PDA

View Full Version : I Won ! I Won !! I Won!!!!!!!!! I Won !!!!!!!!!!!!


NOT A TA
11-04-2009, 01:38 PM
The Performance Therapy online car show photo contest!!! With a picture taken by my friend John Hendrick at a NASA HPDE road course event I attended at Sebring in June of this year. It was taken during one of the first sessions of the day and was the first time I'd ever run the famous 3.7 mile track used for the 12 hour races.

I saw a thread here on Lat-G about the contest and went to check out the pics people put up then thought "Hey! I should put a cool pic of my car up!" As you guys have seen in the past I'm always posting track pics to get others interested in taking their cars out. The contest said "post a pic of you enjoying your car". Well a day at an awesome world famous road course is the most fun for me in my car!

The Performance Therapy contest winners were just announced by John Hotchkis at SEMA and just posted online here http://www.performancetherapycontest.com/

Chad from Fletchers had called me yesterday from SEMA and said he'd heard my name over the loudspeakers and I've been bouncing off the walls since waiting to see if it was really true!! I'd been working at Fletchers Customs installing a dash I'd built for Tys car and helping the guys all of last week. When they headed off toward Vegas I made the 8 hour trip back to south Florida from Chads shop in GA. I thought maybe they were messin with me when they first called yesterday but it's true! I won!!!!

As the grand prize winner I'll be recieving a system from each of the sponsors of the contest. Man can I put this stuff to good use!!! Here's why

Hotchkis Sport Suspension: A full TVS setup. I already have Hotchkis springs, sways, and tierod adjusters, as well as the Bilsteins they sold me to go with their products I installed in my Firebird which I purchased a long time ago, before they called it the TVS. So I'll have to talk to them about my options for another car or maybe upgrading the Firebird.

Baer Brakes, A full setup. As many of you know from my posts like "here's why you need big brakes for track use" I've had some real issues running a stock front disc/rear drum setup in my Firebird on road racing tracks with long straightaways where I need to haul the car down from 125 MPH+ to slow for sharp corners. I've gone through stacks of different pads, shoes, rotors, calipers and literally gallons and gallons of brake fluid. I couldn't put bigger brakes on without also needing to buy new wheels and tires. I just couldn't afford to do both but thanks to Jason....

Rushforth Wheels: A full set!!! Then I can install bigger brakes!! Funny that I win a set after I sent an email earlier today recommending someone else on this forum purchase a set for his early 2nd gen Camaro. Now I should be able to fit some really serious rotors and binders while being stylish with new wheels I couldn't afford. To wrap the new wheels.................

Yokohama Tires: Again a full set! I'd been running the Yokohama Advan AO 32s and needed to replace the fronts but they've discontinued making the DOT R tires in the sizes I needed so I've had a set of temporary front tires on the car (with the AO32 rears) since the end of the track day the picture was taken. The temporary fronts had nowhere near the traction of the original AO32's so I've had to take a little easier. (I put 4 wheels off once and found the new lower adhesion limit! LOL) Perhaps I can get some DOT Rs in a size that will work with the new rims!!!!

Red Line Synthetic Oil: I was going to order some of their Water Wetter this week. I've had some slowly rising water temp issues on track in the Firebird since moving south which required a cool down lap in the middle of each track session the past couple events when it was very hot out. Now that I'm in FL I don't need antifreeze anymore and I planned on flushing the system and switching to just water with Water Wetter. Not sure what else I'll get from them but because of the track time the Firebird gets I'm constantly changing oil, tranny fluids, rear end, etc. in the car as well as my tow vehicle (which takes 15 quarts of oil !) so I know I'll go right through whatever it is that they provide.

Lifeline Fire Safety Systems: A full system. As you might guess by the full cage, NASCAR full containment seats and 6 point harnesses in my Firebird, safety in cars is an issue with me to the point where the money I've spent on safety items could have purchased the killer engine I really want. I can certainly put a fire system to good use!!! Although hopefully not ever needed and activated!

