[merged] OPTIMA Ultimate Streetcar Invitational, Penny Wins, CAR Vette 2nd!

[XcYZ]

2 Lateral-g.net Members competing in the OPTIMA Ultimate Streetcar Invitational


Two Lateral-g.net members have been invited to participate in the OPTIMA Ultimate Streetcar Invitational presented By HOT ROD Magazine on Saturday November 8 at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, NV. The OPTIMA Invitational is a multi-event competition to determine the baddest streetcar in the country. The event consists of styling, autocross, acceleration/braking and lap time competitions with points being awarded for each facet of the event. The car accumulating the most points over the four events will be crowned the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar.

The rules are fairly simple: the car needs to resemble a production car, no specialty race cars or kit cars and it must run on street tires with a 180 tread wear rating or higher. Drivers must have a helmet and a harness for the event, that’s about it. We’ve scheduled the race to run the day after SEMA, and Pahrump is about an hour or so from Vegas. The field will consist of 30-40 cars from some of the best builders in the country and participation is by invite only.


The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar Invitational
Presented by HOT ROD Magazine
When: Saturday November 8, 2008
Where: Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, Pahrump, NV.


The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar Invitational is designed to give builders and owners of some the world’s most awesome streetcars the opportunity to show their stuff on a closed circuit professional road racing course. The event will be a combination of driving, handling and acceleration/braking. The goal of the event is bring 30-40 of the best street cars in the world (this event coincides with SEMA, held in Las Vegas) to the track and put them through their paces, highlighting styling, handling, acceleration/braking and overall build quality.

Each event, styling, autocross, 0-60-0 and road course laps will be timed (styling will be judged) and points will be awarded based on a classifying system. Awards will be presented to the top three in each event and “The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar” award will be given to the vehicle accumulating the most points over the combined events.

Rules for the event will be relatively simple with safety being paramount. All cars will be required to run on DOT approved tires with a tread wear rating of 180 or higher and must have a minimum four point safety harness. All drivers will be required to wear a helmet during the road course portion of the event and they will be encouraged to wear the helmet during all events. This is a street car event with an emphasis on street cars that bear a significant resemblance to common marks. Hot rods, muscle cars, sport compacts, European cars and trucks/SUV’s are welcome but no purpose built race cars will be allowed and no kit cars. The idea here is promote cars that are somewhat obtainable and built with aftermarket performance upgrades. Any car not complying with the “Spirit” of the event will not be allowed. Compliance with the “Spirit of the event” will be at the sole discretion of Optima Batteries. All cars will be required to pass a simple technical inspection to assure safety during the event. Car builders and owners can make the choice to drive or bring in their own driver, and all vehicles must participate in all segments of the event to qualify for “The Ultimate Street Car” award.

HOT ROD Magazine will provide exclusive coverage of the event and will feature The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car. They will also be promoting the event on the HOT ROD Magazine website during the time leading up to the event. OPTIMA Batteries will also be promoting the event on their website as will other sponsors. Television coverage in currently being negotiated, but various internet TV outlets have agreed to provide coverage as well.

Corporate sponsorship for the event is available with cash being the most significant necessity. Track rental fees, medical services, technical and safety staff, food and beverages in addition to several other things are all needed to put an event like this together. Air Ride Technologies, K&N and Pfaff Designs have all graciously offered to sponsor portions of the event. We will be looking to sponsors to provide product support as well for the individual and overall class winners.

[Vegas69]

I may have to make a tip over the hump to Pahrump. Only have 3 point belts so I'm out. :yes:

[Jr]

This sounds great! Is it open to the public?

Scott, do you know who is going to show up to the event?
For example:
rad rides
ring bros
dse...

How do I get in? I have no problem staying one day after sema...this sounds like sooooooo much fun! I will "crew" for any team or company.

David

[XcYZ]

David, it's free to the public to spectate, and it's actually encouraged. :thumbsup:

However, I'm not sure if there will be any concessions stands open. That's being looked at and there might be a bag lunch available.

[Steve1968LS2]

Am I not allowed since I work for a car magazine?

I would be SO all over this...


:( <------- me

[jeff hanson]

Wait.....I think it moved....I would love to do this. Why does it have to be so far! If it doesn't sell maybe I could call some "friends" to help me get out there. (dialing phone)Hello...DSE?:lol:

[skatinjay27]

sweet!!!! i would love to see this... that track is pretty kick azz
the problem with the place is that is suck for spectators... it wasent really setup for that so you dont really get to see the whole track. i guessing for a event like this maybe they will move or put up some seat stands for the viewers...im thinking dse will be out there kicking some butt! and brett too.

[XcYZ]

Am I not allowed since I work for a car magazine?

I would be SO all over this...


Steve, I think you and Penny would be perfect, regardless of your 'day' job. I don't see why it would cause any problem. Hot Rod Magazine has exclusive coverage, so you'd just be a regular competitor. Well, how about if you go as in 'in car' reporter for Lateral-g.net?

I'll make some phone calls and get back to you... but as far as I'm concerned, you're 1 of 2 members that will be representing us. :thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Am I not allowed since I work for a car magazine?

I would be SO all over this...


:( <------- me

Can I barrow Penny? :unibrow:

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, I think you and Penny would be perfect, regardless of your 'day' job. I don't see why it would cause any problem. Hot Rod Magazine has exclusive coverage, so you'd just be a regular competitor. Well, how about if you go as in 'in car' reporter for Lateral-g.net?

I'll make some phone calls and get back to you... but as far as I'm concerned, you're 1 of 2 members that will be representing us. :thumbsup:

Cool deal.. would be a blast.

I would need to build my rear bar by then. I would seriously consider Mary as a driver for Penny. I could do it, but she would be faster (and I don't have time to practice until AFTER SEMA).

What tires have a 180 treadwear rating? I wonder if Toyo would make some special for me. lol

Let me know if I'm "allowed"... I bet some crazy stuff is going to show up though. But, I will run it till it breaks!

[coolwelder62]

Scott would my camaro be allowed in to this event. IT has a optima battery and Its street legal has every thing but a horn. Sounds like fun.

[youthpastor]

Scott- why not your car??

I could think of a 1/2 dozen sweet cars on this sight-


like...
Malitude??

Really needs to be something that is proven and rocks

Bad Penny

Camaro X

[MtotheIKEo]

Looking for streetcars only, but requiring them to at least have a 4-point harness which in turn requires a harness bar kinda sucks.

[monza]

Sounds pretty damn fun!!

[tyoneal]

To All:

I would like to know how they define street car?
Can be run on the street legally?

They say no purpose built race cars. Many of our cars have been purposely built (From the frame up) with many racing pieces added for performance.

Many of the cars on here have more hp than a lot of race cars.

The kit car thing doesn't make sense exactly. Most of our cars are the combination of many kits. In fact you can just about order a complete car that would look more original than the originals. I think I know what they are trying to say, but most of the best cars on this sight run in a very gray area, IMHO.

What are you all's thoughts. I'm I making this too hard?

Thanks,

Ty

[monza]

To All:


What are you all's thoughts. I'm I making this too hard?


Ty

Yes!:yes:

[Steve1968LS2]

Anything new on this?

[markjanos]

I would be interested in bringing my hemicuda to it. :)

[XcYZ]

I should have noted several days ago that Steve and Kevin will be representing Lateral-g.net at the OPTIMA Batteries Invitational.

More info to come as the event approaches. :cheers:

[Jr]

I should have noted several days ago that Steve and Kevin will be representing Lateral-g.net at the OPTIMA Batteries Invitational.

More info to come as the event approaches. :cheers:


Kevin?

[kp.touring]

I'm Kevin
I'm part of the staff at Campbell Auto Restation aka CAR. We will be there with 1 of customer's cars. It is a 69 Vette with our front suspension and Car Creation's C-4 rear. The car is built to look like a LeMans racercar from 69 but with todays tech, 18" and 19" wheels, EFI on Kinsler crossram, 540 aluminum big block, Quaiffe Sequential 6 speed and tons more....

Maybe Scott could post the pictures I sent him.

Kevin

[tgvettes]

I would love to see pictures of that one. the 68-72 Le Mans Corvettes are some of my favorite racecars

Tonny

[skatinjay27]

I'm Kevin
I'm part of the staff at Campbell Auto Restation aka CAR. We will be there with 1 of customer's cars. It is a 69 Vette with our front suspension and Car Creation's C-4 rear. The car is built to look like a LeMans racercar from 69 but with todays tech, 18" and 19" wheels, EFI on Kinsler crossram, 540 aluminum big block, Quaiffe Sequential 6 speed and tons more....

Maybe Scott could post the pictures I sent him.

Kevin
come on scott :thumbsup:

[XcYZ]

Maybe Scott could post the pictures I sent him.

Send them again. :thumbsup:

[tyoneal]

I'm Kevin
I'm part of the staff at Campbell Auto Restation aka CAR. We will be there with 1 of customer's cars. It is a 69 Vette with our front suspension and Car Creation's C-4 rear. The car is built to look like a LeMans racercar from 69 but with todays tech, 18" and 19" wheels, EFI on Kinsler crossram, 540 aluminum big block, Quaiffe Sequential 6 speed and tons more....

Maybe Scott could post the pictures I sent him.

Kevin
======================================
Sounds like an awesome car. Please post pictures.

One question, Would this qualify as being in the, “Spirit” of the event? How do you like your Quaiffe Sequential 6 speed? Was it pretty big $$$? Sounds cool.

Good luck.

Ty

[kp.touring]

Ty,
Scott will be posting the pictures I sent him soon. Most of the pictures we have are to big of files and take forever to down load.

Would this qualify as being in the, “Spirit” of the event? You bet!!! The as it has more street miles on it than track, the only things it is missing are wipers and a heater/defroster, just like almost every '32 Ford Highboy roadster.

How do you like your Quaiffe Sequential 6 speed? Was it pretty big $$$? Sounds cool. The Quaiffe transmission is awesome. The unit we are using is dog ringed so we really only need the clutch to start the car rolling. Yes it is big money over 20K by the time evrything is said and done as they are not built for big block Chevrolets, we fitted a unit Quaiffe builds for Vipers.

Kevin

[XcYZ]

Ty,
Scott will be posting the pictures I sent him soon. Most of the pictures we are to big of files and take forever to down load.

