| lukerussell | 05-14-2003 01:05 PM |
Luke Russell's One Lap of America Experience
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PRE ONE LAP
TWO DORKS, ONE LAP
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap27.jpg[/IMG]
This is the chronicle of Luke Russell, Dork Supreme and his handy sidekick Jeremy Snyder, Dork Jr.
Yes I�ve dreamt of the doing the One Lap, every since I knew about, probably 8 years ago. I never had the scrilla (cash) to participate. I managed to scrape together enough bones this year to give it a shot.
What�s the One Lap? If you�re not a car freak, you won�t understand. Please return to your Consumer Reports web page. If you are a car freak, you�ll think One Lap is pretty Rad. You drive to NY. Somebody says go and you and about 100 other freaks jump in their cars and drive to the first track event. You can drive the speed limit if you wish, but it�s not mandatory. You do have to be punctual and arrive at the track on time. If you�re behind because you wanted to sleep or eat or take a dump, you�re forced to speed to make it to the track on time. Beautiful, isn�t it. While you�re at the track you get to make a couple of gonzo runs about 3 laps each that will provide the actual results. You get points at each track, add �em up, biggest point dude wins. They have a few classes so more than just one dude ends up the winner.
So how�s a boy to prepare for such an event? First he goes out and buys a station wagon. Not just any wagon, a sweet little innocent looking Subaru WRX wagon.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap29.jpg[/IMG]
You can�t enter it stock either, that�s sac religious. So the money pit begins. Bigger Turbo, computer, coil overs, blah blah blah, I�m out of cash and the mods will stop here. Ended up with a track worthy car, missing some bells and whistles, but I�m happy. It wasn�t that simple, there were numerous complications, but I won�t bore you with that crap. I don�t think I�ll come in dead last, which is my goal. The big boys in the event spend upwards of $100,000 in preparation for this event. I spent a minute fraction of that. It ends up that preparation will never end. I�ll be planning, adjusting and tweaking until the green flag waves. Luckily my wife (Ms. Hottie Rocket that married a dork) rocks and still digs me, or so she says.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap28.jpg[/IMG]
Besides car prep you have to get proper insurance, get a physical, and get an SVRA racing license that requires 2 track days and that�s all that I can remember. Planning is essential. It�s hard to find racing schools that fit your schedule, be prepared to travel. Actually going to the track day is the funnest part of preparing, as long as your car works the whole time. Zipping around a track with Ferraris, Porsche GT3 race cars and Formula Cars is the best. The school I went to had a good amount of cars on the track which was little intimidating, but you get used to it. Insurance is easy, just pay more $$$. The physical was kinda hard because I couldn�t find a doctor that would sign the piece of paper saying that he/she felt I was capable of driving at high speeds. I finally found one in a dark alley on the wrong side of town that worked for a lawyer and for the right money would sign anything. Well that�s it, I�ll post some updates before the actual One Lap.
1/25/03 � My first track day. Roebling Road, GA. Good one lap practice. I drove 8 hours straight. Arrived at the hotel at 2am. Woke up at 6am to get to the track by 7am. Left the track at 5pm and drove 8 hours home. You have to be one messed up car freak to like this stuff. My instructor was Rob. He was cool. Had an NSX. He wants to do One Lap but doesn�t think he�ll make it. He�s preparing his other NSX for the Speed World Challenge, that lucky bastard. He shows me the line, track in, apex, track out, heel and toe. I do some classroom stuff. I drive a bunch more. Rob is disappointed that my station wagon will do 130 down the long straight and his stock NSX he brought along only approaches 125. He says next time he�ll whip out his 800 hp NSX and end it right there. It makes you a little nervous driving hard around a track with Ferrari�s and Lotuses inches away from you, but it�s one of the funnest things ever. I discover I have a bad exhaust gasket, that�s the only problem.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap25.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap26.jpg[/IMG]
3/30/03:
Track day at Moroso went beautifully. I used an entire tank of gas and tortured the little wagon, but other than some slightly warped stock rotors, it was smooth sailing. Moroso has 4 hard braking zones and the TXS stage 4 was too much for the stock rotors. New rotors will be arriving shortly. The wagon breezed by all kinds of big dollar machines and created quite a few new Subaru fans. Although I must admit that the Ferrari F355 Challenge and race prepped Porsche GT3 were giving me trouble. Can�t wait until may.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap22.jpg[/IMG]
4/19/03 update from Sebring:
What a sucky day. The car was fast and hooked up as usual. I didn't get much track time, but the only car that passed me was a brand new race prepared 911 GT3. Now for the bad news. My brakes consisted of stainless steel lines, Motul 600 fluid and EBC red stuff pads. They worked great until Moroso when they warped the stock rotors. I ordered the new EBC rotors that are specially formulated to work with the red stuff pads. I had new pads, new rotors and had them broken in properly. Going down the long straight between turns 16 and 17 (125 mph), I hit the brakes and there was nothing there. Luckily there is a huge concrete run off area and i left the track about 500 feet before I stopped (thanks to brake pumping and the e-brake that allowed me to spin sideways to scrub speed). I stopped about 2 feet in front of the tire barrier. Ends up the EBC rotors ate the EBC pads. When I pulled the calliper out, the pads either crumbled out or no longer existed. I think the left and right stamps were put on the wrong rotors and they were spinning backwards, but EBC won�t call me back.
Time to call Stop Tech.
TWO DORKS, ONE LAP
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap27.jpg[/IMG]
This is the chronicle of Luke Russell, Dork Supreme and his handy sidekick Jeremy Snyder, Dork Jr.
Yes I�ve dreamt of the doing the One Lap, every since I knew about, probably 8 years ago. I never had the scrilla (cash) to participate. I managed to scrape together enough bones this year to give it a shot.
What�s the One Lap? If you�re not a car freak, you won�t understand. Please return to your Consumer Reports web page. If you are a car freak, you�ll think One Lap is pretty Rad. You drive to NY. Somebody says go and you and about 100 other freaks jump in their cars and drive to the first track event. You can drive the speed limit if you wish, but it�s not mandatory. You do have to be punctual and arrive at the track on time. If you�re behind because you wanted to sleep or eat or take a dump, you�re forced to speed to make it to the track on time. Beautiful, isn�t it. While you�re at the track you get to make a couple of gonzo runs about 3 laps each that will provide the actual results. You get points at each track, add �em up, biggest point dude wins. They have a few classes so more than just one dude ends up the winner.
So how�s a boy to prepare for such an event? First he goes out and buys a station wagon. Not just any wagon, a sweet little innocent looking Subaru WRX wagon.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap29.jpg[/IMG]
You can�t enter it stock either, that�s sac religious. So the money pit begins. Bigger Turbo, computer, coil overs, blah blah blah, I�m out of cash and the mods will stop here. Ended up with a track worthy car, missing some bells and whistles, but I�m happy. It wasn�t that simple, there were numerous complications, but I won�t bore you with that crap. I don�t think I�ll come in dead last, which is my goal. The big boys in the event spend upwards of $100,000 in preparation for this event. I spent a minute fraction of that. It ends up that preparation will never end. I�ll be planning, adjusting and tweaking until the green flag waves. Luckily my wife (Ms. Hottie Rocket that married a dork) rocks and still digs me, or so she says.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap28.jpg[/IMG]
Besides car prep you have to get proper insurance, get a physical, and get an SVRA racing license that requires 2 track days and that�s all that I can remember. Planning is essential. It�s hard to find racing schools that fit your schedule, be prepared to travel. Actually going to the track day is the funnest part of preparing, as long as your car works the whole time. Zipping around a track with Ferraris, Porsche GT3 race cars and Formula Cars is the best. The school I went to had a good amount of cars on the track which was little intimidating, but you get used to it. Insurance is easy, just pay more $$$. The physical was kinda hard because I couldn�t find a doctor that would sign the piece of paper saying that he/she felt I was capable of driving at high speeds. I finally found one in a dark alley on the wrong side of town that worked for a lawyer and for the right money would sign anything. Well that�s it, I�ll post some updates before the actual One Lap.
1/25/03 � My first track day. Roebling Road, GA. Good one lap practice. I drove 8 hours straight. Arrived at the hotel at 2am. Woke up at 6am to get to the track by 7am. Left the track at 5pm and drove 8 hours home. You have to be one messed up car freak to like this stuff. My instructor was Rob. He was cool. Had an NSX. He wants to do One Lap but doesn�t think he�ll make it. He�s preparing his other NSX for the Speed World Challenge, that lucky bastard. He shows me the line, track in, apex, track out, heel and toe. I do some classroom stuff. I drive a bunch more. Rob is disappointed that my station wagon will do 130 down the long straight and his stock NSX he brought along only approaches 125. He says next time he�ll whip out his 800 hp NSX and end it right there. It makes you a little nervous driving hard around a track with Ferrari�s and Lotuses inches away from you, but it�s one of the funnest things ever. I discover I have a bad exhaust gasket, that�s the only problem.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap25.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap26.jpg[/IMG]
3/30/03:
Track day at Moroso went beautifully. I used an entire tank of gas and tortured the little wagon, but other than some slightly warped stock rotors, it was smooth sailing. Moroso has 4 hard braking zones and the TXS stage 4 was too much for the stock rotors. New rotors will be arriving shortly. The wagon breezed by all kinds of big dollar machines and created quite a few new Subaru fans. Although I must admit that the Ferrari F355 Challenge and race prepped Porsche GT3 were giving me trouble. Can�t wait until may.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap22.jpg[/IMG]
4/19/03 update from Sebring:
What a sucky day. The car was fast and hooked up as usual. I didn't get much track time, but the only car that passed me was a brand new race prepared 911 GT3. Now for the bad news. My brakes consisted of stainless steel lines, Motul 600 fluid and EBC red stuff pads. They worked great until Moroso when they warped the stock rotors. I ordered the new EBC rotors that are specially formulated to work with the red stuff pads. I had new pads, new rotors and had them broken in properly. Going down the long straight between turns 16 and 17 (125 mph), I hit the brakes and there was nothing there. Luckily there is a huge concrete run off area and i left the track about 500 feet before I stopped (thanks to brake pumping and the e-brake that allowed me to spin sideways to scrub speed). I stopped about 2 feet in front of the tire barrier. Ends up the EBC rotors ate the EBC pads. When I pulled the calliper out, the pads either crumbled out or no longer existed. I think the left and right stamps were put on the wrong rotors and they were spinning backwards, but EBC won�t call me back.
