NARRA/USGT VIR Race Report
07-15-2011, 11:48 PM
#1
NARRA/USGT VIR Race Report
The Speedsouth/Active Power Racing team enjoyed what was perhaps their most successful weekend of racing yet in the #9 Corvette. Making the 10 hour drive to Virginia International Raceway on Thursday, the crew set up camp that evening in anticipation of an exciting weekend of racing.
Friday was to be a test and tune, and a chance for David and me to learn a track we had never been to before. The team was soon crushed, however, when David abruptly ended the early afternoon session due to a severe noise/vibration. Quick analysis pointed to a broken transmission, and the crew began to make plans to head home. I had a different plan, though. I instructed the crew to begin the task of pulling the tranny, to make certain it was that and not a diff or torque tube, and began to look for a replacement tranny. With my wife and daughter set to make the trip from Alabama that afternoon, if I could find a tranny in between, they could pick it up on the way. Due to the lateness of the hour by the time it was confirmed to be the gearbox, that wasn't to be.
However, it was still early enough in Utah for the fine folks at Corvette Recycling to arrange for Fedex to overnight ship a 7000 mile '07 Z06 tranny to us. One small problem, when they made the shipping label, they forgot to check the "Saturday delivery" box. Once we were able to track the shipment, it was showing a delivery date of MONDAY! Numerous phone calls to Fedex throughout the night only resulted in elevated blood pressure for myself. They couldn't even tell me what airports the package would be flown to along the way. It got to Memphis at 2:15 AM and then left there at 5:30 AM. Fedex still couldn't tell me where it was headed, and insisted that it wouldn't be delivered until Monday. When I checked the tracking a 8:00, the package had arrived in Greensboro, NC. I again called Fedex to see if I could go there and pick up the package. I swear I haven't been told no so many times in one night since my high school prom.
Then I remembered something I learned along time ago about dealing with Fedex. The people on the ground are way more helpful than the idiots on the phone. It was at this point that our luck began to change. I googled the address for the Danville, VA Fedex terminal and set course for it. Figured I would start there and see if they could contact the people in Greensboro to make some arrangements. When I arrived there at 10:00, the very nice young man told me that my package was on it's way there and would arrive in about 15 minutes. Less than an hour later I was back at VIR and the crew was installing the replacement tranny. At 1:45, a full hour and a half before the race, the #9 Corvette roared to life.
We missed qualifying, so David had to start at the back. By the uphill esses on the first lap, he had passed 7 cars. But heading out of oak tree onto the backstraight, the car decided to go into limp mode. Resetting the computer and refiring the car, David found himself in last place again. He then began a steady assault thru the field, moving all the way to 8th overall before high tranny temps (overfilled with lube) caused him to settle for 15th overall and 3rd in class.
Sunday morning I decided to let David have a go at the Time Trial trophy. Wanting to save the brakes and tires for the race, he would have only one opportunity. And he took full advantage, breaking off a tidy 1:57.XX with less than 30 laps of experience at VIR! The time held up thru the day and gave him a piece of 1st place hardware to go with his 3rd from Saturday.
Finally it was my turn. Below is the NARRA press release and some video from the Sunday race. All I will add is that the grin was still on my face when I crawled into my bed back home at 3:00 Monday morning.
Press Release
Race Start
First pass
Second Pass
Third pass
Friday was to be a test and tune, and a chance for David and me to learn a track we had never been to before. The team was soon crushed, however, when David abruptly ended the early afternoon session due to a severe noise/vibration. Quick analysis pointed to a broken transmission, and the crew began to make plans to head home. I had a different plan, though. I instructed the crew to begin the task of pulling the tranny, to make certain it was that and not a diff or torque tube, and began to look for a replacement tranny. With my wife and daughter set to make the trip from Alabama that afternoon, if I could find a tranny in between, they could pick it up on the way. Due to the lateness of the hour by the time it was confirmed to be the gearbox, that wasn't to be.