Here we go, better late then never. :D

http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/kevin_01.jpg

http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/kevin_02.jpg

[kp.touring]

Thanks Scott!
I'll get some more pictures to you soon.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Better get some legal tires on that sucka! ;)


Can't wait for the event... I will try to represent the site well.. TEAM LAT-G!! :woot:

[kp.touring]

Steve,
They've have DOT numbers. As for legal tires for the event it looks like we will be running Michelins with a 220 treadwear rating because there is nothing lower in sizes we are running without dropping below 100.
We may end up running small tires so we can be on tire as sticky as the other cars, a little step back though.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
They've have DOT numbers. As for legal tires for the event it looks like we will be running Michelins with a 220 treadwear rating because there is nothing lower in sizes we are running without dropping below 100.
We may end up running small tires so we can be on tire as sticky as the other cars, a little step back though.

Kevin

I meant legal for the event :)

Happy to have you as my team mate.. should be fun!

[Payton King]

You and Steve are definitely bringing the hardware.

And I thought Penny was a little on the edge. Would love to see some build pics of the vette.

Steve how is the tweaking going? Started yet?

[tyoneal]

Here we go, better late then never. :D

http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/kevin_01.jpg

http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/kevin_02.jpg
=========================================
Boy, that Vette is a Knockout!

I bet your really proud of it.

You'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge but, "The unit we are using is dog ringed so we really only need the clutch to start the car rolling.", what is, "Dog Ringed", and what properties does this give it?

Any Idea how long this Transmission can expected to last on the Street?

Thanks,

Ty

BTW: Those side pipes are the Best. Very Cool. (Hooker I assume?)

[Steve1968LS2]

You and Steve are definitely bringing the hardware.

And I thought Penny was a little on the edge. Would love to see some build pics of the vette.

Steve how is the tweaking going? Started yet?

The forged Lunati stroker kit arrived yesterday. I have an appointment at Bilstein, the CF hood is waiting and I'm working with Rockland Standard on a new T56...

Oh and some new Forgeline super lightweight rollers are being built.. so yea, I'm busy :)

[kp.touring]

Steve, ya I hope they change the tread rating down to 80 so we can run the Sport Cups as it seems no one builds anything 100 or a little above that in sizes we are running (335/30/18 front, yes front and 345/30/19 or 345/35/18 rear). Maybe someone here might know of some tires in these sizes. And yes it should be a blast!

Scott do you have any window stickers?

Ty,
Here's a little more if about the trans, it has straight cut gears so it is a little noisy. It uses dog rings verses sincro's to match up gear speeds in the box. Once rolling to up just lift the throttle and pull the shifter and to down shift blip the throttle and push the lever or you can use the clutch if you want (nomally use the clutch on the street).


Go Lateral-G

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, ya I hope they change the tread rating down to 80 so we can run the Sport Cups as it seems no one builds anything 100 or a little above that in sizes we are running (335/30/18 front, yes front and 345/30/19 or 345/35/18 rear). Maybe someone here might know of some tires in these sizes. And yes it should be a blast!

Scott do you have any window stickers?

Go Lateral-G

Kevin


Don't count on it... You're lucky I talked them into 100 treadwear. In hindsight I should have left it at 180 and kicked ass with the combo I secretly found (actually that Mary secretly found), but this way is more fair I guess. lol

You could go with Toyo R888s but you would need 18-inch rear wheels and run 335s all around.

[kp.touring]

So you are the blame!!! So now I have to talk to Mary.
We would have been happy with 180, really.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

So you are the blame!!! So now I have to talk to Mary.
We would have been happy with 180, really.

Kevin

In hindsight I would have been happy with the 180 as well..

The problem is that the sizing was REALLY screwing up a LOT of people. There are no wide 180 tires in an 18 inch rim.. period...

At least you can get a 335/30/18 tire in a 100 treadwear.. you sure as hell can't do that in a 180.

Oh well, I guess it makes it more "real" since I can run what I run on the street :)

[Steve1968LS2]

And for the record.. here's the other car representing Lateral-g

http://picsorban.com/upload/penny23low.jpg

[Payton King]

You are a busy little bee. I did not know about the new rims..do tell

Not that my opinion matters, but the 335 Toyo R888 all the way around on the vette sounds like your best best.

Tire sizing in a sticky compound always is dificult

[Jr]

Steve,
Who is building the motor? Don Lee? What cam specs are you going with? Any nitrous?

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
Who is building the motor? Don Lee? What cam specs are you going with? Any nitrous?

Tim and myself over at Don Lee's... should be easy. Will most likely just hone the cylinders.

Right now I have a 230/232 112 so with the extra displacement I will most likely go 238/240 and the same 112. I really looking to make power with the added displacement but have the car idle/feel the same. And to be honest all I really want is bottom end torque.

The new parts are forged so nitrous is in the future. Maybe just a 100 shot for a little fun.

[awr68]

Steve new wheels for Penny? Are they going to look the same...but just lighter? I guess you have a set for the other car now...at no cost to ''it's" budget!! ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve new wheels for Penny? Are they going to look the same...but just lighter? I guess you have a set for the other car now...at no cost to ''it's" budget!! ;)

No wheels for the Track Rat car.. but they will be Forgelines since I feel the wheels make the car.

The key to building a NICE car on a budget is to save in some places so you can buy nicer stuff in other areas. My paint selection saved me a ton so that money could be put into a few other areas. My engine selection is lower cost, again saving cash.

The new wheels I'm getting for Penny will most likely not be needed for the event, but they are a good deal (yes, I do pay for parts) and it would nice to have another set of "track tires"

Ironically my track tires will have a higher treadwear rating than my street tires.. lol

[Jr]

Does anyone know who(which cars) will show up to this event? I hope steve's new combo will post some fast laps...

[final cut]

I will be there with the Fairlane (see "killer looking Fairlane at Columbus" thread or Super Rod Feb. 2008). I need lots more competition seat time, but I am looking forward to haulin the mail without looking for cops and mini vans.

[Steve1968LS2]

I will be there with the Fairlane (see "killer looking Fairlane at Columbus" thread or Super Rod Feb. 2008). I need lots more competition seat time, but I am looking forward to haulin the mail without looking for cops and mini vans.


For the lazy people here's the car.. VERY nice ride and I can't wait to run against it.. :)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GG2007113.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GG2007111.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GG2007114.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

Does anyone know who(which cars) will show up to this event? I hope steve's new combo will post some fast laps...

So do I.. lol..

The official name of the car is Bad Penny Version 2.1T (track edition)... lol

I have LOTS to do in a month.. :willy:

[Jr]

Steve,
Thanks for the pic.

Was that car at the Costa Mesa Good guy show?

[monza]

Funny, I was to lazy to look. I love that car, always one of my favorites!

For the lazy people here's the car.. VERY nice ride and I can't wait to run against it.. :)

[monza]

Does anyone know who(which cars) will show up to this event? I hope steve's new combo will post some fast laps...

Did anyone hear the rumor about Dale E. JR. in his 72' ?

[Steve1968LS2]

Did anyone hear the rumor about Dale E. JR. in his 72' ?

That would be ironic because I doubt Jr. ever drives his '73.. ;)

I also heard the Air Rides cars are trying to get Scott Pruett (sp?) to drive thier stuff.

This is turning into serious business... :yes:

Steve,
Thanks for the pic.

Was that car at the Costa Mesa Good guy show?

Yep.. :)

[final cut]

Like most everything else, he with the most $$ will win. Being able to hire a pro driver is goofy to me, it's your car, drive your own junk around the track. I engineered, built, broke, fixed, and drive my own car. I am honored to be invited, and boy will this be fun.

[Steve1968LS2]

Like most everything else, he with the most $$ will win. Being able to hire a pro driver is goofy to me, it's your car, drive your own junk around the track. I engineered, built, broke, fixed, and drive my own car. I am honored to be invited, and boy will this be fun.

The did the "driver" deal for several reasons.

1. Some cars at SEMA are there without thier owners.
2. Some owners of high-end SEMA type cars are not drivers.
3. This is a car competion, not a driver competition.

In regards to the last one. They are trying to find the best car. If the owners had to drive thier cars then a lesser car driven by a pro (Dale Jr.) could beat a better car owned by a rookie.

Anyways, that's how it was explained to me. A good driver is the best mod you can make to a car. lol

When Parsons drove his Nova in the auto-x he got a good time. Then Kyle Tucker of DSE got in his car and in the first lap knocked off 2 whole seconds.

I drove Penny at Good Guys and got a good time. I gave the keys to Britt and he knocked off a second the first lap.

Obviously John and myself wern't driving our cars to thier potential.

The BEST way to do this competition would be to have one pro driver pilot ALL of the cars. That's the best way to test cars. Unfortunatly its hard to get people to let some stranger drive thier cars.

I want Penny to turn in the best time possible and Im not so ego driven to think I'm a great driver (I need more seat time) so I asked a friend to drive a protion of the event.

We will see who shows up.. right now it's all just rumor. In any event I'm there to have fun and turn in a respectable time.

[Steve1968LS2]

Oh, and the most money always wins. That's just life.

In this field my car will one of the cheapest ones there. I will be sure to point that fact out to my wife. lol

[skatinjay27]

Oh, and the most money always wins. That's just life.

In this field my car will one of the cheapest ones there. I will be sure to point that fact out to my wife. lolbut remember, mary has one may races in the 2nd gen against purpose built full tube "race cars"

i hope dale doesnt show then it will be like a overly croweded nascar event:(

[Vegas69]

I'm looking forward to how this all plays out. Has there been a set time for everyone that is driving over?

[Steve1968LS2]

but remember, mary has one may races in the 2nd gen against purpose built full tube "race cars"

i hope dale doesnt show then it will be like a overly croweded nascar event:(


yea, his entourage alone would fill the place up... then again, I'm sure Mary and Dave would enjoy going against Jr.

I still say Mary could wipe and autocross track with Jr.. it's not that same deal as a Mile long banked oval.

The thing with Jr's car is that he has unlimited money and resources to tune and tweak his Camaro. Then again, that is what this event is about.

[Stuart Adams]

That would be ironic because I doubt Jr. ever drives his '73.. ;)

I also heard the Air Rides cars are trying to get Scott Pruett (sp?) to drive thier stuff.

This is turning into serious business... :yes:



Yep.. :)

Scott Pruitt was driving all the Air Ride stuff at Goodguys Columbus this year, not cheap I'm sure.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Like most everything else, he with the most $$ will win. Being able to hire a pro driver is goofy to me, it's your car, drive your own junk around the track. I engineered, built, broke, fixed, and drive my own car. I am honored to be invited, and boy will this be fun.

Problem is some of us simply are not drivers and some are. I am a drag racer, not a road coarse guy. I like to drive on the road coarse, but am no road coarse racer. I do not think there is a huge advantage with a good driver / owner that knows his car very well, and a pro driver in a car he does not know.

I think there will be a few "celebrity" drivers.