Time to call Stop Tech.
| lukerussell | 05-14-2003 01:20 PM |
ONE LAP OF AMERICA LOG - PART A
Jeremy and I grew up together in Missouri. He�s the only guy I could find to go with me on short notice that wouldn�t irritate me. Jeremy still lives in St. Louis, I now live in Ft. Myers, FL. My role is the driver/car owner, Jeremy is to be the �between events driver�, so I can sleep. Most of my preparation had to do with figuring out the character of the car and how I could force it to go faster. The Subie is an awesome car. Many cars are one line cars, but the Subie is pretty flexible. Apex too early, just let off the gas and the back end comes around, as you�re sliding sideways, nail the gas and you squirt out fine. Neither one of us know much about car repair, etc., so we�re hoping for a problem free event. We�re smart enough to tackle small problems, but if a tranny goes, we�re done. I should probably take some classes or something. OK, OK, I�ll stop boring you. Here is what happened on the One Lap.
April 30, 2003
Packed up the car and left Ft. Myers at 8am. I�m driving 1700 miles to Gaithersburg, MD. Everything went relatively smooth. I kept getting a new engine code, 0546, which is exhaust gas temp. I have a gauge, so I wasn�t that concerned. I thought the sensor might be bad. My windshield was attacked by a flying rock and chipped. A few miles later it cracked. Map Quest gave me horrible directions to the hotel, it took me an hour to find it, but I managed to make it by midnight.
May 1, 2003
Woke up early to find some breakfast, but I came upon a Subie dealer, Fitzgerald. I thought they�d be cool, check out my sensor and swap it for me. Once they started it up and figured out it had �modifications�, they told me to leave. Wussies. I then drove to Turbo XS where the whole crew was rad. They put in a capacitor to get rid of my 0546 code. Then they hooked it up to the dyno. If you have never had your car dyno�d, it seems pretty torturous. I thought for sure something would break and my One Lap would be down the drain. They hooked me up with 3 maps, a 15psi, 16.5psi and a 17.5psi. Ranging from 240 � 270 wheel hp. They also gave me a launch control program which I tried out. I�ll use it for the drag event, but it won�t work for the road course, it interferes with heel and toeing. I drove to Baltimore to pick up my team mate and partner in crime, Jeremy Snyder. We headed up to Paintd Post, where the start of the One Lap is. It�s a dump of a little town. Only had 1 bar. They did have Pabst Blue Ribbon on draft, so I was happy. Played a couple games of pool and left. They should seriously never start there again. Last year they started in downtown Rochester, which was cool.
May 2, 2003
Drove down the street to the Village on the Green, registered and picked up our decals. Then we drove back down to Wellsboro, PA to Safelite Glass to get a new windshield. Thanks to Progressive Insurance, it was free. The Safelite people rocked. They helped us put on the decals and gave us free T-Shirts. We drove back up to Painted Post and tried to think of something to do, but the town is deadsville. We did the driver�s meeting at 6pm, ate free food and drank free booze and called it a night.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap1.jpg[/IMG]
May 3, 2003 � Start � Watkins Glen
We left Painted Post at 7:30am. Watkins Glen is just right up the road. It�s really in the middle of nowhere and is by far the dumpiest NASCAR circuit track I�ve ever seen. But it�s a racetrack, it�s suppose to be dumpy. Before the race they ranked me 63 out of 84 cars. 16 out of 18 in my class, mid price sedans. Because of my rank, I had to wait until about noon before I finally got to run. They send about 7 cars off at a time at about 15 second intervals. After seeing the top cars go and the hordes of vettes, vipers, porsches and the like, I thought my ranking might not be that bad. I started out 4th in my line of seven. I had an APS power package WRX starting right behind me. I figured he had a good chance of catching me, so I was prepared to watch my mirrors. I took off and the track is a blast. Banked turns and elevation changes galore. I learned to drive in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina. It was so small, we had no cops. Everyday I�d use the roads as my own personal racetrack. It was like I was back home in the mountains. I felt I had a good run, if not slightly out of control (I didn�t know the track at all). My 17.5 psi map kept knocking ridiculously, which retarded the engine (at other events I switched to race gas and the car ran perfectly). That, with throttle lifts, kept my speed down. I ended up catching a BMW about a � way through the first lap. He motioned me to pass right before the chicane, which threw us both off line. He ended up going slightly off course. I eventually caught up to the guy that started in front of him too, an older Audi S-6 or something like that. The APS WRX never appeared in my rear view. After lunch they finally posted the results. I was 5th in class and 23rd overall. I was psyched. My goal was top half of my class and top half overall. The second run I got to run up front and start 23rd. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo and an HKS modified Turbo Lexus IS300 with Lexan windows started in front of me. I couldn�t let an SUV beat me. I ended up cutting 11 seconds off my time and caught them both. The track caused some damage to the Lamborghini and destroyed an Impala SS. Many cars had mechanical problems. We left before they posted results, arriving in Indy at about 1am.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap2.jpg[/IMG]
Notice the manufacturer's plates. This car was throwing 3' flames out the back.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap3.jpg[/IMG]
HKS Front Mount Intercooler, Turbo, NICE - In my class
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap4.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap5.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap6.jpg[/IMG]
May 4, 2003 � Indianapolis Raceway Park
This was my second favorite track we did. Flat (like my Florida tracks) and all 3rd and 4th gear. Both events went extremely smooth. The WRX ran perfectly on the lowest hp/boost setting w/ no race gas. Both times I hunted down Corvettes. The Kumhos are handling great, everything is holding up and I�m happy to be running so well. I think I get top twenty on both events. One Subie, the APS one, hit a wall. Mostly cosmetic and he was able to continue. The Tom and Steve Subaru exploded a transmission, an unfortunate 6000+ rpm drop. My buddy Dave was there and helped them get some tranny fluid to see if they could limp it around. They decided to DNF, but was able to find a transmission down the road. They were good as new the next day. After Indy we drove to the Tire Rack for the skidpad challenge. Due to my tall wagon and skinny 225 tires, I was pessimistic. But I did better than I thought. I pulled .91 g�s, good for about 22nd and 4th in class. We headed off to Elkhart Lake, WI. Pulled in at about 12am.
May 5, 2003 � Road America
Woke up to rain, rain and more rain. I was somewhat excited because of the 4wd. Unloading and rushing around in the freezing rain (it had to be in the 40�s, cold for a Florida boy) trying to find some dry ground stunk. The organizers decided to do two slow speed parade laps so everyone could get a look at the track and see how slick it was. Typically, you leave pit lane, drive around to the start line, and that�s all the track learning and practice you get. On the parade lap, I discovered the Kumho�s weakness. I bought the tires because they were the cheapest, and Tire Rack rated them as one of the best in the rain. They may be good in the rain, but they were hard as rocks in the cold rain. It was like ice out there. Barely touch the throttle in the corner and it would push bad, let off and here comes the back end. During the one reconnaissance lap, I nearly slid off into a gravel pit after the high speed section. Ends up, that�s where the #1 Viper went off and did a little damage. I started after making a pact with myself to take it easy and bring my daily driver (which I still owe about $20,000 on, crazy I know) home in one piece. The SRT-4 (Neon) started first and I started last in our group. He caught me before the first lap and passed me on the second lap. I talked to him after the race and it�s his home track. I think he told me he has over 600 hours on the track, if that�s even possible. He ended up coming in 3rd, which is unbelievable. Good driving. I was feeling bad until I started catching a couple cars in front of me. I though I�d be about 50th, but ended up 22nd, which shocked me. Maybe the Kumhos weren�t that bad after all. We packed up and drove 14 hours to Hallett, OK. During a fill up, we noticed a clickity clackity noise. We diagnosed it as the top strut mounts. The metal was separating from the rubber. Our fear was that they would rip all the way through and do some serious damage. I called Cobb to get some mounts sent out, but they wouldn�t ship the parts anywhere other than my billing address in Florida. They blamed it on the credit card companies, but I know that they could have figured it out. I called DMS (I have their 50mm coil overs). Mark is their new guy and was extremely helpful. He said he was 90% sure that the stock rubber mounts would hold up for the rest of the event, although they would cause the shocks not to function properly. On the drive to Hallett, we found the #26 Nitrous Works Corvette to be King of the Highway. We tried to keep up for a while, but he was crazy. He ended up blowing by us several times on the trip. He showed us a speed of 160mph on the camcorder. We Finally found a hotel at about 2:30 am. Had a nice 60�s retro d�cor, not because it was hip, that was the last time it was updated.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap9.jpg[/IMG]
.