However, it was still early enough in Utah for the fine folks at Corvette Recycling to arrange for Fedex to overnight ship a 7000 mile '07 Z06 tranny to us. One small problem, when they made the shipping label, they forgot to check the "Saturday delivery" box. Once we were able to track the shipment, it was showing a delivery date of MONDAY! Numerous phone calls to Fedex throughout the night only resulted in elevated blood pressure for myself. They couldn't even tell me what airports the package would be flown to along the way. It got to Memphis at 2:15 AM and then left there at 5:30 AM. Fedex still couldn't tell me where it was headed, and insisted that it wouldn't be delivered until Monday. When I checked the tracking a 8:00, the package had arrived in Greensboro, NC. I again called Fedex to see if I could go there and pick up the package. I swear I haven't been told no so many times in one night since my high school prom.
Then I remembered something I learned along time ago about dealing with Fedex. The people on the ground are way more helpful than the idiots on the phone. It was at this point that our luck began to change. I googled the address for the Danville, VA Fedex terminal and set course for it. Figured I would start there and see if they could contact the people in Greensboro to make some arrangements. When I arrived there at 10:00, the very nice young man told me that my package was on it's way there and would arrive in about 15 minutes. Less than an hour later I was back at VIR and the crew was installing the replacement tranny. At 1:45, a full hour and a half before the race, the #9 Corvette roared to life.
We missed qualifying, so David had to start at the back. By the uphill esses on the first lap, he had passed 7 cars. But heading out of oak tree onto the backstraight, the car decided to go into limp mode. Resetting the computer and refiring the car, David found himself in last place again. He then began a steady assault thru the field, moving all the way to 8th overall before high tranny temps (overfilled with lube) caused him to settle for 15th overall and 3rd in class.
Sunday morning I decided to let David have a go at the Time Trial trophy. Wanting to save the brakes and tires for the race, he would have only one opportunity. And he took full advantage, breaking off a tidy 1:57.XX with less than 30 laps of experience at VIR! The time held up thru the day and gave him a piece of 1st place hardware to go with his 3rd from Saturday.
Finally it was my turn. Below is the NARRA press release and some video from the Sunday race. All I will add is that the grin was still on my face when I crawled into my bed back home at 3:00 Monday morning.
Press Release
Race Start
First pass
Second Pass
Third pass
07-16-2011, 08:21 AM
#4
Thanks. Yes, when I saw him off line going down the hill I jumped on it. A little out of character for me, my passes are usually planned. Back in character, as soon as I felt him coming down on me, I was out of the gas. There was still contact, but it would have been much worse. To me, gaining a position or even winning a race isn't worth damaging the car.
07-17-2011, 12:34 PM
#6
07-18-2011, 05:11 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Pretty impressive for your first time at the track! Did you hire a jockey to drive the car! 
What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?
I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
07-18-2011, 05:40 PM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2003
Location: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
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Pretty impressive for your first time at the track! Did you hire a jockey to drive the car! What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?
I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
Great drive non the less
07-18-2011, 06:11 PM
#11
Drifting
Pretty impressive for your first time at the track! Did you hire a jockey to drive the car! What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?
I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
07-18-2011, 06:30 PM
#12
Pretty impressive for your first time at the track! Did you hire a jockey to drive the car! What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?
I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
What does the car actually weigh and what were the most significant sources of weight reduction?I think I remember you guys running a 2.16 lap at Sebring during Winterfest. If so, and if the car setup was the same, I would think a 1.57 VIR lap would mean you have 2 or 3 more fairly easy seconds to pick up at Sebring (probably most of it in Turn 17).
Nice driving and thanks for posting the video!
You are spot on. At Sebring, we were on Hoosier R6's. The Dunlop slicks are worth 3 seconds per lap or better everywhere we have been.
Car weighs 2800#. Lexan front and rear, and carbon fiber hood. Other than that, it's just gutted.
07-18-2011, 06:34 PM
#13
Yes, after reviewing the data and watching the video, David felt he could get it to 1:55.xxx with another weekend there. We are looking forward to going back, maybe in cooler weather.
07-18-2011, 06:39 PM
#14
Next year we will be coming after your GT-1 guys with 500ci and a sequential tranny...
Factory chassis will rule again!!!
Last edited by FlamingZ06; 07-19-2011 at 10:24 AM.
07-18-2011, 08:56 PM
#15
Drifting
but 500 ci and a sequential...........that would be cool!
07-18-2011, 10:12 PM
#16
Bosco, what is the weight of those two cars and their H.P.?