[final cut]

I agree, the best mod to a car is a good driver. There are lots of people in all walks of life that are better drivers than I, there could be 20 NASCAR teams out there and I would have a blast finishing dead last! I guess what I was trying to say was, even if I had the resources I wouldn't pay someone to build my car, and someone else to drive it. To me thats like buying a ticket for the roller coaster and have someone else ride it. I'll be out there to do my best and look forward to the friendly competition.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Scott Pruitt was driving all the Air Ride stuff at Goodguys Columbus this year, not cheap I'm sure.

Yes he did, and I threw the keys for Project EmptyNest to Scott. He got in the car 10 feet from the starting line, never driven it. And cut a 18.5 lap, 8/10ths quicker then my best time of 19.3, and was as fast as the third fastest SMOY competitor. They counted my time putting me in 10th or something. Imagine what he could have done with a few laps under his belt!

So as Steve mentioned, a great car may not do well with a crappy driver (looks in mirror).

[kp.touring]

Well I quess I shouldn't feel bad about our "shoe" for the road course being the field is getting some real driver's.
Steve we have found some tires with a 160 rating that are near the sizes we are using on the Vette.

This thing is going to be a blast!!!

Kevin

[final cut]

Steve, and everyone for that matter. Earlier I said, "it's your car, drive your own junk around the track" this was not pointed at anyone specifically. I would never call anyones car junk, I realized my voice inflections and sarcasm don't come through in text. I regularly refer to my own car as my junk or my bucket of bolts. If I offended anyone I do apologize

[XcYZ]

Steve, and everyone for that matter. Earlier I said, "it's your car, drive your own junk around the track" this was not pointed at anyone specifically. I would never call anyones car junk, I realized my voice inflections and sarcasm don't come through in text. I regularly refer to my own car as my junk or my bucket of bolts. If I offended anyone I do apologize

Nah, I didn't take it that way at all... I understand what you're saying.

[XcYZ]

Rules and Regulations for the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar Invitational:

1. The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational presented by HOT ROD Magazine is an invite only event limited to 40 participants. 10 invitations will be reserved for vehicles displayed during the 2008 SEMA event.

2. All OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational participants must compete in all segments of the event to qualify for The Ultimate Street Car Award:
-Styling
-Autocross
-Acceleration/braking – (0-60-0)
-Lap times (2.2 mile road course)

3. All drivers will be required to sign a liability waiver. Passengers must be at least 18 years of age and will be required to sign the same liability waiver as driver.

4. A mandatory drivers/passenger meeting will be held at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park prior to the first competition.

5. Only official wrist banded drivers and passengers may ride in the cars on the track. The drivers may change during the competition provided they have attended the drivers meeting and have the proper wristband.

6. All vehicles must represent a street capable vehicle with a strong resemblance to a current or former production model. No purpose built race cars or kit cars will be allowed. The only open-wheeled vehicles allowed are '34-and-older domestic vehicles and replicas thereof. Other vehicles such as production “concept” cars may be allowed. This event is designed to be a fun and spirited competition to showcase vehicles conceived and built using parts and manufacturers supported by SEMA.

7. All competitors must have current proof of insurance, and a current driver's license. The following are required: working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and a safety-glass windshield. Side windows must roll up and down in the manner designed by the factory. Full hoods are required on all entries.

8. Each entrant will be issued a number which must be clearly visible on the windshield, side windows or rear window. White shoe polish is acceptable.

9. Participants must use DOT approved tires with a tread wear rating of 100 or greater. Tires will be required to pass a technical inspection at the track. The spirit of the event requires the use of a DOT approved “street” tire – no modifications to tires will be acceptable, including shaving. Any vehicle with tires showing any evidence of modification will be immediately disqualified from the event. No racing tires of any sort, including drag radials, will be allowed.

10. Helmet use is required during the lap times segment of the event and is encouraged but not required for any other segment. The autocross course design will attempt to keep speeds below 35 M.P.H.

11. Participating cars must pass a basic safety inspection that will include but may not be limited to the following:
a. Functional seatbelts.
b. Proper brake pedal pressure and travel.
c. Sufficient throttle return spring and secured battery.
d. All lug nuts in place and tight.
e. Hubcaps/clip-on center caps are to be removed.
f. All loose items must be removed from vehicle.
(Floor mats, things hanging from rearview mirror, cassettes, CDs, and glove box, console, trunk items.)

12. Each segment of the event will be timed (except the styling event) and points awarded to each participant based on that time. Points will be cumulative for the four events and the entrant with the most point total after all four segments will be awarded the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car. Only entrants completing all four segments of the competition will be eligible to win the grand prize.

13. The styling segment of the event will be determined by a 4 judge panel based on overall quality, design and craftsmanship of the vehicle.

14. Race director and event management staff will have COMPLETE discretion to deny or remove from competition anyone in the event for any reason.

15. The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Streetcar Invitational presented by HOT ROD Magazine will be run rain or shine.

[final cut]

In the rules - 11. A. Functional seatbelts
I have aftermarket lap belts, do I need to install a harness?

[monza]

In the rules - 11. A. Functional seatbelts
I have aftermarket lap belts, do I need to install a harness?

I have another info sheet thats says four point harness. I'll email you it.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, and everyone for that matter. Earlier I said, "it's your car, drive your own junk around the track" this was not pointed at anyone specifically. I would never call anyones car junk, I realized my voice inflections and sarcasm don't come through in text. I regularly refer to my own car as my junk or my bucket of bolts. If I offended anyone I do apologize

No offense taken.. I beat the crap out of my car.. and I don't mind letting someone else have some fun in it (just ask my CF front spoiler.. lol)

I'm proud of my car and I'm realistic enough to know that it will do better in certain events with a more skilled driver. Plus I think it would be fun to team up with the Pozzi's.

Heavy hitters with deep pockets will be at this event. I want to place well for the site, but most of all I want my car to be used to it's potential.

So we're all good and I can't wait to hang out with you at the event. :)

[Steve1968LS2]

There's that stupid "turn signals" rule... argh.. what's next "back up lights" .. lol

[ProdigyCustoms]

The rules I got also said harness.

[kp.touring]

Side windows must roll up and down in the manner designed by the factory.

Roll up side windows? What side windows, we don't need no stinking side windows.

Kevin

[skatinjay27]

steve just dont let nick drive your car cause that track doesent have grass!!!
its got dirt with big rocks and small mounds... lol

[bret]

While I would thoroughly enjoy having everyone speculate until the last moment about us having Scott Pruitt at the Optima event, I have to speak up now and say that it likely won't happen. I had contemplated at one time having Scott come out to drive for us, but you guys are right...it would quickly turn into a "one upmanship" game of drivers and dollars. I don't think this is what anyone had in mind.
I'm going to be driving the Velocity Camaro and Ty Hauer from our shop will be driving the Goodguys Nova. Ty keeps our hotrods running and is at the same skill and experience level any other competitor attending, maybe less. I have a few more laps under my belt but likely less talent than most.
I think having a pro driver attend is a nice sidebar to an event like this...most of these guys are hotrodders at heart and love a chance to tear it up in a street car...but that seems a bit discouraging to the guys who are building, driving, and paying for their own cars.

[Tom.A]

While I would thoroughly enjoy having everyone speculate until the last moment about us having Scott Pruitt at the Optima event, I have to speak up now and say that it likely won't happen. I had contemplated at one time having Scott come out to drive for us, but you guys are right...it would quickly turn into a "one upmanship" game of drivers and dollars. I don't think this is what anyone had in mind.
I'm going to be driving the Velocity Camaro and Ty Hauer from our shop will be driving the Goodguys Nova. Ty keeps our hotrods running and is at the same skill and experience level any other competitor attending, maybe less. I have a few more laps under my belt but likely less talent than most.
I think having a pro driver attend is a nice sidebar to an event like this...most of these guys are hotrodders at heart and love a chance to tear it up in a street car...but that seems a bit discouraging to the guys who are building, driving, and paying for their own cars.

Well said and good for you. I think it would be funner if it was driver/owner required. Either way should be a cool event. I will still be in the stands cheering for the Lat-G guy's :yes:

[Steve1968LS2]

While I would thoroughly enjoy having everyone speculate until the last moment about us having Scott Pruitt at the Optima event, I have to speak up now and say that it likely won't happen. I had contemplated at one time having Scott come out to drive for us, but you guys are right...it would quickly turn into a "one upmanship" game of drivers and dollars. I don't think this is what anyone had in mind.
I'm going to be driving the Velocity Camaro and Ty Hauer from our shop will be driving the Goodguys Nova. Ty keeps our hotrods running and is at the same skill and experience level any other competitor attending, maybe less. I have a few more laps under my belt but likely less talent than most.
I think having a pro driver attend is a nice sidebar to an event like this...most of these guys are hotrodders at heart and love a chance to tear it up in a street car...but that seems a bit discouraging to the guys who are building, driving, and paying for their own cars.

They had better take out "cone insurance" ;)

lol

I predict Jr. will show up with his entire NASCAR pit crew and rig. :willy:

I'm sharing driving duties with the Pozzi's because they are cool and way smarter dialing in the car than I am.

[final cut]

How many of the cars do you think will have license plates with current registration?

Depending on where the last fuel stop is, I may drive my car from SEMA to the event.

Optima Ultimate "Streetcar" Invitational

[ProdigyCustoms]

I wonder how many totally fresh SEMA cars will be there?

[Steve1968LS2]

How many of the cars do you think will have license plates with current registration?

Depending on where the last fuel stop is, I may drive my car from SEMA to the event.

Optima Ultimate "Streetcar" Invitational

Hell, mine does.. I was going to drive it to Vegas and trailer it home.. lol

[final cut]

I wonder how many totally fresh SEMA cars will be there?

I heard Optima was saving 10 invites for cars from SEMA, could be some really good fresh stuff, can't wait to see it!

[final cut]

Hell, mine does.. I was going to drive it to Vegas and trailer it home.. lol

Thats cool, these cars are meant to be driven, autocross, road coarse, or to the local burger joint.

[WILWAXU]

If someone needs a pit crew member, I'm for hire :unibrow:

[skatinjay27]

How many of the cars do you think will have license plates with current registration?

Depending on where the last fuel stop is, I may drive my car from SEMA to the event.

Optima Ultimate "Streetcar" Invitationalyou got a spot foe the fairlane this year at sema? where?
the closest fuel up before the track is only like 15-20 miles away. and comming from the convention center it really to far of a ride.

[final cut]

The Fairlane is one of four feature cars for Optima, I don't know if they have picked the booth car yet, we'll just have to wait and see.

[Steve1968LS2]

If someone needs a pit crew member, I'm for hire :unibrow:

Hey, we could always use one more.. not much to do except hang out and BS.. lol

But the moral support would be good...

Pistons arrive Thursday.. Little trip to Bilstein on Tuesday.. Gonna be a BUSY month.

