BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Chump Cars
Steve DeGroat and I stopped in at Putnam Park on the way to deliver the Roadmaster and were impressed with this new racing venue. Report at bottom of the page: [forum.britishv8.org]
Now that I've had a chance to browse the rules it seems like we could compete effectively. For instance, an MGB-GT body with a Camaro engine and transmission could possibly be entered without exceeding the value limits, and brake upgrades could possibly be configured to remain competitive. At that point I think we would be in the running. After discussion we agreed the next step would be to contact Chump Cars and run the idea past them. The racing team would consist of a minimum of 4 drivers, 2 of whom have to be team members through all entered races to get the registration discounts. No maximum limit. Each driver has to race at least 30 minutes, and a 2 hour rest between drives. (My wife's gonna kill me for this!) JB |
Bill Young Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: Chump Cars
It sounds like fun and an affordable way to actually go racing. Hans devices are required, those are pretty expensive. I suppose the driver's could share one of those if their helmets had the correct fasteners installed. Would take a bit longer during the driver changes though. The rest of the driver's gear, fire suit etc isn't too bad. A bunch of the guys racing vintage at Heartland Park last month were running an Opel in the Chump car race at Hallett the next weekend, haven't heard how they did, but I'm sure they had a great time.
When the roadmaster is done I'd really consider taking a turn at Chump Car racing. |
Citron Stephen DeGroat Lugoff, SC (367 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:43PM Main British Car: 1970 MGBGT V6, 7004R, AC, matching trailer 3.1 liter |
Re: Chump Cars
Jim,
Just called the local junk yard. They have a 300zx straight drive and a 260 straight for sale cheap. Don't know how well they run though. Interested? I could go out asnd check on them next week. steve |
mowog1 Rick Ingram Central Illinois (1523 posts) Registered: 10/17/2007 09:36PM Main British Car: 1974.5 MGB/GT 3.9l Rover |
Re: Chump Cars
I have two buddues up in michgan who are building an MGB/GT for the "24 Hours of Lemons" series.
It is very similar to the Chump Cars series. |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: Chump Cars
I seem to recall the 300zx has a V6 engine (about 160hp), good brakes, and an IRS? That might be a better platform to start with. But how heavy?
JB |
Bill Young Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: Chump Cars
Jim, according to the info in Wikipedia they weighed in at between 2888 and 3027 depending on trim levels. You'd gut the car interior and trunk as well as removing all unnecessary items from under the hood and dash like AC unless you wanted to retain that for the cool suit source. Not a bad idea in hot weather for a 24 hour race to not have to load up on ice at each driver change. Cars from May 87 through 89 had an improved engine with better cooling and another 5 hp up to 165. I'd think we could get a grid ready car in at around 2400 pounds with a full cage etc.
Guys you might also check local sources like Craig's list. Found this here in KC, would make a reasonable Chump car or even a pretty good donor for a V6 conversion for that price. [kansascity.craigslist.org] Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2010 02:43PM by Bill Young. |
socorob Robbie La (173 posts) Registered: 09/17/2009 04:42PM Main British Car: 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series 2 Ford 2.8 V6 |
Re: Chump Cars
[grassrootsmotorsports.com]
Might get some pointers here, they say stay away from american v8 cars because they usually cant make it to the finish. |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: Chump Cars
What could possibly go wrong?
JB |
Bratfink James Bratby Indianapolis (12 posts) Registered: 09/29/2010 04:05PM Main British Car: 66 MkIV Singer Vogue Estate 1725 (with Alpine S5 twin carb) |
Re: Chump Cars
We are currently prepping a Taurus SHO (Fo SHO) for the ROD BLAGOJEVICH NEVER-SAY-DIE 500 in the 24hrs of LeMon series. Whilst it is almost easy to keep to the $500 budget for the car, you blow plenty of cash on the safety side.
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roverman Art Gertz Winchester, CA. (3188 posts) Registered: 04/24/2009 11:02AM Main British Car: 74' Jensen Healy, 79 Huff. GT 1, 74 MGB Lotus 907,2L |
Re: Chump Cars/all day-all nite-Lemons
I have friends who run a clapped-out Trans Am,"Smokey and the Banditos". This is the purest form of junkyard creativity, you will ever see on a race track. No pretentious snob appeal here, just LOTS of racing for min $'s. IE. like lil' Honda with Hyabusa power, runs at or near front. TR7 roadster with no top and "maybe" BuickV6-turbo ? Spec' tire, so weight IS important, IRS, not so much. Dare to dream. roverman.
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