If you followed the FOJV KOH buggy thread, we decided to speed up our travels in the desert a bit.:D After pitting for several MORE and MDR events in the past year for for Sean Dunn, and then racing in KOH and the ORAF 500 we have been talking about what car/class would be the next step to be both reliable and have fun desert racing without breaking the bank. We went back and forth on the pro and cons of a class 5, 10 and 12 but decided to stay in sportsman. We figure to race this truck for the next year or two to really learn how to drive and then move into one of the pro classes.:grinpimp:

The 4471 (aka 1371) V2R group (DSI, Jefe, JR & Zukizzy) saw the truck a few weeks ago pre-running for the ORAF race. It's now in the shop getting ready for the MDR race on June 27th.

Here are some of the specs:
The Ecotec (used to be in Sean's class 10 car) is now rebuilt and runs on pump gas. It is a little different than the norm in that it is carbureted. It had dual Webbers on it but it now just has the single carb. The duals were loading up and the single carb seemed to cure it. Like most Ecotecs, the motor likes to rev.:D
2" King bypass and 2" King coilovers in the rear with 2.5" King coilovers up front. It has a beam front and a bus box transaxle in the rear. Yes, its not a Mendiola, but it should hold up and is easy to fix. :p
PRP seats and nets, Crowe harnesses, the big Lowrance GPS, race radio, intercom, 24 gallon cell and all the detail stuff that Sean and Phil do right. No pics yet of the Colorado body, but it came with two sets of rear fenders. One set has a larger opening for paddles (it has one Glamis trip to date).:cool2:
I went by the shop yesterday and the the new disc brakes are in and the the rear coilovers have been reworked. It should be ready for the end of the month. And here is the one shitty cell phone pic for now. :homer:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090001_large.jpg

Nice!
What's it look like with the Colorady skins?

Nice, I am in redland tomorrow can I go see it...... make sure I fit for lap 2.

Wayne

Nice!
What's it look like with the Colorady skins?
it looks like a truck, took a while to figure out what was going on with it. the wheel and tire combo gave it away.

Very nice!! I want a ride in it!!:D

Its a bitchen looking truck/car/buggy:D

I'm jealous!

Cool. So what's happening with the Jeep?

More pics. :D

Nice, I am in redland tomorrow can I go see it...... make sure I fit for lap 2.

Wayne
You'll fit, but I won't be here. Headed to the River in the morning.:grinpimp:

Very nice!! I want a ride in it!! :D
How about the 26th? We need a remote pit again (50 mile loop):D

Cool. So what's happening with the Jeep?
Back to rock crawling duties. I'll probably take it on a night run to the Hammers in early August.:homer:

More pics. :D
I should be asking you for the pictures.:D

I'm jealous!
Impossible.:mr-t:
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc285/poley_1975/pirate%204x4/attachment.jpg

More pics. :D
Nice! What's it look like with the Colorady skins?

Best I can do for now.:p
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4731/160/55/1005835089/n1005835089_30445022_678376.jpg

it looks like a truck, .

No shit? :shaking:

How about the 26th? We need a remote pit again (50 mile loop):D



That might be possible. I'll have to check the schedule. Did you get a new eazyup? The first one flew very nicely but didn't do too well on the landing!!:laughing:

I got some really good news today. It seems we might be in Class 3000 afterall.:D Good thing I didn't order numbers yet.:p

I took a few more pictures today with the skins on. Next is a new rear bumper, install the window nets and pumpers, some little tech stuff and hopefully get it painted before the race.:grinpimp:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090004_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090003_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090002_large.jpg

how did you get it in the 3000 class?

Is the body from Trailer Products? I wanted shocks through the hood on my Colorado too.

how did you get it in the 3000 class?
6-27 in Lucerne again. MDR 400 (50 mile loop). Not sure yet but we might be running all 8 laps. http://www.mdrracing.com/california/4/

How? I got a phone call to "bring it on":cool::beer::cool2:

Is the body from Trailer Products? I wanted shocks through the hood on my Colorado too.
I'll have to ask.:homer: I know the rear fenders shown were just picked up last week.

Is the body from Trailer Products? I wanted shocks through the hood on my Colorado too.


I'll put shocks through the hood of anything you want:D:flipoff2:

Your colorado Is pretty damn nice the way it is.

Wayne

I wanted shocks through the hood on my Colorado too.
You of all people must have a picture or two to share of this Colorado.:grinpimp:

I forgot to mention the dry weight of our truck came in at 2,200 lbs. With the little stuff to add (bumper, jack, air pumpers, first aid kit etc) the goal is to keep it under 2,500.:)

You of all people must have a picture or two to share of this Colorado.:grinpimp:

I forgot to mention the dry weight of our truck came in at 2,200 lbs. With the little stuff to add (bumper, jack, air pumpers, first aid kit etc) the goal is to keep it under 2,500.:)

Looks great Jim can't wait to see it painted and racing.

wayne

Looks great Jim can't wait to see it painted and racing.

wayne

that will be so much easier to pull people out of than the ultra4's are :laughing:

Is the body from Trailer Products? I wanted shocks through the hood on my Colorado too.
Confirmed today the body is from Trailer Products.:)

Confirmed today the body is from Trailer Products.:)

I thought the fenders looked the same as mine. When is the first race Jim?

I thought the fenders looked the same as mine. When is the first race Jim?
The MDR race is on 6-27. We entered in sportsman only due to the Glen Helen short course race on 6-28 where a lot of the 3000 cars will be running. If one or two more 3000 cars enter at MDR, we will race in that class.

Mike, it looks like you will have a busy weekend at the end of the month. :)

Speaking of the Trailer Products body, I was looking at the Mason Motorsports Colorado body for their Trophy Lite truck. The bedsides and the doors are together in one piece and HEAVY compared to the Trailer Products body. The Mason body was more like a boat in construction (the fiberglass is thick).:eek: The comparison isn't perfect (this was a 7200 truck with a V-6) but the Mason truck weighed in at over 3,600 lbs where we should be in the 2,400 to 2,500 lbs range dry. :grinpimp:

Mike, it looks like you will have a busy weekend at the end of the month. :)



I am obligated to be at the Lucas race. I might have someone at the MDR race though.

Signed up for sportsman, but they put us in 3000 because there is another car entered. Looks like we get to run all eight laps now.:D http://www.mdrracing.com/california/4/entry-list.pdf

So does a "ChupaCabrera" in the passenger seat guarantee a top 10 overall finish?:p

31 cars pre-entered in the race. 3 in Class 3000. :)

So does a "ChupaCabrera" in the passenger seat guarantee a top 10 overall finish?:p

31 cars pre-entered in the race. 3 in Class 3000. :)

Only if you make him work long hours for nothing and then beat him half to death with bad driving.

Sorry I can't make it, daughters 16th b-day that weekend.

