Otc

[johnbasf]

Follow our guys here, http://www.opentrackchallenge.com/results/2003/index.htm

[98banana]

I hate to admit it, but that KB car that Bryan and Jack are up against is pretty darn stout.

Hey John, how's about me and you next year? :thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by 98banana
I hate to admit it, but that KB car that Bryan and Jack are up against is pretty darn stout.

Hey John, how's about me and you next year? :thumbsup:


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: You were reading my mind.

[SIUNARA]

Is the KB car the 03 Cobra?

You guys need a pit crew for next year? If so, count me in!!! :D

[Big Daddy]

Originally posted by 98banana
I hate to admit it, but that KB car that Bryan and Jack are up against is pretty darn stout.

Hey John, how's about me and you next year? :thumbsup:

WHAT'S THIS??? Admitting that a KB car is STOUT??? :D :D :D ;) Now both you and John are going to pay if they finish in front of Bryan and Jack! ;) :p :p :p :p :D :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

[98banana]

Originally posted by Big Daddy
WHAT'S THIS??? Admitting that a KB car is STOUT??? :D :D :D ;) Now both you and John are going to pay if they finish in front of Bryan and Jack! ;) :p :p :p :p :D :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

Based on the lap times, I'm quite impressed. It looks like a fairly stout budget behind that car too though.

Hey Big Daddy, see if you can dig up some info on that car if possible. I'm not sure how deep Kenny is into this project though.

[98banana]

Originally posted by SIUNARA
Is the KB car the 03 Cobra?

You guys need a pit crew for next year? If so, count me in!!! :D

I just got a chill down my back when I read your and John's responses. Let's do it!

[SIUNARA]

I'M IN!!!! :bounce: :bounce: :D :D

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by 98banana
I just got a chill down my back when I read your and John's responses. Let's do it!


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Maybe we can borrow Barry Kline's hauler. :D :D

[SIUNARA]

Just to let you know...I'm serious about this. I already talked to Jeanine...she basically told me to HAVE FUN, so let's make this happen if you're serious!! :D :thumbsup:

[98banana]

I'm serious about it. Definitely! Shugg and I had talked about doing it this year, but the demise of the banana put a halt to that.

John, I'm sure Barry's probably got a few haulers lying around that he can spare! :D Man, that guy is my hero when it comes to haulers. I can't wait to see his new one.

[johnbasf]

I would definitly entertain the idea if we can get some sponsors. I haven't been on the west coast since I was 9 months old. :D Tom and I have always wanted to do the west coast swing.

[98banana]

John, I have a strong feeling we can get some sponsors. In fact, I just happen to know a School Cafeteria software company that's looking for a race team to sponsor...

And by the way, I've never been further west than Birmingham. (Unless South Haven, Michigan is further west...)

[johnbasf]

Go kevin, 6th place so far in the overall standings. http://www.opentrackchallenge.com/results/2003/OverallStandings.html

[98banana]

I missed that. I saw they were way ahead in their class, but didn't realize they were that high over all.

In fact, the only people in front of them in that case is some very serious machinery including a 2003 Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, a pair of Radical SR3's, Hayashi in his awesome NSX and an M3. I don't know anything about the M3...

That's some pretty elite company!

[SIUNARA]

Never been out west. That would be an awesome experience...count me in for sure!! :D

[Big Daddy]

Originally posted by 98banana
Based on the lap times, I'm quite impressed. It looks like a fairly stout budget behind that car too though.

Hey Big Daddy, see if you can dig up some info on that car if possible. I'm not sure how deep Kenny is into this project though.

I'll give KB a buzz this week and see what is done to the car and if they are sponsoring it. I don't think they are I remember Rich at KB saying that they setup the car but aren't a sponsor. :thumbsup: :D

[2KWhiteSnake]

We'd be willing to sponsor you guys. Might not be much, but a few hundred dollars might help out a bit.

Craig
www.cbslimited.com

[rshelbygt]

You guys better make room for at least one more!! The OTC is on my list of "things to do".

I just got back from San Diego...I was very tempted to stay for a few days and watch Shugg and the others run. The OTC format is pretty cool...and would do wonders for "seat time" and track exposure.

We need to talk about this...and make it happen.:thumbsup:

[COBRA #17]

:( :( :( :(

Hey what about me??? Don't forget me!!!