Jeremy and I grew up together in Missouri. He�s the only guy I could find to go with me on short notice that wouldn�t irritate me. Jeremy still lives in St. Louis, I now live in Ft. Myers, FL. My role is the driver/car owner, Jeremy is to be the �between events driver�, so I can sleep. Most of my preparation had to do with figuring out the character of the car and how I could force it to go faster. The Subie is an awesome car. Many cars are one line cars, but the Subie is pretty flexible. Apex too early, just let off the gas and the back end comes around, as you�re sliding sideways, nail the gas and you squirt out fine. Neither one of us know much about car repair, etc., so we�re hoping for a problem free event. We�re smart enough to tackle small problems, but if a tranny goes, we�re done. I should probably take some classes or something. OK, OK, I�ll stop boring you. Here is what happened on the One Lap.
April 30, 2003
Packed up the car and left Ft. Myers at 8am. I�m driving 1700 miles to Gaithersburg, MD. Everything went relatively smooth. I kept getting a new engine code, 0546, which is exhaust gas temp. I have a gauge, so I wasn�t that concerned. I thought the sensor might be bad. My windshield was attacked by a flying rock and chipped. A few miles later it cracked. Map Quest gave me horrible directions to the hotel, it took me an hour to find it, but I managed to make it by midnight.
May 1, 2003
Woke up early to find some breakfast, but I came upon a Subie dealer, Fitzgerald. I thought they�d be cool, check out my sensor and swap it for me. Once they started it up and figured out it had �modifications�, they told me to leave. Wussies. I then drove to Turbo XS where the whole crew was rad. They put in a capacitor to get rid of my 0546 code. Then they hooked it up to the dyno. If you have never had your car dyno�d, it seems pretty torturous. I thought for sure something would break and my One Lap would be down the drain. They hooked me up with 3 maps, a 15psi, 16.5psi and a 17.5psi. Ranging from 240 � 270 wheel hp. They also gave me a launch control program which I tried out. I�ll use it for the drag event, but it won�t work for the road course, it interferes with heel and toeing. I drove to Baltimore to pick up my team mate and partner in crime, Jeremy Snyder. We headed up to Paintd Post, where the start of the One Lap is. It�s a dump of a little town. Only had 1 bar. They did have Pabst Blue Ribbon on draft, so I was happy. Played a couple games of pool and left. They should seriously never start there again. Last year they started in downtown Rochester, which was cool.
May 2, 2003
Drove down the street to the Village on the Green, registered and picked up our decals. Then we drove back down to Wellsboro, PA to Safelite Glass to get a new windshield. Thanks to Progressive Insurance, it was free. The Safelite people rocked. They helped us put on the decals and gave us free T-Shirts. We drove back up to Painted Post and tried to think of something to do, but the town is deadsville. We did the driver�s meeting at 6pm, ate free food and drank free booze and called it a night.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap1.jpg[/IMG]
May 3, 2003 � Start � Watkins Glen
We left Painted Post at 7:30am. Watkins Glen is just right up the road. It�s really in the middle of nowhere and is by far the dumpiest NASCAR circuit track I�ve ever seen. But it�s a racetrack, it�s suppose to be dumpy. Before the race they ranked me 63 out of 84 cars. 16 out of 18 in my class, mid price sedans. Because of my rank, I had to wait until about noon before I finally got to run. They send about 7 cars off at a time at about 15 second intervals. After seeing the top cars go and the hordes of vettes, vipers, porsches and the like, I thought my ranking might not be that bad. I started out 4th in my line of seven. I had an APS power package WRX starting right behind me. I figured he had a good chance of catching me, so I was prepared to watch my mirrors. I took off and the track is a blast. Banked turns and elevation changes galore. I learned to drive in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina. It was so small, we had no cops. Everyday I�d use the roads as my own personal racetrack. It was like I was back home in the mountains. I felt I had a good run, if not slightly out of control (I didn�t know the track at all). My 17.5 psi map kept knocking ridiculously, which retarded the engine (at other events I switched to race gas and the car ran perfectly). That, with throttle lifts, kept my speed down. I ended up catching a BMW about a � way through the first lap. He motioned me to pass right before the chicane, which threw us both off line. He ended up going slightly off course. I eventually caught up to the guy that started in front of him too, an older Audi S-6 or something like that. The APS WRX never appeared in my rear view. After lunch they finally posted the results. I was 5th in class and 23rd overall. I was psyched. My goal was top half of my class and top half overall. The second run I got to run up front and start 23rd. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo and an HKS modified Turbo Lexus IS300 with Lexan windows started in front of me. I couldn�t let an SUV beat me. I ended up cutting 11 seconds off my time and caught them both. The track caused some damage to the Lamborghini and destroyed an Impala SS. Many cars had mechanical problems. We left before they posted results, arriving in Indy at about 1am.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap2.jpg[/IMG]
Notice the manufacturer's plates. This car was throwing 3' flames out the back.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap3.jpg[/IMG]
HKS Front Mount Intercooler, Turbo, NICE - In my class
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap4.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap5.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap6.jpg[/IMG]
May 4, 2003 � Indianapolis Raceway Park
This was my second favorite track we did. Flat (like my Florida tracks) and all 3rd and 4th gear. Both events went extremely smooth. The WRX ran perfectly on the lowest hp/boost setting w/ no race gas. Both times I hunted down Corvettes. The Kumhos are handling great, everything is holding up and I�m happy to be running so well. I think I get top twenty on both events. One Subie, the APS one, hit a wall. Mostly cosmetic and he was able to continue. The Tom and Steve Subaru exploded a transmission, an unfortunate 6000+ rpm drop. My buddy Dave was there and helped them get some tranny fluid to see if they could limp it around. They decided to DNF, but was able to find a transmission down the road. They were good as new the next day. After Indy we drove to the Tire Rack for the skidpad challenge. Due to my tall wagon and skinny 225 tires, I was pessimistic. But I did better than I thought. I pulled .91 g�s, good for about 22nd and 4th in class. We headed off to Elkhart Lake, WI. Pulled in at about 12am.
May 5, 2003 � Road America
Woke up to rain, rain and more rain. I was somewhat excited because of the 4wd. Unloading and rushing around in the freezing rain (it had to be in the 40�s, cold for a Florida boy) trying to find some dry ground stunk. The organizers decided to do two slow speed parade laps so everyone could get a look at the track and see how slick it was. Typically, you leave pit lane, drive around to the start line, and that�s all the track learning and practice you get. On the parade lap, I discovered the Kumho�s weakness. I bought the tires because they were the cheapest, and Tire Rack rated them as one of the best in the rain. They may be good in the rain, but they were hard as rocks in the cold rain. It was like ice out there. Barely touch the throttle in the corner and it would push bad, let off and here comes the back end. During the one reconnaissance lap, I nearly slid off into a gravel pit after the high speed section. Ends up, that�s where the #1 Viper went off and did a little damage. I started after making a pact with myself to take it easy and bring my daily driver (which I still owe about $20,000 on, crazy I know) home in one piece. The SRT-4 (Neon) started first and I started last in our group. He caught me before the first lap and passed me on the second lap. I talked to him after the race and it�s his home track. I think he told me he has over 600 hours on the track, if that�s even possible. He ended up coming in 3rd, which is unbelievable. Good driving. I was feeling bad until I started catching a couple cars in front of me. I though I�d be about 50th, but ended up 22nd, which shocked me. Maybe the Kumhos weren�t that bad after all. We packed up and drove 14 hours to Hallett, OK. During a fill up, we noticed a clickity clackity noise. We diagnosed it as the top strut mounts. The metal was separating from the rubber. Our fear was that they would rip all the way through and do some serious damage. I called Cobb to get some mounts sent out, but they wouldn�t ship the parts anywhere other than my billing address in Florida. They blamed it on the credit card companies, but I know that they could have figured it out. I called DMS (I have their 50mm coil overs). Mark is their new guy and was extremely helpful. He said he was 90% sure that the stock rubber mounts would hold up for the rest of the event, although they would cause the shocks not to function properly. On the drive to Hallett, we found the #26 Nitrous Works Corvette to be King of the Highway. We tried to keep up for a while, but he was crazy. He ended up blowing by us several times on the trip. He showed us a speed of 160mph on the camcorder. We Finally found a hotel at about 2:30 am. Had a nice 60�s retro d�cor, not because it was hip, that was the last time it was updated.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap9.jpg[/IMG]
.
| lukerussell | 05-14-2003 01:25 PM |
ONE LAP OF AMERICA LOG - PART B
May 6, 2003 � Hallet
Teagues was able to hook me up with some front STi mounts, but had no rear GC8 mounts (required for the DMS). He would ship the front ones to Memphis. I called all over for several days and could never locate rear mounts. I was concerned at Hallet, maybe a little too much as I had my worse result of the entire One Lap, 35th. This dropped me to 18th overall and I wasn�t happy. I was still 2nd in Class, but everyone was gaining on me and the SRT-4 was pulling away. I�m extremely competitive. Although before the one lap my goal was top half in overall and class, that now wasn�t good enough. I was close and didn�t want to give up. My second run was fast and I beat the SRT-4 for the first time, coming in 16th overall. I did notice that the car would rock up and down like a bucking horse (something was binding) through the slow corners, but the fast corners felt good. I moved to 16th overall and was pumped. Next we headed down the road to Tulsa Speedway, which is a dirt oval. I could not find any experienced drivers that would help me with the line. Later on I was told that I was off the ideal line. I�ve always heard high entry, low exit and I thought that is what I was doing. If I had more laps, I would have tried less braking and pitching the car in the corner, but didn�t want to spin and end up at the bottom of the pack. Dirt tracks have a surprising amount of grip. Much more grip than Road America in the wet. I ended up 18th. We packed up and drove to Memphis through all kinds of Tornado warnings. It was cool. I think we arrived in Memphis about 1am.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap10.jpg[/IMG]
That's me. What's up?
