THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004
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THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANAHEIM, CA 01/21/04
Special Projects Motor Sports introduces a Third Car and Driver for the 2004 Touring Car Season.
ItÂ’s OfficialÂ… John McNulty will be teaming up with Jeff (Kiwi) Owen #66 and Shawn Bota #65. Driving the former Bota / C-West Integra (#64 for 2004) in the 2004 West Coast (H1) Honda Challenge. John's car will inherit all of the B18C and B20 engine development work that went into the two fastest IntegraÂ’s in the Honda Challenge last year. JohnÂ’s previous racing experience has been as a consistent front runner in his CRX in the H4 Class. He placed 4th in class in the Championship in 2003. As well as bringing a wealth of Aerodynamic expertise to the team, his performance in the 25 Hr event at Thunder Hill has proved John is a very smooth, consistent driver with a maturity and team spirit that will mesh well with the raw talent and enthusiasm of Shawn Bota and the wisdom and experience of Jeff (Kiwi) Owen.
The team’s original JDM ITR #66 and the new #65 car will be completely stripped and rebuilt with the new JDM Type R K20 engines and 6 Speed Gear Boxes. Apart from the driving positions, the two cars will be identical in HP and handling. However, Shawn gets to be the “Rock Star” in the first of the K-20 Integra’s at the start of the season as it is unlikely that time will allow both the K-20 Conversions to be done for the first round at California Speedway. The Kiwi will probably do the first two events of the season using one of our B20 Engines, redeveloped for reliability after showing the potential of this power plant at the October 2003 Honda Challenge event at Infinion Raceway. We expect Kiwi’s car to be running the K-20 Engine by the May 1st. event at Thunder Hill. John's car will be powered by one of the Team’s Mugen Type R B18C engines with more compression and wilder cams, and with a little more seat time he will be a force to be reckoned with.
The controversy over the legality of some aspects of the development of the “B Series” engines used by some teams in 2003 can now be dispelled. Special Projects and some of the other teams intend to insist that our engines be sealed by a NASA Tech official prior to the start of the race season. This will discourage unnecessary protests and the unpleasantness of stripping and re-assembling expensive engines at the track.
So look for some big new sponsors! New color scheme! New 3 car Transporter and a Cool New Aerodynamic look on the Special Projects Motor Sports cars for 2004! There will be no team orders, apart fromÂ… Finish in the Top 3 spots on the podium, every time! We intend to win this Championship as a TeamÂ… But watch for some excitement as the season goes on and personal goals and egoÂ’s come into the mixÂ…
The Special Projects Motor Sports team would like to thank (Team owner) Mr. Don Wilson. If it wasnÂ’t for DonÂ’s backing and enthusiasm, none of this would be possible.
And a special thanks to all of our sponsors.
Good luck to everyone in 2004
Special Projects Motor Sports
Modified by KIWI at 9:41 AM 1/24/2004
Special Projects Motor Sports introduces a Third Car and Driver for the 2004 Touring Car Season.
ItÂ’s OfficialÂ… John McNulty will be teaming up with Jeff (Kiwi) Owen #66 and Shawn Bota #65. Driving the former Bota / C-West Integra (#64 for 2004) in the 2004 West Coast (H1) Honda Challenge. John's car will inherit all of the B18C and B20 engine development work that went into the two fastest IntegraÂ’s in the Honda Challenge last year. JohnÂ’s previous racing experience has been as a consistent front runner in his CRX in the H4 Class. He placed 4th in class in the Championship in 2003. As well as bringing a wealth of Aerodynamic expertise to the team, his performance in the 25 Hr event at Thunder Hill has proved John is a very smooth, consistent driver with a maturity and team spirit that will mesh well with the raw talent and enthusiasm of Shawn Bota and the wisdom and experience of Jeff (Kiwi) Owen.