AI EAST ASST Director
COBRA #17

[98banana]

I'm starting to see a multiple car team effort here! :thumbsup:

I think we can go over there and show those left coast folks a thing or two... :)

[97whitevert]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Go kevin, 6th place so far in the overall standings. http://www.opentrackchallenge.com/results/2003/OverallStandings.html Thats my older bubba!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[SIUNARA]

We can do a multiple car team deal...so far we have...

Shugg
Smith
Pearson
Lewis
Hoover
Page

Anybody else!?!? ;) :thumbsup:

[2KWhiteSnake]

Better ask Will Sadler!

Craig

[racercosmo]

I'm starting to see a multiple car team effort here!

I think we can go over there and show those left coast folks a thing or two...

Or we can just have an AI National Championship, my boys will hand you your collective asses.

[justagt]

I would be up for that. Would be lots of fun.

hey, Hoov, are you stuck in that picture? Or is that one of your many signature dance moves you were braggin about Saturday??!! I'll get the strobe light!:D

[98banana]

Originally posted by racercosmo
I'm starting to see a multiple car team effort here!

I think we can go over there and show those left coast folks a thing or two...

Or we can just have an AI National Championship, my boys will hand you your collective asses.

:thumbsup: Bring it! I would love to see an east-west AI event. :bounce:

[Dean95CobraR]

Originally posted by SIUNARA
We can do a multiple car team deal...so far we have...

Shugg
Smith
Pearson
Lewis
Hoover
Page

Anybody else!?!? ;) :thumbsup:


As of now, I will be there. It's been in the works for a couple of months. It really depends on how the car is running and how much damage I need to repair by then. ;) :thumbsup:

[Cobra-R]

Originally posted by Dean95CobraR
As of now, I will be there. It's been in the works for a couple of months. It really depends on how the car is running and how much damage I need to repair by then. ;) :thumbsup:


:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop:

[SIUNARA]

Or we can just have an AI National Championship, my boys will hand you your collective asses.

Speaking of handing people their ass...isn't Bruce coming over here to run Lowe's in August?

[Dean95CobraR]

Originally posted by Cobra-R
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop:

If I could only find a fast enough co-driver. :D;) :rotf:

[Cobra-R]

Originally posted by Dean95CobraR
If I could only find a fast enough co-driver. :D;) :rotf:

Might be easier to sell a ice cream cone to a eskimo. :(

[b_tone]

Dean, I will be your co-driver..

Cosmo-before you guys run with us your cars have to actually be legal...

Hoover--that is about the scariest picture I have ever seen!!

[johnbasf]

I just got off the phone with Jack Hidley. They are doing good but he told me Shugg was not a virgin anymore.:D :D I guess Shugg will have some explaining to do when he gets back on here. Jack told me Kevin has had engine problems and a broke differential. The car is still going. Jack said that Kevin's car was scary fast. And NO Jack did not offer me a free K-member. :(

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
I just got off the phone with Jack Hidley. They are doing good but he told me Shugg was not a virgin anymore.:D :D I guess Shugg will have some explaining to do when he gets back on here. Jack told me Kevin has had engine problems and a broke differential. The car is still going. Jack said that Kevin's car was scary fast. And NO Jack did not offer me a free K-member. :(

Need some splainin' on that virgin comment. I'm assuming you're not talking about literally, so what is he not a virgin to?

And, Griggs would have given you a free k-member... but it's too late now... :D

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by 98banana
Need some splainin' on that virgin comment. I'm assuming you're not talking about literally, so what is he not a virgin to?

And, Griggs would have given you a free k-member... but it's too late now... :D

I think I'll let him explain when he gets back.


Griggs should give them away.:D

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
I think I'll let him explain when he gets back.

You can't do that!!!! :mad: :mad: That's just not nice! :D

Originally posted by johnbasf
Griggs should give them away.:D

OUCH! Man, I can't wait until August. I just hate that Hoov and I, with our Griggs stuff, will be so far out in front of you MM guys.:)

[SIUNARA]

I think the 67 car might have something to say about that Tom. ;)

Sorry, just had to put that out there since Bryan is 3,000 miles away and not near a computer!! :D ;)

[COBRA #17]

( TEAM MATE TOM!!!)

Your the man Tom!! :thumbsup:

Hey John you and I know Shugg is no virgin!!! ( coduroys remember!!!):D :D

Hey Don Shugg doesn't need any help!!!:thumbsup:

What pic are you talking about Tone?? The one with me getting in the car with my handsome face glowing!!! And noe I wasn't stuck!!! My car is not built for big people just skinny ones !!!!