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap11.jpg[/IMG]
30+ pounds of boost from a semi truck turbo
May 7, 2003 � Memphis
Rain, Rain, Rain. They went ahead and canceled the drag races early in the morning. I was kind of disappointed because I thought I would do good in my class (especially with my launch control that also allows flat foot shifting while automatically keeping boost and revs up). Overall I would have been killed by the hordes of Corvettes and big HP cars. It did get me focused on the road course. I liked the course, flat again and simple to learn. It was my favorite of the event. They had an awesome S section with big curbs to bounce off of. It stopped raining but the track had large puddles on it for the first session. The track usually runs down the drag strip, but it was too slick. They coned us onto pit lane which had the tightest exit I�ve ever seen, maybe two car lengths wide. You basically zip down pit lane and then jerk the wheel left, right to squeeze thorough the kink � walls everywhere. I watched the all the cars in front of me and everyone was lifting and even braking for the kink. I have a narrow car so I lifted slightly the first time. From then on it was full throttle. There was a very sharp left, right after the S turns that everyone was taking weird because of the river running throught it. The Subie braked and turned through it with no problems and allowed me to run a perfect line through it. After that turn is a turn that goes through the drag race staging lanes. Unbeknownst to me, it was full of oil and other fluids. I did a full sideways drift all the way to the tire barrier before the tires hooked up. I love Subies, just get on the throttle and it usually pulls you out. I ended up 1st in Class and 8th overall (out of 84). I was stoked. The second run was dry. I still managed a 16th overall and beat the SRT-4 in both events. I received my front strut mounts, but never had time to put them on. If I were to get in the middle of the install and they called my number, I�d be penalized and maybe even DNF�d. We packed up and headed to Kershaw, SC. This was the worst drive as it used too many local roads. Kershaw has two motels, both full. We drove to the track and set up the tent. I may have gotten a couple hours of sleep.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap12.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap13.jpg[/IMG]
600 Wheel HP - in my class - killed his tranny
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap14.jpg[/IMG]
600 HP - in my class - dnf'd at Road America
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap17.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap18.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap21.jpg[/IMG]
May 8, 2003 � Carolina Motorsports Park
I thought I would have enough time to put on the new mounts, but it wasn�t to be. I was catching up to 1st so I didn�t want to risk the penalty. In hind site, I should have done it. I never did change the mounts, which ended up really hurting me the last day. Plus, what would�ve happened if I did? If I fell back to third or had some guys knocking on the door, I would have definitely done it. Before loading your car with 400 lbs. of tools and other crap, get steel mounts. Carolina was a well maintained track. It would have been an awesome track, but that kink sucks. If everybody didn�t try to scare me to death on the kink, I think I would have done better. They said don�t go inside or you�ll hit a bump that will throw your car off the track. Stay a car length off the curb. Don�t go through it flat footed. I followed their advice and hung a wheel off at 120 mph, not fun. My last run, my last lap, I did it my way and hit it perfect. Too little, too late. I know my car�s capabilities. I may have misunderstood the advice. It�s one thing to drive around with a guy and he show you the line. But showing a guy a map or doing a walk-through just isn�t the same thing. The first run I was in staging with my helmet on, ready to go. The start/finish line was in the braking zone for turn one. I had the bright idea to hit the timing lights on my last lap and then slam the brakes. I figured there was enough room to slow it down before I left the asphalt. If I had to use a little dirt, no problem. The SRT-4 had the same idea. Only problem was he flew off the track and hit a tire barrier, which tipped the car over on it�s side. Everybody ran over there to make sure it didn�t flip onto it�s roof. I was worried for the guy. The SRT-4 Mopar guys were great guys, we had a lot of fun battling for the lead. The driver was fine, he just didn�t want the car to roll over. That�s good news. After that I thought, �hey, I might just win this thing after all�. It wasn�t to be. The pushed the car back onto it�s wheels and it still looked brand new. Unbelievable luck for them. Right after that they send me on the track, in my car I have to drive to work on Monday. Fortunately, I felt comfortable with the track and pushed it anyway. I braked right at the timing lights and was fine. I caught up to a ZO6 Corvette which had to be embarrassing for him, hunted down by a station wagon. A Porsche TT started in front of the Corvette and we had him in sight too. The second event I started behind the Porsche TT. These expensive car guys are too proud and never want to start behind the wagon, even though I�m 12th overall at this point. They all say they have experience at this track, or they goofed the previous run, etc. I let the Porsche start about 25 seconds ahead of me. I caught him to the point of nearly bumping him coming out of the last corner. He rocketed down the straight and finished about a two car lengths in front of me. I would have owned him if there was one more lap. I got lots of thumbs ups from the spectators. After the race these two nicely dressed older guys came up and said they thoroughly enjoyed my driving and that if they were the Porsche guy they�d go off and hide somewhere from embarrassment. The Porsche guy was parked right across the street and may have heard. I felt like a stud. I beat the SRT-4 both times again (that�s 5 of the last 6 events). The Mopar guys told me they were worried, which made me happy. We drove to Beaver, PA (insert joke here). I think we arrived at a reasonable time. Because the car was running well, I decided to skip the mount install for the last time, which ended up a big mistake.
May 9, 2003 - The Beaver
Woke up to rain. It was supposed to rain all day, like at Road America. This was disappointing as the SRT-4 thoroughly whipped almost everyone in the rain there. There was a long delay before we finally went out. Because I spent all morning waiting in the Go Kart Track line, I never got to walk the course. That hurt. That and the fact that I thought the Neon would kill us anyway. Plus my strut mounts had to have 3 inches of flex by now, which was scary. It ends up that my time wasn�t horrible. The track actually had a lot of grip in the rain. If I had decent strut tops and had walked the course, I could have been close to the top ten again. The track was made for my car. The SRT-4 beat me. I knew I would be in big trouble for the Go Kart Track. While I love track driving, Autocross never really appealed to me. Not enough danger to keep my concentration or something. With the mega sharp turns, brake and throttle inputs, it felt like I was in a Rodeo. Steve (another WRX guy) said my car looked like it was going to bounce right off the ground. Jeremy said it looked like some serious binding, it would catch and throw me up on 3 wheels. It felt way funny. The SRT-4 was hooked up and smoked me both times. They were truly worried and expressed that to me until the first Go Kart Track event. I held on for a 18th and 24th, I think. The Evolution that ended up third gained on me a lot more than I thought. They kicked butt the last day. I think they had 3 top tens. Beaver Run had the best souvenirs. The had women's underwear with "The Beaver" stamped on the front. We packed up and drove back to Painted Post, NY.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap7.jpg[/IMG]
Tom "Transmision" Hoppe
May 10, 2003
I ended up 2nd in Class and 12th overall. I got a little cup trophy thingy and lots of memories. It would have been too perfect an ending if I won. My first One Lap, a privateer. My life long dream of just participating ending up in a victory. That�s too good to be true. The bad thing about coming in 2nd is that now I�m hungry. I want that first place trophy. I also want 10th overall, because you get a big trophy. If only I would�ve had the foresight to change those mounts, if only I could�ve found some rear mounts, it could�ve happened. If only I had a car I could throw away. That�s the worst thing about car racing, unless you win, there are always the could of, would of, should ofs that haunt you.
So what about One Lap 2004? I don�t know. I used all of my savings to participate this year. My fantasies included using an STi. Or how about a Forrester Turbo in SUV to whoop up on the Cayenne. In reality, if I do it, I�ll need a car prep master to help with maintenance and different track set ups, some sponsorship to cover expenses, and I�ll probably use the wagon. With those ingredients, I smell victory. I may have to skip a year until I can raise the proper funds. Unless Subie of America wants to hook me up.
May 6, 2003 � Hallet
Teagues was able to hook me up with some front STi mounts, but had no rear GC8 mounts (required for the DMS). He would ship the front ones to Memphis. I called all over for several days and could never locate rear mounts. I was concerned at Hallet, maybe a little too much as I had my worse result of the entire One Lap, 35th. This dropped me to 18th overall and I wasn�t happy. I was still 2nd in Class, but everyone was gaining on me and the SRT-4 was pulling away. I�m extremely competitive. Although before the one lap my goal was top half in overall and class, that now wasn�t good enough. I was close and didn�t want to give up. My second run was fast and I beat the SRT-4 for the first time, coming in 16th overall. I did notice that the car would rock up and down like a bucking horse (something was binding) through the slow corners, but the fast corners felt good. I moved to 16th overall and was pumped. Next we headed down the road to Tulsa Speedway, which is a dirt oval. I could not find any experienced drivers that would help me with the line. Later on I was told that I was off the ideal line. I�ve always heard high entry, low exit and I thought that is what I was doing. If I had more laps, I would have tried less braking and pitching the car in the corner, but didn�t want to spin and end up at the bottom of the pack. Dirt tracks have a surprising amount of grip. Much more grip than Road America in the wet. I ended up 18th. We packed up and drove to Memphis through all kinds of Tornado warnings. It was cool. I think we arrived in Memphis about 1am.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap10.jpg[/IMG]
That's me. What's up?
