.
| goto_racing | 04-04-2006 03:42 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]I agree with you 100%, but the problem is with the television format.
It might be easier for a race team to convince a manufacturer to back them if they could show they'd be getting decent exsposure. Sorry to say but the coverage of the races is pretty poor as far as giving the viewer a feel for the whole race, at least what's going on behind the leading cars. I understand that's where the race is, but if you don't show who's running outside the top ten at least once those teams and their sponsors will go unnoticed.
They don't even bother talking up the entire starting grid these days, just a brief run-through of the first few rows than nothing after that, other than quickly showing names.
I love the Speed World Challenge, I think it's fantastic racing, but they have a long way to go to make the series truly attractive to a car maker.[/QUOTE]
This is one of the reasons we choose Grand-Am this year. As prestigious as SWC challenge is, the TV coverage looked better throughout the field. I think the Enduro format may be lending itself better to that. With a longer race, the production team might have more time to get shots of more of the field, as well as cover the leaders.
We'll see this year.
Chris Lock
It might be easier for a race team to convince a manufacturer to back them if they could show they'd be getting decent exsposure. Sorry to say but the coverage of the races is pretty poor as far as giving the viewer a feel for the whole race, at least what's going on behind the leading cars. I understand that's where the race is, but if you don't show who's running outside the top ten at least once those teams and their sponsors will go unnoticed.
They don't even bother talking up the entire starting grid these days, just a brief run-through of the first few rows than nothing after that, other than quickly showing names.
I love the Speed World Challenge, I think it's fantastic racing, but they have a long way to go to make the series truly attractive to a car maker.[/QUOTE]
This is one of the reasons we choose Grand-Am this year. As prestigious as SWC challenge is, the TV coverage looked better throughout the field. I think the Enduro format may be lending itself better to that. With a longer race, the production team might have more time to get shots of more of the field, as well as cover the leaders.
We'll see this year.
Chris Lock
| BriDrive | 04-04-2006 03:51 PM |
You know...a bit of irony here but:
Did any of you watch the Speed TC race when the Neon got pitched backwards? The camera had a large zoom for probably over 30 seconds of the left rear door after it was pinched on the wall...In giant font across the door was a "Place your Ad here " w/ phone number...
Now THERE would have been some sponsorship exposure...albeit via bad luck for the team/car....
BriDrive
Did any of you watch the Speed TC race when the Neon got pitched backwards? The camera had a large zoom for probably over 30 seconds of the left rear door after it was pinched on the wall...In giant font across the door was a "Place your Ad here " w/ phone number...
Now THERE would have been some sponsorship exposure...albeit via bad luck for the team/car....
BriDrive
| nix0807 | 04-04-2006 05:15 PM |
that sux
| grippgoat | 04-04-2006 09:13 PM |
[QUOTE=BriDrive]You know...a bit of irony here but:
Did any of you watch the Speed TC race when the Neon got pitched backwards? The camera had a large zoom for probably over 30 seconds of the left rear door after it was pinched on the wall...In giant font across the door was a "Place your Ad here " w/ phone number...
Now THERE would have been some sponsorship exposure...albeit via bad luck for the team/car....
BriDrive[/QUOTE]
I saw that. That accident was crazy.
For me, though, Speed WC isn't just about what's on TV. It's pride in the Marquee. It's word of mouth, something to talk about with other enthusiasts. I'm also sure if Subaru spent a couple hundred thou on a TC effort, they'd be able to get more than enough videos and shots to put in their showrooms, and run TV commercials.
Remember that subaru commercial that flashes between the street impreza, and the WRC impreza sideways in the dirt? That commercial was awesome. They could do the same kind of thing with a Speed TC Impreza I'm sure. Show it dive-bombing BMW, Audi, etc on track.
But the other thing is that racing might teach them how to make a tarmac car. I'm sure Subaru loses a LOT of sales to people that test drive a WRX or STI and then go "WTF is all this rubbish?" and go buy a BMW or a Honda. More customers will appreciate performance on pavement than off, and Subarus really kinda suck on pavement until you tweak them in the aftermarket. Subaru (all the JDM manufacturers, really) also need to learn how to design fenders.