:thumbsup: :D :rotf:

AI EAST Asst Director
COBRA #17

[johnbasf]

I hope he didn't wear those in California. I guess we will have to call him Shuggabutt. :D :D

[98banana]

Originally posted by COBRA #17
Hey John you and I know Shugg is no virgin!!! ( coduroys remember!!!):D :D
...

Next time I see you guys, I want in on the corduroys story. That's twice I've heard about it...

[johnbasf]

Remember the 70's? SHUGG :D

[Dean95CobraR]

Originally posted by b_tone
Dean, I will be your co-driver..


Well, I've got a co-driver lined up that is bringing major dollars from a sponsor. I just need to get him up to speed. ;):D

[Blown96Snake]

I think we need an East-Coast OTC!!! I'll try to talk to Chris and see if we can add that to the list in the next couple of years!!! I'm sure its a ton of work, but you know plenty of us (east coast) would do it and I'm sure a hand full of those west coast guys would love to check out VIR and some of our tracks. I would love to do the OTC, but I don't know when I would do it...oh well, I've gotta finish college first...

Shugg has got a lot of reading to do to reclaim is dignity on this site:rotf:

Dave

[b_tone]

Dean, that's perfect....he can swing the bag full of dollars and then you and I can come in for the quick lap times. Once we set the pace and make a good showing out of it throw the keys to the rookie for a few laps while we pack up and get ready to head out for the next track....it's simple really.

By the way I just got off the phone with a guy building an AIX car that was dynoed at 469!!! it looks like I need a bigger stick, or a different stick for a different class of racing....coming after shugg, hoover, lewis, pearson and all those other southern punks in the year 2004 thanks to a newly signed sponsor!!!!

Leave the women and children at home, there's gonna be a shoot out at the Summit Point Corral!!!

bt

[98banana]

Looks like Hidley/Shugg picked up the pace a little at Thunder Hill. They're getting lap times nearing that other TAGT beast.

Kevin also seems to me staying up there although I think they lost a few positions the last few days. They're still way out in front of UAGT though.

They had the longest leg of the drive last night (443 miles). Today should be interesting. Especially for those touring groups...

[rshelbygt]

Looks like Hidley and Shugg had a great day today!!! Way to go!!!!


:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Yea they did.:thumbsup: Kevin is still kickin' butt.

[johnbasf]

I talked to Shugg last night. They are doing good and he told me that '03 Cobra broke down. I told him that I had talked to Jack Hidley a couple of nights ago. Bryan then said that I guess he told you I ran out of gas on track. I told him he didn't and Shugg then said "oh sh**". He will be staying out west until next Thursday so he can go to San Francisco to do some pants shopping.:D

[COBRA #17]

Well it seems I'm not the only one without a gas gauge!!!!
:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

Pants shopping thats too funny especialy in San Fran!!!!
:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

I am glad to see them doing well!!!



AI EAST Asst Director
COBRA #17

[SIUNARA]

I'm guessing that the gas deal was what Jack meant by Bryan not being a "virgin" anymore...glad that comment had nothing to do with his pants!!! ;) :thumbsup: :rotf: :rotf:

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by SIUNARA
I'm guessing that the gas deal was what Jack meant by Bryan not being a "virgin" anymore...glad that comment had nothing to do with his pants!!! ;) :thumbsup: :rotf: :rotf:

No, the virgin comment was something else. :D

[kevin]

just some quick notes on otc.

first and foremost. i've been to a lot of ot's and races. this group was the best i've ever seen at competitors helping each other stay running. lots of great folks.

the 03 cobra flattened a cam (so we where told) and didn't do the last 2 days (needs an engine rebuild). they had enough point to still take first in class, in part because hidley/shugg didn't get any real time on the first track. they looked good on the track and had fun.

shugg did run out of gas at thunderhill. jack warned him he may be low and ron (the mechanic) even had the fuel door off the car. go figure. pretty funny tho when he got towed into the pits (they pitted near us most of the time). there are more "stories". ask him what he did after the banquet;)

congrats to jack and bryan:thumbsup:

we (team 80) started the last day in 12th overall. we ended up 10th overall (we found out at the banquet). we where hurt on the longer tracks by the "flying brick" affect. all the top competitors where aerodynamically smooth. btw, the car isn't really "scary fast" just real loud:D louded enough we got black flagged the second day at thunder hill (wind was blowing and drove clockwise, which put us in a throttle up position at managements office:( ) we only got 2 sessions before the punt. the only track we'd really been on before was at pahrump. so we didn't get enough seat time to get better the 2nd day at thunder.