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap11.jpg[/IMG]
30+ pounds of boost from a semi truck turbo
May 7, 2003 � Memphis
Rain, Rain, Rain. They went ahead and canceled the drag races early in the morning. I was kind of disappointed because I thought I would do good in my class (especially with my launch control that also allows flat foot shifting while automatically keeping boost and revs up). Overall I would have been killed by the hordes of Corvettes and big HP cars. It did get me focused on the road course. I liked the course, flat again and simple to learn. It was my favorite of the event. They had an awesome S section with big curbs to bounce off of. It stopped raining but the track had large puddles on it for the first session. The track usually runs down the drag strip, but it was too slick. They coned us onto pit lane which had the tightest exit I�ve ever seen, maybe two car lengths wide. You basically zip down pit lane and then jerk the wheel left, right to squeeze thorough the kink � walls everywhere. I watched the all the cars in front of me and everyone was lifting and even braking for the kink. I have a narrow car so I lifted slightly the first time. From then on it was full throttle. There was a very sharp left, right after the S turns that everyone was taking weird because of the river running throught it. The Subie braked and turned through it with no problems and allowed me to run a perfect line through it. After that turn is a turn that goes through the drag race staging lanes. Unbeknownst to me, it was full of oil and other fluids. I did a full sideways drift all the way to the tire barrier before the tires hooked up. I love Subies, just get on the throttle and it usually pulls you out. I ended up 1st in Class and 8th overall (out of 84). I was stoked. The second run was dry. I still managed a 16th overall and beat the SRT-4 in both events. I received my front strut mounts, but never had time to put them on. If I were to get in the middle of the install and they called my number, I�d be penalized and maybe even DNF�d. We packed up and headed to Kershaw, SC. This was the worst drive as it used too many local roads. Kershaw has two motels, both full. We drove to the track and set up the tent. I may have gotten a couple hours of sleep.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap12.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap13.jpg[/IMG]
600 Wheel HP - in my class - killed his tranny
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap14.jpg[/IMG]
600 HP - in my class - dnf'd at Road America
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap17.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap18.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap21.jpg[/IMG]
May 8, 2003 � Carolina Motorsports Park
I thought I would have enough time to put on the new mounts, but it wasn�t to be. I was catching up to 1st so I didn�t want to risk the penalty. In hind site, I should have done it. I never did change the mounts, which ended up really hurting me the last day. Plus, what would�ve happened if I did? If I fell back to third or had some guys knocking on the door, I would have definitely done it. Before loading your car with 400 lbs. of tools and other crap, get steel mounts. Carolina was a well maintained track. It would have been an awesome track, but that kink sucks. If everybody didn�t try to scare me to death on the kink, I think I would have done better. They said don�t go inside or you�ll hit a bump that will throw your car off the track. Stay a car length off the curb. Don�t go through it flat footed. I followed their advice and hung a wheel off at 120 mph, not fun. My last run, my last lap, I did it my way and hit it perfect. Too little, too late. I know my car�s capabilities. I may have misunderstood the advice. It�s one thing to drive around with a guy and he show you the line. But showing a guy a map or doing a walk-through just isn�t the same thing. The first run I was in staging with my helmet on, ready to go. The start/finish line was in the braking zone for turn one. I had the bright idea to hit the timing lights on my last lap and then slam the brakes. I figured there was enough room to slow it down before I left the asphalt. If I had to use a little dirt, no problem. The SRT-4 had the same idea. Only problem was he flew off the track and hit a tire barrier, which tipped the car over on it�s side. Everybody ran over there to make sure it didn�t flip onto it�s roof. I was worried for the guy. The SRT-4 Mopar guys were great guys, we had a lot of fun battling for the lead. The driver was fine, he just didn�t want the car to roll over. That�s good news. After that I thought, �hey, I might just win this thing after all�. It wasn�t to be. The pushed the car back onto it�s wheels and it still looked brand new. Unbelievable luck for them. Right after that they send me on the track, in my car I have to drive to work on Monday. Fortunately, I felt comfortable with the track and pushed it anyway. I braked right at the timing lights and was fine. I caught up to a ZO6 Corvette which had to be embarrassing for him, hunted down by a station wagon. A Porsche TT started in front of the Corvette and we had him in sight too. The second event I started behind the Porsche TT. These expensive car guys are too proud and never want to start behind the wagon, even though I�m 12th overall at this point. They all say they have experience at this track, or they goofed the previous run, etc. I let the Porsche start about 25 seconds ahead of me. I caught him to the point of nearly bumping him coming out of the last corner. He rocketed down the straight and finished about a two car lengths in front of me. I would have owned him if there was one more lap. I got lots of thumbs ups from the spectators. After the race these two nicely dressed older guys came up and said they thoroughly enjoyed my driving and that if they were the Porsche guy they�d go off and hide somewhere from embarrassment. The Porsche guy was parked right across the street and may have heard. I felt like a stud. I beat the SRT-4 both times again (that�s 5 of the last 6 events). The Mopar guys told me they were worried, which made me happy. We drove to Beaver, PA (insert joke here). I think we arrived at a reasonable time. Because the car was running well, I decided to skip the mount install for the last time, which ended up a big mistake.
May 9, 2003 - The Beaver
Woke up to rain. It was supposed to rain all day, like at Road America. This was disappointing as the SRT-4 thoroughly whipped almost everyone in the rain there. There was a long delay before we finally went out. Because I spent all morning waiting in the Go Kart Track line, I never got to walk the course. That hurt. That and the fact that I thought the Neon would kill us anyway. Plus my strut mounts had to have 3 inches of flex by now, which was scary. It ends up that my time wasn�t horrible. The track actually had a lot of grip in the rain. If I had decent strut tops and had walked the course, I could have been close to the top ten again. The track was made for my car. The SRT-4 beat me. I knew I would be in big trouble for the Go Kart Track. While I love track driving, Autocross never really appealed to me. Not enough danger to keep my concentration or something. With the mega sharp turns, brake and throttle inputs, it felt like I was in a Rodeo. Steve (another WRX guy) said my car looked like it was going to bounce right off the ground. Jeremy said it looked like some serious binding, it would catch and throw me up on 3 wheels. It felt way funny. The SRT-4 was hooked up and smoked me both times. They were truly worried and expressed that to me until the first Go Kart Track event. I held on for a 18th and 24th, I think. The Evolution that ended up third gained on me a lot more than I thought. They kicked butt the last day. I think they had 3 top tens. Beaver Run had the best souvenirs. The had women's underwear with "The Beaver" stamped on the front. We packed up and drove back to Painted Post, NY.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap7.jpg[/IMG]
Tom "Transmision" Hoppe
May 10, 2003
I ended up 2nd in Class and 12th overall. I got a little cup trophy thingy and lots of memories. It would have been too perfect an ending if I won. My first One Lap, a privateer. My life long dream of just participating ending up in a victory. That�s too good to be true. The bad thing about coming in 2nd is that now I�m hungry. I want that first place trophy. I also want 10th overall, because you get a big trophy. If only I would�ve had the foresight to change those mounts, if only I could�ve found some rear mounts, it could�ve happened. If only I had a car I could throw away. That�s the worst thing about car racing, unless you win, there are always the could of, would of, should ofs that haunt you.
So what about One Lap 2004? I don�t know. I used all of my savings to participate this year. My fantasies included using an STi. Or how about a Forrester Turbo in SUV to whoop up on the Cayenne. In reality, if I do it, I�ll need a car prep master to help with maintenance and different track set ups, some sponsorship to cover expenses, and I�ll probably use the wagon. With those ingredients, I smell victory. I may have to skip a year until I can raise the proper funds. Unless Subie of America wants to hook me up.
| lukerussell | 05-14-2003 01:31 PM |
MISCELLANEOUS RAMBINGS
Yes, I lost to a Neon. But it was driven by a 3 time SCCA Run Offs champion and 5 time Neon champion. He was accompanied by a young Mopar Engineer. They were both paid the do the event. Those lucky bastards. They were both extremely cool and intelligent. I would have liked to pick their brains a little more, but there simply wasn�t much time for socializing. They admitted to a 2900 lb. wet weight with driver and 240 wheel hp. My co-driver Jeremy went to his local Dodge Dealer in St. Louis. He talked to someone there that was also an SCCA racer. He seemed to be in the know and said that although the SRT-4 said Stage One, it was actually their Stage Two development car. He went on and on about computer remapping, bigger turbo, no cats and on and on. If Dodge is going to build a car and pay two guys to do the event, you know it�s going to have every trick in the book. If they lost, that would throw their whole investment out the window. Dodge SRT-4 wins One Lap will sell more cars than Dodge SRT-4 gets beat by a station wagon but comes in second in a really tough race. Did I mention the car was throwing 3� flames out the tail pipes? It was.
So, yes I lost to a Neon, but here is who I beat:
All WRX�s
A Viper
10 Porsches
All 14 BMW�s
A 350Z
The 600 HP Thunderbird driven by a Club Rally National Champion
8 Corvettes
An HKS Turbo Lexus IS300 w/ Lexan windows
Both Evo�s
All Camaros, Firebirds and Mustangs (6 all together)
The one thing that would get anyone better results is this: Get experience at each track. If I had a stock WRX with good tires, but had been to every track on the schedule with some decent track time, I probably would have been top 10. Everytime someone would go to their home track, they would pull an awesome result. Unfortunately, I hadn�t been to any of the tracks on the schedule. If you don�t know the track walk it, or better yet, bring a bike and ride it several times. I brought nothing but my legs. Because of the tight schedules (gates open at 7:00, first car out at 8:00, all unloading and car prep in between) I didn�t have enough time to walk many of the tracks. If I had a bike, I would of at least made one circuit.
That's it. Thanks for reading.
Luke
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/wrxbugs.jpg[/IMG]
I did manage to kill a few bugs on the way.
Yes, I lost to a Neon. But it was driven by a 3 time SCCA Run Offs champion and 5 time Neon champion. He was accompanied by a young Mopar Engineer. They were both paid the do the event. Those lucky bastards. They were both extremely cool and intelligent. I would have liked to pick their brains a little more, but there simply wasn�t much time for socializing. They admitted to a 2900 lb. wet weight with driver and 240 wheel hp. My co-driver Jeremy went to his local Dodge Dealer in St. Louis. He talked to someone there that was also an SCCA racer. He seemed to be in the know and said that although the SRT-4 said Stage One, it was actually their Stage Two development car. He went on and on about computer remapping, bigger turbo, no cats and on and on. If Dodge is going to build a car and pay two guys to do the event, you know it�s going to have every trick in the book. If they lost, that would throw their whole investment out the window. Dodge SRT-4 wins One Lap will sell more cars than Dodge SRT-4 gets beat by a station wagon but comes in second in a really tough race. Did I mention the car was throwing 3� flames out the tail pipes? It was.