Wayne

No problem Wayne. :) The next race for us looks like the SNORE night event in Ridgecrest on August 8th if you want to join us. I know V2R is a couple of weeks later, so think of it as a last minute tune-up.:D They don't have a class 3000, so we might enter in 7 unlimited.:p http://www.snoreracing.net/

Finally, we did did some testing in Barstow on Saturday. The truck with the work to the rear Kings really is an improvement. The "kick" we used to get in the rear is almost gone and even over the rough stuff it never bottomed out. :grinpimp:

Loaded up and ready to leave tomorrow. It looks like a good turnout for MDR with 53 cars pre-entered and 6 in Class 3000. We drew the front start.http://www.mdrracing.com/california/4/entry-list.pdf:D I noticed for the first time today MDR revised the lap count for the classes and 3000 is only running 6 laps. It should be a fun 300 miles.:grinpimp:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090008_large.jpg

Pics and race report come on you have had an hour or 2 to get home.

Can't wait to hear how it went.

wayne

More details later but we had FUN !!!!!!!! (while it lasted):D
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20MDR%20Bilek%20400/IMG_5782.jpg
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20MDR%20Bilek%20400/IMG_5783.jpg
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20MDR%20Bilek%20400/IMG_5858.jpg

So were you ever on the ground?

So were you ever on the ground?

Only while trying to do stoppies :D

So here goes the report from the MDR race (part 1). The Lucerne course was similar to the ORAF 500 course (about 35 of 50 miles was the same) however we ran the opposite direction. Howard and Earl headed up there early Friday and preran to set the GPS and shake out the truck. One of the CVs loosened up, but other than that everything was good. I didn't get a chance to drive on Friday, but the report was the 15 miles in question were fast.

Saturday morning we started to get ready for the 7:00 am start. 59 cars pre entered and 6 in class 3000. http://www.mdrracing.com/california/4/starting-order.pdfAs we start to line up though I only notice two other 3000 C1 lites (Scanlan cars). I heard later (only a rumor) the other three broke in prerunning.

Chris and I talked on how to run and decided to take the first lap easy (75 to 80%) to see how the truck handled and then step it up for lap two. Howard was going to drive laps three and four with Earl running five and six. In looking at other 3000 races I wanted to try and run a 45 to 47 mph average.

Pic from around 6:30 am:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/5006_1169135220976_1005835089_30494726_4059962_n.j pg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/5006_1169135260977_1005835089_30494727_4683125_n.j pg

Just before the start:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc/5006_1169135300978_1005835089_30494728_4128391_n.j pg

MDR started us right behind the unlimited sportsman (2 or 3 cars) and right in front of the 1500 and 1450 trucks (about 15 trucks). We caught one of the 1300 cars in the first mile and the other by mile 3. Scanlan (3018) caught us at about mile 6 and the other C1 lite (3019) a couple of miles later. We started to then see some carnage with the cars ahead of us as we passed a handful of 16 cars, a few class 1s and TT and a 10 car that rolled near the road to outer limits. As we made the crest coming into Johnson Valley we noticed 3019 with a broken front spindle at about mile 35. The next section would be the fastest area of the course with only a check point and a small rock garden to slow us down.:) As we passed our pit I asked Chris for our time and it turned out we ran the lap 1:02 (49 mph)!:smokin:

(Part 2)
Lap two we step it up as the truck is holding up well. I made a wrong turn (Chris gave me the right call :homer:) just past the sand stone rough stuff (rm25) and get passed by a 1400 truck. We stayed with him for about 10 miles and then got lapped by some of the class 1 cars around RM 35. It was a bit surreal to get passed going 75 mph and hear the sound of the big V-8s over the buzz of our little Ecotec.:D Just past the check point I missed a shift and for some reason it wasn't going into gear.:confused::confused: I was able to get it in gear, but something wasn't right. Luckily I only needed to shift one time in the rock garden to third and then back to fourth for the down hill run to the pit. At the pit as I come to a stop, the clutch peddle hits the floor.:( What began as a 56 minute lap turned into a an 1:30 lap as we had the bolts back out of the motor and a loss of fluid. Once again the "contortionist" pit crew went into action
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/5006_1169135340979_1005835089_30494729_7528463_n.j pg

Howard was finally able get going and tried to make up some time.
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20MDR%20Bilek%20400/IMG_5985.jpg

About 12 miles out, what we knew was the weak link finally let go. The little bus box gave up. Congrats to Scanlan who finished with some quick times in the low 50 minute range. Thanks to Chris for telling me where to go (even when I failed to listen :p) and to the crew of Bob, Robert, Brian, Kent, Sean, Ryan and Maria for keeping us going. :)

Next up is Ridgecrest with a Mendeola.:evil:

So were you ever on the ground?
Yes, briefly.:grinpimp:
Although I can't find any taken by the photogs. Apparently the truck likes this pose: :laughing:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090009_large.jpg

Cool write up thanks for sharing

I think the only thing that will get Chris out of bed before 9am is racing.

Let me know if I can help with anything

Wayne

PS Kathleen want to know when the girls can start practicing hehe

Cool write up thanks for sharing

I think the only thing that will get Chris out of bed before 9am is racing.

Let me know if I can help with anything

Wayne

PS Kathleen want to know when the girls can start practicing hehe

Chris (just like at KOH) slept on the trailer outside, so maybe it was the 5:30 sunrise that helped.:D

Less than 100 days to the Powder Puff and Maria needs the practice too. First we have see if she can reach the pedals.:D Maybe we can plan a day or two in September?:)

PS try to keep 8-8 open. ;)

Chris (just like at KOH) slept on the trailer outside, so maybe it was the 5:30 sunrise that helped.:D

Less than 100 days to the Powder Puff and Maria needs the practice too. First we have see if she can reach the pedals.:D Maybe we can plan a day or two in September?:)

PS try to keep 8-8 open. ;)


Sunrise means nothing to him. Most of the time I have to assure the other campers that he is not dead and just sleeps on the trailer cause that what he likes.

Done and Done on the dates.

wayne

I would like to thank Jim and his crew for letting me ride along. It was goofy coming up on stuff seeing the speed and bracing for destruction only to have the car skip over it. Another odd thing was feeling the rocks bouncing off the floor pan. The sand stone section just plain sucks, however the faster the better was Jims approach and it worked. Going up the whooped out sand hill as you drop into the big whoops was cracking me up, it sounded and felt like I was in my buddy Parkers bug trying to make it up blowsand. Who knew a carb'd ecotech sounds like a 1800 vw motor.

Jim for having little to no seat time in the thing you did an awesome job. Not once did was I nervous, heck I was hoping you'd pin it to win it more cause it was wicked awesome when we were going 75+ through some of that stuff. Maybe its because I am used to riding with Pops there, but I was waiting for you to grab a cutting brake for some tokyo drift action in the corners.

I am not sure if I should be thanking Taylor or Wayne and Kathleen ... but thanks. I had a blast.

Now I am off to research long travel kits, since going fast is more fun than rocks.

Looking at an MD5, but I would like to find out what some of the other C1 Lite cars use and have had good luck with. :D

http://www.mendeolatransaxles.com/images/header/md5_features.jpg

VIA the spendeola

VIA the spendeola
And after 10 races or so you get to send it back to Wright Gearbox to get rebuilt.:eek:

And after 10 races or so you get to send it back to Wright Gearbox to get rebuilt.:eek:


2D weddle Gear set upgrade.


