It's been a bit busy getting everything ready for the OUSCI. Here's a little "insider" info to keep everyone in the loop.
THE CAR
The car is the easy part, but ended up being more than expected. The day after Jeff accepted the invite I tore the old supercharger off and started replacing it with a Magnuson TVS1900. Since the engine is basically a stock LS1 with a Lingnefelter cam, it's right in the sweet spot of the 1900 curve.
Of course, the tuner at Manguson tells me last Monday that I really need to get the 100mm Lingenfelter MAF to cure a few nagging driveablilty problems. Unfortunately that meant building a completely new intake system. It's not quite as sano as I'd like it to be but it is functional and solid. I plead my case with Magnuson and they really went out of their way to make time for the car this Monday to get it tuned. It runs pretty good the way it is but there's some idle and cooling fan-on problems to fix along with getting the overall tune sorted out.
Recently the Camaro, flying the Hotchkis Sport Suspenson flag, participated in the Super Chevy Suspension Challenge. During the entire process Team Hotchkis and I were on the same page about the goals and how to get there. John Hotchkis, their Chief Engineer Arron Ogawa, and I made a great team and had a lot of fun working together. When John found out the Camaro was attending OUSCI, he offered his and Aarons assistance. I jumped on the offer. I cannot not think of anyone better qualified to help get the car handling the way it should that day.
The Camaro gets new rubber on Monday as well, and after that it's just a matter of doing some detailing and she'll be ready to go.
THE EQUIPMENT
Since the car got some upgrades I felt it was necessary to spruce up some of my stylish attire to better reflect the spirit of the OUSCI. My trademark garb has been called, lovingly, a janitors suit. Though I pick off ABS glue from the sleeves and it resembles something that a sanitation engineer would don, it pains me to think of getting rid of it. So, in the true spirit of do-it-yourself, I bring to you the latest in Hollywood fashion.
Note the two new custom pocket patches and the sunglasses in the garage. I know the sunglasses make me faster.
No real race suit would be complete unless the drivers callsign was custom embroidered on the back. This patch is a quick removal type just in case a new callsign is assigned to me, which is highly likely. How about that classy new blue sticker on the helmet, eh?
THE MENTAL
I know that I must properly prepare mentally for this challenge. So, how about driving behind someone who is an expert? Here I am, dicing it out with Fast Mary Pozzi. Nevermind that it's the TV. Or that it's last years OUSCI. Or that she's on for only eight seconds. If I play it 500 times it will be just like the real thing. Right? Of course the helmet and driving suit are mandatory during any practice sessions.
I also have a trick up my sleeve but I need both SEMA and OUSCI attendees help. I'm very fortunate that David Pozzi has offered to share his hotel room with me on Friday and Saturday nights. I figure that if someone can find one of those fortune teller/wishing machines like that in the movie "Big" then David's brain can be swapped into my body. My snoring might drive him mad anyway, so why not take advantage of it? While were sleeping the magic fortune should take effect.
I need to get all of my stuff packed in the car. While watching the OUSCI 2009, which is still on the DVR from last year, Bill Howell has to go and state "Trailers are for boats." Dang it Bill! So, it looks like I'm driving the Camaro and figuring a way to get around Vegas. Road trip!
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Time to get ready. Car, equipment, and mental prep.
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