The team’s original JDM ITR #66 and the new #65 car will be completely stripped and rebuilt with the new JDM Type R K20 engines and 6 Speed Gear Boxes. Apart from the driving positions, the two cars will be identical in HP and handling. However, Shawn gets to be the “Rock Star” in the first of the K-20 Integra’s at the start of the season as it is unlikely that time will allow both the K-20 Conversions to be done for the first round at California Speedway. The Kiwi will probably do the first two events of the season using one of our B20 Engines, redeveloped for reliability after showing the potential of this power plant at the October 2003 Honda Challenge event at Infinion Raceway. We expect Kiwi’s car to be running the K-20 Engine by the May 1st. event at Thunder Hill. John's car will be powered by one of the Team’s Mugen Type R B18C engines with more compression and wilder cams, and with a little more seat time he will be a force to be reckoned with.
The controversy over the legality of some aspects of the development of the “B Series” engines used by some teams in 2003 can now be dispelled. Special Projects and some of the other teams intend to insist that our engines be sealed by a NASA Tech official prior to the start of the race season. This will discourage unnecessary protests and the unpleasantness of stripping and re-assembling expensive engines at the track.
So look for some big new sponsors! New color scheme! New 3 car Transporter and a Cool New Aerodynamic look on the Special Projects Motor Sports cars for 2004! There will be no team orders, apart fromÂ… Finish in the Top 3 spots on the podium, every time! We intend to win this Championship as a TeamÂ… But watch for some excitement as the season goes on and personal goals and egoÂ’s come into the mixÂ…
The Special Projects Motor Sports team would like to thank (Team owner) Mr. Don Wilson. If it wasnÂ’t for DonÂ’s backing and enthusiasm, none of this would be possible.
And a special thanks to all of our sponsors.
Good luck to everyone in 2004
Special Projects Motor Sports
Modified by KIWI at 9:41 AM 1/24/2004
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From: Panorama city, ca, USA
Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (KIWI)
Jeff, Shawn, John 
It will be a good racing year for the K20 power house. Dont forget Jeff 1st place will not come easy. I will stend next to our team, as will with Varos # 57 K20 civic and Ediks # 78 H4 Ls.
Good Luck to you all.
It will be a good racing year for the K20 power house. Dont forget Jeff 1st place will not come easy. I will stend next to our team, as will with Varos # 57 K20 civic and Ediks # 78 H4 Ls.
Good Luck to you all.
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (KIWI)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KIWI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... Special Projects and some of the other teams intend to insist that our engines be sealed by a NASA Tech official prior to the start of the race season. This will discourage unnecessary protests and the unpleasantness of stripping and re-assembling expensive engines at the track. ...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Huh? Back in our IMSA days, there were plenty of seals on engines with illegal guts...
K
DISCLAIMER - this is not a personal attack, nor should any inference be made that I am suggesting that anyone is doing anything illegal. I've been catching cyber-crap for having opinions about stuff recently, from people who think everything is about them.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Huh? Back in our IMSA days, there were plenty of seals on engines with illegal guts...
K
DISCLAIMER - this is not a personal attack, nor should any inference be made that I am suggesting that anyone is doing anything illegal. I've been catching cyber-crap for having opinions about stuff recently, from people who think everything is about them.
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (Knestis)
Yeah first open the engine have it checked then seal it. Thats what i say. 
At the tarck and make sure Im there.
( may take bribes to look elsewhere) HEHEEH J/K
At the tarck and make sure Im there.
( may take bribes to look elsewhere) HEHEEH J/K
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (vtecvoodoo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecvoodoo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You guys have a lot of goodies in that shop
Not enough Eibach Springs though
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh yes, We have plenty sets of Eibach Springs... In fact we use them on all the cars and would consider Eibach one of the leaders in suspension technology. We just don't advertise the fact, because we have had to purchase every single spring at normal trade prices. Now if we were able to strike some kind of deal with Eibach... That would be a different matter. It;s all about SPONSORSHIP!