After I stop spending money on V2R I'm putting together a Transaxle bank to save my change. I think I finally made up my mind on my next car. I'll let Dave handle mobing 4400, I'll go after a 3000.

2D weddle Gear set upgrade.


After I stop spending money on V2R I'm putting together a Transaxle bank to save my change. I think I finally made up my mind on my next car. I'll let Dave handle mobing 4400, I'll go after a 3000.

I hear that even with the Weddle gear set, the transaxle needs to be gone through (between 10 & 15 races). We are leaning toward the MD5, which is the 2D case, beefed up gears and the 5th gear nose cone. Mendeola recommends the MD5 for Class 10 & 12 cars up to 300hp. The little truck is basically a heavy 12 car with a truck body. :grinpimp:

Jefe did you see Scanlan and his co-driver's times? Outside of Class 1 and the Trophy Trucks, they had a faster lap and faster average speed than Class 10, 12 & 16 (in fact everyone else in the field).:) Are you thinking C1 lite, F1 or TL for your 3000 car? Hopefully next time out we can give him a better race.:D

Yet another pic with the wheels in the air.:p
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090010_large.jpg

Decided on a 2D. The 5 speed is too big.:p

I would like to build a variation of a C1lite type of car.

I will go outside the box on the current offerings.

ecotec, transaxle, light weight, class one body, and maybe even a truck body, and 300 hp variation of the eco, for a run at a 7200 class win every now and then. Just change the body and motor and go for it.

I like the idea of cheaper prep and forgiving driving that I have seen in this class, but that all could change after a little race on Aug 20.

Jefe the F-1 lite might fit the bill for you:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g98/gonzaloe2006/IMG_0749.jpg
From RDC: Full Potential F1 Lite it is actually 103" wheelbase and 84" trackwidth with a 2.4L Ecotec tuned by Danzio with a choice of buggy sheetmetal or my modified 7 unlimited truck body.

I'm actually out of the country for the next two weeks (in Spain now) but the little truck is off to paint. We have to pick up two more lights for the night race and finish up the install of the 2D before the 8-8 race. It looks like we get to race against the above truck either in 3000 or in 7 unlimted. :)

I would like to build a variation of a C1lite type of car.

I will go outside the box on the current offerings.

ecotec, transaxle, light weight, class one body, and maybe even a truck body, and 300 hp variation of the eco, for a run at a 7200 class win every now and then. Just change the body and motor and go for it.

I like the idea of cheaper prep and forgiving driving that I have seen in this class, but that all could change after a little race on Aug 20.Sounds like you want a class 10 car with an ecotec and a body on it. Should be a truck load of fun. Hit me up when you are ready to get things rolling and I'll see if I can be of some help.

Sounds like you want a class 10 car with an ecotec and a body on it. Should be a truck load of fun. Hit me up when you are ready to get things rolling and I'll see if I can be of some help.


Glad to hear you say that as I was thinking you would be the first place to start.:D

Jim, The FPL is a heck of a show piece, they are about 15 minutes from the house and build really pretty stuff. BUT way outta my league, and price point. I like the way the rear engine cars work a little better in the 3000 class then the mid engine as well. IMHO very humble. So far I believe the C1L style car is much faster then the FPL car. Of course that could be driver as well.
That FPL car is sweet, and it has some really nice details in it, but just way more then I want in a race car.

If you want I could set it up for you to get some seat time in a MAD 3000 car.
http://madracingoffroad.com/Gallery/CIMG0918.JPG
http://madracingoffroad.com/racecars.htm

They are lighter than most of the other "mini" cars/trucks out there. They made a few of them before the rules were final so they have different engines in them and some are single seat cars. They have one (the one in the pic above) that is 103" wheelbase, 2 seat, ecotec and it is under 2000 lbs but I don't know the exact weight. One of them came in 2nd overall and 1st in class at Glen Helen at the last race.

If you want a 10 car (not class 3000 legal) you want one from GET Performance Fabrication. They are made by Gene Towler who is a very good fab guy/welder! It is 1.75x.095 rather than most of the 1.5 10 cars out there so it could stand up to the added weight of the body and still be SCORE legal. They would need to narrow it up a bit (to be 7200 legal) so it wouldn't get 22" of wheel travel in the rear any more.
http://race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33980
http://www.off-road.com/dirtsports/Masterpiece+In+Metal/Your-Basic-Masterpiece/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/511282
http://www.off-road.com/dirtsports/data/articlestandard//dirtsports/172008/511282/i1.jpg

Both cars were designed by Zac Johnson who is a good friend of mine (he also designed the BTR wheels on them).

If you followed the FOJV KOH buggy thread, we decided to speed up our travels in the desert a bit.:D After pitting for several MORE and MDR events in the past year for for Sean Dunn, and then racing in KOH and the ORAF 500 we have been talking about what car/class would be the next step to be both reliable and have fun desert racing without breaking the bank. We went back and forth on the pro and cons of a class 5, 10 and 12 but decided to stay in sportsman. We figure to race this truck for the next year or two to really learn how to drive and then move into one of the pro classes.:grinpimp:

The 4471 (aka 1371) V2R group (DSI, Jefe, JR & Zukizzy) saw the truck a few weeks ago pre-running for the ORAF race. It's now in the shop getting ready for the MDR race on June 27th.

Here are some of the specs:
The Ecotec (used to be in Sean's class 10 car) is now rebuilt and runs on pump gas. It is a little different than the norm in that it is carbureted. It had dual Webbers on it but it now just has the single carb. The duals were loading up and the single carb seemed to cure it. Like most Ecotecs, the motor likes to rev.:D
2" King bypass and 2" King coilovers in the rear with 2.5" King coilovers up front. It has a beam front and a bus box transaxle in the rear. Yes, its not a Mendiola, but it should hold up and is easy to fix. :p
PRP seats and nets, Crowe harnesses, the big Lowrance GPS, race radio, intercom, 24 gallon cell and all the detail stuff that Sean and Phil do right. No pics yet of the Colorado body, but it came with two sets of rear fenders. One set has a larger opening for paddles (it has one Glamis trip to date).:cool2:
I went by the shop yesterday and the the new disc brakes are in and the the rear coilovers have been reworked. It should be ready for the end of the month. And here is the one shitty cell phone pic for now. :homer:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090001_large.jpg

Where did you get your ecotec to bus transaxle adapter?:homer:

I' am working a similar build.:D

Thanks for your help!

Where did you get your ecotec to bus transaxle adapter?:homer:

I' am working a similar build.:D

Thanks for your help!