MSD Ignition: A full setup! I currently run an MSD Pro Billet distributor, Blaster 3 coil, 6A box, and 300+ wires on the old Pontiac 400 thats in the Firebird. I'm going to need (read want) to replace the engine with a much more powerfull one to reach my speed goals at land speed races and open road racing, so getting an ignition setup for it will be a huge help!

Flowmaster: A complete exhaust system. While the sidepipes on my Firebird are functional they have a fake 4 into one header that won't even allow the current engine to perform as well as it could because only one of the 4 "header" pipes is actually used and it's barely 1 1/2" !!! I'd installed the sidepipes about 10 years ago when the car had a stock 350 two barrel and for that engine it was fine. A new system will be awesome and allow me to run a bigger carb on the current engine than the (cough) 575 (cough) thats on there now. Plus when I can afford a new engine it will have some breathing room!

Hot Wheels: We're all big kids who love toys. Who wouldn't want enough Hot wheels to fill a track that spirals around the garage! LOL

I want to thank all the sponsors for giving us all the contest. It's a place to throw our cool pics up and share our pride in our vehicles with others. If you haven't looked through the photo galleries it's really worth a look. You'll find pics of everything from ground scraping cars, to pics of little kids helping their ole man wash the car, the smokiest burnouts, and all the way up to giant 4 wheeler monter trucks as well as everything in between.

OK enough of my ramblings! Here's the winning picture

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/Firebird/Firebird005.jpg

protour73
11-04-2009, 01:49 PM
I was wondering who was going to win all that stuff......that's freaking fantastic!!!!! what a bloody haul!!!!!! Post up pics as soon as the parts start going on the car ......... UPS man will hate your guts!!! LOL

rogue
11-04-2009, 01:55 PM
wow congrats. I didn't even bother entering. stupid me...

Steve1968LS2
11-04-2009, 01:57 PM
wow congrats. I didn't even bother entering. stupid me...

Yea, I didn't either.. with my luck I would have won and gathered up even more haters... lol

Steve1968LS2
11-04-2009, 01:57 PM
John,

Congrats on the big win.. very cool that a member here got the big prize!

I'm sure you will put those winnings to good use! :thumbsup:

rogue
11-04-2009, 01:58 PM
Yea, I didn't either.. with my luck I would have won and gathered up even more haters... lol

you're not allowed to enter contests Penny's won enough :lol:

Spiffav8
11-04-2009, 02:28 PM
Nice! I like seeing members of our community enjoying their cars and winning things like this. It's good for all of us. Congratulations!!

:thumbsup:

tones2SS
11-04-2009, 03:11 PM
Nice! I like seeing members of our community enjoying their cars and winning things like this. It's good for all of us. Congratulations!!

:thumbsup:

Very well said Curtis!!
Congrats on the win and free goodies!:thumbsup: :cheers:

rwhite692
11-04-2009, 04:32 PM
Awesome prize package, BIG congrats!

Moose
11-04-2009, 05:26 PM
Congrats,, That is a cool pic!!!

monza
11-04-2009, 05:26 PM
Nice! I like seeing members of our community enjoying their cars and winning things like this. It's good for all of us. Congratulations!!

:thumbsup:

X 3 very cool

autoxcuda
11-04-2009, 07:59 PM
I also won for Racing Picture with my Ultra Low Budget Barracuda.

Man could I have used those rims, I found out I bent a front steel rim the last time I was out at Willow Springs.

Thanks a ton Hotchkis!!! You guys rock!!

http://www.performancetherapycontest.com/images/winners/Steve%20Wall-%20Simi%20Valley,%20CA%20on%20Flickr%20-%20Photo%20Sharing!_1256946530096.jpg

70rs
11-04-2009, 09:56 PM
Big congrats to everyone who one!!:cheers:

I know John will be wearing out tires and brake parts as soon as they are on the car. And the suspension will get no rest either. Way to go John!!
I also hope you never need to activate that fire system. I know how much time and thought you put into the safety of your car and it will be an added feature for piece of mind. :thumbsup:

NOT A TA
11-04-2009, 10:12 PM
I also won for Racing Picture with my Ultra Low Budget Barracuda.

