After a tough year, 2004 is looking like more fun.

I've been planning to run the World Challenge Touring Car date at Laguna, and then unexpectedly the 2004 WC schedule is released and it includes a Portland date.

I will be focusing my entire 2004 effort on that weekend late in July.

There's alot of work to be done, and time will run out quickly. I'll put in more miles between May and July than in the last two years - much of it purposeful testing.

I'm beside myself in my excitement, and just had to blow off some steam.

Scott, who knows the risks and must disregard them...maybe I should start looking for a good CRX tub now..."When are we going to Planet 10?"..."Real Soon!"

 

testing is fun.

good CRX tub = this one.
only 10,600 miles.

 

If there aren't any conflicts, I'm sure the NW gang can support you in the pits.

Of course you'd have to buy team shirts and hats. Have you thought up a team name yet? I like "Big Brain Racing" or "Anti Green Racing - Frogs and dollars be damned"...

Oh, and don't forgrt a graphics package!


Modified by bulldog_RS20 at 12:03 AM 10/22/2003

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> ..."When are we going to Planet 10?"..."Real Soon!"</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good luck Scott, hopefully you won't need one of these: (an Oscillation Overthruster)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> and then unexpectedly the 2004 WC schedule is released and it includes a Portland date.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No ****!? This is good news. I'm there.

 

oops.

 

The big question on my mind is there going to be another crazy DB level like the one they had last time they where at Portland. I don't think JohnG and I want to build another exhaust in about a hour.

 

Count me in!!!

Any clue as to what other series will be running at that time?

Nash

 

It's ALMS and World Challenge. Don't know what the support classes will be.

Graphics-wise, the car stays in it's Mugen livery - but, and I hope you won't think this too much, I'm going to mark the end plates on the wing with "PMUM", like the teams did with "JAZ". Just a little tribute.

Scott, who will have a borrowed enclosed trailer to operate out of and so won't be doing the whole normal drive to the track thing...

 

Looks like Bling Bling Racing will all be there to help out. This is good news Scott.

Zach

 

Scott....

Were you happy with the way this year turned out? Pouring all your resources into Rose Cups, starting the season 'late', and focusing all your efforts on that one weekend?

Adding a SVWC race to the schedule... and more testing/tuning/breakingshit/tires will make it 10x worse, IMHO. You'll **** with the car making it faster and faster (which will require the 18" wheels and spec T1-S's to test with).

Then what are you left with?

I think getting into a rental ride for the weekend would be much more financially viable.

 

I really hope these dates don't conflict with the 2004 Bremerton NT.

Nash

 

&lt;Sledge Hammer voice on&gt; Trust me, I know what I'm doing. &lt;voice off&gt;

Scott, who says "it's not that simple", and while 2003 was a tough year, it wasn't a bad year - in fact it was my best year yet.

 

As a wise Buckaroo once said, "No matter where you go, there you are." I think that applies in this case, considering RJ's question...

K

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Trust me, I know what I'm doing. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Bubba Zanetti?

OK Scott, I am with you on this one. I think it is a pretty cool idea. Let me know if you want crew there, I can offer to help, tow rig, etc.

Jim

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knestis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As a wise Buckaroo once said, "No matter where you go, there you are." I think that applies in this case, considering RJ's question...

K</TD></TR></TABLE>

"You never get away, you only get some place else" -- Lovka's Dilemma

 

Damn Jim - I've got alot of junk rattling around in my head, but your playing Bubba Zanetti (and I have seen Mad Max) kicks my ***.

Scott, who fears this means that you are totally whacked...

 

Just remember that little spec wheel size and tire thing. That could mean a big chunk of change all by itself. Maybe you can rent or borrow some wheels?
Just a thought.

 

I've done my homework - as much as possible so far. The 2004 PRR is supposed to be released in November.

The spec tire for 2004 is the RA1. Mandated sizes aren't known yet, but the RA1 isn't available in all sizes the T1S is, and that's problematic inasmuch as last years spec size of 225/45-17 isn't available in the RA1.

The exception allowing 15 inch wheels in some cases (like mine) is likely to remain in place.

Scott, who has been paying attention to the PRR, VTS, and Bulletins for the last couple of years...the plan is pretty well baked.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the plan is pretty well baked.</TD></TR></TABLE>

And clearly, so are you

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The spec tire for 2004 is the RA1. Mandated sizes aren't known yet, but the RA1 isn't available in all sizes the T1S is, and that's problematic inasmuch as last years spec size of 225/45-17 isn't available in the RA1.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Toyo is supposed to be releasing additional sizes for the RA-1 over the winter, especially in 17" and 18"...

 

Wow! Sounds like fun!
Good luck in your preparations.

 

Scott, I'm there if you need any help.
Congrats on following through with your dream

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">spec size of 225/45-17 isn't available in the RA1.

The exception allowing 15 inch wheels in some cases (like mine) is likely to remain in place.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not likely... the current plan is for a spec 18" wheel size and spec RA1 tire size. Remember, there isn't much incentive for the SCCA to help out older cars, as the last thing Acura wants to see is their newest car beaten by their older one. The SCCA is fully aware of this, and try to shy away from this happening. Ask questions often and early of the SCCA Pro staff before making too many plans or spending too much money. Just a word of caution.

From SCCA Pro press release:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Additionally, it was announced that the Speed Touring Car Championship would join the Speed GT Championship on mandatory 18” wheels. The series currently runs on 17” wheels.

“The SCCA Speed World Challenge has established itself as the most relevant racing series to the trends we’re seeing on the street,” said Garret Mudd, Vice President of Marketing for the SCCA. “Increasingly, 18” wheels are not only a frequent aftermarket enhancement, but a popular option straight from the manufacturer. It only makes sense for the Touring Car series to continue to reflect the marketplace and evolve in this direction.”</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.world-challenge.com/news/03press45.html

 

Hmmm - it was Aaron Coalwell himself who wrote me to that effect just a few weeks ago.

PB #6-2003 does say though that serious changes are coming. We'll see.

So, Jason, you heard that the discussion at Atlanta included what you said about 18 inch wheels?

That's kinda funny since they have a goal of cutting down cost. And changing the spec wheel size every year isn't the first idea for doing that that comes into my mind.

I understand that SCCA Pro has no interest in little people with non-current cars. They do however have an interest in keeping their series alive.

I take your word of caution, and my plans are flexible. And if I would have to roll on 25 inch plus rubber I'll just bag it - no huge deal.

Scott, who has to plan early if anything is to happen, you don't go racing at the last minute...and all of my plans tie all of my classes together where the car is concerned - next year will be a great year of racing for me no matter what happens with World Challenge.