BUILD THREAD // THE PORSCHE 356 'OUTLAW'

I came across this build thread on the Kustom Coach Werks forum the other day and thought I would share. A one of a kind Porsche 356 restoration that includes bomber jacket leather seats, water cut badging that reads 'Gesetzloser' (German for Outlaw), a custom roll cage, bumpers, sills, exhaust and all the other bits and pieces that make up a resto-mod Porsche, this is certainly one of the most impressive 356's I have seen

Follow the link for additional photos as well as a link to the build thread... [read more]

The car as it appeared when brought to the shop for restoration.

The 'Outlaw' during the early stages of the build. Note the diverse collection of German metal.

The 356's powerplant during and after the build.

Nearly ready for paint. I love the custom side-exit exhaust and overall stance of the vehicle. Perfect.

The finished interior, complete with bomber jacket leather seats, billet pedals and a wood grain steering wheel.

The Porsche 356 'Outlaw' in its completed form. But then again, a project is never really complete, now is it...

Here is another 'Outlaw' styled 356 built by the same gentlmen. A bit different; blacked out wheels and mirror, a little less chrome, but all in all just as impressive.

Kustom Coach Werks Build Thread

Editorial: Justin Coffey

NEWS // SCHUMACHER TESTING F2007 @ MUGELLO [VIDEO]

Ahead of his return to Formula One at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, Michael Schumacher was seen testing earlier today in a privately owned F2007 at the Mugello Circuit near Florence, Italy. In addition, Schumacher, who turned 40 this January, will be the oldest driver to start a Grand Prix in 14 years. And while his return will be a milestone, he is however no wheres near the oldest driver to start a Grand Prix.

Follow the link for a bit of video from Schumacher's Mugello test session as well as a list of the 10 oldest drivers to start a Grand Prix... [read more]



10 oldest drivers to start a Grand Prix:
1. Louis Chiron, 55y 9m 19d, 1955 Monaco Grand Prix
2. Philippe Etancelin, 55y 6m 8d, 1952 French Grand Prix
3. Arthur Legat, 54y 7m 20d, 1953 Belgian Grand Prix
4. Luigi Fagioli, 53y 22d, 1951 French Grand Prix
5. Adolf Brudes, 52y 9m 19d, 1952 German Grand Prix
6. Hans Stuck, 52y 8m 17d, 1953 Italian Grand Prix
7. Bill Aston, 52y 4m 5d, 1952 German Grand Prix
8. Clemente Biondetti, 52y 16d, 1950 Italian Grand Prix
9. Louis Rosier, 50y 9m, 1956 German Grand Prix
10. Rudolf Schoeller, 50y 3m 7d, 1952 German Grand Prix

Info: F1Fanatic
Editorial: Justin Coffey

LUCKY DEVIL // AUTOCAR TESTS LEXUS' LF-A RACE CAR

Autocar editor Steve Sutcliffe is one lucky man. On an otherwise dismal afternoon, Sutcliffe is invited to jump behind the wheel of Lexus’ newly developed LF-A race car, for a few hot laps around the Goodwood Circuit. Follow the link for a look... [read more]

WHAT WE'RE READING // AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER '09

Following my recent Mustang purchase, I have a renewed interest in the modern muscle car war were find ourselves in. The stakes are the same, as is the competition. Ford vs. Chevy. Mustang vs. Camaro. But in the most recent issue of Automobile Magazine, they take it one step further... [read more]

In what might be one of the most interesting editorial pieces I have read recently, Automobile Magazine enlisted the help of two true muscle car fiends, David Donohue and P.J. Jones, sons of famed Trans-Am drivers Parnelli Jones and Mark Donohue. They pitted the two against one another, Jones in the 2010 Mustang, Donohue in the 2010 Camaro, and allowed them to hot lap the New Jersey Motorsport Park. What ensues is exactly what one would expect. The pair run nose to tail at 120mph, swapping positions, late breaking and filling each others mirrors. Without giving away the details, lets just say this is the best test of America's newest muscle I have read thus far...

A host of rivalries are examined, to include the infamous Henry Ford II vs. Enzo Ferrari, '32 Ford vs. '55 Chevy, Ferrari vs. Lamborghini and a host of racing rivalries that span the length of motorsports history.

Certainly worth the $4.99 cover price, head to your local newsstand to find out the results of their 'testing.'

Photo/Editorial: Justin Coffey

BACKSTAGE // INDY CARS @ EDMONTON [PART 2]

Last weekend Curtis Creager travelled to Edmonton, Canada, joining a handful of other Northwest natives as they prepared to compete in the NASCC Eurasia Cup Invitational. Alongside the NASCC event was the 11th round of the 2009 IndyCar Series. Running on the paved surfaces of Edmonton's City Centre Airport, the IRL race allowed Curtis to get up close and personal with some of the most famous cars and drivers in the IndyCar Series.