Man could I have used those rims, I found out I bent a front steel rim the last time I was out at Willow Springs.

Thanks a ton Hotchkis!!! You guys rock!!

http://www.performancetherapycontest.com/images/winners/Steve%20Wall-%20Simi%20Valley,%20CA%20on%20Flickr%20-%20Photo%20Sharing!_1256946530096.jpg

I love this car! It's out there running not mothballed up or being restored with chalk marks! He's not worried about being the fastest or prettiest etc. he's just out having fun!!

autoxcuda
11-04-2009, 11:38 PM
I love this car! It's out there running not mothballed up or being restored with chalk marks! He's not worried about being the fastest or prettiest etc. he's just out having fun!!

Thanks!

Run whatcha you brung!!

It's actually a real numbers matching, original engine (original bore) 68 Barracuda Formula 340-S automatic coupe. 1 of 867 340 coupes and 1 of 351 auto coupes.

Here's when I went off track at Willow and bent my rim (and valance and bumper).

http://www.cpwclub.com/sf08pics/stevew/sfsf08/CopySFSF08Pics058.JPG

http://www.cpwclub.com/sf08pics/stevew/sfsf08/CopySFSF08Pics056.JPG

....Then immediately drove it 50 miles back home. So I could setup the Spring Fling car show the next morning.

The front has always been bent some since I bought it in 1993 then rebuilt/modded the suspension and re-ringed the motor. Chassis first, some interior next, outside last. I've put about 70K miles on it since then. From L.A. to Iowa State for school (snow/sleet/rain), then commuted 80 miles round trip from West L.A. to Thousand Oaks for work. It's my only running car right now.

Sure it doesn't have 500 H.P. It's really set up for E-SP Solo II autox rules. But my track skill level isn't 500 H.P. yet anyway. Guldstrand said he used to take a car load of students out in his Caprice and he was faster than the novices with high dollar gear. I'm a realist. For a relative novice, big H.P. is probably going to hinder my learning curve rather than help it.

It's got a big trunk, good sized interior, and a sturdy roof. Great for moving across country...

5200 lbs loaded on grain elevator scale. 3350 unloaded !! The stuff on the ground only what was in the car top carrier....

http://www.cpwclub.com/images/UhaulUnload.JPG

GvEman
11-05-2009, 12:21 AM
Congrattulations!! :lateral:

98ssnova
11-05-2009, 12:38 AM
congrats to the both of you and very cool pics :cheers:

NOT A TA
11-05-2009, 07:20 AM
Thanks!

Run whatcha you brung!!

It's actually a real numbers matching, original engine (original bore) 68 Barracuda Formula 340-S automatic coupe. 1 of 867 340 coupes and 1 of 351 auto coupes.

Here's when I went off track at Willow and bent my rim (and valance and bumper).

....Then immediately drove it 50 miles back home. So I could setup the Spring Fling car show the next morning.

The front has always been bent some since I bought it in 1993 then rebuilt/modded the suspension and re-ringed the motor. Chassis first, some interior next, outside last. I've put about 70K miles on it since then. From L.A. to Iowa State for school (snow/sleet/rain), then commuted 80 miles round trip from West L.A. to Thousand Oaks for work. It's my only running car right now.

Sure it doesn't have 500 H.P. It's really set up for E-SP Solo II autox rules. But my track skill level isn't 500 H.P. yet anyway. Guldstrand said he used to take a car load of students out in his Caprice and he was faster than the novices with high dollar gear. I'm a realist. For a relative novice, big H.P. is probably going to hinder my learning curve rather than help it.

It's got a big trunk, good sized interior, and a sturdy roof. Great for moving across country...

5200 lbs loaded on grain elevator scale. 3350 unloaded !! The stuff on the ground only what was in the car top carrier....