Kennedy: http://www.kennedyeng.com/

It's the same one you will need for the 2D later. ;)

One week to go for the SNORE race.:) It looks like we are going to run in Class 3000 if everyone who pre-entered shows. If not, then we will be in 7 unlimited.
The 2D is in which required us to reconfigure most of the tube work in the rear, new axles & CVs etc. We also had to add a new firewall and some tin work for the top to pass tech. The body is still out to paint but should be ready by Monday. Then we can fit a new light bar in place. We are going to try and squeeze 5, 8.5" Vision-X HIDs up there for the race. :cool2:

It looks like we are going to take it out for a little testing this Sunday in Barstow. Hopefully its not triple digits out there again.:p

Maria getting ready for the Powder Puff:)
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs141.snc1/5216_1187462599149_1005835089_30561004_2173016_n.j pg

you guys going with the same paint scheme?

you guys going with the same paint scheme?
Not sure (not my department:D) Rumor is it is the same colors. Hopefully the Householders don't object.:p

Edit: Paint sure brings back memories of the buggy when it came out of the shop.:grinpimp::grinpimp::grinpimp::grinpimp:
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/10/web/3106000-3106999/3106630_31_full.jpg?372021-293



Chris, are you going to join us in Ridgecrest????

Good day at Hodge Road yesterday. The Wright Gearbox Mendiola 2D (with full Weddle gear set) took some time getting used to, but I think we got it. We did around 6 laps on the little test track. I even took a pic of it on the graded road (the only one in Barstow :laughing:).

I also picked up a set of Trailglow number plates for the night race.:grinpimp: We should be ready for Friday.:)

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs141.snc1/5216_1188960396593_1005835089_30566840_2834864_n.j pg

Chris, are you going to join us in Ridgecrest????

nah ... got a bachelor party on friday, wedding on sat, then off to vegas for another bachelor party sat evening, sun, and monday.

you racing in the mdr night racing?

nah ... got a bachelor party on friday, wedding on sat, then off to vegas for another bachelor party sat evening, sun, and monday.

you racing in the mdr night racing?

Maybe.:evil: It depends on how things go this weekend and the wife probably has other plans...:homer:

Maybe.:evil: It depends on how things go this weekend and the wife probably has other plans...:homer:

let me know if you need pit support, should be out there

let me know if you need pit support, should be out there
If we do, I'll call. Thanks again for the help.:)

I picked up some of the body work today from paint. Here is the rear fender (same color blue as the Buggy).

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090011_large.jpg

We had a great weekend and took 2nd in the 3000/Mini Metal class.:grinpimp: Full report and more pictures to follow.:)
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090018_large.jpg

Right on. Truck body on a buggy is a cool idea. Now you just need to paint that egg on your shoulders.

Right on. Truck body on a buggy is a cool idea. Now you just need to paint that egg on your shoulders.


Some days I just wonder if I will ever get all your jokes?

Can I get a clarification on that one?

You need to paint your white helmet:flipoff2: = egg on shoulders.

What is the wheelbase on that thing? Sure looks longer than 103-105" to me.

We had a great weekend and took 2nd in the 3000/Mini Metal class.:grinpimp: Full report and more pictures to follow.:)


How do you guys like running the MT baja pro tires? Do you get enough grip? How are they with flats? I'm debating on 33" yokies or bfg's, but not ruling out any light desert tires. thanks

Race report part 1
As mentioned earlier, we entered the SNORE KC Midnight Special 250 up in Ridgecrest. First let me say the people who run the series and organize the event were fantastic! Tech and contingency on Friday were both easy and fun. No waiting around for two or three hours to make it through the line.:) The Friday check in took place in the town of Ridgecrest, with the race course about 15 miles away to the east.
http://www.snoreracing.net/images/09kchmsbanner.gif
We were able to do some testing Friday night along with adjusting our new set of Vision X lights on the course. Race day morning arrived and we decided to prerun it with both the little truck and the buggy. The first two miles are fairly smooth sand washes and then, for what seemed like forever, goat trail motorcycle whoops :eek: a couple of semi fast sections, more nasty whoops and then some more, then whoops in sand washes and its tight with little to no passing. About mile 30 there is a wonderful oasis, 3 or 4 miles of a balls out powerline road.:) This of course is followed by more whoops, this time up and down little hills.:D 44 miles and it is a dust bowl with NO WIND.:grinpimp:
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs141.snc1/5216_1192819413066_1005835089_30579837_5009621_n.j pg
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs141.snc1/5216_1192828653297_1005835089_30579876_6483317_n.j pg

Part 2
Pre entered for the race were 3 Mini Metal trucks (Ecotec, solid rear axle trucks, usually Trophy Lite or Mason trucks) and 3, Class 3000 (us and two Full Potential F-1 lites). Only one Mini Metal truck started (not sure what happened to the other two) and one of the F-1s lost the motor in testing. Techinically we are two seperate classes, but SNORE started us together so we were ready to race. 79 cars registered to start.:)

The Mason truck started first:
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20SNORE%20KC%20Hilites%20Midnight%20Special/IMG_6856.jpg

Next was the F-1 (sans the orange Colorado body it usually runs):
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20SNORE%20KC%20Hilites%20Midnight%20Special/IMG_6754.jpg

and then us, all in 30 second intervals:
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20SNORE%20KC%20Hilites%20Midnight%20Special/IMG_6755.jpg

The plan was to run a conservative first lap to see where we were. About an hour and fifteen minutes later, the Mason truck comes by followed 30 seconds later by the F-1 and then another 30 seconds pass and our truck passes the pit. Absolutely NO change in position. For a conservative first lap, this is great!:D

Part 3
Lap 2 of 4 is now in the dark and we tell Earl to push it to catch the others. The Mason truck went down about 20 miles in (unsure of the cause) and Earl catches the F-1 after the power line road. They go back and forth passing each other to just before the start/finish when the F-1 pulls off to pit. Earl goes through the start/finish in the lead at the end of lap 2. :p

Its pit time for us too with a driver change and a splash of gas. Our codriver for the whole race, Robert has to take a leak, so he gets out (should have peed in the seat:p) and I get in the driver's seat for Earl. The F-1 passes us in the pit.:( By the time we get going, I think we were 8 to 9 minutes down. :(

I wasn't supposed to drive this race (Howard got sick) and only had one lap at our little test track in Barstow to get familar with the shifting of the new Mendiola. It was DUSTY, but some of the whoops that were brutal in the pre-run could be floated with some more skinny pedal.:D I haven't confirmed this but we ran lap 3 in 1:09 (not including the pit) but the radio call tells me we are 15 minutes down. :(
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20SNORE%20KC%20Hilites%20Midnight%20Special/IMG_6860.jpg

Part 4 (finally:p)

Being 15 minutes down and now familar with the course (but still sucking with the 3rd to 2nd downshift with the Mendi:mad3:) I figure lets really try to go fast. We passed a few 16 cars and even a 12 before mile 20 but then hit a big rock that tweaks one of the rear wheels, Luckily we were running inner tubes that kept the tire somehow on the now square wheel. The best part of the race was hitting the power line road with NO DUST!:grinpimp: About a mile down the road there is a nice jump that is clearly marked to slow you down. Somehow we missed the markings and launched it at 75 mph. The truck pitched to the passenger side in mid air and all we coould see were flash bulbs!:eek: (I am looking for this pic from the photog if possible ;) ). The truck landed smoothly and we kept pushing it to 85mph, but after the launch, I decided not to test my luck again.:laughing:

In the last 5 miles, we know we have to settle for second, so we start cruising. As we come up on a 9 car in the dust, with no room to pass we start to see lights in our mirrors. After a couple of minutes a 10 car with no horn and no chance to pull over in the single track area, slams our back bumper.:shaking: We got tapped at the ORAF race, but this was no "tap". What was once a nice bumper did it's job. The bumper is mangled, but the rest of the car is fine.
Before (no after pic yet):
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs121.snc1/5216_1192826733249_1005835089_30579871_1522827_n.j pg





We finish the race in the dust with a total time of 4:53 (166 miles) with an average speed of 33.9 mph. We ended up 12 minutes behind the F-1 who averaged 35.4 mph. Thanks again to everyone who came out to help. Next race is either September (MORE) or the Powder Puff in October with Maria and friends behind the wheel.:)
http://www.prospectator.com/coppermine/albums/2009%20Photos/2009%20SNORE%20KC%20Hilites%20Midnight%20Special/IMG_6931.jpg

Right on. Truck body on a buggy is a cool idea. Now you just need to paint that egg on your shoulders.
We really have had a great time these past few months in the little truck. Its nice to be able to race every month ($ and time permitting) if you want to.:cool2: As for the egg, as long as it saves the yoke inside, I'm good. ;)

How do you guys like running the MT baja pro tires? Do you get enough grip? How are they with flats? I'm debating on 33" yokies or bfg's, but not ruling out any light desert tires. thanks

They are actually made by Sand Tires Unlimited. (33X10.5X15) We love the tires for their durability (thicker side and tread wall and better beads than the Yokos) but they have been discontinued.:confused: I don't think the Yoko would have held up to the rock strike I took in this race. Kartek lists them on their site, but they are sold out. If you can find another set, let me know.:)

Results are out. We ended up 18 minutes down.:p
http://www.snoreracing.net/checkpoint/attachment.php?attachmentid=80&d=1250105129

Results are out. We ended up 18 minutes down.:p
http://www.snoreracing.net/checkpoint/attachment.php?attachmentid=80&d=1250105129

Saw you guys at the midnight race, should have swung on by and said hi :)

Saw you guys at the midnight race, should have swung on by and said hi :)

Next time stop by.:cool2: The tentative schedule now is to run the SNORE race at Primm (day 250) on 10-3 followed the next weekend with the MORE Powderpuff in Barstow.

I finally found and I am going to order this shot from "gasline road" at the SNORE race. I guess I'm having racing withdrawals as everyone is off to V2R.:D


http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/88/l_3e85fce2fc1c492ba0a9fabe4e42bc32.jpg

I finally found and I am going to order this shot from "gasline road" at the SNORE race. I guess I'm having racing withdrawals as everyone is off to V2R.:D


http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/88/l_3e85fce2fc1c492ba0a9fabe4e42bc32.jpg

That's a kickass shot for sure. Maria sent it over to Becca and that just rubbed it in even more what she's going to miss out on by not taking part in Powderpuff. :(

This truck sure has turned out great...CONGRATS!

That's a kickass shot for sure. Maria sent it over to Becca and that just rubbed it in even more what she's going to miss out on by not taking part in Powderpuff. :(

This truck sure has turned out great...CONGRATS!

Thanks Dustin! We sure tried to get Becca as our "ringer" for the race.:D Kathleen Israelsen is going to race with Maria along with my daughter and the Izzy girls in the co-pilot's seat. It should be a great time for a GREAT CAUSE!:)

Here is a picture of the rear bumper after our late night nerf.:shaking: Although it doesn't look too bad, it will be cut off and replaced.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090016_large.jpg

Slight change of plans for the race schedule. We were going to race back to back weeks at the SNORE 250 in Primm followed by the MORE Powder Puff in early October. Due to some conflicts, we won't be able to race at Primm, but instead hope some other 3000 cars will show up for the MDR 250 in Lucerne on September 26th (calling out Scanlan:p). It should be a good time and it is local. The race also just happens to be on the same day as the Victor Valley 4-Wheelers Fun Day runs in Johnson Valley. So if you are in the JV area and see some dust to the north/east stop by to see the little FOJV truck run.:D
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090019_large.jpg

Here is pretty cool in car video of the Mason truck from the SNORE race :


YouTube - Ridgecrest 2009 Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7hl2hd1Onk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Erace%2Ddezert%2Ecom%2Fforu m%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D68154%26page%3D6&feature=player_embedded)

Sent in the entry for MDR on the 26th in Lucerne (Course B) . Rumor is there is a possibility of some 4400s on this fast course. The infamous "Wall" made famous by a few certain Jeepspeeds is also included.:D

YouTube - JeepSpeed and The Wall MDR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dU9M055RlU)

Finally got the full res pic of our little jump.:p
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090020_large.jpg

Ordered one of these:
http://www.fedsig.com/products/images/main/MS4000.jpg

and one of these:
http://www.fedsig.com/products/images/main/750501.jpg

so maybe the 9 & 11 cars will move out of the way.:laughing:

Ready to go racing this weekend.:D We made some minor changes to the shocks and decided to go with BFGs in the rear for more traction.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090023_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090021_large.jpg

Picture says it all.:( Broken heim joint jumping the wall on lap 6 of 8.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090024_large.jpg

Bummer.

Picture says it all.:( Broken heim joint jumping the wall on lap 6 of 8.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090024_large.jpg
that sucks ... do any other damage?

that sucks ... do any other damage?

Bent the trailing arm, King bypass and ripped a CV boot. Good news is we had a spare heim to get it mobile, but Scanlan was so far ahead, it wasn't worth it trying to catch him. Scanlan ended up 2nd overall ahead of 3 or 4 Class 1/TT, a 10 car and all of the 1600s.

I have a cell phone video of the little jump off the wall. Watching it again, I still can't believe we broke.:(

Here is the video:
YouTube - 0926091213 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOhp3XNaFbM)


After the break we pulled to the left to stay clear of the jump. About 10 minutes later, this guy tried to land on us, showing off (not in the race) for the crowd at the wall. Cool jump, but bad timing as there were 20+ people congregating around our truck at the time.:eek::shaking:
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/46/l_492c6385198b4d9dabdf392142151ff4.jpg

Bent the trailing arm, King bypass and ripped a CV boot. Good news is we had a spare heim to get it mobile, but Scanlan was so far ahead, it wasn't worth it trying to catch him. Scanlan ended up 2nd overall ahead of 3 or 4 Class 1/TT, a 10 car and all of the 1600s.

I have a cell phone video of the little jump off the wall. Watching it again, I still can't believe we broke.:(

It may have broken on that hit but it was one or more of the thousands before that really got the break started.

Wayne

How fast is that truck? What class is it in?
Very cool.....sorry about the break.

How fast is that truck? What class is it in?
Very cool.....sorry about the break.