Follow the link for a look backstage at the Rexall Edmonton Indy race... [read more]















Indy @ Edmonton Photo Gallery

Photo: Curtis Creager
Editorial: Justin Coffey

RETURN OF THE KING // SCHUMACHER WILL RACE AT EUROPEAN GP

Word has it that Michael Schumacher, seven time Formula One World Champion and current Scuderia Ferrari advisor, will replace the injured Felipe Massa and take the wheel of Ferrari's F60 for the European round of the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

In response to the news, Schumacher posted this on his official website:
"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

Though it is true that the chapter Formula 1 has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

In a turn of events that few expected, the 2009 European Grand Prix at Valencia looks like it might be the most interesting race of this decade, with Schumacher taking on the likes of current F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, as well as Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Brawn GP's Jenson Button... Stay tuned! // [comment]

NEWS // FORD MUSTANG TO DEBUT IN 2010 NATIONWIDE SERIES

In a bit of motorsport news, the Ford Mustang will make its NASCAR debut when the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series kicks off next next February. Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports, commented on Ford’s announcement, saying “We're excited about Mustang coming to NASCAR," said Wolfe. "It's the most successful product nameplate in racing history, and it seems only right that it should be coming to the most popular form of racing in North America.”

Follow the link for Ford’s official press-release... [read more]

MUSTANG extends racing presence - enters NASCAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2010 NATIONWIDE SERIES

DEARBORN, Mich., July 28, 2009 – Mustang is already the most successful single nameplate brand in professional racing history, but it hasn't competed in NASCAR – until now.

Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports, made the announcement today that Mustang will debut as part of NASCAR's "new car" limited rollout in the 2010 Nationwide Series.

"We're excited about Mustang coming to NASCAR," said Wolfe. "It's the most successful product nameplate in racing history, and it seems only right that it should be coming to the most popular form of racing in North America.
"We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘muscle car' rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup," said Wolfe. "We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to extend Mustang's racing legacy to a new series reaching a huge and loyal audience. Mustang has dominated other forms of racing, including NHRA drag racing, Grand-Am Cup road racing, and Formula D drifting, and now it's coming to NASCAR Nationwide.

"I think race fans – and Mustang loyalists - will be very pleased when we publicly roll out the first car later this fall."
Ford Racing has gone through the official NASCAR submission and approval process for the new car, and, once templates are finalized, production of Mustang parts will start so teams can build the first cars for testing later this fall.
"We're excited about the new car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and particularly the new body styles such as the Ford Mustang," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "It's going to be one good-looking race car."

The 2010 Ford Mustang will join the 2010 Fusion (Sprint Cup) and the 2009 Ford F-Series (Camping World Truck Series) as Ford's competitive entries in NASCAR's three major professional series.

"We're excited about being able to race Mustang in front of our loyal NASCAR fan base and know it's going to win races and championships just like it has in every other series it has competed," said Wolfe. "The Mustang created the pony car movement when it debuted in 1964. Now, the NASCAR Mustang has the opportunity to create a whole new look to stock car racing at its highest levels."

Mustang in Racing:
From the time the very first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in 1964, it was destined to race. Whether it be from the 1960s drag racing cars and the Shelby GT350-R SCCA racers, to the Trans-Am Boss 302 Mustangs of the seventies, to the IMSA and Trans-Am cars of the eighties and nineties, to the drag race and sports car racing Mustangs of today, Mustang has been a winner.

Mustang currently competes professionally in the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions and places like the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, SCCA World Challenge, and the Mustang Challenge Series. In addition, thousands of Mustangs see action by grassroots racers at road courses and drag strips all across America.
Since its debut in 1964, Mustang has compiled more than 2,000 professional racing victories in NHRA, Grand-Am, IMSA, SCCA, NMRA and NMCA, as well as other racing series.