[Steve1968LS2]

The Fairlane is one of four feature cars for Optima, I don't know if they have picked the booth car yet, we'll just have to wait and see.

Cool can't wait to see it again. Penny will be in the Magnaflow big rig display (where II Much was last year).

[awr68]

Cool can't wait to see it again. Penny will be in the Magnaflow big rig display (where II Much was last year).

Cool! It was the daily meeting spot last year!

[final cut]

I spoke with the staff at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch and Jimi Day from FM3 Marketing (Optima), about the harness requirements in our cars. Both of them said that factory seatbelts or the equivalent will be OK, the 4 point harness statement was a mistake.

[Steve1968LS2]

I spoke with the staff at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch and Jimi Day from FM3 Marketing (Optima), about the harness requirements in our cars. Both of them said that factory seatbelts or the equivalent will be OK, the 4 point harness statement was a mistake.


That's funny... lax on the safty aspect yet you need to have working turn signals.. lol

[final cut]

My guess, and this is just a guess, not all "streetcars" have a 4 piont harness, but by law you must have turn signals to drive on public roads.

On the subject of a 4 point harness. I can put a harness in my car and would like to, but I don't have a cross bar behind the seats. I would have to string the shoulder harness from the floor (frame rail) behind the seat up and over and into my lap. I know this is not NHRA legal, are SCCA specs the same?

Last time I checked NHRA said the shoulder harness mount could not be more than 4 inches below the drivers shoulders.

any thoughts?

[Steve1968LS2]

My guess, and this is just a guess, not all "streetcars" have a 4 piont harness, but by law you must have turn signals to drive on public roads.

On the subject of a 4 point harness. I can put a harness in my car and would like to, but I don't have a cross bar behind the seats. I would have to string the shoulder harness from the floor (frame rail) behind the seat up and over and into my lap. I know this is not NHRA legal, are SCCA specs the same?

Last time I checked NHRA said the shoulder harness mount could not be more than 4 inches below the drivers shoulders.

any thoughts?

I don't know at what year signals became "law" and if all states require them. I use hand signals which (as far as I know) are perfectly legal.

I think some kind of shoulder belt would be a good idea on a road course where speeds will hit triple digits.

If the shoulders belts are too low then the problem becomes spinal compression on a bad accident. Also, the longer the belt the more give (stretch) there is since the material will stretch so much per an inch of length.

All of that said, if you run just the lap belt then be sure to wear a helmet.

On the signal deal I'm just grumpy since it's one more thing I need to do... I was going to wire them in eventually.. lol

[Vegas69]

You can hire a hooker in pahrump but you can't use hand signals or cut lanes on a motorcycle.:D

[final cut]

You can hire a hooker in pahrump but you can't use hand signals or cut lanes on a motorcycle.:D

Somebody has there priorities in order

[monza]

You can hire a hooker in pahrump but you can't use hand signals or cut lanes on a motorcycle.:D

Is every one staying at the "Chicken Ranch?" ha ha

[kp.touring]

So here's the deal,
We need a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's 345/30ZR19, anybody?

Kevin

[final cut]

So here's the deal,
We need a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's 345/30ZR19, anybody?

Kevin

I talked to John at my local Discount Tire he said he could come up with two tires, most likley the last two in the country. His number - 425-226-6706 until 6:00 PST. Good luck - Doug

[Blake Foster]

Wait.....I think it moved....I would love to do this. Why does it have to be so far! If it doesn't sell maybe I could call some "friends" to help me get out there. (dialing phone)Hello...DSE?:lol:

Hey Jeff try living in the land of nowhere................

EVERYTHING!!!! is too far from here!!! Vegas is about as close as it gets. and that is only a 28 hour drive!!!
you have no idea how lucky you are.
for us to go to columbus it was a 10 hour flight with 2 stop overs and 3 hour time change!!!!:willy:

[awr68]

Hey Jeff try living in the land of nowhere................

EVERYTHING!!!! is too far from here!!! Vegas is about as close as it gets. and that is only a 28 hour drive!!!
you have no idea how lucky you are.
for us to go to columbus it was a 10 hour flight with 2 stop overs and 3 hour time change!!!!:willy:

I bet I could make it to your shop in 6 hrs! Well I might get delayed at the border due to that little unpaid ticket 14 yrs ago!! :_paranoid

[kp.touring]

Thanks Doug I'll give them a try, I've also have my guy at the Rack working on locating some tires also.

Kevin

[kp.touring]

Found our hoops, so now we legal Steve!!! Got to tell you the new Michelins are BIG.
Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Found our hoops, so now we legal Steve!!! Got to tell you the new Michelins are BIG.
Kevin

The irony is that I'm actually going smaller for the competition.. lol


Glad you're back in business team mate... let's give 'em hell... :unibrow:

[kp.touring]

Steve,
I drove the Vette on Monday with it's first set of street tires (18" Michelin Pilot Sports that are about 3 years old) just to see how the car is going to act on streets and begin to adjust brake bias and adjust the suspension. Well let just say the car is a BEAST, big fun! The aluminum big block is a kick in the pants.

Kevin

[66LS7]

I would love to take my 66 Chevelle out to the event, but can't afford the trip. (Randy Johnson's 66 Chevelle) I have been having a blast running the auto-X at some of the shows, good luck to you all.:thumbsup: :lateral:

[Steve1968LS2]

We got the turn signals working... now the brake lights don't work! :willy:


Chris at BOS thinks theres something wrong with the boads (LED) where one circut is fried so we can have brakes or turn signals.. but not both.

I will call Monday to see if we can get another set next day air shipped.


It's always something...

Oh, my alternator was junk.. I called Powermaster and had another sent overnight.. they sent one for a V6... :_paranoid

[awr68]

Oh....you don't have a V6? :lol: Yep it's always something!! :yes:

[Payton King]

That was causing you coil firing problem?

[Jr]

Scott, Steve, anyone,...
Do you know what time this event starts? I can't find the start time anywhere...

[Steve1968LS2]

That was causing you coil firing problem?

No, that as the computer used to run the dyno... no fault of the engine

[monza]

Scott, Steve, anyone,...
Do you know what time this event starts? I can't find the start time anywhere...


7:00 am Gates open
7:30- 8:00 Drivers Meeting
8:20- 8:50 OPEN Track
9:00 Competition starts

[Jr]

Dave,
You are the man!

David

[Steve1968LS2]

7:00 am Gates open
7:30- 8:00 Drivers Meeting
8:20- 8:50 OPEN Track
9:00 Competition starts

good to see that we get to make a few "practice laps"


Hopefully it's the same deal for the autocross...

[final cut]

I'm curious as to how the open track will go, the video of the Corvette doing the 2.2mi is 1:56 long. So lets say 2 min. times 40 cars, that won't fit between 8:20 - 8:50. Any ideas?

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm curious as to how the open track will go, the video of the Corvette doing the 2.2mi is 1:56 long. So lets say 2 min. times 40 cars, that won't fit between 8:20 - 8:50. Any ideas?

Generally they send a car.. wait thirty seconds.. send a car.. repeat.

On real "open track" days that time is less, but I imagine they want to give these cars plenty of room.

So there should be three or so cars "on track" at any time. At least durring practice.

[final cut]

Generally they send a car.. wait thirty seconds.. send a car.. repeat.

On real "open track" days that time is less, but I imagine they want to give these cars plenty of room.

So there should be three or so cars "on track" at any time. At least durring practice.

Thanks - can't wait! looking forward to seeing all the new mods on Penny. - DOUG

[Steve1968LS2]

Found my radiator has FOUR leaks in the core.. can't be fixed.. I'm having a new one fabbed up.. argh!

My powder paint was delayed a day so that Robbie Gordon could get his damn racecar chassis coated.. :rolleyes:

Gotta love it!

[Vegas69]

Who?:unibrow:

[skatinjay27]

Found my radiator has FOUR leaks in the core.. can't be fixed.. I'm having a new one fabbed up.. argh!

My powder paint was delayed a day so that Robbie Gordon could get his damn racecar chassis coated.. :rolleyes:

Gotta love it!just steal the trick one with the core support attached from the RAT! lol

[Steve1968LS2]

just steal the trick one with the core support attached from the RAT! lol

I thought of that.. it's sitting in the garage right now... Would be sort of labor intensive to replce the core support though. And then my DSE closeout might not fit.

Changing major systems is NOT the way to go 1.5 weeks from SEMA.. lol

[skatinjay27]

Changing major systems is NOT the way to go 1.5 weeks from SEMA.. lol
yea tell that to frank! hahaha

[kp.touring]

Hey Steve,
Jimi e-mail with our car's number today, so no matter the outcome the Vette is "Number 1"

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve,
Jimi e-mail with our car's number today, so no matter the outcome the Vette is "Number 1"

Kevin


I'm #27 ... my wife's lucky number :)

[skatinjay27]

I'm #27 ... my wife's lucky number :)lol
that number is everywhere!!! when you mentioned the idea of a number last week that i thought to myself i bet its gonna be 27... wierd.

[Steve1968LS2]

lol
that number is everywhere!!! when you mentioned the idea of a number last week that i thought to myself i bet its gonna be 27... wierd.

It's the worlds most common random number... really..


Once you know you start to see how much it turns up... it's almost sort of wierd.

[monza]

Every thing is looking amazing! But to you have enough horsepower???:rofl:
The "other" PRO-TOURING Team number '17'

ok- ok- one more... Not driving Penny is like having the most beautiful knock down gorgeous wife/girlfriend in the entire world (this is where it gets good) and watching somebody else do her....:willy:

[skatinjay27]

It's the worlds most common random number... really..


Once you know you start to see how much it turns up... it's almost sort of wierd.yep preachin
to the choir lol
you end up seeing it so much you stop being surprised.haha

[Steve1968LS2]

Every thing is looking amazing! But to you have enough horsepower???:rofl:
The "other" PRO-TOURING Team number '17'

ok- ok- one more... Not driving Penny is like having the most beautiful knock down gorgeous wife/girlfriend in the entire world (this is where it gets good) and watching somebody else do her....:willy:

You're just afraid of Mary... lol

[monza]

You're just afraid of Mary... lol

Was it that obvious? All good fun, can't wait!

[Steve1968LS2]

Was it that obvious? All good fun, can't wait!

I can't wait either.. I will be happy so long as someone from one of the two sites wins and my car does good.

Some serious stuff is showing up. I just heard Kyle Tucker will be there with his very fast second gen.

I was tempted to ditch SEMA and spend the week messing with the car.

[Mean 69]

Hmmm.... Can't make SEMA this year most likely, but? Event starts mid-morning. About a 5 hour drive to LV from So Cal, less with no traffic. Leave butt-early, make it there for the fun, head home to weld some more the next day.