So, yes I lost to a Neon, but here is who I beat:
All WRX�s
A Viper
10 Porsches
All 14 BMW�s
A 350Z
The 600 HP Thunderbird driven by a Club Rally National Champion
8 Corvettes
An HKS Turbo Lexus IS300 w/ Lexan windows
Both Evo�s
All Camaros, Firebirds and Mustangs (6 all together)
The one thing that would get anyone better results is this: Get experience at each track. If I had a stock WRX with good tires, but had been to every track on the schedule with some decent track time, I probably would have been top 10. Everytime someone would go to their home track, they would pull an awesome result. Unfortunately, I hadn�t been to any of the tracks on the schedule. If you don�t know the track walk it, or better yet, bring a bike and ride it several times. I brought nothing but my legs. Because of the tight schedules (gates open at 7:00, first car out at 8:00, all unloading and car prep in between) I didn�t have enough time to walk many of the tracks. If I had a bike, I would of at least made one circuit.
That's it. Thanks for reading.
Luke
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/wrxbugs.jpg[/IMG]
I did manage to kill a few bugs on the way.
| mlambert | 05-14-2003 01:51 PM |
That is one awesome story! Thank you for the write-up!
Two points that I loved were "PBR" and great use of the word "owned".
Two points that I loved were "PBR" and great use of the word "owned".
| MattDell | 05-14-2003 01:53 PM |
Nice writeup! [IMG]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif[/IMG]
-Matt
-Matt
| trhoppe | 05-14-2003 01:57 PM |
Great Job Luke!!!!
So you guys only got a dinky trophy for 2nd in class? I thought they would give you the big ones they do for Top 10! Doh!
Maybe next year (or the year after that!)
I know I will be skipping it in 2003 unless fully funded, but I will be back in 04 like a madman! :lol:
-Tom
So you guys only got a dinky trophy for 2nd in class? I thought they would give you the big ones they do for Top 10! Doh!
Maybe next year (or the year after that!)
I know I will be skipping it in 2003 unless fully funded, but I will be back in 04 like a madman! :lol:
-Tom
| Double-R-WRX | 05-14-2003 02:20 PM |
OMG that story pwn3d! I think I'll go read it again!
Its like ... motivating me! lol
Its like ... motivating me! lol
| turbohatch | 05-14-2003 02:47 PM |
so next year, u run the same car, just install the new mounts and ur all good, now you have me seriously thinking of building a hatchback to run next year, i used to think only superheros with gigantic wallets raced, and you have proven one thing, your a superhero with a gigantic wallet:lol: oh yea, and all u subie owners out there who love those graphics on lukes car, yea, i am the idiot who made them, feel free to contact me if u want some of ur own
| mtb_dude | 05-14-2003 02:52 PM |
Congrats man! Nothing like grassroots racing prevailing in the One Lap. You're awesome dude! :D
I was following you the whole way with that SRT4. Praying you'd pass him! But all in good fun, you make me proud to drive a WRX Wagon!
I was following you the whole way with that SRT4. Praying you'd pass him! But all in good fun, you make me proud to drive a WRX Wagon!
| motoxphil | 05-14-2003 03:47 PM |
Luke,
Congratulations! You came in second and almost beat a factory prepared, funded and professionaly driven car which is how you become a professional driver with a factory prepared vehicle!
Start sending out those resumes.
Racing is a funny thing and anything that can go wrong will go wrong no matter how prepared you think you are. We're glad you hung in there busted suspension and all. It's a good thing I gave you some extra UTEC maps;) Road racing is just so punishing on cars.
First place Subaru, 2nd in class, and 12th overall, oh how proud you make us Subaru WRX owners!
Congrats!
Phil
TurboXS
Congratulations! You came in second and almost beat a factory prepared, funded and professionaly driven car which is how you become a professional driver with a factory prepared vehicle!
Start sending out those resumes.
Racing is a funny thing and anything that can go wrong will go wrong no matter how prepared you think you are. We're glad you hung in there busted suspension and all. It's a good thing I gave you some extra UTEC maps;) Road racing is just so punishing on cars.
First place Subaru, 2nd in class, and 12th overall, oh how proud you make us Subaru WRX owners!
Congrats!
Phil
TurboXS
| monovich | 05-14-2003 04:16 PM |
cool story. Go wagons!
| Rally1 | 05-14-2003 04:26 PM |
great diary, must have been great in person!
�
�
Wow, great stuff. I read the whole thing, but i didn't see an estimated cost of the trip. How much do you think it cost prep travel etc, if you don't mind me asking.
Next time I visit the 'rents on Sanibel we should try to meet up.
Next time I visit the 'rents on Sanibel we should try to meet up.
| pegdrgr | 05-14-2003 05:01 PM |
Great story
�
�
The only problem I see is next year all of us who read your story are going to show up and compete with you :)
| zoomfactor | 05-14-2003 05:11 PM |
Congratulations & Great write-up.
| WTypeRogerX | 05-14-2003 05:20 PM |
Way to represent!
I'm surprised the SRT4 did so well in the rain. Did they have limited-slip added?
How much does your wagon weigh and what are all your mods? I assume you didn't drive between tracks on the Falkens?
Is there a web site where we can see all the results?
I'm surprised the SRT4 did so well in the rain. Did they have limited-slip added?
How much does your wagon weigh and what are all your mods? I assume you didn't drive between tracks on the Falkens?
Is there a web site where we can see all the results?
| xstar | 05-14-2003 05:22 PM |
Great stories! And congratulations on your results! It takes balls to finish what you started.
| suby_dude | 05-15-2003 06:23 AM |
this is what we are planning to join next year.
great thread! best ever!
congratz
SD
great thread! best ever!
congratz
SD
| Arnie | 05-15-2003 02:11 PM |
Great job Luke!!!
skimmed over C&D's coverage and they made no real mention of you and how close you were with the Neon. It made it seemed like he had no competition. You should send them the link to this thread for some real perspective.
Once, again congrats!
Oh, and hey Vendors, now that you know how good this boy is, show him some support and help him out for next year. We need to get a wagon into the top ten and beat that factory backed Neon!
Also loved the pic of the SHOGun! I love Festivas. Have one in the garage, waiting for a new clutch.
skimmed over C&D's coverage and they made no real mention of you and how close you were with the Neon. It made it seemed like he had no competition. You should send them the link to this thread for some real perspective.
Once, again congrats!
Oh, and hey Vendors, now that you know how good this boy is, show him some support and help him out for next year. We need to get a wagon into the top ten and beat that factory backed Neon!
Also loved the pic of the SHOGun! I love Festivas. Have one in the garage, waiting for a new clutch.
| mlambert | 05-15-2003 05:14 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Arnie [/i]
[B]
Oh, and hey Vendors, now that you know how good this boy is, show him some support and help him out for next year. We need to get a wagon into the top ten and beat that factory backed Neon! [/B][/QUOTE]
Or maybe a few in the top 10 ;)
[B]
Oh, and hey Vendors, now that you know how good this boy is, show him some support and help him out for next year. We need to get a wagon into the top ten and beat that factory backed Neon! [/B][/QUOTE]
Or maybe a few in the top 10 ;)
| 8Complex | 05-15-2003 07:51 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by lukerussell [/i]
[B][IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap13.jpg[/IMG]
600 Wheel HP - in my class - killed his tranny[/B][/QUOTE]Doh! All good Volvo people should know those trans's are crap! Ya gotta swap in a Getrag 6spd out of a Supra or BMW to get the power to the ground with them. :)
Sweet writeup, BTW. The pics are excellent. I love the one with the wagon in the background following what looks like a couple of Porsche's and an ITR way behind (and backwards?) in the far background.
[B][IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/onelap13.jpg[/IMG]
600 Wheel HP - in my class - killed his tranny[/B][/QUOTE]Doh! All good Volvo people should know those trans's are crap! Ya gotta swap in a Getrag 6spd out of a Supra or BMW to get the power to the ground with them. :)
Sweet writeup, BTW. The pics are excellent. I love the one with the wagon in the background following what looks like a couple of Porsche's and an ITR way behind (and backwards?) in the far background.
| MulletSlayer | 05-16-2003 04:09 PM |
Awesome Job and great write up.
With all the decals on your car I thought you were sponsored, but I guess everyone has to put them on.
With all the decals on your car I thought you were sponsored, but I guess everyone has to put them on.
| RyanC | 05-16-2003 05:20 PM |
Luke, nice job. You guys did super well in the event... I felt bad talking all that smack earlier so Larry and I decided to run with the ebrake on to slow us down a bit, and give you slower guys a chance ;)
8complex, that Volvo had a tranny that was half-Ford, and half-Chevy... no Volvo anywhere in the front half of the drivetrain as far as I know.
8complex, that Volvo had a tranny that was half-Ford, and half-Chevy... no Volvo anywhere in the front half of the drivetrain as far as I know.
| Rattler | 05-17-2003 12:05 PM |
Great story. Most likely some great memories for you too.
| scotto | 05-17-2003 04:13 PM |
Wow, you nail the event, then nail the write up! Exxceleeeent!
I laughed and cheered while reading :)
I think you get big the bollucks award ~ "I have a narrow car, I could take that concrete barrior lined kink flat out - in my daily driver...."!!! LOL
The fact that many of the tracks you didn't even walk?? Wow. Bowing in your general direction... !