we and others missed track time due to various mechanical failures. if you do this event - bet on failures (and plenty of them). our biggest was when we found the bushings failed on the diff support, which in turn broke 2 welds, which in turn was allowing the left half shaft creat and new forms in the steel around it. we borrowed a sawsall and a welder and lost 2 sessiojns the first day at thunder.

no casualties when steve grilled ribs (he didn't lite the fire). we think jack and bryan enjoyed some of the food. and don't believe anything the say about me driving on the front straight at buttonwillow with no hands on the wheel under acceleration.

for those of you contemplating this event - it can be brutal. the cars break and the trips are long. pretty typical to pull onto a track at 11:30pm or later and be up by 7am and run all day, just to pack up and start all over. pretty easy to make mental mistakes by the end of the week.

last but by no menas least. a HUGH thanks to the crew of tem 80.

lew groth and steve ragen kept the car running and on time for tom and i to drive. liz groth and susan (my wife) kept us fat and happy and kept our times in the hot sun. there is no way i'll ever be able to express how much i appreciate their time, effort, and most importantly - their friendship. so - THANKS

[kevin]

this needs a separate post.

tom of tom's motorsports was invaluable. he co-drove and without his mecanical skills and knowledge, we would have been sunk when the diff support broke. more importantly, probably never would have been on the track without his maintainence prior to the event.

if you ever need work or know some one who does in the vegas area - call tom. he put the cage in my r and helped build the race car. shugg was at his shop and has seen his welds too.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[97whitevert]

Congratulations on what sounds like a long, grueling ,but fun, week!! hope to hear more about it in the comning weeks!! ( from both you and shuggybum) :thumbsup: :bounce: :bounce:

[98banana]

Hey Kevin. Great job out there. I know you guys had fun! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Congrats Kevin and crew on a great job. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Mystic_Cobra]

Congrats to all those guys running OTC.

As for this "team" effort, I plan to be running with NASA-LA by this time next year, so count me in for pit crew or even a driver if needed, if I can keep pace with you guys on track. :D

[tgentry]

Great job Team 80!!!!

We missed you guys this weekend at Road America. Maybe someday I'll be able to run with the big dogs, too.

[Cobra-R]

Congrats, Kevin and Tom. Sounds like grueling week, glad you made it thru fine and had fun. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Big Daddy]

Congrats to all the OTC folks sounds like fun AND a lot of work! :D Glad you folks made it to the finish with out any major incidents! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[sn8kbit]

It was definitely a fun event. Couldn't ask for better folks to be on track with, for as hard as it is I'm sure to set this type of event up, it went without a hitch, sessions out like clock-work.

This is, however, one of the more challenging events, "hobby-wise" I've ever done. I flew home Sunday and I'm still tired. Open Track Challenge is definitely a light description of what the event is. It challenges more than the driver, it challenges the car, tools, parts, tow vehicles and anyone else involved. Yes, I had a blast and would do it again, but I don't want anyone thinking it's an event you "drive out to, drive around, and go home". It's Run what ya brung, and hope you brung enough mentally and physically. One session of downtime can affect you overall for the event. I looked at this lighter starting out than I thought it would be, and was proved wrong. Pics will be available soon, tho nowhere near like I'd like to have, there wasn't time....LOL

Shugg and Jack did awesome working around bugs in the car, it was nice to finally meet the punk I've picked on on the 'net for the last year and a half in person. The guy with the 03 (didn't see KB stickers on it, may have been, dunno) was a heck of a guy. Knowing he was out front, he made the last two days, and hung out with the MM crew. Definitely a ton of sportsmanship at this event, I was impressed.

Moreso impressed by the fact that our 60's technology car laid a fairly decent smack-down to have the majority of drivers come up and say "I never expected it to be fast" and fast it was. I don't think anyone there expected us to make the showing we did, and to me, that kicked ass. What a time. For those of you considering it, do not look at this event thru weekend-event-rose-colored-glasses, it'll be tougher than anything you've done with the car to date, and unless you do a second one, it'll be the toughest you ever do. And that's not meant to discourage, it's meant to encourage. Grab yer cajoles and go next year!

--Steve

[98banana]

Glad you had fun Steve. :thumbsup: I envy you guys BIG TIME!