I vow to have my Second Gen complete for "next" season, showing up to these events is like going to a party with a bunch of couples, but without a date. Not ideal.....

Mark

[Steve1968LS2]

Hmmm.... Can't make SEMA this year most likely, but? Event starts mid-morning. About a 5 hour drive to LV from So Cal, less with no traffic. Leave butt-early, make it there for the fun, head home to weld some more the next day.

I vow to have my Second Gen complete for "next" season, showing up to these events is like going to a party with a bunch of couples, but without a date. Not ideal.....

Mark

Hey Mark.. you should see the car with the 17s... stop by the shop.

Dave Pozzi had a bunch of tech questions in my build thread on pt.com... check it out, you may know a couple of the answers.

Car 27 is moving along... :)

[kp.touring]

Don't you just love the pre-event thrash! The wide band O2 box decided it didn't want to play, so a new 1 goes in on Monday, sure hope we don't have run this thing open loop. The new killer brake pads from Baer go in on Monday also.
Lat-G team car "1"

Scott any window stickers for us and Steve?
Kevin

[bret]

I feel a little under the gun on this event...both my cars [the Velocity Camaro and the GoodGuys Nova] have to sit inside at SEMA all week so I don't get much of a chance to fiddle with the last minute stuff. Maybe that's a good thing. We won't have time to change tires either...we'll run on the BFG KDW's like we have all season.
The Nova left last weekend to go to the last 2 Goodguys shows before going to SEMA. Velocity leaves Tuesday morning for Vegas to be in our Air Ride booth to help debut the TigerCage. We did get a new splitter built after I wasted the last one at Texas a few weeks ago. Other than that it mostly cleaning and installing a production version of the TigerCage, and a fresh set of front tires.
This is going to be a cool event. I've never run this track before so I'll spend a bit of time learning the layout. Is anyone going to stay in Pahrump on Friday and/or Saturday night? I'm thinking We'll go ahead out there on Friday night to avoid the temptation of a late Friday night in Vegas!

[Steve1968LS2]

I feel a little under the gun on this event...both my cars [the Velocity Camaro and the GoodGuys Nova] have to sit inside at SEMA all week so I don't get much of a chance to fiddle with the last minute stuff. Maybe that's a good thing. We won't have time to change tires either...we'll run on the BFG KDW's like we have all season.
The Nova left last weekend to go to the last 2 Goodguys shows before going to SEMA. Velocity leaves Tuesday morning for Vegas to be in our Air Ride booth to help debut the TigerCage. We did get a new splitter built after I wasted the last one at Texas a few weeks ago. Other than that it mostly cleaning and installing a production version of the TigerCage, and a fresh set of front tires.
This is going to be a cool event. I've never run this track before so I'll spend a bit of time learning the layout. Is anyone going to stay in Pahrump on Friday and/or Saturday night? I'm thinking We'll go ahead out there on Friday night to avoid the temptation of a late Friday night in Vegas!


Same here.. I wish I had the week to screw with the car.. almost everything is new.

I have a condo in Vegas so that's where I'll be staying.. It's ok Bret.. you can stay out VERY late on Friday.. in fact, it's a great idea... ;)

[kp.touring]

Good luck finding rooms in Puhrump, there is a shooting event at the firearms training school.
The guys from the shop transporting car ended up booking rooms in Las Vegas. The rest of us are staying in a time share starting the 1st. I guess we'll head out to the track around 6 AM to be there at 7.
Bret I'm glad to hear you are running real street tires too, we are using Michilen Pilot Sports PS2's.
Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

R888s are street tires.. :yes:

[kp.touring]

Steve
Now what does Toyo call them, oh I know "Introducing Toyo’s next-generation D.O.T.-approved competition radial, the Toyo Proxes R888™."
Just bustin' your chops, wish they built sizes we are using.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve
Now what does Toyo call them, oh I know "Introducing Toyo’s next-generation D.O.T.-approved competition radial, the Toyo Proxes R888™."
Just bustin' your chops, wish they built sizes we are using.

Kevin

Well, they are sure more of a street tire than a R1 or Hoosier R6 with the two little grooves.. they just wear out faster.

Besides, everyday is a competition. lol

[kp.touring]

(Well, they are sure more of a street tire than a R1 or Hoosier R6 with the two little grooves.. they just wear out faster.

Besides, everyday is a competition. lol)

We've have something 4 or 5 of our customers driving R6's on the street, which is all fun and games until it rains! the 2 little groove just don't channel water all that good, go figure.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

(Well, they are sure more of a street tire than a R1 or Hoosier R6 with the two little grooves.. they just wear out faster.

Besides, everyday is a competition. lol)

We've have something 4 or 5 of our customers driving R6's on the street, which is all fun and games until it rains! the 2 little groove just don't channel water all that good, go figure.

Kevin

Yea, and R6 in the rain would be.. uh.. exciting? lol

The R888s (unshaved) is designed as a rain tire.. not that I go looking to drive in the rain. :)

[awr68]

.. not that I go looking to drive in the rain. :)

It's a way of life up here!! :yes:

[MarkM66]

I hope Hot Rod TV makes an episode or two out of the event.

It would probably make it watchable.

[Steve1968LS2]

Turn signals and brakes are now BOTH working thanks to some GREAT customer service from Digitails!!

:thumbsup:


Oh, and they are even sequencial now...

[final cut]

You thought working turn signals was crazy, I received the e-mail today requesting a working cigarette lighter, no such frills in the Fairlane. And the car is already loaded up and on it's way to S E M A. I suggested they use data acquisition with a display to help eliminate variables. I have an Autometer hall effect electric speedo, it works, it's close, but it ain't perfect! I guess we are on the honor system for the 0 - 60 - 0 part.

[kp.touring]

(I received the e-mail today requesting a working cigarette lighter, no such frills in the Fairlane.)

We're wiring in a light plug tomorrow, we could use the on broad Track-Mate to data log or Steve how about the radar gun and compute set-up you guys use for the magazine testing? The radar gun deal would be a ton fast to do instead of moving Racepak units from car to car.

Kevin

[Steve1968LS2]

I could score the radar (that's how we do it).. but I'm fuzzy on how to use it. I could ask Nick...

I have a Racepack and my speedo is 'sorta' accurate.. will most likely try to score a GPS device for speed.

I put in a 12v plug a LONG time ago... glad I did now.

[James OLC]

The IQ3 dash in the '67 uses an internal GPS for the speedo so it should be ok (I hope). I can't see how it would be any different from anything else (?) that they would plug in. It's going to have to do... we're scrambling like ants all over the car right now to get in into the trailer tonight...

See everyone in a few days

[final cut]

I heard back from Jimi today, the cigarette lighter is no big deal, they will have aligator clips and a fuse panel adaptor available.

The radar idea is awsome. With everybodys speedo being just a little different, and the drivers eye on the speedo, the radar would eliminate a couple of variables for an event that will be timed to the hundredth of a second.

If you can get the radar Steve I'll help you guys run it if needed.

Doug

[Bow Tie 67]

This event is going to be killer.

[JFR68]

Steve

What time does the race start? Do you know how long it will last? We have to be at the airport at 4pm and I need to know if I should change our flight.

Jennifer

[final cut]

7:00 am Gates open
7:30-8:00 Drivers meeting
8:20-8:50 Open track
9:00-12:00 Lap time competition
9:00-12:00 0-60-0 Competition
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Autocross competition
4:00-5:00 Awards
5:00 Gates close

[awr68]

7:00 am Gates open
7:30-8:00 Drivers meeting
8:20-8:50 Open track
9:00-12:00 Lap time competition
9:00-12:00 0-60-0 Competition
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Autocross competition
4:00-5:00 Awards
5:00 Gates close

Thanks! Jennifer and I decided to say an extra day so we can attend the race...good times!! :thumbsup: :lateral:

[XcYZ]

Anthony Rose just let me know that Penny won! Congrats to Steve and David and Mary Pozzi!

[Smack_talker]

Great Job...congrats for sure.:thumbsup:

[camcojb]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!! Great car, great owner, and a couple of great drivers in David and Mary Pozzi.
:hail:

Jody

[68protouring454]

awesome job steve,mary,david, so who drove what part of the challenge or did mary drive them all? was there a score board of times etc someone got a pic of?

[XcYZ]

Anthony said they didn't do the 0-60-0 shootout. So it was the road course, autocross and car show. 11 cars of (27?) competed in all events.

Don't know who finished where in each of those events.

[camcojb]

awesome job steve,mary,david, so who drove what part of the challenge or did mary drive them all? was there a score board of times etc someone got a pic of?


should have been Mary doing the autocross and David on the road course, unless things changed.

Jody

[XcYZ]

I called Jimi and got a few details:

- 24 cars registered

- 11 cars finished EVERY lap

- two track sessions were ran instead one in place of the 0-60-0

- all cars went 100% and some were injured

- there will be a full press release coming soon that will list all lap times of all cars

[68protouring454]

sounds good, figured there would would be some failure as some of the cars don't get to the track, but its to bad some were untested because they will get track time.bet it was a fun time, woul dlike to see the lap times etc

[Blake Foster]

Way to go Steve, Mary , David

we decided not to go and do a photo shoot instead,

next year perhaps

[waynieZ]

Congratulations That shiny new Penny is as much GO as Show.

[dropit69]

awesome job Steve , David and Mary !!!!...can't wait to see more pics and info on this event...

[chicane]

Well... 41 hours of no sleep later, thrashing on various cars (Fuel, Penny, MotiV8r...etc) for the event on the night before and were still buttoning up things before any real sleep.

Mary ran a 29.xx and made it look so damn easy. But... it came down to Mary and Kyle (DSE) for the top honors... and Kyle nabbed a squeaker by a 0.020 edge for the win in the auto-cross event.

David ran 153.xx... at his first time at this facility. For a comparison, the instructors of the facility in their Z06 fleet that run this track every day run 151.xx. Not bad for Davids first time at this facility... as well as the first seat time he has had in Penny. David drove to the win by beating out Big Red, a Porsche GT3, the Optima Batteries Z06, a ZR1... and the list goes on. :hail:

Not bad... for a little ole street car ??



On another note... James had a blast doing the initial 'nut and bolt' of the OneLap Camaro... especially since it showed up to the event with nearly zero miles on the chassis and the car performed brilliantly without an issue.

And lastly... if there were an award for wagging the dog with the most brilliant recovery... it would go to Kyle. All I can say is I hope someone got video. Kyle was definitely in 10/10ths mode and drove the test car right to the edge... he came into the last kinks before the start/finish deep in the throttle and loose ass sideways coming onto the binders... and drove the wheels off of that car. Absolutely... phenominal... driving.