-Mike
Did any of you watch the Speed TC race when the Neon got pitched backwards? The camera had a large zoom for probably over 30 seconds of the left rear door after it was pinched on the wall...In giant font across the door was a "Place your Ad here " w/ phone number...
Now THERE would have been some sponsorship exposure...albeit via bad luck for the team/car....
BriDrive[/QUOTE]
I saw that. That accident was crazy.
For me, though, Speed WC isn't just about what's on TV. It's pride in the Marquee. It's word of mouth, something to talk about with other enthusiasts. I'm also sure if Subaru spent a couple hundred thou on a TC effort, they'd be able to get more than enough videos and shots to put in their showrooms, and run TV commercials.
Remember that subaru commercial that flashes between the street impreza, and the WRC impreza sideways in the dirt? That commercial was awesome. They could do the same kind of thing with a Speed TC Impreza I'm sure. Show it dive-bombing BMW, Audi, etc on track.
But the other thing is that racing might teach them how to make a tarmac car. I'm sure Subaru loses a LOT of sales to people that test drive a WRX or STI and then go "WTF is all this rubbish?" and go buy a BMW or a Honda. More customers will appreciate performance on pavement than off, and Subarus really kinda suck on pavement until you tweak them in the aftermarket. Subaru (all the JDM manufacturers, really) also need to learn how to design fenders.
-Mike
| PA04STI | 04-04-2006 09:56 PM |
Mike sorry to hear about the rest of the season was looking forward to Mid Ohio. Hopefully you can find a sponsor. Subaru has been making good profits the last few years. They need to back racing like this to have more exposure for the WRX STi. I mean yeah we know it is a great rally car, but they need to show how versitile it is as for example in Speed GT
| Rally_wgn | 04-04-2006 10:07 PM |
I believe SOA is providing some backing to the ESX car that Marshall and Gary are working on. Too bad they haven't helped Mike out. he has been out there for a couple of years now with what seems like very little support from subaru. I hope Mike and the crew find a sponsor and can get the wrx back on the track. Maybe Grand AM would be a better venue for now, dunno.
| [email�protected] | 04-04-2006 10:52 PM |
well guys, im sorry it seems to be ending for us and especially in this manner. First off, I would like to thank everyone for the support you all have shown over the years.
I know we have not had the best of luck in doing the r&d on this car. You guys have to remember that Mike and our team where just a bunch of SCCA IT drivers and crewguys that loved racing. We thought we would give this a try and WOW did it kick our @ss! But we would not change anything, this has been the best time and most knoligable experience of our lives!
you guys can tell how much we learned about true prep work and the idea of what it takes to make a fast car. Over all the car is so close to being sorted, HP is not a concern, neither is handling, just reliability!!!!!!!!!!
We really know the package it would take to truly be a top runner, but with out the big funds and SCCA approving it for such a small team, it cant happen.
We love Subies so much, I hate to say that cant afford to run any longer, being so close. Finding a sponsor running mid-pack is a little tuff. I know that the TV coverage isnt the best in the middle, but last year we had more TV time than any other small teams and did manage to get a hole-shot award!
Remember we usually have top speed and more g's than anyone in the field, but if parts break, you cant finish and pay the bills!!!!!
thank you guys, and I hope we make it back one way or another. Check out our new ITS BMW and ITA MR2, hopefully done in about 3 months.
Scott Branham, IMR
I know we have not had the best of luck in doing the r&d on this car. You guys have to remember that Mike and our team where just a bunch of SCCA IT drivers and crewguys that loved racing. We thought we would give this a try and WOW did it kick our @ss! But we would not change anything, this has been the best time and most knoligable experience of our lives!
you guys can tell how much we learned about true prep work and the idea of what it takes to make a fast car. Over all the car is so close to being sorted, HP is not a concern, neither is handling, just reliability!!!!!!!!!!
We really know the package it would take to truly be a top runner, but with out the big funds and SCCA approving it for such a small team, it cant happen.
We love Subies so much, I hate to say that cant afford to run any longer, being so close. Finding a sponsor running mid-pack is a little tuff. I know that the TV coverage isnt the best in the middle, but last year we had more TV time than any other small teams and did manage to get a hole-shot award!