Class 3000.

Not sure if you remember Nolan, there was a Silver 3000 car sitting behind the Raceline Tent at KOH in the area the Contingency was in.

They are cool cars. I have a handful of pics in my photobucket from V2R, but work blocks photobucket now. So I'll have to wait until I get home.

stole from my thread on V2R

Carl Scanlin in his 3000
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j19/InDashop/V2R%202009/IMG_1809.jpg

This is my favorite 3000 car, but pretty sure a lot of guys gun to take this guy out from what I heard in the desert

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j19/InDashop/V2R%202009/IMG_2100.jpg

It may have broken on that hit but it was one or more of the thousands before that really got the break started.

Wayne

I know.:p Word is Sean has it ready for Powder Puff testing this weekend.:)

How fast is that truck? What class is it in?
Very cool.....sorry about the break.

Nolen,
The "how fast" question for the 2.2 or 2.4 powered Ecotecs is relative to the other cars in desert racing. Not nearly as fast as the Trophy Trucks or Class 1 buggies. Usually not as fast as Class 10 (unlimited suspension, limited motor) Class 12 & 16 (limited suspension and limited VW motor) but about as fast as the unlimited Class 5 Baja Bugs. Top speed for us in the 2.2 is 85 mph; Kevin Ellis in the 3021 2.4 car above reports he hit the mid 90s at Ridgecrest and I heard a rumor Carl Scanlan in the 3018 was over 100mph at V2R.:eek: The top speed has a lot to do with how you gear the transaxle.

The Scanlan and Ellis cars are really dialed in and they usually battle it out when they face each other, although I think Carl has the upper hand right now in the class. Maybe when the ladies race on 10-10 we can finally get a win.:grinpimp:

OK, what's I was wondering. I know it all depends on the gearing and suspension.

I was really wondering where it all fell in with the other classes.

If you bought one of these turn-key, what's a ballpark?

OK, what's I was wondering. I know it all depends on the gearing and suspension.

I was really wondering where it all fell in with the other classes.

If you bought one of these turn-key, what's a ballpark?
At the Ridgecrest race I had someone tell me they approached Ellis for a price on a turn key F-1 Lite from Full Potential Off-Road (#3021 above). The response: 75K. I am not sure on the price for the Fusion Off-Road cars that Scanlan drives (#3018 above) but again rumor is over 50K but there are some on the market now for less than that without the Mendiola transaxle. You can race a Trophy Lite truck in the class and they run in the 30 to 50K range used. The Mason truck above I believe runs around 60K. There is a car entered against us in the Powder Puff next weekend in its first race that the frame is made in China and is assembled here (can't remember the mfg) that runs around 30K. I believe we are in for a little less than half the price of the F-1 after the upgrade to Mendiola.:grinpimp:

I have a friend who races Class 5 unlimited (again about the same speed as us). I don't know how much he has in the car but it seems as if they loose a motor every third race or so.:eek: Replacing a FAT performance VW motor is a bit more pricey than a $450 Ecotec that is sitting in every junkyard in town. ;)

I know.:p Word is Sean has it ready for Powder Puff testing this weekend.:)


I'll put on my skirt

intesting- Jess

Here is that other 3000 mfg, the Predator (frame made in China) that is racing in the Powder Puff:
http://www.fbox.net/gallery/d/43854-2/img_1740.jpg
and some info:
http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50306&highlight=predator

I'll put on my skirt
Preferably in a shade of pink.:grinpimp:

sweet! congratulations!!

gearbox had was the VW VW kombi or minibus?
this box resists the ecotec?
I have a plan to build a light truck for Baja race in my country Chile, and I was very interested in your project.

chao!
Patricio Montenegro

sweet! congratulations!!

gearbox had was the VW VW kombi or minibus?
this box resists the ecotec?
I have a plan to build a light truck for Baja race in my country Chile, and I was very interested in your project.

chao!
Patricio Montenegro

The transaxle that was in the truck originally was a from a VW bus like this:

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/2856485.jpg

The "bus box" was far from stock but wasn't strong enough for what we were doing. The Mendiola 2d is the way to go. With either transaxle, you will need an adapter to mate the Ecotec to the VW patterned bell housing. Here is the link for that:

http://www.kennedyeng.com/

Good luck with your project.:)

The transaxle that was in the truck originally was a from a VW bus like this:

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/2856485.jpg

The "bus box" was far from stock but wasn't strong enough for what we were doing. The Mendiola 2d is the way to go. With either transaxle, you will need an adapter to mate the Ecotec to the VW patterned bell housing. Here is the link for that:

http://www.kennedyeng.com/

Good luck with your project.:)

thanks!!! i know a VW kleinbus or kombi in my country.

Seeya!

thanks!!! i know a VW kleinbus or kombi in my country.

Seeya!
If you find a nice 59, Chilean 23 window like the one posted above, please ship to 92373. :grinpimp: (I miss my old bus :()

Found this from the 250.:grinpimp:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090031_large.jpg

The Mendiola is at Wright Gearbox (changing the ring gear). Next race is either Plaster City in late November or Toys for Tots in early December. Then the little truck gets to rest for a few months for KOH.:)

BTW: One of the Full Potential cars is up for sale (65K) http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=5&md=second&id=1087

If you find a nice 59, Chilean 23 window like the one posted above, please ship to 92373. :grinpimp: (I miss my old bus :()

OK, I try to :beer:

Confirmed for Toys 4 Tots in Barstow (double kidney belt race :eek:) on December 5th. :p

We are also having a meeting to discuss the 2010 Class 3000/"Desertlite" schedule on Saturday, December 19, 2009 in Corona. PM me if you want more details.:)

Ready to go race this weekend.:) Some guy named "Zukizzy" is going to tell me where to go and what to do.:flipoff2:

We made a few more changes to the truck, now running the BFGs and BTR wheels all around. The re-gear of the trans for Barstow should help and we chased down a few gremlins in the fuel delivery department that hurt the hp (not that we had much to start with :D).

The course is a double loop race http://moreracing.net/map.htm. I believe we are doing 4 laps on the big loop to start (32 miles per) and then 5 laps on the small loop (13 miles per). 92 cars pre-entered so it should be a good time. :)

Jim

Ready to go race this weekend.:) Some guy named "Zukizzy" is going to tell me where to go and what to do.:flipoff2:

Jim

you expect dad to make a decision ... youre screwed.

you expect dad to make a decision ... youre screwed.
On RDC "dad" announced he is "ballast" this weekend. Dave Cole would be good "ballast" for me, but not Wayne. :laughing:

You have first hand knowledge on this one: the co-driver reads out the course and gives directions; the driver fails to listen and drives wherever.:flipoff2:

Are you going to make it out to Slash X?:)

On RDC "dad" announced he is "ballast" this weekend. Dave Cole would be good "ballast" for me, but not Wayne. :laughing:

You have first hand knowledge on this one: the co-driver reads out the course and gives directions; the driver fails to listen and drives wherever.:flipoff2:

Are you going to make it out to Slash X?:)

slash x ? :confused:

slash x ? :confused:
You have never been there? :mr-t: The start/finish is next to Slash X, a bar/burger joint on the 247 about 5 miles south of Barstow. It's been there forever and is a great place to eat and drink in the middle of nowhere. Tech and contingency are there and the start line and our pit area is about a half mile to the west. ;)

Here is a linky to their website :grinpimp: : http://www.slashxcafe.com/

You have never been there? :mr-t: The start/finish is next to Slash X, a bar/burger joint on the 247 about 5 miles south of Barstow. It's been there forever and is a great place to eat and drink in the middle of nowhere. Tech and contingency are there and the start line and our pit area is about a half mile to the west. ;)

Here is a linky to their website :grinpimp: : http://www.slashxcafe.com/
negative. need to get the bromobile back together and out of the way so we can get the buggy back together and get to tuning.


http://pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=483225&stc=1&d=1259558621

you expect dad to make a decision ... youre screwed.