What a great event. Cant wait until next year...

[James OLC]

My hat's off to Steve for putting together such an awesome ride. I think that it is important to point out that Steve DROVE Penny from Cali to the SEMA show and then DROVE Penny from American Touring Specialties to Spring Mountain for the Invitational at 5 am this morning.

David and Mary are unbelievable to watch and a driver can only hope to pick up a glimmer of their knowledge. Tyler did a lap with both of them and alternated between squeeling like a little schoolgirl and screaming like he was in a B-movie horror... Mary was also unbelievably helpful and I would like to thank her for her help and advice. I had never run an autocross event before and she took the time to walk the course with me beforehand and give me some of the benefit of her experience.

It was an unbelieble day and there were some awesome cars on hand. I feel priviledged to have been invited to participate and am pleased to be able to say that we were one of the 11 cars that completed the event unscathed.

Congratulations again Steve, David and Mary - a well EARNED honor! :bow:

[class67]

Congrats to the three of you, awsome car and awsome drivers!

[Gordz32]

Steve, Mary, and David, Congrats to the three of you. I'm blown away. But I must say that this makes all the long hours working on Penny worth it. I'm sure you feel the same way Steve.

[Gordz32]

Oh, know lets see some video... :unibrow:

[David Pozzi]

Hi guys!
Had a blast!

Thanks go out to Steve Rupp for building the Quickest Camaro I've ever driven. Steve was constantly telling us to go for it and don't hold back! We safely accomplished our goals and Penny is still in pretty good shape except for some oil mess that came out of the breather. It was great seeing Nick Licata again, we all felt like our own little race team.

Thanks to Mary for autoxing Penny to within mere thousandths of Kyle Tucker's time. She fought understeer but found a way to get around the course very well.

I think the PT crowd represented itself beyond expectations. A C6 vette and GT3 Porsche were beat by several of us.

Thanks go out to all the sponsors of this event and the volunteers who did so much. The internet community really made this event a success both in planning, timers and manpower.

I feel like Jeff Gordon when he won the Inaugural Brickyard 500!

I especially had fun taking Tyler on a ride for my second timed runs. He already had PT fever, but now he's got it really bad!
Thanks to Chicane67 for his help too!

It was great meeting James, and I feel sorry I lacked the time/energy to spend some time coaching him on the course. He has all the goods in that car, and with some track time, will be near the top of the heap I'm sure.

Video was taken by a production company and some clips may show up on Hot Rod's website. We are working on a deal to get copies at a reasonable price. Perhaps a group purchase can be arranged. Watch for a Poll thread where you can vote on it.

Thanks to Lateral-G for letting us represent YOU! :hail:
Gotta get some sleep.
Cheers, David and Mary

[skatinjay27]

yes it was a killer event and i personally had no doubt they would win. and it was really cool to see the participants with most of them easily over 100k builds thrashing the cars. esp. jesse greening with his early 2nd gen!!!! the cars is a crazy crazy quality built with tons of custom detail... hell the car won the gm design award at sema its that nice. and he was driving just as hard as others!


watching dave and mary drive penny make you love penny that much more.
and for me seeing BIG RED RUN the track was so sureal!:D

[Vegas69]

So did big red finish or break?

[GHOSTDANCER]

Congrats to Penny and Crew:cheers:

[Tom.A]

Congrats Steve,
Your car just looked awesome. And congrats to Mary and Dave on your wonderful skills. Dave imo your driving looked so much smoother and it was very impressive. I did not get any dang video of that. I think I just was enjoying it too much. Also Mary your driving was just as wonderful. But perhaps the best thing is how humble Dave and Mary are. I would say there was alot of ego out there Today and if anybody deserved it would be you guy's, but what little I spoke you had none. Instead you were just happy to be there. Great People!
Here are a few pictures:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost17.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost13.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost1.jpg

[Tom.A]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost1231.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost15.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost12.jpg

[Tom.A]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost14.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost19.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost16.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost188.jpg
I have more and will upload later. The video I have is crap but I will try and figure out. I bailed early as it was along drive
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/OptimaBatteryChallenge001.jpg
A few more details. Pozzi's first lap was 1.53, GT3 was 1.54 and for some reason they stop giving out times? I went over and asked Kyle Tucker what his time was and he said he was told 1.58 (He was on KDW2's not R888's) He was also fun to watch and has great skills. It just looked like the tires were not gripping. I asked the owner of Big Red and he said he ran like a 2.0x something. He said mostly third gear because and the car was just too much power. The Roadster Shop Chevelle guy also said he thought he would be better with a 400 HP motor. He also drove the snot out of that car and it seems there a very little fans for them, maybe it is a click thing but I think they are making their name. It was a cool event and many drove their cars hard. I give them all credit for trying regardless of gremlins or not...oh except I could have done without the Lincoln SUV and the mini cooper.

[Steve1968LS2]

Anthony said they didn't do the 0-60-0 shootout. So it was the road course, autocross and car show. 11 cars of (27?) competed in all events.

Don't know who finished where in each of those events.

It's 1:30am so I will keep it short. lol

Dave drove the road course
Mary drove the autocross
I was to drive the 0-60-0

The 0-60-0 was cancelled since thier people for the equipment didn't show... that sucked. So they added one more track session.

Fast facts..

Penny was faster on the road track than a Porsche 911GT3 on R888s.. by well over a second.

A driving school C6 Z06 with a good driver can do the track in 1:51.xx ... Penny's best lap was 1:52.xx

Mary is a freaking animal on the autocross track. She was VERY consistent. Kyle Tucker of DSE had first place by 2 one-hundreths of a second in the autocross. (29.5 vs 29.52)

Penny still has a LOT in her. We couldn't tune her so the part throttle fuel was all jacked up. The larger swaybar wouldn't fit and I found out the messy way that I need a better breather system.

Drove the car from CA to LV.. then from LV to the event and from the event back to ATS in Vegas... Sorta proud that I was one of the very few without a trailer.

Penny made me proud and I was very lucky to have Mary and Dave on my team.. and that's what this is, a TEAM win.

The last month has been a blur but I'm already planning how we are going to defend out title next year.

Oh, the Vette from CAR did very well on the big track. I think it got second place out there. Times and video will be posted later.

Also, I must of gotten nearly $5,000 in prizes (that I divied up with the Pozzi's) with the various wins (first track time, second place autocross, overall winner)... Didn't expect that.

It's a good day for the pro-touring community. :)

<--- going to bed

[Steve1968LS2]

I think the look on Tyler's face sums up Dave's driving... :rofl:

http://picsorban.com/upload/tylerwtf.jpg

[Tiger]

Congrats to all four of you (Penny included) you have all the reasons to be proud.

[69x22]

It's always cool to drive in Kick some a%# then drive out while others are loading theres back on a stretcher.

I love seeing Big Red, the car that basically started it all.

[radrambler]

steve

looks like the hard work and great drivers payed off..:thumbsup:
kicking some serious a$$ with the names of vehicles on that list.
doesnt sound like you need to do anything with your suspension setup.
very cool.


radrambler

[srh3trinity]

Congrats on the win Steve, Mary and Dave. I think Penny is a great combination of form and function. It looks great and it performs. What were the dyno numbers on the engine re-do? Were you able to dyno it before you left for SEMA?

[Stuart Adams]

Congrats to Penny, it was fun to watch people push their cars to the edge literally. Seeing Big Red on the road course was awesome. Congrats to all the guys and gals that brought their car for all us spectators to watch. Also what an unbelievable facility. Look forward to next year.

[parsonsj]

Congratulations to Steve, Mary, and David! Well done, and I'm working a plan to be able to see the event next year. Sounds like fun was had by all.

And good for all the competitors that brought their SEMA iron out and traded California Car Dusters for tire pyrometers. Nice!

I'm glad nobody wadded their car up... it was a legitimate concern.

jp

[Van B]

I wondered about your breathers when I saw the pics posted Steve. A remote breather will definitely keep the oil off the valve covers, headers, firewall, everywhere. I found out the same way at the track.

[WILWAXU]

Congrats Steve! Your car performed flawlessly! :thumbsup:

So did big red finish or break?
They had tuning issues most of the day. Carb'd big block didn't like the thin air. Plus, they didn't compete in the auto cross.

[Vegas69]

Out with the old..in with the new. This is going to open some eyes and can only help the value and our hobby.:cheers:

[parsonsj]

The King is dead! Long live the King!

jp

[Roger M]

Congratulations to You, Dave, Mary, the Cat, and a great team effort. Well deserved.:thumbsup:

[skatinjay27]

Out with the old..in with the new. This is going to open some eyes and can only help the value and our hobby.:cheers:

whoa whoa whoa... big red will always be the ****... the car just wasent setup for this kind of driving... what that car has acomplished im sure would still be a feat for others to do... plus none of the other cars there have went 200+

[Vegas69]

I wasn't there.....but a car that can make the trip from California, drive to the show, out run it in the cones and road course is the new king. Not to mention the looks department. Top speed is great, but it's more difficult to out run porsches and corvettes on the road course than go 200 with 850 hp.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Is there any doubt Badd penny is the baddest Pro Touring Car on the planet! Frickin awesome, and wait till Super Chevy comes out!

Congrats to the team.

[parsonsj]

All in fun, but it seems Big Red wasn't up to the competition.

It's time we recognize that the latest generation of Pro-Touring cars has surpassed earlier generations. It's a good thing. It's what our hobby is all about.

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats Steve! Your car performed flawlessly! :thumbsup:

They had tuning issues most of the day. Carb'd big block didn't like the thin air. Plus, they didn't compete in the auto cross.

Plus it was disqualified for no brake lights and shaved tires (so I heard)... It's really not a "streetcar" anyways.. but it sounds insane when it starts up. Nice to see some rolling history.

Like I said, Penny still has stuff that needs addressing. More bar, less springs, better breathers, properly tuned. Also, I never had time to get a more aggressive alignment dialed in so I was just on my street tune... stuff like that. I need to go defend the title next year. Maybe in that time I can get some more seat time (and maybe I won't have to work the event).

I'm real proud of how she did on the big track. It was her FIRST time on a real track and Dave was pretty happy. He said that the harder you pushed her the better she did and if you just went balls out then she did the best. Tyler can tell you, Dave went 10/10ths in her and that's what I wanted, the car driven to it's potential.

[Steve1968LS2]

whoa whoa whoa... big red will always be the ****... the car just wasent setup for this kind of driving... what that car has acomplished im sure would still be a feat for others to do... plus none of the other cars there have went 200+

Very true.. The ZR1 could have but nobody else.. Big Red is freaking history and the very best at what it does.