The 2010 Mustang:
Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America's favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with 315-horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.
In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." Customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

The new Mustang was recently launched through the "The ‘10 Unleashed" campaign, which gives enthusiasts the chance to unleash their Mustang side behind the wheel of the new 2010 Mustang – whether it be drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts.
Through Aug. 15, consumers can submit their own Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less via Ford's "The ‘10 Unleashed" site at www.the2010Mustang.com. Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and execution of idea. Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

About Ford North America Motorsports:
Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. Ford North America Motorsports also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing's activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.
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EVENTS // PORSCHE 250 @ BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

Last Sunday afternoon the weather and track conditions in Leeds, Alabama were immaculate for the 7th Annual Porsche 250 sponsored by Crown Royal Cask No.16 at Barber Motorsports Park. Constant light breeze all day and good cloud cover kept the Southern Sun from baking the track and the thousands of spectators at the event... [read more] 

GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing took the checkered in the Daytona Prototype Class, maintaining the top driver spot with 216 points.  Piloted by Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty, there were no punches pulled in a hard-fought battle against the Telmex-sponsored pair of Memo Rojas and Scott Pruett (below) who finished in second in the Lexus Riley machine, tying with GAINSCO for 1st in points.



Rounding out the podium in Daytona Prototype was the Ford Riley of John Pew and Michael Valiante. They worked their way up from a 10th place qualifying position to put Michael Shank Racing in the money, and 18th in overall points.  

Grand Touring class winners Andrew Davis and Robin Liddell had no easy go of it in their Stevenson Motorsports Pontiac GXP.R,  as they stormed from 5th place qualifying to capture the top spot. 

Second place finishers Sylvain Tremblay and Nick Ham put up a valiant effort in the number 70 Speedsource Mazda RX-8. 

Third place in GT went to the yellow Drinkin' Mate Pontiac GXP.R of Paul Edwards and Kelly Collns. 

A weekend full of racing, click here to see more of Raymond's photos...

Photo/Editorial: Raymond Moore

CLIMB ATTACK // RHYS MILLEN @ PIKES PEAK 2009

Two weeks back, Rhys Millen, son of famed hill climb and off-road racing champion Rod Millen, prepared himself for the 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. At the wheel of his newly developed Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Millen set about conquering the Colorado mountain, in hopes of setting a new world record in the 2WD Time Attack class.

Featured above is Millen's run up the mountain. Directed by Will Roegge, watch as Rhys Millen and his Hyundai Genesis rewrite the history books with a 12:09 run... // [comment]

NORTH OF THE BORDER // PRO-3 @ EURASIA CUP INVITATIONAL

In addition to last weekends IndyCar race at the Edmonton City Centre Airport, a handful of local PRO-3 drivers made the journey North to compete in the 2009 NASCC Eurasia Cup Invitational. An event that drew a diverse field of cars as well as drivers from across North America, follow the link for a look at a few of the PRO-3 cars that competed last weekend... [read more]

Pacific Northwest native Dan Rogers and his 'Tic-Tac' PRO-3 car.

Greg Miller and his PRO-3 BMW made the journey to Edmonton in order to compete with a handful of drivers from both Canada and the US. Miller would finish second on the day.

Bob Mearns leads a handful of cars during last weekends NASCC Eurasia Cup Invitational.

Making his way to the front of the field, Fred Wright was able to come home with the win during last weekends Eurasia Cup.

Wright enjoying his victory at the 2009 NASCC Eurasia Cup Invitational.

For a look at Curtis Creager's slideshow from last weekend, click here

Photo: Curtis Creager
Editorial: Justin Coffey

LOCAL RIDE // LEONARD'S TODA-MFACTORY TIME ATTACK CIVIC

It’s a cold morning in Goulburn, Sydney. I’m standing on the pitlane wall, all rugged up with mist coming out of my mouth after each breath. My trusty camera is around my shoulder, ready for a big day of action at the NSW State Supersprint at Wakefield Park. As I watch the early morning session I hear a distance engine note, which instantly made my head turn to see where the noise is coming from. I see a little blue Honda come flying up the straight. I was shocked at first that what was originally designed to be a shopping basket could be so fast, it trigged my love for cars that perform better than they should be allowed to. I continued to watch as it circulated around the circuit. As the blue Honda braked into the last hairpin at Wakefield it caught up 20m to an EVO 9 under brakes, pretty impressive I thought to myself. But that was nothing; once again I hear the distinct naturally aspirated engine note going quickly through the gears sitting on the bumper of this Evo all the way down the straight. I was truly impressed and I knew I had to find out more.

During the lunch break I headed towards the pitlane hoping to introduce myself to the driver, Leonard and this is where the true story begins... [read more]

Detailed list of Car Specs:

Toda / MFactory Supersprint Civic

Fully Stripped Interior with a half roll cage

Engine:
Built by Toda Performance Australia
Sleeved B18C2 + Ported B16A head
Displacement - 1979cc
Camshafts - TODA Racing
I/H/E - Mugen Air Box, TODA carbon surge tank, TODA 50mm quad throttles, TODA headers + 60mm cat back
ECU - HONDATA S300

Transmission and Driveline:
MFactory Close Ratio Gear kit (Off the shelf item)
MFactory Final Drive (Off the shelf item)
ATS LSD (To be replaced with an MFactory metal unit soon)

Suspension:
Toda Fightex N1 Coilovers
MFactory Rear Sway bar
DC2R Front Sway bar

Brakes:
VTTR 6 pot callipers with VTTR brake pads

Car is street registered and fully engineered to comply

MM: Future Plans?