Hopefully, things will work out that I and others can be there next year. Thanks for the warning on the "toughness" of it. I figured it has got to be grueling (I can't imagine the trek between tracks almost every day), but I'll definitely take your words of warning and plan for the worst.

Oh yeah, the Kenny Brown connection comes from the driver's "bio" from the open track challenge web site: http://www.opentrackchallenge.com/03teams/47/03team.htm

[johnbasf]

Cool Steve, can't wait to see the pics. :thumbsup: P.S. Thanks for slapping him in the head. :D

[Jack Hidley]

Regarding Shugg no longer being a virgin, see attached. You will have to rename the filetype to DOC.

[racercosmo]

Jack, were you the dirty bastid that put an MM sticker on the bumper of my daggone transporter?

[NJ2000R]

looks like fun! :thumbsup:

someday.....;)

[Jack Hidley]

Cosmo,

I can honestly say that I did not put an MM sticker on the very prominently displayed Grigg's transporter at Thunderhill, but I was tempted to:)

[98banana]

Originally posted by Jack Hidley
Regarding Shugg no longer being a virgin, see attached. You will have to rename the filetype to DOC.

Excelent write-up Jack. I didn't know they had any all-terrain tracks picked out. :D There's absolutely no pavement in that picture.

[SIUNARA]

You got that right...no pavement as far as the eye can see! It's good to know that Shugg knows how to "get off" safely!! :D ;);)

[98banana]

Originally posted by SIUNARA
...It's good to know that Shugg knows how to "get off" safely!! :D ;);)

That must have something to do with the corduroys...

[SIUNARA]

Ouch...I don't think he's gonna want us as friends after he reads all of this stuff...but then again, if he cops an attitude, we can just tell him to "get off" it!! ;) :thumbsup:

[sn8kbit]

Originally posted by racercosmo
Jack, were you the dirty bastid that put an MM sticker on the bumper of my daggone transporter?

Holy Cow! Wish I'd seen that....LOL You couldn't miss the transporter coming in the gates. Now what'd ya'll do to Shugg Sat night, or am I gonna have to get it out of him?

Couple of pics follow, have a ton to edit for clarity:

[sn8kbit]

one of my favorites, a bit blurred due to speed:

[kevin]

Originally posted by Jack Hidley
Cosmo,

I can honestly say that I did not put an MM sticker on the very prominently displayed Grigg's transporter at Thunderhill, but I was tempted to:)


butt i think i know who did;)

[racercosmo]

That's OK, I did afterall place a few Griggs Racing stickers on JWL's car while under the care of his teammate. A few of them were discovered, a few of them were not.

[Jack Hidley]

John it looks like it's time for a complete car teardown:)

[johnbasf]

Anybody heard from Shugg?? He may still be in San Francisco???:D :D ;)

[justagt]

I talked to him on Tuesday and I THINK he is getting home yesterday or today. I imagine he is swapped at work if he is already back.

Or he could be coming up with a reason as to why he ran out of gas, or went off the track, or..........:D

[kevin]

http://members.rennlist.org/dan10101/otc2003.htm

check out this site.

especially the "otc 2003 movie"

enjoy:thumbsup:

[98banana]

Originally posted by kevin
http://members.rennlist.org/dan10101/otc2003.htm

check out this site.

especially the "otc 2003 movie"

enjoy:thumbsup:

Very cool Kevin! Thanks!:thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Kevin, I know the 00R is a nice car but the next event we go to together, bring that beast. Thanks for the link.:thumbsup:

[kevin]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Kevin, I know the 00R is a nice car but the next event we go to together, bring that beast. Thanks for the link.:thumbsup:

your welcome:thumbsup:

[97whitevert]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Kevin, I know the 00R is a nice car but the next event we go to together, bring that beast. Thanks for the link.:thumbsup:

yeah- exactly what john said!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: (VIR??????)

[johnbasf]

Hey Hoover, he didn't get any on the left coast. He WILL be tenting next to you buddy. ;) ;)

[COBRA #17]

I hope you are refering to " Not getting any corduroy pants?"
;)
I don't care where he tents my trailer has a lock on the door !!!!
:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:
I say we put him in Tones trailer or Pantas's!!!:thumbsup:

I am going to email your bro and get his take on which way to get to the track once we get up ther close to the joint. I have been studying the map and there seems to be several different ways to get there. Unless they have improved the turnpike I would rather stay off of it !!!!!


AI EAST Asst Director
COBRA #17

PS: that statement is wrong !!!!!:rotf: :rotf:
Shame on you, he is going to kill us !!!