Not enough Eibach Springs though
</TD></TR></TABLE>Oh yes, We have plenty sets of Eibach Springs... In fact we use them on all the cars and would consider Eibach one of the leaders in suspension technology. We just don't advertise the fact, because we have had to purchase every single spring at normal trade prices. Now if we were able to strike some kind of deal with Eibach... That would be a different matter. It;s all about SPONSORSHIP!
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (ITAIntegraLS)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITAIntegraLS »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah first open the engine have it checked then seal it. Thats what i say.
At the track and make sure Im there.
( may take bribes to look elsewhere) HEHEEH J/K</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yep! thats exactly what we intend to do... But it won't be at the Track. And no, you won't be there! The Engines will be sealed at the Engine Builders, by an unbiased NASA Official.
[/QUOTE]Huh? Back in our IMSA days, there were plenty of seals on engines with illegal guts...
K
DISCLAIMER - this is not a personal attack, nor should any inference be made that I am suggesting that anyone is doing anything illegal. I've been catching cyber-crap for having opinions about stuff recently, from people who think everything is about them.[/QUOTE]
I don't know about back in your IMSA days? But personally I have every faith in the integrity of our NASA Officials. And I believe it is a simple solution to a situation that is bound to arise next season. And could become a time consuming, expensive waste of everyones time! Let's face it ... We're not racing for big bucks here!
Do you have a better suggestion?
At the track and make sure Im there.
( may take bribes to look elsewhere) HEHEEH J/K</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yep! thats exactly what we intend to do... But it won't be at the Track. And no, you won't be there! The Engines will be sealed at the Engine Builders, by an unbiased NASA Official.
[/QUOTE]Huh? Back in our IMSA days, there were plenty of seals on engines with illegal guts...
K
DISCLAIMER - this is not a personal attack, nor should any inference be made that I am suggesting that anyone is doing anything illegal. I've been catching cyber-crap for having opinions about stuff recently, from people who think everything is about them.[/QUOTE]
I don't know about back in your IMSA days? But personally I have every faith in the integrity of our NASA Officials. And I believe it is a simple solution to a situation that is bound to arise next season. And could become a time consuming, expensive waste of everyones time! Let's face it ... We're not racing for big bucks here!
Do you have a better suggestion?
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From: Southern California, california, usa
Can someone give me a definative answer about displacement in H1?
I understand the .40 over rule, but i see the K20 being run. Should i assume that any H1 can have 2.0 litres...plus .40 thousanths?
Thanks
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (KIWI)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KIWI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yep! thats exactly what we intend to do... But it won't be at the Track. And no, you won't be there! The Engines will be sealed at the Engine Builders, by an unbiased NASA Official.</TD></TR></TABLE>
When I first heard this I thought it was a great to way to show everyone you were on the up and up. But does this mean that your engines are not subject to protest? That does not seem right. I know nothing about how engine sealing is done and of ways to get around it. Maybe you can explain how an engine is sealed, and how tampering is prevented by this process.
I don't mean to sound like I am questioning your integrity. As a future H1 competitor, I am curious.
When I first heard this I thought it was a great to way to show everyone you were on the up and up. But does this mean that your engines are not subject to protest? That does not seem right. I know nothing about how engine sealing is done and of ways to get around it. Maybe you can explain how an engine is sealed, and how tampering is prevented by this process.
I don't mean to sound like I am questioning your integrity. As a future H1 competitor, I am curious.
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (KIWI)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KIWI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> ...Do you have a better suggestion? </TD></TR></TABLE>
I don't think it's a bad concept but it would have to be implemented series- (or coast-) wide to make it workable. I don't know of any provision in the current ruleset that exempts a "pre-approved" engine from the prescribed competitor protest process so there wouldn't appear to be any guarantee against a long night under an awning in the pits.