[Nvrenuf]

Wow, Wow, and Wow:yes: What a car! Congrats to all involved. I would love to see Penny run someday. I hope to be at that facility in '09 for some training-driving.

[Mean 69]

Wow! I knew the car would work well, and that the driver staff would kick booty, but didn't expect them to win overall! Would've been nice if Kyle was on the same tires, would have been a better comparison on the road course.

The really interesting thing is the measure of the cars that didn't win. GT3!?! Z06!!?!?! That's pretty serious company. It is tough to get an absolute assessment of the Pro Touring cars, because until now, they have typically been compared to each other, but not some other established benchmark. I mean, all of us in the Pro Touring community "knew" how competent a well set up PT car can be, but this really seals the deal. Incredible.

Frank put it correctly. Knowing Steve personally, his desire, determination, and persistance on this project have been more than anyone can imagine. Yes, lots of help from some really capable folks, but he's the one that keeps pressing on, relentlessly.

Sorry I missed it, and all of the folks who attended. Would have certainly beat sniffing welding fumes all day yesterday!

Well deserved congratulations to all, that is just terrific. And yes, Dave looks as cool as a cucumber in that shot, note his eyes looking for the apex.... Sounds like Mary nailed it too, very cool!!!

Get some rest, sounds like you all need it. Hope you popped open some well deserved champagne last night!

Mark

P.S: Kevin, does the vette you guys brought from CARS run an IRS setup, or a stick axle? More pics?

Mark

[parsonsj]

And now for the most important thing: :_paranoid

How well did the fuel venting system work? :question:

jp

[Spiffav8]

David Pozzi drove the wheels off that car! It was amazing how much speed most of the cars carried through the corners. Perfect end of a long week! It's amazing to see all these super builds get out there and tear it up!! :unibrow:

I'll post some pictures in a few.

[Steve1968LS2]

Thanks to all those, especially Optima Batteries, for making this event possible.

[DFRESH]

This was the who's who event for Pro Touring (for me anyways) Really outstanding showing (DSE, Air Ride, GForce, Big Red (RJ, was great to meet you guys--thanks for the time) Roadster Shop (Phil Gerber) Campbell Auto Restoration (Shelby Wright), and all the others.

A couple of things;

1. Big Red was very cool and a dream come true to see it in person--let alone see it on the road course. I spoke with RJ for awhile and he admitted it wasn't going to be setup for an auto cross event. The car was built to go fast on the open road. He was dropped from the overall competition and subjected to exhibition runs only. I think this car was the prerunner to the movement we call protouring now.

2. It was obvious who the professional drivers were. I would have liked to have seen Mary in every car on the autocross and her husband (can't remember his name) in every car on the road course and see where the points fell. Mary did climb in quite a few cars for the autocross. Every car she sat in went faster--amazing to see. It appeared anyone of the cars could have taken the title. The fastest lap time on the open road course was from a 66 or 65 Shellby Mustang with leaf springs (Not sure if this ended up being the fastest lap after the second round)

3. The guys from G-Force design did everything they could to stay in the hunt. We had some laughs while they adapted the oil cap from the rented Escalade to a radiator hose and fastened it with worm clamps to the valve cover to overcome a leaky oil cap. I should have taken a pic--too funny and a cool bunch of guys.

4. Kyle and Stacy--a class act all the way as usual

5. Air Ride lost the tranny and only had 1st and 2nd gear. Bowler Trans guys tried to get a fix on it, but to no avail.

I spoke with Scott from Ultima --they are planning for next year--come if you can--really, really cool. Tony, Todd and John--was great to meet you guys.

I have some crappy videos from the camera I can load if no one else has anything better.

Doug

[Steve1968LS2]

The fastest lap time on the open road course was from a 66 or 65 Shellby Mustang with leaf springs (Not sure if this ended up being the fastest lap after the second round)

I have some crappy videos from the camera I can load if no one else has anything better.

Doug

The Mustang had the second fastest lap time of the day... unfortunatly it broke (oil issue?) after the first timed lap.. that thing HAULED ASS...

The guys at G-Force are NUTS.. they did crazy things to get Fuel ready for the event including rebuilding most of the car the night before in the ATS shop. They should get big respect for going 100% and that car gets the piss driven out of it.

Air Ride and DSE are always class acts.. The Roadster Shop's Chevelle is killer and they have been working hard to tune it for the track.. and it shows in thier ever improving lap times.

The Fairlane was beautiful as was the black second gen. Both look like top shelf show cars but the owners brougth them out and ran them VERY hard. Made me proud to see.

The Corvette from CAR was great and sounded like hell unleashed. Great car and one hell of a driver.

An amazing event and the best part was getting to talk with some many gearheads.

Oh, and if you have video post it up...

[slck6t9]

Steve congrat's thats AWESOME!!!! So will the 18's ever go back on? Ha-Ha

[XcYZ]

Congrats again, Steve!!!

I'm stoked that the two cars representing Lateral-g.net, Penny and the bad ass Vette from CAR, did so well! Penny won, where did the Vette place?

:lateral:

Can't wait to see more pics and video.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats again, Steve!!!

I'm stoked that the two cars representing Lateral-g.net, Penny and the bad ass Vette from CAR, did so well! Penny won, where did the Vette place?

:lateral:

Can't wait to see more pics and video.

It's all a blurr, so I'm a bit mixed up on it. I do know it placed in the road track times.. I just can't remember if it was second or third..

Yea, I want to see some video!

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve congrat's thats AWESOME!!!! So will the 18's ever go back on? Ha-Ha


Hell yea they will go back on.. when I'm not at the track. They look better but the 17s look more functional (and they are more functional).

[Tom.A]

Steve, I have one clip (crappy) of Mary in the Autocross and a few clips of others on the track. I got to leave soon....is there somebody that I can e-mail these to? They are kinda bunk but it's better than nothing.
Also I have a couple of minutes on my other camera but on a DVD anybody know how to get that off?

[Spiffav8]

Not as good as Rupps photos but still fun to see.


Just after leaving ATS at 5am!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/SEMA/Picture007.jpg

Everyone getting all geared up and ready to go.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/SEMA/Picture013.jpg

Lined up and ready to go.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/SEMA/Picture036.jpg

MOPAR....Move Over People Are Racing! :lol:
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/SEMA/Picture070.jpg

[Spiffav8]

The look on Tylers face says it all!!

[Tom.A]

Bret needs some Hood Pins :_paranoid . He had some problems but he pounds that thing
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost401.jpg
A little brake dust after three or so laps
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost466.jpg
And one more of Penny.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/apost4566.jpg

[MtotheIKEo]

The red mustang is from local shop, Ive been around Thunderhill in it and it is fast. It runs a lot of events too.

[Rybar]

Awesome news congrats to everybody. :cheers: Please somebody post MORE pics or video I am sure we would all love to see :yes:

[buickfunnycar.com]

Congrats Steve,Mary and Dave...job fricking well-done!:thumbsup:
I just got the phone msg,prolly should listen to them more often,lol.

[Steve1968LS2]

Awesome news congrats to everybody. Please somebody post MORE pics or video I am sure we would all love to see

Here are some.. I can't post the good ones since they are for Hot Rod...


Sorry, I was asked to take these down.. I don't have to, but it's a professional courtesy.. :shrug:

[Steve1968LS2]

Hot Rod Magazine asked that I take these down..

[mazspeed]

It looks like everyone had a great time. I wish I could have taken my car there. Looks like a lot of fun. Who was driving Big Red? RJ?

[Tom.A]

It looks like everyone had a great time. I wish I could have taken my car there. Looks like a lot of fun. Who was driving Big Red? RJ?

I think it was the son. They were pretty cool, gave me a Big Red Hat and DVD.

Here is the only video I have of Penny. Sorry guy's
ZwgLx-YCIIY

[Tom.A]

Here is some more. Again sorry crappy footage, dead battery and just kinda excited to see through me own eyes and not the camera. These are very annoying in that they are only 5-12 second vids. I never messed with you tube so I don't know how to merge yet
GXLDOZyTx_k
NfB-IbJ89UQ

[Tom.A]

a3C-ZSWHwR8
t5V3gubCOqQ
xxvgPKbdAMY

[Tom.A]

xhuhDp7i2A
0uHoivDtSfw

I think I have a couple more but if will have to be later.
Thanks,

[awr68]

Finally made it home! What a week! And the race yeasterday was an awesome finish to SEMA week!!

Congrats Team Penny!! Steve and BOS worked very hard just to get the car to Vegas! David did an awesome job on the road course, and David I really enjoyed the talks we had...thanks! Mary not only drove the auto-x VERY well, she spent all day setting it up and keeping it going...I know you were tired, but it was nice to see you still having fun and doing so well!

Curtis and I met with the others at 5am at ATS to cruise over to the track...that was a blast! One of the most exciting things this week was driving next to Penny while the sun was coming up....damn Steve that car is hot!!

I had a great time and look forward to next year!! :lateral: :cheers: :woot:

[chicane]

A couple of Penny stills...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2134.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2116.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2118.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2132.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2133.jpg

[chicane]

Random pictures of the event...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2089.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2087.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2128.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2127.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2125.jpg

[chicane]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2113.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2112.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2108.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2138.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/chicane67/IMG_2139.jpg

[jeff hanson]

Congrats to all of you! Steve, you have to be on cloud nine right now. What an awesome showing for you, your car and everyone involved. Definitely a team win!:hail:

I am so bummed I didn't make it out to this. After seeing everything here and I'm sure a whole lot more to come, I definitely need to go next year. After this, I'm sure the competition will be insane next year! Can't wait!:thumbsup:

[olds87]

Congrats on the team win. Are you coming out to Scottsdale Good-Guys show next week?

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats on the team win. Are you coming out to Scottsdale Good-Guys show next week?

Maybe.. I'm pretty tired right now.. but I should be there.. and thanks :)

--------

Sorting images for the stories.. thought this one was pretty cool.. makes me want to try some Open Road events..

http://picsorban.com/upload/optimapenny5.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

David ran 153.xx... at his first time at this facility.

Actually I'm fairly certain his best time was in the 1:52.xx range... at least that's what they called out when they called up first place.

And the first time Dave ever sat in the drivers seat of Penny was when he was heading out onto the track he had never been around. lol

And for the record.. more than a few cars had "experienced drivers" in them. :yes:

[awr68]

That surely speaks volumes of Dave's abilities!

Not sure if it has been said already, but the drivers were only allowed one warm up lap and two timed laps...not a lot of time to get used to anything!!

[rlplive]

Congrats your car is an inspiration to many. One of my favorites.

[chicane]

Actually I'm fairly certain his best time was in the 1:52.xx range... at least that's what they called out when they called up first place.