[kevin]

here are a few pics from otc.

future otc rides:eek: and their crew:D

[kevin]

this is hidley and shugg:thumbsup:

[kevin]

steve was kind enough to warm the car up for us before we took it out. i think he's smiling, not sure what he's looking at tho;) :thumbsup:

[kevin]

the one nite where we stayed at the track. steve grilled ribs and we shared with shugg, hidley, and ron. lew set up his tv outside and we ate while watching in car videos. this was the nite we (steve and lew) did major maintainence on the car.

[kevin]

since our car is 40 year old technology, we can still use a sawsall for minor repairs. this was to enlarge the hole in the frame where the half-shaft was hitting it.

[kevin]

we did have some time to relax. this is the crew at buttonwillow at lunch.

[kevin]

this is jack, bryan, steve, and ron

[kevin]

all was improbable if not impossible, if not for this great crew. i again thank them:thumbsup:

[johnbasf]

Great pics!!! It's always amazed me how we go to these car events and post pics of the PEOPLE we know or meet. That's what it's all about. :thumbsup:

[97whitevert]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Great pics!!! It's always amazed me how we go to these car events and post pics of the PEOPLE we know or meet. That's what it's all about. :thumbsup: you said it John!! we've made some great friends here!!!:thumbsup: :bounce:

[2KWhiteSnake]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Great pics!!! It's always amazed me how we go to these car events and post pics of the PEOPLE we know or meet. That's what it's all about. :thumbsup:


Spoken like a champ. Amazing how many great people are out there.

Craig

[COBRA #17]

Thanks Kev, and THANK GOODNESS HE HAD ON JEANS !!!:thumbsup:

Hope you get to join us for a couple events this year!!


AI EAST Asst Director
COBRA #17

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by COBRA #17
Thanks Kev, and THANK GOODNESS HE HAD ON JEANS !!!:thumbsup:

Hope you get to join us for a couple events this year!!


AI EAST Asst Director
COBRA #17
:rotf: :rotf:

[kevin]

FYI NOTICE

the otc organizers are evaluating the classes they run.

the AGT class (where most mustangs end up) may very well go away due to lack of entrants.

if you are seriously considering entering this event next year with a mustang, let them know www.opentrackchallenge.com

use their email address to send them an email of your seriousness and car type. they will be making decisions on classes by july.

if the agt class goes away, then mustangs will be lumped in with other classes.

[98banana]

Originally posted by kevin
FYI NOTICE

the otc organizers are evaluating the classes they run.

the AGT class (where most mustangs end up) may very well go away due to lack of entrants.

if you are seriously considering entering this event next year with a mustang, let them know www.opentrackchallenge.com

use their email address to send them an email of your seriousness and car type. they will be making decisions on classes by july.

if the agt class goes away, then mustangs will be lumped in with other classes.

I'll send an e-mail today.

By the way, congrats on the free entry for '04. :thumbsup: You lucky dog!

[svt_coupe]

Hello all!! I'm finally making my way back onto this website. I returned from the west coast on Thursday. Since then, I've had the opportunity to hop in every so often and check out some posts but haven't had time to reply. Thus, I've been watching my esteemed friends on the board pick on my articles of clothing. :D The corduroys are where it's at you fools!!! They are more aerodynamic. :D :D :D I have lots to catch up on!!!

Thank you all for following Kevin, Steve, Jack, and my OTC adventures. I was amazed to see people actually following it on this website when I got back!! You are too kind.

Where to begin... WOW what an event! I thought I was prepared for how much work the OTC takes. I was fooling myself. :D It is a very tiring event - it exhausts you physically and mentally. But daym it's a lot of fun!!

I arrived in Las Vegas Sunday evening and met up with Steve and Kevin. As soon as we hooked up with them, they started thrashing on Kevin's UAGT Shelby Cobra preparing it for Round 2 (Monday) at the Derek Daly track in Vegas. Kevin had some issues with the Cobra motor to solve and I had to go meet up with Jack Hidley (our team's manager/owner/driver). So I left Steve and Kevin and met up with Jack and Ron Horowitz (our chief mechanic/support vehicle driver) for dinner. This was 9PM on Sunday. We had a quick dinner and bolted back to the hotel for a good night sleep (it was to be our last). 5AM the alarm went off and we were started thrashing on the Maximum Motorsports equipped 87 Mustang GT.