If there was ONE final arbiter of engine legality in the organization, AND if that same person did the "pre-tech" inspections and sealing of the engines, AND if nobody else was empowered to seal a unit, AND if the seal technology were truly tamper-proof, AND if participation in this process exempted the competitor - under the rules - from protest, AND if a process were prescribed for cases where maintenance made it necessary to break a seal...it might be a cool thing.
We ran Renault Cup and the seals that IMSA put on the cars simply meant "this engine has a seal." We took delivery of our new car from our dealer/entrant and didn't get a seal until the first tech inspection weeks later. Who knew what was inside that crummy little wet-liner block? Engines were repeatedly opened and resealed over the course of a season, sometimes one or more times a weekend. Really a futile exercise.
Kirk
I don't think it's a bad concept but it would have to be implemented series- (or coast-) wide to make it workable. I don't know of any provision in the current ruleset that exempts a "pre-approved" engine from the prescribed competitor protest process so there wouldn't appear to be any guarantee against a long night under an awning in the pits.
If there was ONE final arbiter of engine legality in the organization, AND if that same person did the "pre-tech" inspections and sealing of the engines, AND if nobody else was empowered to seal a unit, AND if the seal technology were truly tamper-proof, AND if participation in this process exempted the competitor - under the rules - from protest, AND if a process were prescribed for cases where maintenance made it necessary to break a seal...it might be a cool thing.
We ran Renault Cup and the seals that IMSA put on the cars simply meant "this engine has a seal." We took delivery of our new car from our dealer/entrant and didn't get a seal until the first tech inspection weeks later. Who knew what was inside that crummy little wet-liner block? Engines were repeatedly opened and resealed over the course of a season, sometimes one or more times a weekend. Really a futile exercise.
Kirk
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Re: (integraracer)
The MAX displacement is 2.4 liter for H1 Hybrids(2.4L K24 engine.) But whatever the engine is from the factory as 1.8L all you can do is 1mm over. if its a K20 you are still allowed 1mm over and no more than that. 1mm=.040". Good luck and please read the HC rulebook.
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Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any and all rules questions should be directed to the Honda-Challenge Officials. Not here.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Was this unclear?
I'm sorry but with rules changing for 2004, and all the mis-information and speculation that spreads its just not a good place for rules information.
And if you car was illegal, "i read it on Honda-Tech" wont get you through the protest.
Was this unclear?
I'm sorry but with rules changing for 2004, and all the mis-information and speculation that spreads its just not a good place for rules information.
And if you car was illegal, "i read it on Honda-Tech" wont get you through the protest.
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From: SoCal Redneck
Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
And if you car was illegal, "i read it on Honda-Tech" wont get you through the protest.</TD></TR></TABLE>
What about "I learned from watching RJ" or "RJ told me so"? Afterall, you are a moderator. God to moderator to us.
And if you car was illegal, "i read it on Honda-Tech" wont get you through the protest.</TD></TR></TABLE>
What about "I learned from watching RJ" or "RJ told me so"? Afterall, you are a moderator. God to moderator to us.
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Re: (vtecvoodoo)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtecvoodoo »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What about "I learned from watching RJ" or "RJ told me so"? Afterall, you are a moderator. God to moderator to us.</TD></TR></TABLE>
he was mumbling something about a burning bush the other day......
anyways.. the special projects cars sound like they've come along nicely!
What about "I learned from watching RJ" or "RJ told me so"? Afterall, you are a moderator. God to moderator to us.</TD></TR></TABLE>
he was mumbling something about a burning bush the other day......
anyways.. the special projects cars sound like they've come along nicely!
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Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I'm sorry but with rules changing for 2004, and all the mis-information and speculation that spreads its just not a good place for rules information.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree with RJ on this one.
This is not to say that I haven't participated in these types of discussions here. I have been guilty of doing it. It is just better to go thru official channels to get rules questions answered.
I'm sorry but with rules changing for 2004, and all the mis-information and speculation that spreads its just not a good place for rules information.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree with RJ on this one.
This is not to say that I haven't participated in these types of discussions here. I have been guilty of doing it. It is just better to go thru official channels to get rules questions answered.