And the first time Dave ever sat in the drivers seat of Penny was when he was heading out onto the track he had never been around. lol

And for the record.. more than a few cars had "experienced drivers" in them. :yes:


"Fast" lap... yes.

"First timed", never been in this car, never been at this track lap... 153.xx. The only other was the Shelby and it was the Shelby's only lap.

David's new name is... Mr. Consistancy.



**Edit: Did anyone get a video of the Mustang spin ??

[kp.touring]

I had to leave the event early so I didn't get word on the Vette til tonight. Mark and Tom said the car got 2nd overall. So 1, 2 for Lateral-G.
Also it was Mark's first ime ever as a drive on a road course.
The big thanks to Scott for letting us be part of the Lateral-G team and to Optima Battery, Hot Rod, the other sponsors and Jimi for the event! Do it agian.
Oh and Mark the Vette has our front suspension and reworked C-4 rear, paul Newman's Car Creation did the rear.
Kevin

[mazspeed]

Hey Kevin, which Mark did the driving?

[Tom.A]

Here is a link to couple more videos. For some reasing one is not working on my prior post. There is 10 total. No spin video. I was on the other side (parking lot entrance) and saw him spinning. I thought for sure he was gonna back it into the wall.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tja42863&search_type=&aq=f

[Steve1968LS2]

I had to leave the event early so I didn't get word on the Vette til tonight. Mark and Tom said the car got 2nd overall. So 1, 2 for Lateral-G.
Also it was Mark's first ime ever as a drive on a road course.
The big thanks to Scott for letting us be part of the Lateral-G team and to Optima Battery, Hot Rod, the other sponsors and Jimi for the event! Do it agian.
Oh and Mark the Vette has our front suspension and reworked C-4 rear, paul Newman's Car Creation did the rear.
Kevin

Goes to show that a good driver is a good driver.. like when they put Gordon in an F1 car :)

Team lat-g put in a great showing I think.. :lateral:

[Tom.A]

I thought I would add a few more details on the track. Here is the track layout.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/OptimaBatteryChallengefile231.jpg
I kinda got a brief tour viaa a Rhino. I did not realize that country club pictured here behind James killer car is also for the members. They had private garages for people to park their track cars. The guy also said that they own a 120 acres to the east of the track with plans of a 1/4" track in the future.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/OptimaBatteryChallengefile215.jpg
For about 3k you can sign up and drive their stable of C6 and Z06 vettes. He said approx. three 8 hour days and some 300 miles on the track. With focus on taking proper lines, brake test etc. They also have a ZR1 class for graduates of the first class. I thought it was great place. One thing I noticed though and perhaps I missed it but I saw no fire engine only BLS was staged on the paddock. Maybe I missed it as the track is spread out.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x82/passperf/OptimaBatteryChallengefile138.jpg

[David Pozzi]

Actually I'm fairly certain his best time was in the 1:52.xx range... at least that's what they called out when they called up first place.

And the first time Dave ever sat in the drivers seat of Penny was when he was heading out onto the track he had never been around. lol

And for the record.. more than a few cars had "experienced drivers" in them. :yes:

Steve,
I'm downloading the data files right now. Hard to do since there were 26 of them and most were empty files of just a couple of secs.

My second run shows a first lap of 1:52.621. This is off the GPS, so it's close but not exact, probably within a tenth though.

My first "warmup" lap out for the second run with Tyler on board 1:56.336! surprising since it was on cold tires and pushing more than when warm. Oh, and it was from a standing start! We did get off the line very well though. Actually I'll have to check the Manual on that first lap, - I just remembered the unit isn't supposed to start recording until the car reaches 15 or 20 mph. It may have started the lap at that speed.

My second lap of second run was a 1:53.834 I ran a bit wide on turn 4 or 5, whatever it's called... This was the exit of turn 4 or 5 and it messed up my entry to the esses big time.

I'm still in shock over it all, I thought I'd be in the upper 3rd if we each did our jobs, but not this well.
I'm really happy with my driving, looking back on it. I had to brake a bit early and get on the power before the apex in an attempt to combat the understeer. The corner weights were off, left front and right rear were heavier than the opposite corners by a LOT. Penny understeered way more on right hand turns, not bad at all on left hand turns. Luckily the two large loops were LH turns! :) but the right hander after start finish was difficult, the right hand sweeper at the end of the straight was a bit easier, I had to brake early and downshifted by slipping the clutch out which put more engine braking on the rear tires and helped the car rotate, then hit the gas!
Tyler, this is not the way I'd drive Penny if it had been more balanced. Just didn't want you to think all cars had to be driven that way on a track...

We scaled Penny fri night, but Tyler's lift had a waiting line, I tried a quick adjustment but the adjusters would not break loose, so we just left it. I decided to not put in the race brake pads. I think it was the right way to go. After seeing the track friday, it didn't look that hard on brakes, and harder pads would have made it worse for the 0-60-0 and autocross, you need warm race pads to do that. I had no troubles with the brakes at all. Data shows braking at .8G in a lot of places. I wouldn't say I was braking anywhere near max was afraid of making Penny understeer if I braked too hard.

I'm so happy Mark did so well! Having the Campbell Auto guys there was great, they always make me feel at home in their pit at the races and they are so cool to hang out with. They are always doing some neat project, I hope to drop by their shop more often next year.

Steve, did you get a pic of the red ZR1 that ran?
David,
Somewhere in LA...

[jimhamptons]

Wow, what an awesome event!

Congrats to Steve and the Penny team!

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
My second run shows a first lap of 1:52.621. This is off the GPS, so it's close but not exact, probably within a tenth though.


I'm fairly positive that when they called us out for first place lap time they said you ran a 1:52 something. Better than the 911 with the pro-driver and better than the Optima 'Vette with thier hot shoe. It was also only 1 sec off from what guys that know that track (instructors from the school) drive the Z06s around the track. I bet you could get a job there pretty easily.

Once we fix the understeer I think you could take any one of those Z06s parked at the track. :yes:

I don't have track pics of the red ZR1. Maybe Nick does. I was shooting autocross for the stories when it was running.

Yea, I wish we had more time to balance the car. I wonder if having Tyler in the car help a bit with the corners? Besides pre-loading shocks I don't have much that I can move around to effect the weights. I could just add 50 lbs to the right front. Got any lead? lol

Can't wait to see the Rackpak data. :)

[kp.touring]

Mike
Which Mark, not the Schwartz.

Kevin

[mazspeed]

Mike
Which Mark, not the Schwartz.

Kevin

Fraizer went huh? Cool.

[Payton King]

Congrats to all that participated!

Holly crap dude! Y'all definitely got down. Steve, Mary and David...my hats off to all of you. What an effort in a car that still has a lot left. No doubt there is some driving talent in that pair...and well Steve too.

I saw in another post...the new bar was too short? That is an off the shelf speedway bar. Can you elaborate? As I was about to order one up.

[Jr]

This was one of the best events! Big Red...I could listen to that car all day long. Penny at WOT sounded NICE! The green roadster shop car can really move! This event was sooooooooo cool!

I will post my pictures later on this evening. My friend may have some crappy video...I will find out.

Congrats go out to team Lateral-G! Mary made the autocross look like a joke! Damn she can drive.

Who was driving the gt3 in the autocross? He was one hell of a driver.

Thanks to the Optima for the event

Again, I had a blast!!!!! :thumbsup:

[tony byram]

Congratulations! Looks like you all had a great time. As a Camaro Performers subscriber I look for ward to seeing more. Its great to see you get your cars out and thrash on them, to show people that these arent just show cars, these cars can be driven and driven HARD! JESUS CHRIST Steve 151 mph? Thats freakin crazy! And to top it all off, its a 40 year old street car that was never intended to go that fast! As a second -gen owner Id like to se a feature on the DSE blue second gen as well as the beautiful black second. That car was at SEMA, and I thought it was just a show car, WOW was I wrong! Who owns this car? SWEET ride and bythe looks of things , he aint afraid to beat on it either. Looked like Mary was having a blast on the cones Judging by the smile on her face, looking forward to seeing more pics and features on this event and the cars! Great job!:bow: :thumbsup: :cheers:

[Jr]

I forgot about FueL...The work on fuel was great! One of the nicest black cars I have ever seen.

The airride camaro was sick. Bret beat the crap out of that car...he also broke the trans. The stance on that car is unreal. I loved it!

How did I forget about James car? I took more pictures of this car...beautiful is one word that comes to mind. James did one hell of a job on his car.

[Rob07002]

Congrats to all that participated. Special congrats to of course Steve, Dave and Mary, and all other members of LatG who prove these cars are built top be driven hard.

DSE
G-Force
ATS
Air Ride

Way to go!!!!!!

[MtotheIKEo]

Congrats on the win Steve. :cool:

Seems like a pretty high attrition rate too, that's too bad.

[rsk68]

Steve congrats on your weekend, I myself am just wondering what it would take for me to get involved with these type of events, sounds like a blast and maybe I have a car thats half way there.

[Z06Joe]

Man that looked fun!!!!! I need to build me one of them bad boyz!!!

[Steve1968LS2]

Fun facts I learned today...

David's best time was a 1:52.66

When the four timed laps were added to the three timed autocross laps we beat the 911 GT3 by 14 seconds!

Nobody timed the ZR1 but it went off track twice.

We hit 114 in one straight, but we were hitting over 90 in the sweeps.

I think the max g in a left hand turn was 1.2g and in a right hand turn it was 1g (damn corner weights).

The car has a LOT more in her. Next year the plan is to knock at least a couple of seconds off the time.

Will post data and numbers when I get them.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congratulations! Looks like you all had a great time. As a Camaro Performers subscriber I look for ward to seeing more. Its great to see you get your cars out and thrash on them, to show people that these arent just show cars, these cars can be driven and driven HARD! JESUS CHRIST Steve 151 mph? Thats freakin crazy! And to top it all off, its a 40 year old street car that was never intended to go that fast! As a second -gen owner Id like to se a feature on the DSE blue second gen as well as the beautiful black second. That car was at SEMA, and I thought it was just a show car, WOW was I wrong! Who owns this car? SWEET ride and bythe looks of things , he aint afraid to beat on it either. Looked like Mary was having a blast on the cones Judging by the smile on her face, looking forward to seeing more pics and features on this event and the cars! Great job!

lol.. not 152mph.. 1:52.66 seconds was the best time.. :)

Kyle Tucker of DSE had the fastest auto-x time... great car and driver.

There's not much left on my car that's 40-years old.. well, except the driver. ;)

Mary cusses like a sailor when she's driving.. I don't think I can legally post the in car video... :rofl:

[Spiffav8]

Just watched Penny go on the truck for her trip home.

Thanks for all the excitement Steve. Hope we can get a few more to cruise over the hill with us next year!