The competition will be stiffer likely with better EVO's, etc., but experience, unnaturally sized bollucks, and new strut tops!
Noticed the Alt Fuel class was pretty open...
Wagons! Wagon Owners! :devil:
I laughed and cheered while reading :)
I think you get big the bollucks award ~ "I have a narrow car, I could take that concrete barrior lined kink flat out - in my daily driver...."!!! LOL
The fact that many of the tracks you didn't even walk?? Wow. Bowing in your general direction... !
The competition will be stiffer likely with better EVO's, etc., but experience, unnaturally sized bollucks, and new strut tops!
Noticed the Alt Fuel class was pretty open...
Wagons! Wagon Owners! :devil:
| QuicksilverC5 | 05-19-2003 09:39 AM |
[QUOTE]On the drive to Hallett, we found the #26 Nitrous Works Corvette to be King of the Highway. We tried to keep up for a while, but he was crazy. He ended up blowing by us several times on the trip. He showed us a speed of 160mph on the camcorder. We Finally found a hotel at about 2:30 am. Had a nice 60�s retro d�cor, not because it was hip, that was the last time it was updated.[/QUOTE]
lol, yep he's crazy. I'm pretty good friends with that nutty mofo. He turned his C5 into a fajita bar for his buddies out at IRP this year.
I sent him the link to this so maybe he'll comment.
lol, yep he's crazy. I'm pretty good friends with that nutty mofo. He turned his C5 into a fajita bar for his buddies out at IRP this year.
I sent him the link to this so maybe he'll comment.
| Tex-WReX | 05-19-2003 11:43 AM |
Thanks! That was one of the best, no maybe the best, reads on i-club or the new Nabisco. I enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to pass it on to us!:)
| EricVonHa | 05-19-2003 11:35 PM |
Scoring 12th in the One Lap of America was a phenemenal feat, trust me!
Both my co-driver and myself had considerable track time experience at various race tracks (only 1 One Lap Track... ok, excuse!) and we thought that we'd do much better than we did. We scored 40th overall with about 400hp on tap and a better handling car outta the box.
So, again, trust me! 12th place is one helluva driver and car combination. Major congrats!
It was a blast getting from track to track in the Nitrous Works Corvette. By the 4th or 5th event we had the reputation of "Getting there". People that wanted sleep the night before a race tended to follow us at triple digit speeds on the highway. Each night we had 8 hours of sleep!
All in all we were very very very lucky with Johnny Lawman. We were pulled over 3 times and got zero tickets. By the time the 4th cop tried to pull us over, we figured our gig was up-- so we lost him. At the time we were pulling a train of 4 cars and got tagged by radar at 100+ mph. The cop didn't stand a chance so we stood on it and got off the next exit a couple miles up the road. We had all exchanged cell phone numbers before that leg of the trip and one of the guys called us during "the pursuit". He asked us what we were doing and the answer was "Can't talk now, we're losing him!" And so we did. They called us back a few minutes and told us not to think of getting back on that highway... cops were EVERYWHERE. So, we hung out at a shopping center for an hour and then boogied on.
If you're a total gear head-- you gotta do the One Lap at least once in your life. Guaranteed. It's the most bang for your buck fun you'll ever have!
Both my co-driver and myself had considerable track time experience at various race tracks (only 1 One Lap Track... ok, excuse!) and we thought that we'd do much better than we did. We scored 40th overall with about 400hp on tap and a better handling car outta the box.
So, again, trust me! 12th place is one helluva driver and car combination. Major congrats!
It was a blast getting from track to track in the Nitrous Works Corvette. By the 4th or 5th event we had the reputation of "Getting there". People that wanted sleep the night before a race tended to follow us at triple digit speeds on the highway. Each night we had 8 hours of sleep!
All in all we were very very very lucky with Johnny Lawman. We were pulled over 3 times and got zero tickets. By the time the 4th cop tried to pull us over, we figured our gig was up-- so we lost him. At the time we were pulling a train of 4 cars and got tagged by radar at 100+ mph. The cop didn't stand a chance so we stood on it and got off the next exit a couple miles up the road. We had all exchanged cell phone numbers before that leg of the trip and one of the guys called us during "the pursuit". He asked us what we were doing and the answer was "Can't talk now, we're losing him!" And so we did. They called us back a few minutes and told us not to think of getting back on that highway... cops were EVERYWHERE. So, we hung out at a shopping center for an hour and then boogied on.
If you're a total gear head-- you gotta do the One Lap at least once in your life. Guaranteed. It's the most bang for your buck fun you'll ever have!
| QuicksilverC5 | 05-20-2003 01:55 AM |
Great story Eric!
| afpdl | 05-20-2003 02:47 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by WTypeRogerX [/i]
[B]
How much does your wagon weigh and what are all your mods? I assume you didn't drive between tracks on the Falkens?
[/B][/QUOTE]
Since he has kumhos and not falkens the answer is no he didnt drive on them between tracks :D
[B]
How much does your wagon weigh and what are all your mods? I assume you didn't drive between tracks on the Falkens?
[/B][/QUOTE]
Since he has kumhos and not falkens the answer is no he didnt drive on them between tracks :D
| lukerussell | 05-20-2003 12:19 PM |
thanks for all the props. hopefully i'll get some sponsors so i can destroy the srt-4 neon.
to answer a few questions: the car weighs over 3250 lbs. with me in it and everything stripped behind the front seats. it surprised me that it still weighed so much. i weigh 185.
mods are a stage 4 kit from turbo xs. adj. rear sway bay. stop techs. dms 50mm and the wheels and tires.
if there was anything i missed, let me know.
to answer a few questions: the car weighs over 3250 lbs. with me in it and everything stripped behind the front seats. it surprised me that it still weighed so much. i weigh 185.
mods are a stage 4 kit from turbo xs. adj. rear sway bay. stop techs. dms 50mm and the wheels and tires.
if there was anything i missed, let me know.
| lukerussell | 05-20-2003 12:25 PM |
missed a few questions.
[url]www.onelapofamerica.com[/url] is where all the results are.
to do the one lap you need drivers schools, mandatory new tires from tire rack, svra membership, some minor safety equipment, entry fee, hotels, gas, food and a doctor's visit. i added up my costs and almosted passed out. over $5,000. that doesn't include car mods or repairs that you'll encounter.
[url]www.onelapofamerica.com[/url] is where all the results are.
to do the one lap you need drivers schools, mandatory new tires from tire rack, svra membership, some minor safety equipment, entry fee, hotels, gas, food and a doctor's visit. i added up my costs and almosted passed out. over $5,000. that doesn't include car mods or repairs that you'll encounter.
| zoomfactor | 05-20-2003 12:46 PM |
Luke - who's doing your wrenching in Ft. Myers?
| lukerussell | 05-20-2003 04:33 PM |
if it's easy or i have a bunch of time, i do it. if it's hard or i don't have any time, i take it to a shop next door to my buddies decal shop. it's a tiny place called absolute auto repair. he's real particular, which i like, and he does the work himself.
| Bigspin | 05-20-2003 06:11 PM |
re:
�
�
Hey luke, congrats on the race !!!
What is the story with your DMS ??? Is it just the top mounts afterall ???
Let me know,
Mark
What is the story with your DMS ??? Is it just the top mounts afterall ???
Let me know,
Mark
| scotto | 05-20-2003 06:39 PM |
Luke,
I think you could submit this story to Grassrootsmotorsports, Sport Compact Car, & others.. I love reading stories like this in magazines, and certainly it is good enough to print! Also a magazine or two could be a sponsor! Plus if your sponsors know you have been published or will be, that couldn't hurt your chances to get more sponsors! Or obtain sponsorship from people whose parts/cars you are using!
I think you could submit this story to Grassrootsmotorsports, Sport Compact Car, & others.. I love reading stories like this in magazines, and certainly it is good enough to print! Also a magazine or two could be a sponsor! Plus if your sponsors know you have been published or will be, that couldn't hurt your chances to get more sponsors! Or obtain sponsorship from people whose parts/cars you are using!
| boxer02 | 05-21-2003 02:34 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by scotto [/i]
[B]Luke,
I think you could submit this story to Grassrootsmotorsports, Sport Compact Car, & others.. I love reading stories like this in magazines, and certainly it is good enough to print! Also a magazine or two could be a sponsor! Plus if your sponsors know you have been published or will be, that couldn't hurt your chances to get more sponsors! Or obtain sponsorship from people whose parts/cars you are using! [/B][/QUOTE]
agreed. this was an awesome read.
and props for doing so well.
[B]Luke,
I think you could submit this story to Grassrootsmotorsports, Sport Compact Car, & others.. I love reading stories like this in magazines, and certainly it is good enough to print! Also a magazine or two could be a sponsor! Plus if your sponsors know you have been published or will be, that couldn't hurt your chances to get more sponsors! Or obtain sponsorship from people whose parts/cars you are using! [/B][/QUOTE]
agreed. this was an awesome read.
and props for doing so well.
| dwx | 05-21-2003 11:10 PM |
How many miles did you have have on the 50s before the event? 4000+ miles is about the time they would probably need to be regreased. They work phenomanally well up to a certain point and then they become bouncier and bouncier as the grease gets contaminated or wears off of the bushings.
| drizze99 | 05-22-2003 11:01 AM |
CONGRATS! You should be very proud of your finish!!
Really nice write-up as well!:D
Really nice write-up as well!:D
| Bigspin | 05-22-2003 11:28 AM |
re:
�
�
[QUOTE]How many miles did you have have on the 50s before the event? 4000+ miles is about the time they would probably need to be regreased. They work phenomanally well up to a certain point and then they become bouncier and bouncier as the grease gets contaminated or wears off of the bushings.[/QUOTE]
If they do not last longer than that they are either:
A) not serviced properly the last time or
B) faulty seals letting grime and water attack the bushings.