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Re: THREE H1 CARS FOR 2004 (Knestis)
Kirk,
The reason for our press release was to inform everyone of the latest news about our Team. We did not intend to get into yet another debate about the rules... As the one paragraph of our press release regarding engine sealing has caused such interest, I feel it is only right that I explain the whole reason why we asked for the engine sealing to be done...
A Couple of weeks ago, we heard through the Grapevine that at least one or two of our teams cars were going to be protested by a particular individual and stripped down at the first event of the season. On hearing this my immediate reaction was oh yeah "The cut down the Tall Poppy Syndrome" I approached Ryan to see if this individual was going to post any kind of $ Bond or Fee for the privilege of going on a Fishing trip to see what the opposition was doing with their engines. I was informed that there is no bond required! Therefore, if a protest is found to be false or unfounded the owner then has to bear the cost of new gaskets, reassembly etc? So I said Ok... If someone wants to pull our engines apart on a whim, be prepared to be at the track all night! because everyone's engine is coming apart! Either that or find a solution... Thats when we came up with the idea of having an official come to our engine shop as the engine is being assembled, check rods pistons bore dimensions etc. Bolt on the oil pan and seal the oil pan through the block mounting flange to the block with sealing wire and an official NASA Seal in two places. If you can show me how to replace rods, pistons or bore a block without removing an oil pan I'd be very surprised! As Heads, Cams etc are free there is no point sealing the Head to the Block, Although I wouldn't have a problem with that either. A reasonably simple solution to a potentially major headache I would have thought? We are a professional Team! we don't have to cheat! Nor do we intend to! I have never been protested, nor have I ever protested another competitor in over thirty years of racing. However our team is also very competitive and we will build our cars to the absolute limit of the regulations, and we will use any competitive advantage we can within the rules! ( Its called Race-craft or Racing).
This is the last comment I will make on this tread, and I suggest that any further discussion on rules be directed to the apropriate forum.
Thanks and Good luck in 2004.
Kiwi
The reason for our press release was to inform everyone of the latest news about our Team. We did not intend to get into yet another debate about the rules... As the one paragraph of our press release regarding engine sealing has caused such interest, I feel it is only right that I explain the whole reason why we asked for the engine sealing to be done...
A Couple of weeks ago, we heard through the Grapevine that at least one or two of our teams cars were going to be protested by a particular individual and stripped down at the first event of the season. On hearing this my immediate reaction was oh yeah "The cut down the Tall Poppy Syndrome" I approached Ryan to see if this individual was going to post any kind of $ Bond or Fee for the privilege of going on a Fishing trip to see what the opposition was doing with their engines. I was informed that there is no bond required! Therefore, if a protest is found to be false or unfounded the owner then has to bear the cost of new gaskets, reassembly etc? So I said Ok... If someone wants to pull our engines apart on a whim, be prepared to be at the track all night! because everyone's engine is coming apart! Either that or find a solution... Thats when we came up with the idea of having an official come to our engine shop as the engine is being assembled, check rods pistons bore dimensions etc. Bolt on the oil pan and seal the oil pan through the block mounting flange to the block with sealing wire and an official NASA Seal in two places. If you can show me how to replace rods, pistons or bore a block without removing an oil pan I'd be very surprised! As Heads, Cams etc are free there is no point sealing the Head to the Block, Although I wouldn't have a problem with that either. A reasonably simple solution to a potentially major headache I would have thought? We are a professional Team! we don't have to cheat! Nor do we intend to! I have never been protested, nor have I ever protested another competitor in over thirty years of racing. However our team is also very competitive and we will build our cars to the absolute limit of the regulations, and we will use any competitive advantage we can within the rules! ( Its called Race-craft or Racing).
This is the last comment I will make on this tread, and I suggest that any further discussion on rules be directed to the apropriate forum.
Thanks and Good luck in 2004.
Kiwi