You are one to talk:D

Ps changed the lock on the shop rent just went up:flipoff2:

Off to Barstow.:grinpimp: Apparently it was 14 degrees up there this morning. Nothing like a toasty race day.:D

People always look at me funny when I tell them to get heated seats for their race car:confused:

People always look at me funny when I tell them to get heated seats for their race car:confused:
zukizzy had em in his KOH rig

zukizzy had em in his KOH rig

Yeah they are great when it is cold but suck when they get turned on when you don't need them and you can't figure out why you are so damn hot.

Wayne

I'll see you early in the am.

wayne

Not much of a race report. Wayne and I hit a kicker around RM 18 of the first lap which caused us to lose the power steering. After some work in the pit were back for lap two (again no power steering, but we had fluid to keep the pump alive). Around RM 24 what we thought was a flat, turned out to be a complete failure of the king pin and an end to the day. Strapped up the carnage and three wheeled it back to the rescue trailer.:(

Thanks to "prospectator.com" for a couple of the pics. :D
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090035_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090036_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090034_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090037_large.jpg

maybe a lighter deadweight in the right seat next time??? :flipoff2:Wayne:flipoff2:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090034_large.jpg


Sorry y'all did run better.







.

maybe a lighter deadweight in the right seat next time??? :flipoff2:Wayne:flipoff2:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090034_large.jpg


Sorry y'all did run better.







.

Do I look fat in this car?


Pot meet Kettle

The little truck is back together. New r&p steering, king pin and lower arms on the beam and it is ready to go again. I was thinking about running the Dash this weekend, but the wife had other plans.:D

New rules in the class allow for beam cars to run a 105.5" wb. That allows us and some Class 5 cars that want to run an Ecotec an alternative to $$$$$ VW motors and hopefully higher car counts for 3000. :)

2010 race schedule for the class is set. We probably can't make it to BAP with KOH the week before, but it should be a fun year with a lot of fast courses and NO Barstow races.:grinpimp:

1. February 19-21 - BAP SNORE, Primm, NV

2. March 25-28 MINT 400 SNORE, Las Vegas/Moapa Travel Center, NV

3. May 22-23 ORAF 500 MORE, Lucerne, CA

4. July 29-31 KC HiLiTES Midnight Special SNORE, Ridgecrest, CA

5. September 10-11 Chili Cook Off MORE, Lucerne, CA

6. December 30-31 The Dash 200 MDR Superstition Series, Plaster City West, CA

what does KOH have to do with anything, you guys have two cars. :laughing:

what does KOH have to do with anything, you guys have two cars. :laughing:
I thought my wallet.:D

I got a call from one of my partners in the car. I spoke too soon, he wants to race the MORE Barstow race this weekend. Could turn out to be a mudfest.:p

I thought my wallet.:D

I got a call from one of my partners in the car. I spoke too soon, he wants to race the MORE Barstow race this weekend. Could turn out to be a mudfest.:p
were planning on testing in the rainmaker, so you might be screwed. :flipoff2:

were planning on testing in the rainmaker, so you might be screwed. :flipoff2:
Looks like we might break the rainmaker's streak for Saturday, although there might be ice in the bottom of the whoops.:eek:

Not a bad day. 1st in class.:smokin:

How was the weather? Got any pics?

How was the weather? Got any pics?
Not bad. A little cold until the sun came up (in the 40s). We wore rainsuits over our racesuits for the puddles which were mostly dry by the 4th or 5th lap (23 mile loop x 8). Pics to come.:)

Any chance you'll be dragging this out to Johnson Valley in a few weeks? Maybe to get around, maybe pre-run a bit, or to just show off?

Being from east of the rockies, Vegas to reno was my 1st true exposure to the 3000's. I saw that one that I think was Scanlins sitting behind the KOH Main Tent last year, but didnt have the respect/affinity I have for them now. Jim, you might open alot of eyes on the lakebed with yours.

Any chance you'll be dragging this out to Johnson Valley in a few weeks? Maybe to get around, maybe pre-run a bit, or to just show off?

Being from east of the rockies, Vegas to reno was my 1st true exposure to the 3000's. I saw that one that I think was Scanlins sitting behind the KOH Main Tent last year, but didnt have the respect/affinity I have for them now. Jim, you might open alot of eyes on the lakebed with yours.

Wyatt,
It will be there to pre-run the desert sections (because I really don't want to do it in the buggy).:eek: Let me know if you want to take a test run.:)

Let me know if you want to take a test run.:)

DONE!!! I'll buy ya a samawich and frosty pop or something in exchange!!! GET IT!!! :smokin:

Not a bad day. 1st in class.:smokin:


Nice!!:smokin:


If I can ever get my act together :shaking:, I will like to help with the pits. When I can.

Nice!!:smokin:


If I can ever get my act together :shaking:, I will like to help with the pits. When I can.

Anytime Shawn!!!!!

Here are a few pics (no action shots posted yet :( )

Here is the official atire of the race, a rainsuit over the racesuit:grinpimp:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16970_1312965976655_1005835089_30939209_5965220_n. jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16970_1312966296663_1005835089_30939217_3252338_n. jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16970_1312966496668_1005835089_30939222_7816170_n. jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16970_1312966416666_1005835089_30939220_2851461_n. jpg

And the start:)
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16970_1312968696723_1005835089_30939231_8051310_n. jpg

Were out there test in the main pit general area and it was ROUGH with some huge ruts. Must have been losts of belly draggin for ya. Congrats on the finish.

Were out there test in the main pit general area and it was ROUGH with some huge ruts. Must have been losts of belly draggin for ya. Congrats on the finish.

