Went down to Buttonwillow Raceway yesterday with my 'engineer' and co-driver, Tim Arnett. We took the Wagon out for four 20-30 minute sessions to test the winter's mods and shake off some driver rust. The increased rear spring rate gave the front-end the bite I've been looking for, and we fine tuned a couple settings to our liking. We've got a race with VARA down at Willow … [Read more...] about BUTTONWILLOW TEST DAY
TRAILERING YOUR RACE CAR -Part Two
After fifteen years of trailering my race cars and bikes with open trailers, it was finally within my budget to get an enclosed trailer. The additional security and weather protection will be greatly enjoyed, and the Sunday night unloadings can now be delayed a day or two as neccesary. However, you must truly be ready for the extra expenses that will be incurred compared to … [Read more...] about TRAILERING YOUR RACE CAR -Part Two
“SPARE” MOTOR
I've been collecting (aka buying, scrounging, trading) parts for the past 2 years so I could build a spare motor for the wagon. This one is another long-rod L20b, +2mm forged flattops with cutouts, prepped crank, big-valve A87, planning 12:1 CR. It's gonna be really nice having a spare bullet in the chamber when I gotta pull out my current engine. … [Read more...] about “SPARE” MOTOR
510 WAGON REAR SWAYBAR
Today we hooked up a rear swaybar on the wagoon. Most 510 race cars use a rear-mount style rear swaybar, like the type made by Speedway Engineering. But the wagon's rear frame rails were cut up pretty good during the IRS/coil-over install, so I needed to go with a front-mount bar. I was hunting for an OE 5/8" rear bar and found that the IRS Celica/Supra one was pretty close. … [Read more...] about 510 WAGON REAR SWAYBAR
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
Yesterday I went to the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA for the first time. All I can say is "WOW". The galleries are set up like a modern art museum, with polished granite floors, no windows or background lighting, just strategically placed spotlights for each car. It creates quite the environment for viewing the impressive collection of European sportscars, American … [Read more...] about BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
VARA Race School
I spent this past weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway instructing with VARA-U, VARA's annual driving school. It was about a 70/30 split between street cars and race cars, with some students getting ready to earn their race license, while others were just there for some track instruction. Students age ranged from teenagers to others well into retirement, and cars ranged from a Honda … [Read more...] about VARA Race School