Steve and his car are a perfect example of what I've been preaching whenever I see a soapbox to jump up on. He's right on the money with several points.

Drive it! He's had 70,000 miles of fun with it and loads of memories that came from those miles!

500 HP not necessary. I ran a 4 dr 4 cyl. Cobalt rental car at Road Atlanta one weekend because the Firebird wasn't ready. I learned a lot about carrying momentum and the importance of being on "the line" to maintain speed. The lessons learned carried over well to my relatively underpowered Firebird. (dyno proven to have less than 275 RWHP! LOL)

Trunk space. As he uses his car for a driver he needs to use the trunk. On my car we only ran the rear bars on my cage to the shock mounts in my Firebird so I'd have a full trunk. I fit three 5 gallon cans of race gas and my other stuff in the trunk if I'm going to drive to and from the track.

NOT A TA
11-05-2009, 07:24 AM
Since the soapbox is already out I copied the following from a post I made on another forum yesterday


I keep trying to tell everyone, just put it together and run it! If you wait till it's "perfect" you're never gonna get to the tracks. My cars been on the cover of PHR, had a feature in PHR, had two 2 page pics in HOT ROD, a pic in another PHR, and won this contest. Why? Because I'm out driving the car having fun. It's not the fastest, prettiest, most expensive, or technologicly advanced car and it's certainly not "perfect" but it's out there being driven and raced all the time. You don't need to win anything to have fun at a track or other event.

Don't think your brakes are up to the task at a road course? Go to a land speed race where there's a mile to slow down. Just let off the gas and don't even touch the brakes till wind resistance slows you to 75.

Don't think you're gearing's right for high speeds at land speed racing or road course days? Hit up an auto X and have at it.

Don't think your car's set up to go around corners like you want? Go to a dragstrip or land speed race.

Don't think your cars fast enough for a dragstrip? Call me and I'll bring my blazing 13.9 second car and get in the other lane. I'll bet almost all the cars on this forum can beat my car at the strip.

Point is GO DRIVE THEM!

Bow Tie 67
11-05-2009, 08:53 AM
^^^^^^^^

And to re-iterate if the car is in pieces, please, please just take out a rental or your daily driver and do a track event or auto-x. If you dont get the bug, have fun sitting at car shows or cruzing, its your perogative. If the bug stings, put the pieces together and drive it. Perfect does not go well with racing, trust me.

GregWeld
11-05-2009, 08:59 AM
Congrats to you guys!!

Great pixs!

I'm happy for you both.


:lateral: :cheers: :woot:

autoxcuda
11-05-2009, 09:01 AM
^^^^^^^^

And to re-iterate if the car is in pieces, please, please just take out a rental or your daily driver and do a track event or auto-x. If you dont get the bug, have fun sitting at car shows or cruzing, its your perogative. If the bug stings, put the pieces together and drive it.

Also, when you go out in something before your car is "finished" or even started, you get a real life idea of what work's and what is necessary.

Perfect does not go well with racing, trust me.

Many times you're left with a bunch of very trick, but yet very broken, parts.

89 RS
11-05-2009, 09:08 PM
Congrats on the contest! Those are some awesome parts.

Northeast Rod Run
11-05-2009, 10:21 PM
wow... that's one hell of a bounty you won

congrats!

OLDFLM
11-05-2009, 10:59 PM
Congrats my friend!!!! You deserve it buddy! I think it's called "karma"! LOL

autoxcuda
11-06-2009, 02:36 PM
500 HP not necessary. I ran a 4 dr 4 cyl. Cobalt rental car at Road Atlanta one weekend because the Firebird wasn't ready. I learned a lot about carrying momentum and the importance of being on "the line" to maintain speed. The lessons learned carried over well to my relatively underpowered Firebird. (dyno proven to have less than 275 RWHP! LOL)


I really like Dick Guldstrand's article on Handling Theory: http://www.guldstrand.com/gtheory.asp A very basic all encompassing article.