The car was finished being put together on Sunday April 6. As in... it was a new motor, new suspension, new EVERYTHING as of OTC Day 1. Jack and Ron drove the car to Pahrump (Round 1) just in time for the last run session. Jack managed to turn a few laps and posted some competitive lap times considering he had only 1 run session.

You're probably asking why the car was just finished being built? Well it's the little things that slow a guy's progress. Like the trip to Far East (China) Jack had to make 1 week prior to the event. Small things like that!! :D Jack hoped to have the car done 1 month prior to the OTC, but it seemed every obstacle that could have got in his way... did. I'll keep it at that, as the non-car related obstacles are far too many to list. It was clear that Jack wasn't happy with the lack of prep time and noted several times that this wasn't his typical style... But alas, "that's racing!"

Thus, the car had some teething problems as Jack eluded to in his previous post. Most of the issues were completely bizarre things - i.e. an ignition wire came loose causing the engine to fall flat on it's face at about 5k, clutch cable broke, master cylinder stuck while engaged (causing the brakes to remained LOCKED heading into corners... nice), a fuel pump relay had an intermittent problem where it would cut off electricity to the fuel pump in high-G left-hand corners... but only sometimes!! How do you diagnose THAT problem?!? This one had us dropping the fuel tank and checking the entire fuel system in Round 3, Buttonwillow.

The bizarre issues kept us on our toes until sometime on Wednesday... just in time for me to run the car out of gas 2 laps into our last run session. I seem to have a problem with that lately (did that in the enduro at VIR in a Thunder Roadster). I guess I need to leave the fuel mileage calculations to the Chief Mechanic/Crew Chief. :D However, we had started to turn some good lap times, nearly besting the 2003 Kenne Bell, big braked, big wheeled/tired, awesome-paint-schemed (worth 2+ seconds I'm sure ;) ) Cobra with 560 rumored (by the owner) rwhp on Wednesday. Ahh... the importance of having enough fossil fuel!! Ahh... the importance of staying on track. :D :D :D (yes, I went off twice earlier in the day)

By Thursday, the car was setup beautifully. The motor had a fresh tune. The Stoptech/Cobalt brakes were hauling our car down with force time after time. The MM suspension was tweaked nicely for the topography of Thunderhill - "Thunderhill" must mean "It's a really big arse hill" cause this place was HILLY (MM's suspension does very well on hills... and everywhere else, for that matter). And most importantly, we had gas.

We posted some pretty solid lap times and set our sights on victory in the last run session... then the alternator blew. Nice. Real nice. It was underdriven like my Red Ferrari F360 Modena is (I don't have one, hence it's underdriven) and it still blew. A bum alternator. Sweet. Thus, we had to withdraw the car from the last run session, ensuring victory to the 2003 Cobra. We needed to win on Thursday to have a chance at taking the lead. Murphy's Law - who is Murphy anyway and where does that @#$% live??

Thursday night "on battery alone", we limped the car 90 miles south to Sacramento to our nearest alternator, stopping every 25 minutes to charge the battery for 30-35 minutes. Joy. Good news was, Thursday's trip was our longest and the delays didn't really pose a problem. We enjoyed pulling into our Willow Springs hotel with enough time for 2 hours of shut-eye. (no sarcasm there :D :D :D )

Friday morning on our drive into Willow Springs, we got a call from the guys in the '03 Cobra. They suffered some damage to the chassis and flattened a camshaft on the last run session. We were disappointed to hear of their demise. However, their lead was solid enough to place them in 1st place by a margin of 5 pts, despite missing the last 2 days. Well done and congrats to the drivers of the '03 Cobra, Ray Newton (of PTeazer - www.pteazer.com) and Pete Morley (of Kaminari - www.kaminari.com/homepage.htm).

Friday we ran without problems. This was the first day we got to run the alloted 4 run sessions.

The final 2 days didn't find us coasting to our 2nd place podium position. The well driven (Bryan Sheldon and Chris Peterson) 98 Cobra kept us hammering hard into the last day of the event. In our class, we were able to win the last 2 days (despite toasting an ignition wire and running on 7 cylinders for part of the day). :D

I want to thank Jack Hidley for allowing me to drive the West coast tracks behind the wheel of his car. This is an experience I would not have been able to have if it wasn't for your generosity. Jack - thank you, thank you, thank you. Your rapid car control/correction skills still amaze me. :thumbsup: Ron Horowitz - thanks for your experienced wrench as our crew chief/support vehicle driver/comic relief artist. Sorry for my lack of scintillating conversation on the trip to Willow Springs... Andie Lin of Cobalt brakes - your brake compounds performed flawlessly (we got through the entire 7-day event on 1 set of pads) behind the large, Stoptech calipers (those are some serious calipers - they are structurally amazing and can be safely called artwork. My PBR's can't hold a candle to those bad boys...). Fade free braking is a good thing - call me a fan. Finally, a full MM suspsension is a marvelous thing - it's unbelievably easy to tune and unbelievably FAST.