Remember we usually have top speed and more g's than anyone in the field, but if parts break, you cant finish and pay the bills!!!!!
thank you guys, and I hope we make it back one way or another. Check out our new ITS BMW and ITA MR2, hopefully done in about 3 months.
Scott Branham, IMR
| Rally_wgn | 04-04-2006 11:39 PM |
have you guys considered prepping the WRX for T3 and possibly making it to the Nationals? I know its not a lot of TV coverage but the press that ICY/Phoenix has received has been fairly extensive in at least grassroots publications. Something to consider when you look at the time and money Mike and crew have spent on R&D.
| BROKENWRX | 04-05-2006 08:42 PM |
[QUOTE=Rally_wgn]I believe SOA is providing some backing to the ESX car that Marshall and Gary are working on. Too bad they haven't helped Mike out. he has been out there for a couple of years now with what seems like very little support from subaru. I hope Mike and the crew find a sponsor and can get the wrx back on the track. Maybe Grand AM would be a better venue for now, dunno.[/QUOTE]
All of us at ESX are really sorry to hear about Irish Mikes car. We hope he can get a new car back on the track as soon as possible. If there is anything that ESX can do to help, please don't hesitate to call. Easystreet is only sponsored by SOA for their Drag Racing efforts. ESX Rally and Road Racing are not sponsored by SOA.This years Road Racing, especially the Long Beach Grand Prix, is sponsored by ESX, Arceo Wheels, Subaru of Santa Monica, Ontario Subaru and Heuberger Subaru.
Jamie.
All of us at ESX are really sorry to hear about Irish Mikes car. We hope he can get a new car back on the track as soon as possible. If there is anything that ESX can do to help, please don't hesitate to call. Easystreet is only sponsored by SOA for their Drag Racing efforts. ESX Rally and Road Racing are not sponsored by SOA.This years Road Racing, especially the Long Beach Grand Prix, is sponsored by ESX, Arceo Wheels, Subaru of Santa Monica, Ontario Subaru and Heuberger Subaru.
Jamie.
| doghauler | 04-05-2006 09:08 PM |
:( :mad:
| trhoppe | 04-06-2006 08:36 AM |
ICY is receiving press because they are a full on factory team.
-Tom
-Tom
| Rally_wgn | 04-06-2006 09:28 AM |
Thanks for the clarification Broken and Tom. Though I imagine it helps when you place 1st and 2nd at the nationals. I watched that race again on tape just the other day. It has got to be one of the best races I have ever watched.
| Opie | 04-06-2006 11:06 AM |
[QUOTE=trhoppe]ICY is receiving press because they are a full on factory team.[/QUOTE]
Not that I have any problem with ICY but why no support from Subaru for an independent who has maintained a professional appearing team and equipment, represented Subaru in a positive light and running a car that is easily identifiable (World Rally Blue) to the general public as a Subaru product for the past 3 years entirely on their own dime?
Not that I have any problem with ICY but why no support from Subaru for an independent who has maintained a professional appearing team and equipment, represented Subaru in a positive light and running a car that is easily identifiable (World Rally Blue) to the general public as a Subaru product for the past 3 years entirely on their own dime?
| Storm | 04-06-2006 12:35 PM |
Not to mention doesn't put the cars up for sale directly after the championship races.....:confused:
[QUOTE=Opie]Not that I have any problem with ICY but why no support from Subaru for an independent who has maintained a professional appearing team and equipment, represented Subaru in a positive light and running a car that is easily identifiable (World Rally Blue) to the general public as a Subaru product for the past 3 years entirely on their own dime?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Opie]Not that I have any problem with ICY but why no support from Subaru for an independent who has maintained a professional appearing team and equipment, represented Subaru in a positive light and running a car that is easily identifiable (World Rally Blue) to the general public as a Subaru product for the past 3 years entirely on their own dime?[/QUOTE]
| Draken | 04-06-2006 01:58 PM |
[QUOTE=Storm]Not to mention doesn't put the cars up for sale directly after the championship races.....:confused:[/QUOTE]
um...you mean so they can build 2006 body styles instead?
