Follow the link for additional photos as well as a link to the build thread... [read more]
Kustom Coach Werks Build Thread
Editorial: Justin Coffey
7.31.2009
BUILD THREAD // THE PORSCHE 356 'OUTLAW'
NEWS // SCHUMACHER TESTING F2007 @ MUGELLO [VIDEO]
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
WHAT WE'RE READING // AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER '09
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]
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
7.30.2009
RETURN OF THE KING // SCHUMACHER WILL RACE AT EUROPEAN GP
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
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.
# # #
EVENTS // PORSCHE 250 @ BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
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
For a look at Curtis Creager's slideshow from last weekend, click here
Photo: Curtis Creager
Editorial: Justin Coffey
7.28.2009
LOCAL RIDE // LEONARD'S TODA-MFACTORY TIME ATTACK CIVIC
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]
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
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.
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.
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.
Photo/Editorial: Matthew Mead