Again - thanks to all who supported Jack and my OTC efforts. Here's looking to the 2004 OTC. Cheers.

Bryan

[svt_coupe]

Originally posted by COBRA #17
Thanks Kev, and THANK GOODNESS HE HAD ON JEANS

Those were denim corduroys, my brutha. :D :D

I've been trying to think of an appropriate response to the San Fran comments. When I do, it will be a good one... :D :D :D

Pearson - I picked up a special bag of chewing tobacco for you while on Route 5. I got it at a place called the Harris Ranch. You'll like it. :D

[Mystic_Cobra]

Bryan,
Glad you made it back, glad you had a blast, and thanks for the summary. Now we all know what to look forward to next year. Or at least everyone will know to have a spare alternator. ;) Hopefully more of us will be out there with you in the next year or two.

As for your corduroy's, let me defend you a little. I think these guys don't realize that they are back "in". The problem is that they only good on skinny guys like you (and my brother), not well-fed fellas like Pearson and myself. ;)

As for Murphy, who it seems you spent some time with out west :D .... here's a little text for those who've never heard the original story... :)

The Origin of Murphy's Law
"If there are two or more ways to do something, and one of those ways can result in a catastrophe, then someone will do it."

So who was Murphy anyway?
Born in 1917, Edward A. Murphy, Jr. was one of the engineers on the rocket-sled experiments that were done by the United States Air Force in 1949 to test human acceleration tolerances (USAF project MX981).

One experiment involved a set of 16 accelerometers mounted to different parts of the subject's body. There were two ways each sensor could be glued to its mount. Of course, somebody managed to install all 16 the wrong way around.

Murphy then made the original form of his pronouncement, which the test subject (Major John Paul Stapp) quoted at a news conference a few days later.

Within months, "Murphy's Law" had spread to various technical cultures connected to aerospace engineering, and finally reached the Webster's dictionary in 1958.

Tragically (and perhaps typically), the popular cliche we call "Murphy's Law" was never uttered by Edward Murphy.

[97whitevert]

Bryan ( notice i left off any the the shugg variations ;) )- Thanks for the wrap up! Sounds like it was a tremendous experience, that many of us are dreaming of! And remember, there are some of us that will not make fun of your taste of -ahem- stylish clothes.:doubt: Congrats on a well run event!

[johnbasf]

As for your corduroy's, let me defend you a little. I think these guys don't realize that they are back "in". The problem is that they only good on skinny guys like you (and my brother), not well-fed fellas like Pearson and myself.


Does this mean Hoover should get a pair??? :rotf: :rotf:

[johnbasf]

Welcome back Mr. Shugg. It sounds like it was a great experience. How do the West Coast tracks differ from the East?

[tgentry]

Thanks for the excellent summary Bryan. Many of us wish we were there, and you just made us wish it even more!:thumbsup:

[svt_coupe]

Originally posted by tgentry
Thanks for the excellent summary Bryan. Many of us wish we were there, and you just made us wish it even more!:thumbsup:

No problem Tom!!! It was a blast. I would recommend this event to anyone. Just be prepared to be tired!!! :D

[svt_coupe]

Originally posted by 97whitevert
And remember, there are some of us that will not make fun of your taste of -ahem- stylish clothes.:doubt:

Ha ha ha!! People don't realize that cords never went out of style. :)

[gbaker]

Congratulations on your successes. It sounds like a lot of work, and a lot of fun.

Say, did any of you run into Jack Olsen? He is one of our customers who races a '74 911 in OTC.

If you get the time, send along any product photos you may have.

[kevin]

Originally posted by gbaker
Congratulations on your successes. It sounds like a lot of work, and a lot of fun.

Say, did any of you run into Jack Olsen? He is one of our customers who races a '74 911 in OTC.

If you get the time, send along any product photos you may have.

i introduced myself to jack. but things are so busy there was no real time to socialize. i'll fo thru the pics and look. i'm waiting for a disk from my co-driver and his camera.