It really wasn't that bad.:p

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs195.snc3/20272_270669810741_700495741_3152007_8288113_n.jpg

On a last minute call for us, my partner Earl decided we needed to race in Barstow to try out the new steering and see if we could finish in the bone jarring conditions. SoCal was hit with a series of storms the week of the race so we thought it was going to be a mud bath. Luckily we had two reports from Paul at Trailglow (his shop is in Barstow) and Sean Dunn who was there Friday that the conditions were actually good. It was cloudy Friday and there were some mud puddles, but they were generally between the whoops. Even with the report, we decided to "weatherize" the little truck the best we could for water. We sealed all of the panels with either silicone or water proof tape. We wrapped all of the electronics in plastic. We added a rubber mud flap between the hood and the internal body panels and we slopped about a gallon of WD40/oil mixture on the whole car to repel the water and mud.:grinpimp:

The work Friday paid off on Saturday. It was clear but cold (temps in the upper 30's low 40's) as we rushed into tech. Jim at MORE had us starting behind the 1600s and ahead of the 5 Unlimited cars (Baja Bugs) starting around 30th overall for 8, 23 mile laps. We also requested a rear start in the class intentionally to keep track of where we were. By lap 6 when Howard got into the truck, we were 40 minutes ahead. The last three laps we put it into cruise mode to save the car and ended up with the win by over 30 minutes.:)

Next race in the truck is the MINT 400 in Vegas. :grinpimp:

I'll post some pics in a few.:flipoff2:

Pics by Prospectator.Com :)
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090044_large.jpg
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http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3375/181/33435090040_large.jpg

Dusting off my old thread.:D Putting the finishing touches on a new to us 2.4 Ecotec that with tuning should be over 200 hp (up from 160 in the 2.2). The Mint is in a couple of weeks with 7, 3000 cars pre-entered.:cool2:

A little post race report after the Mint. 8 cars/trucks pre-entered in Class 3000 but only 7 started with Clint Berry out. He was working on the car and couldn't finish in time for the race. Perfect racing weather in the high 60's and a nice breeze. Karl Scanlan had the pole alone with the McDonald's a no show at the start. Kai Wilson walked back to the pit after the start and found the Predator team still in the pit who just misjudged the start time (it was chaotic). Dave Wilson and I were in row two. Blake Slater was alone in row three. Row four was Pete Soren and Justin Davis. The course had a lot of everything in the book from deep silt, never ending rock gardens, miles of motorcycle whoops, up and down small mountains (like Barstow), long sweeping power line roads, some paved sections and near the finish about three miles of racing cars on I-15!

I wanted to run really conservative in the first lap not knowing anything about the course or conditions. I think Blake, Dave and I were all with the same mindset. Pete passed me early (mile 4) but we passed him back after a flat in the rock garden. He passed us again around mile 40. That truck and Pete are fast. We never saw Justin Davis on lap one.

I got out of the truck after the first lap and after a long pit my friend Howard took over driving. After a fast first lap, Karl broke the bulkhead off of his car (I think in the first 20 miles). Howard broke a king pin and lower arm around rm 35 and was out. Dave Wilson broke his steering on lap two but was able to repair it with a new rack. Kai got in the car for laps 3 & 4 but missed the 17 hour cutoff. I heard Justin Davis had tire troubles all day burning through all of their spares. I'm not sure why he DNF'd. Also not sure what happened (if anything) to the Predator as far as mechanical issues. So out of 7 cars at the start only 2 were not claimed by the rough Mint course.!:eek:

Congrats to Pete and Blake for finishing. Pete had had a faster time than the winning Class 5 unlimited which is a good gauge on where the class is at.:)

Looking forward to driving again on the "freeway" of Lucerne for the ORAF 500.

Sorry your day ran short.... I was great pitting with you guys.

-Dan

Sorry your day ran short.... I was great pitting with you guys.

-Dan
Thanks Dan! We hope to share pits again at the ORAF (with a LOT more room).:D

Here are a few pics from the race:


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs438.snc3/25186_383917410741_700495741_3609940_2898710_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs458.ash1/25186_383919160741_700495741_3610013_6279963_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs438.snc3/25186_383920655741_700495741_3610081_3976546_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs458.ash1/25186_383920680741_700495741_3610082_52474_n.jpg

Its been a long time since we updated this thread!:eek: Breaking at the ORAF demanded it was time for a change.

The little blue truck has had a make over since the last post. After spending some time in the Zukizzy salon, we ditched the Mendiola transaxle and said goodbye to CVs forever. :bounce2:

True to its rock crawler roots, the "Man" Marlin Czajkowski personally built and delivered a 5 speed Toy box to the Zukizzy shop to rid us of the Mendi.:smokin: It would be too easy for Wayne to run a front engine car, so in true RG style the little truck is midengined with the Toy box going into a Cassell V-Drive!:vader2: It doesn't stop there! Additional rock crawling engineering came from the good folks at JE Reel and a trick 9" rear end from Diamond Axle.:D Wayne finished the transformation with new 3" Fox bypass shocks and 2.5" coilovers and a new 25 gallon cell. Simple enough!:p

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs690.snc4/63048_437876540741_700495741_4844085_7903811_n.jpg

First race back in action with zero test miles was at the MORE Chili Cook Off. There are a few bugs to sort out and we are still going to a-arm the front and stretch the wheelbase to 111" but it flat out hauled the mail over the fast whoops in Lucerne! Looking forward to the next race in December!:)

Will this be the 1st 3000 truggy?

Will this be the 1st 3000 truggy?

Yep. Ditching the fiberglass too once the front end is done to look similar to the C1. Maybe even run a narrow 35" tire. That's the plan at this point.:D

Will this be the 1st 3000 truggy?

Yep:grinpimp:

Yep. Ditching the fiberglass too once the front end is done to look similar to the C1. .:D

The beam buggy under a truck body was the coolest.

Merry Christmas to me :)

Im picking up the chassis, vdrive, and rear housing tomorrow. Wayne and I are going racing again. Diamond axle and a Marlin tranny, its going to be like old times.

Merry Christmas to me :)

Im picking up the chassis, vdrive, and rear housing tomorrow. Wayne and I are going racing again. Diamond axle and a Marlin tranny, its going to be like old times.

:smokin::smokin:

Merry Christmas to me :)

Im picking up the chassis, vdrive, and rear housing tomorrow. Wayne and I are going racing again. Diamond axle and a Marlin tranny, its going to be like old times.

Very cool! Any idea when it will be ready to race? I know you have a little race in February to prep for.:D

Very cool! Any idea when it will be ready to race? I know you have a little race in February to prep for.:D

Once we get it and see what it needs we will have an idea of schedule. Right now it looks like a rusty swing set from the pics:D

Once we get it and see what it needs we will have an idea of schedule. Right now it looks like a rusty swing set from the pics:D

That's yard art!

Merry Christmas to me :)

Im picking up the chassis, vdrive, and rear housing tomorrow. Wayne and I are going racing again. Diamond axle and a Marlin tranny, its going to be like old times.

you suck dude :flipoff2:

It should clean up with some WD40 :grinpimp:

It should clean up with some WD40 :grinpimp:

Yeah I'm sure its fine I just have not seen it since we had lunch at dunntech. Zack and Bailey need something to do this spring anyway. Better invest in wd40

Yeah I'm sure its fine I just have not seen it since we had lunch at dunntech. Zack and Bailey need something to do this spring anyway. Better invest in wd40

im extremly happy that my name is nether Zack nor Bailey:D
sucks to be them:p