um...you mean so they can build 2006 body styles instead?
| leecea | 04-06-2006 02:30 PM |
My 2 cents: The general public, even the young car enthusiast general public, doesn't know much about grass roots motor sports and probably doesn't watch TV coverage of smaller races. They probably do look at car magazines and will react to ads about Subaru winning something, even if the driver doesn't give a hoot about Subaru and will be running something different next race. Trying to run an ad based on three years of good efforts with no significant results is tough, even if the team really loves Subarus.
| Opie | 04-06-2006 03:07 PM |
[QUOTE=leecea]My 2 cents: The general public, even the young car enthusiast general public, doesn't know much about grass roots motor sports and probably doesn't watch TV coverage of smaller races. They probably do look at car magazines and will react to ads about Subaru winning something, even if the driver doesn't give a hoot about Subaru and will be running something different next race. Trying to run an ad based on three years of good efforts with no significant results is tough, even if the team really loves Subarus.[/QUOTE]
I'll agree with that, but how might the results had been different for Irish Mike's had he had some funding (like the ICY car seems to have)?
I'll agree with that, but how might the results had been different for Irish Mike's had he had some funding (like the ICY car seems to have)?
| Rally_wgn | 04-06-2006 03:15 PM |
Lets be realistic here. Corporations dont generally sponsor a team unless they are getting at least podium finishes on there own dime and even then a relatively small car company like Subaru has limits to what they are going to sponsor. Look at Jamie (SubieGal) she has done quite well in her race of choice and how much SOA sponsorship does she get? Even the ESX WSC car is not getting direct SOA sponsorship despite the team backers having a winning relationship with SOA.
I would be willing to bet that if Marshall and his crew get a couple of podium finishes this year there will be money on the table for next season. Please note that Marshall has stated there goal this year is to qualify 13th - 15th in the field and finish the same so a poduim finish would probably exceed all expectations.
I would be willing to bet that if Marshall and his crew get a couple of podium finishes this year there will be money on the table for next season. Please note that Marshall has stated there goal this year is to qualify 13th - 15th in the field and finish the same so a poduim finish would probably exceed all expectations.
| BriDrive | 04-06-2006 03:54 PM |
Corporate sponsorship is generally budgeted straight from the marketing gurus and bigwhigs of said auto corporation (who in turn are responding to their shareholders).
The marketing is driven by market share and targeted sales and penultimately by an established theme which the company drives home through the vehicles particular life span. ( With that said, I predict, if Subaru decides to go this route, you will see an introduction of brand new model line to go along with any commitment to "corporate roadrace" )
There is a limited amount of resources available for their marketing.
Subaru sells a whole bunch of Foresters, and Outbacks...and they hope now, Tribecas. If we were privy to their annual sales results worldwide AND in the US, you would see that they have no problem selling STI's...they will continue to push hard on their cash-cows, the vehicles I listed above. AND the general audience who is purchasing those vehicles does not require the STI to win in American road racing to validate their purchase of Outback. (Many surveys and research on their part have already established this. If you want to know what Subaru is thinking, watch their commercials)
The best hope for the STI right now is finding a big enough aftermarket company/companies specializing in STI stuff/junk/etc to push their products. They become the banner sponsor. Residual sponsors to include corporate pick up the bits and if the team is lucky, an outside sponsor who may have nothing to do with motorsports at all.
The marketing is driven by market share and targeted sales and penultimately by an established theme which the company drives home through the vehicles particular life span. ( With that said, I predict, if Subaru decides to go this route, you will see an introduction of brand new model line to go along with any commitment to "corporate roadrace" )
There is a limited amount of resources available for their marketing.