Trunk space. As he uses his car for a driver he needs to use the trunk. On my car we only ran the rear bars on my cage to the shock mounts in my Firebird so I'd have a full trunk. I fit three 5 gallon cans of race gas and my other stuff in the trunk if I'm going to drive to and from the track.

I can actually fit 4 race tires (no spare), a 3 drawer craftsman tool box, and a small floor jack in the trunk. Except for E-bodies, Mopar trunks are huge.

JayR
11-07-2009, 08:30 AM
I helped John Hotchkis announce the winners at the show on Tuesday and was stoked to see some familiar faces win and there were a few other guys from here who were runner ups in other categories. Congratulations John and Steve and all the other finalists!

It was an honor to be invited by Hotchkis to take part in their contest and it was a huge success. Get your photos ready for next year's contest!

E.rodz
11-07-2009, 08:54 AM
nice job and congrats.its always nice to see some good luck is realy out there.

NOT A TA
11-07-2009, 04:14 PM
Congrats my friend!!!! You deserve it buddy! I think it's called "karma"! LOL

I'm a very practical kinda guy as you know and never believed in that kind of stuff. But you may very well be right.

NOT A TA
11-07-2009, 04:47 PM
I helped John Hotchkis announce the winners at the show on Tuesday and was stoked to see some familiar faces win and there were a few other guys from here who were runner ups in other categories. Congratulations John and Steve and all the other finalists!

It was an honor to be invited by Hotchkis to take part in their contest and it was a huge success. Get your photos ready for next year's contest!

Thanks Jason!! Those of you who are not familiar with who Jason "JayR" is, he a designer www.jasonrushforth.com who also owns owns Rushforth Wheels www.rushforthwheels.com and for anyone that glanced over my rather lengthy first post in this thread, Jason donated a set of Rushforth wheels to the Performance Therapy contest. That's a HUGE expense for a company!

Thanks for helping the contest with your donation! I'm psyched to be able to get a set!!

Jay is also a perfect example of what I've been jumping up on the soapbox and preaching. He didn't wait till his Buick was "perfect" to go out and run it. He bought a car, put a few bolt ons on it (cool wheels of course) and took it right out and started autocrossing it with the original engine and 2 speed powerglide!!! My kinda guy! Out having fun!!!!! Why wait till next year? Right? You can also go then also!!!!!!

Edit: Jay have ya seen yourself on You Tube? http://www.performancetherapycontest.com/news.php

JayR
11-08-2009, 09:21 AM
Thanks Jason!! Those of you who are not familiar with who Jason "JayR" is, he a designer www.jasonrushforth.com who also owns owns Rushforth Wheels www.rushforthwheels.com and for anyone that glanced over my rather lengthy first post in this thread, Jason donated a set of Rushforth wheels to the Performance Therapy contest. That's a HUGE expense for a company!

Thanks for helping the contest with your donation! I'm psyched to be able to get a set!!

Jay is also a perfect example of what I've been jumping up on the soapbox and preaching. He didn't wait till his Buick was "perfect" to go out and run it. He bought a car, put a few bolt ons on it (cool wheels of course) and took it right out and started autocrossing it with the original engine and 2 speed powerglide!!! My kinda guy! Out having fun!!!!! Why wait till next year? Right? You can also go then also!!!!!!

Edit: Jay have ya seen yourself on You Tube? http://www.performancetherapycontest.com/news.php

Thanks John! I've always known that "you get it" so I was stoked to see that you were the winner. Thanks for following my personal project too! Too bad we couldn't live further apart and still be in the Continental 48 because I'd love to hang out and do some events with you!

Yep, my YouTube debut is pretty funny. I was flattered to be part of the contest with all of those great companies much less, help announce the winners.

MarkM66
11-09-2009, 07:24 AM
SOB, you won a ton of stuff! Congrats!

NOT A TA
11-10-2009, 04:25 PM
Too bad we couldn't live further apart and still be in the Continental 48 because I'd love to hang out and do some events with you!

Sounds like a good excuse for both of us to make a road trip. Maybe the event at Gingerman next year?