Should last a lot longer than 4000 miles !!!!!
Regards,
Mark
[url]www.dmsnorthamerica.com[/url]
If they do not last longer than that they are either:
A) not serviced properly the last time or
B) faulty seals letting grime and water attack the bushings.
Should last a lot longer than 4000 miles !!!!!
Regards,
Mark
[url]www.dmsnorthamerica.com[/url]
| ITWRX4ME | 05-22-2003 01:42 PM |
"It's a lovely story, and you tell it so well."
Luke, next time haul a utility trailer with you so you don't have to waste time unloading and loading.
Nice job though. Thanks for representing the Subies so well.
Luke, next time haul a utility trailer with you so you don't have to waste time unloading and loading.
Nice job though. Thanks for representing the Subies so well.
| WTypeRogerX | 05-23-2003 08:46 AM |
I don't think you'd want to drive triple digits with a trailer. After all, there is an advantage to having the cargo space of a wagon...:p
| bouchon | 05-25-2003 12:37 AM |
Hey Luke,
I have been following your and Tom "transmission" 's story during this event. Your results are pretty impressive and motivating for me that want to participate to it in two years.
I own myself a WRX a bit prepared, like yours, with in a couple a weeks a new Cobb engine in addition to that.
I would be really interested to know what kind of budget you have to forecast for this event regarding everything but that car?
I wish you the best the your next racing events.
Francois.
I have been following your and Tom "transmission" 's story during this event. Your results are pretty impressive and motivating for me that want to participate to it in two years.
I own myself a WRX a bit prepared, like yours, with in a couple a weeks a new Cobb engine in addition to that.
I would be really interested to know what kind of budget you have to forecast for this event regarding everything but that car?
I wish you the best the your next racing events.
Francois.
| TubeDriver | 05-25-2003 10:16 AM |
Excellent!
| Matt | 05-25-2003 10:31 PM |
Good read. I know Steven and Tom and heard about their tranny issues from Dale Teague and Steven. :( Good to know that there are some Subarus out to represent. :)
I'll wave if I see you around town. I've seen the car once or twice, but its been a while. I've got a red '01RS with gold '98 wheels and the missus has a red '02OBS.
Matt
I'll wave if I see you around town. I've seen the car once or twice, but its been a while. I've got a red '01RS with gold '98 wheels and the missus has a red '02OBS.
Matt
| AntiochCali | 05-26-2003 01:34 AM |
Great Job~! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing with us plebs.
| lukerussell | 05-27-2003 11:39 AM |
my first press, the local news paper. i haven't read it yet, but here is the link.
[URL=http://www.news-press.com/index.html]Front Page - Ft. Myers News Press[/URL]
[URL=http://www.news-press.com/news/sports/030528playerfeature.html]Direct Story Link[/URL]
[URL=http://www.news-press.com/index.html]Front Page - Ft. Myers News Press[/URL]
[URL=http://www.news-press.com/news/sports/030528playerfeature.html]Direct Story Link[/URL]
| Matt | 05-27-2003 11:48 AM |
Good stuff, just read it this morning. :)
| zoomfactor | 05-27-2003 03:14 PM |
Matt & Luke, I'm down here in Naples and if either of you guys plan on doing any South Florida track days at Moroso, Sebring or Homestead I wouldn't mind chumming along. My Tein RA's should be here shortly.:D
| lukerussell | 05-27-2003 04:07 PM |
I do the Chin Motorsports ones, I'm all signed off so I get to go solo. I was thinking of doing Moroso at the end of June, but may wait for Sebring in August. My car might not be ready for Moroso. It's a blast.
| lukerussell | 05-27-2003 04:12 PM |
here is the lame-o picture.
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/news.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.playmoreonline.com/luke/news.jpg[/IMG]
| Matt | 05-27-2003 10:38 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by zoomfactor [/i]
[B]Matt & Luke, I'm down here in Naples and if either of you guys plan on doing any South Florida track days at Moroso, Sebring or Homestead I wouldn't mind chumming along. My Tein RA's should be here shortly.:D [/B][/QUOTE]
:cool: I've seen several WRXes in Naples and wondered if anyone was on here. Subarus are a rare sight up here in Fort Myers.
Just by chance...do you have OZ wheels on your sedan? I was working a contract gig in Naples for a few months and kept seeing a nice blue sedan with dark gray/anthracite wheels.
I'd like to do a track day this year...but it depends on finances. Trying to buy a house so many events have to be cleared with the bank--otherwise known as the missus. :) Should be able to get to at least one though.
[B]Matt & Luke, I'm down here in Naples and if either of you guys plan on doing any South Florida track days at Moroso, Sebring or Homestead I wouldn't mind chumming along. My Tein RA's should be here shortly.:D [/B][/QUOTE]
:cool: I've seen several WRXes in Naples and wondered if anyone was on here. Subarus are a rare sight up here in Fort Myers.
Just by chance...do you have OZ wheels on your sedan? I was working a contract gig in Naples for a few months and kept seeing a nice blue sedan with dark gray/anthracite wheels.
I'd like to do a track day this year...but it depends on finances. Trying to buy a house so many events have to be cleared with the bank--otherwise known as the missus. :) Should be able to get to at least one though.
| zoomfactor | 05-28-2003 08:48 PM |
I've got silver Volk CE-28's -- a rare sight so far.
| WRX Harvey | 06-07-2003 03:16 AM |
Great read and congratulations.
| RR-racing | 08-12-2003 02:52 AM |
That really was a great article, and congratulations on a great result.
BUT, I think you may have forgotten to mention that 11th place overall was a 1996 Ford Probe GT, mildly modified suspension/brakes, stock engine, 75 shot NOS.
As an owner of a 300hp WRX and a 350hp Probe GT, I love both cars, but just thought I should point that out.
later,
Rafi
BUT, I think you may have forgotten to mention that 11th place overall was a 1996 Ford Probe GT, mildly modified suspension/brakes, stock engine, 75 shot NOS.
As an owner of a 300hp WRX and a 350hp Probe GT, I love both cars, but just thought I should point that out.
later,
Rafi
| lukerussell | 08-12-2003 09:45 AM |
Greg, the Probe driver, is an excellent driver. He had track time on every track on the circuit, which is a huge advantage. In my opinion, the number one advantage you can have.
I didn't get into specifics with Greg, but this is what I do know about his car:
He would use an entire bottle per 3 lap session. The car had absolutely everything possible stripped - it was nothing but a tub with wheels. He would even pull the passenger seat out before every race. He had every suspenion and brake goodie you'd ever want (he makes his own brakes - hyedracyl). His roof height was about a foot lower than the wagon. My car looked like an SUV next to his. He had what sounded like straight pipes and I didn't notice a muffler, just a pipe sticking out the back. It sure didn't sound stock.
He would usually beat me the first session as I tried to learn the track. I would usually beat him the second session. He smoked me in the skid pad and the autocross course (i think). If the drag wasn't cancelled, I think I would have beat him there and that may have put me ahead of him overall, who knows.
Due to his experience, I was really expecting Greg to be in the top 10 easy. I thought I'd end up about 40th, so I'm stoked that I finished only one spot behind him.
The "cool" thing to do for the one lap is to totally downplay your car. I don't know why, but everybody does it. Even the guy who won claimed 400hp at the wheels. He spent $35,000 on the engine so you know he's getting close to twice that, especially with the huge NOS bottles he had hooked up.
I had a '94 Probe GT and I loved it. I sold it before there was an aftermarket for it, which is a shame. Too bad Ford never did anything with it. It seemed to get uglier and heavier and slower every year.
luke
I didn't get into specifics with Greg, but this is what I do know about his car:
He would use an entire bottle per 3 lap session. The car had absolutely everything possible stripped - it was nothing but a tub with wheels. He would even pull the passenger seat out before every race. He had every suspenion and brake goodie you'd ever want (he makes his own brakes - hyedracyl). His roof height was about a foot lower than the wagon. My car looked like an SUV next to his. He had what sounded like straight pipes and I didn't notice a muffler, just a pipe sticking out the back. It sure didn't sound stock.
He would usually beat me the first session as I tried to learn the track. I would usually beat him the second session. He smoked me in the skid pad and the autocross course (i think). If the drag wasn't cancelled, I think I would have beat him there and that may have put me ahead of him overall, who knows.
Due to his experience, I was really expecting Greg to be in the top 10 easy. I thought I'd end up about 40th, so I'm stoked that I finished only one spot behind him.
The "cool" thing to do for the one lap is to totally downplay your car. I don't know why, but everybody does it. Even the guy who won claimed 400hp at the wheels. He spent $35,000 on the engine so you know he's getting close to twice that, especially with the huge NOS bottles he had hooked up.
I had a '94 Probe GT and I loved it. I sold it before there was an aftermarket for it, which is a shame. Too bad Ford never did anything with it. It seemed to get uglier and heavier and slower every year.
luke
| CirrusWRX | 11-23-2003 01:34 AM |
I know this story is "ancient" now, but this is the first time I got to read it in its entirety straight through. Makes me want to do something like this before I die, and even if I never get the chance to do so, living vicariously through your tale was surely a close second!
thanks for taking us all along for the ride :)
thanks for taking us all along for the ride :)
| bobthetree | 12-04-2003 12:57 AM |
yay
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Good Read, was excited to see how a few bolt ons can smoke tons of cars =].
| scotto | 12-05-2003 04:42 AM |
Not just bolt ons....
| drees | 12-05-2003 02:16 PM |
Luke's WRX is in the latest version of SCC in the readers rides section. Just a short blurb, though.
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