Leonard: The car is pretty much developed for the class its racing in. There really not much more that can be done. It is pretty much the same package as last year where we won the Class 3B championship of the NSW Supersprints Championships in 2008.

If anything, I’d be looking to try and save more weight on the car. Unfortunately, we’re hampered by the model of the car which has heavier gauge steel on the floor pan and firewall unlike base models out there which is used by some of our competitors. Despite the disadvantage, the car is still clocking very competitive times and we believe we can make it very competitive as we once again compete in this year’s Supersprint Championships.

What is flattering is that competitors are using us as the benchmark in the current year’s championships as they front a whole new package, having already tried a few last year. That sort of exposure can only be good for us as it shows the importance of getting it right from the start – especially when most of us self fund our campaigns.

MM: History of the car - i.e did u buy it stock, was it just a daily turned track car? How many evolutions has it been through?

Leonard: I bought the car completely stock about 3 years ago. Originally, it was meant to be a car where my wife and me could just hop in and have fun touring the country side of Australia, which we did, taking the car on the Spirit of Tasmania in Sydney and driving around Tasmania and then back to Sydney.

A botched engine transplant to a B16A lead me to Adrian from Toda Performance Australia, who, over the time I knew him, was “lucky” enough to have had to fix other botched home jobbies.

I first competed with the car with a B16A, coming 2nd in Class in the Championships, losing to a veteran in a Datsun 1600! However, that was the first year ever that I had driven a car on track, so it wasn’t too bad.

The following year, with a bit more experience under my belt, Adrian and myself started discussing competing in Class 3B, a 1601cc to 2000cc class. Also there was a sort of a challenge within the local car community that year. The car was bumped up to almost 2litres and we managed to take out the class Championship.

I do occasionally enjoy taking the car out into the twisties late in the night, but in its recent trim, the street tyres I use can’t cope with the power the engine puts out. Haha.

MM: Why did you choose the Honda?

Leonard: Good question – I first drove an EG with a modified B18C transplant about a decade ago. It blew me away with it revving to 10K rpm. Since then, I have always wanted one. So, about 3 years ago, when I returned to Australia, Now that I’ve started working, I thought, why not…

I don’t have a preference in brands, except for maybe….Ducati!

What’s the best characteristic of the car (under brakes? Turn in? So on?) and why?

I think the best part of the car is the grunt the engine puts out. Despite the weight disadvantage and lack of practice, the engine’s got real grunt and I believe it’s the factor that keeps us competitive.

Moving on to the 6 piston Callipers from VTTR was not a very good move. Even the stock DC2R callipers I ran last year braked better. The VTTR pads wore out after just 3 rounds! At Wakefield, I had to start braking before the kink or the car simply would not haul up.

Otherwise, I’m still learning to setup the car and drive it properly. Unfortunately, due to work commitments and a baby, I don’t really get much time to work on or practice with the car. Usually, we just give the car a once over the day before the event and then rock up – guessing with the setup as we drive.

It doesn’t help that I don’t put enough lap times under my belt, but hey, I think our current times at the various circuits around NSW are certainly nothing to be a laughed at.

MM: Why Supersprinting? Why not racing or just average track days?

Leonard: Supersprinting is a good entry level motorsport – Not too expensive and with a duration that’s much more bearable than Hill Climbs or Motorkhanas. That’s not to say that Hill Climbs or Motorkhana’s are boring or anything, it’s just a different discipline.

I’d certainly like to try circuit racing proper, it’s just at this time, I’m not sure if I can afford the expenses to further prep the car, cost of tyres and even entry fees. If a sponsor comes up, I would definitely consider.

However, that’s usually easier said than done – Sponsorship at this level of motorsports isn’t quite like what you see in the upper echelons of motor racing. A lot are just small businesses that are struggling to survive, especially in this current environment. A lot of times, when people think you’re sponsored, they don’t really know the harsh realities and sacrifices made by both parties.

As such, I am very grateful to Adrian from Toda Performance and MFactory for providing the support that they have so far.

After talking for almost an hour, I got back to taking pictures and every time the little Honda was out on the circuit, I took my eye away from the cameras view finder so I could just watch. Every time it went past me I was impressed.

Photo/Editorial: Matthew Mead