Subaru sells a whole bunch of Foresters, and Outbacks...and they hope now, Tribecas. If we were privy to their annual sales results worldwide AND in the US, you would see that they have no problem selling STI's...they will continue to push hard on their cash-cows, the vehicles I listed above. AND the general audience who is purchasing those vehicles does not require the STI to win in American road racing to validate their purchase of Outback. (Many surveys and research on their part have already established this. If you want to know what Subaru is thinking, watch their commercials)
The best hope for the STI right now is finding a big enough aftermarket company/companies specializing in STI stuff/junk/etc to push their products. They become the banner sponsor. Residual sponsors to include corporate pick up the bits and if the team is lucky, an outside sponsor who may have nothing to do with motorsports at all.
| Opie | 04-06-2006 04:03 PM |
[QUOTE=BriDrive](Many surveys and research on their part have already established this. If you want to know what Subaru is thinking, watch their commercials)[/QUOTE]
But their commercials aren't working...and the sales show that..when people are buying does not correspond with Subaru's TV adverts
But their commercials aren't working...and the sales show that..when people are buying does not correspond with Subaru's TV adverts
| BriDrive | 04-06-2006 04:38 PM |
Probably true Opie...but only points out the inherent flaws/risks to advertising campaigns anyways...
And I, of course, am not a Subie marketing exec...just speculating.
With that said, marketing share is effected not only by what you try to do/sell as a company BUT also what your competitors are doing. Subaru may not be doing bad, just fact that consumers are buying something else for another reason. After the period in question, Subaru "adjusts" their forecasts and tries new commercial approach.
The only common denominators I see in most Subie ads are: Provocations of fun, originality,adventure,Symetric all wheel drive stabilty and safety. (I may have left out a few other tricks...but I don't see (at least MAJOR) focus on selling the idea of sports car performance as a theme (leaving out the Obvious ties it makes to rallying genes and the WRC)
Heck, even the magazines (US stuff: R&T,C&D,MotorTrend crap) fail on a regular basis to pit the STI against anything other than an EVO...they are responding in part I'm sure to the "common understanding/perception" that these two cars are niche vehicles...not main stream sportscars to take on the likes of BMW,Audi,Mercedes,Cadillac,Pontiac, etc marketed sportcar platforms.
My only other thought is that Subaru is just plain stubborn & conservative. I just finished reading that article with the retired Prodrive guy who was reflecting on his past history with Subaru. He indicated (way back when) that Subaru was extremely hesitant to release the Impreza to ProDrive until the Legacy finished its Rally career with a championship. That says one thing: Subaru has an enormous amount of heritage/cache it attaches to its performance cars. I'll bet they see (internally) the STI and Roadracing as Oxymoronic...
BriDrive
And I, of course, am not a Subie marketing exec...just speculating.
With that said, marketing share is effected not only by what you try to do/sell as a company BUT also what your competitors are doing. Subaru may not be doing bad, just fact that consumers are buying something else for another reason. After the period in question, Subaru "adjusts" their forecasts and tries new commercial approach.
The only common denominators I see in most Subie ads are: Provocations of fun, originality,adventure,Symetric all wheel drive stabilty and safety. (I may have left out a few other tricks...but I don't see (at least MAJOR) focus on selling the idea of sports car performance as a theme (leaving out the Obvious ties it makes to rallying genes and the WRC)
Heck, even the magazines (US stuff: R&T,C&D,MotorTrend crap) fail on a regular basis to pit the STI against anything other than an EVO...they are responding in part I'm sure to the "common understanding/perception" that these two cars are niche vehicles...not main stream sportscars to take on the likes of BMW,Audi,Mercedes,Cadillac,Pontiac, etc marketed sportcar platforms.
My only other thought is that Subaru is just plain stubborn & conservative. I just finished reading that article with the retired Prodrive guy who was reflecting on his past history with Subaru. He indicated (way back when) that Subaru was extremely hesitant to release the Impreza to ProDrive until the Legacy finished its Rally career with a championship. That says one thing: Subaru has an enormous amount of heritage/cache it attaches to its performance cars. I'll bet they see (internally) the STI and Roadracing as Oxymoronic...
BriDrive
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 04-06-2006 06:52 PM |
:(
What has happened to privateer racing?
What has happened to privateer racing?
| Storm | 04-06-2006 11:49 PM |
[QUOTE=parker/slc/gc8fan]:(
What has happened to privateer racing?[/QUOTE]+ eleventybillion.:banana:
What has happened to privateer racing?[/QUOTE]+ eleventybillion.:banana:
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