07-19-2011, 06:25 AM
#17
Drifting
At the time Emery and Machavern ran their best laps they were most likely at 2940 (2880 plus 60 for SB2 cyl heads). Emery was around 800
Flywheel HP, Machavern I think more like 740 (often ran 331 ci)
Wicht did his 2:04 in the TA race this year, he was possibly running at the new weight of 2780 (not sure if he could get that light though)
and 800 plus,plus flywheel HP.
The fact that you guys can run in the same neighborhood at RA is a testament to your prep and skill. Great Job!
Wish you guys could make it to Daytona, love to see that thing smokin' the high banks.
I am amazed at how well LS motor cars race. They just seem to out perform the "numbers."
Bobby Kennedy clocking a 1:57.1 at Daytona in May in our Monte Carlo with a 480 FWHP LS1 (stock long block by Schwanke, with road race cam, and 750 Holley, with Schoenfeld stepped headers) still amazes me. Of course, the Monte is seriously light. Hope it runs as well with the new Camaro body. Wonder what it would do with your motor in it?
Flywheel HP, Machavern I think more like 740 (often ran 331 ci)
Wicht did his 2:04 in the TA race this year, he was possibly running at the new weight of 2780 (not sure if he could get that light though)
and 800 plus,plus flywheel HP.
The fact that you guys can run in the same neighborhood at RA is a testament to your prep and skill. Great Job!
Wish you guys could make it to Daytona, love to see that thing smokin' the high banks.
I am amazed at how well LS motor cars race. They just seem to out perform the "numbers."
Bobby Kennedy clocking a 1:57.1 at Daytona in May in our Monte Carlo with a 480 FWHP LS1 (stock long block by Schwanke, with road race cam, and 750 Holley, with Schoenfeld stepped headers) still amazes me. Of course, the Monte is seriously light. Hope it runs as well with the new Camaro body. Wonder what it would do with your motor in it?
Last edited by bosco022; 07-19-2011 at 06:32 AM.
07-19-2011, 12:27 PM
#19
Tell ya what, you let us run Hoosier DOT's in GT-2 (ST1 trim) and we'll come there that weekend instead of NASA Road Atlanta...
07-19-2011, 02:49 PM
#20
Drifting
You would have to be STO legal for V8-GT2, which would necessitate the restrictor and lead. Too much hassle.
You guys are capable of running top three in GT-1 with that car.
Have you ever run Daytona? I think there will be at least 12 V8 GT-1's.
Here is the BiG Bore SCCA/V8 StockCar group entered to date. More to come
3 ASR Jack Dunn Orange 1991 Shelby Can Am
5 SPO Bobby Kennedy black 2011 Chevy camaro Kennedy Kars/V8StockCar.com
6 GT1 Tad Segars blk/siver 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix HyPoxy,Dave Paxton
8 SPO Henry Gilbert White/Red 2004 Riley DP Sports Car Driving Experience/Hooked on Driving
11 SPO Larry Hoopaugh Yellow 2000 Pontiac Gran Prix Sauer's Spices & Extracts 3 time Nascar champ, 2 time V8
15 GT1 Bill Riddell white 1963 Ford Falcon Healthlink Tommy Riggins built chassis
16 GT1 Tom Keleher Silver 1995 Chevrolet Camaro Bottlejack Racing Group
17 AS Robert Eubanks SILVER/BLUE 1999 FORD MUSTANG RUSTY ACRES AUTOMOTIVE, INC
23 GTA Cameron Lawrence White 2000 Chevy Impala SS Regal Boats
24 GT1 Robert Borders black 2002 chevy corvette self
31 GT1 Ken Bupp Red 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Hamilton Safe - NCR
33 GT2 Terry Taylor blue 1970 datsun 240z made ya look racing/DAWSONS MOTORSPORTS/COMPETITION CLUTCH
38 GT1 Juan Vento Green 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Interstate Batteries
42 SPO Jeremy Romito Black 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Residential Lawn Care, Residential Backhoe, Davis Machine Works, Matt and Rhonda Romito, SourceOne Tools & Equipment
62 GTA Hall Robertson White/Red 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo Farner Barley Associates
69 GT1 Raymond Webb black-blue 2006 Dodge intrepid Kenco Sign and Awning
77 GT2 Chris Harris yellow 1995 mazda RX7 rotec
78 GTA John Davis Black/Gray 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
82 GT1 Dick Greer Fuscha 2011 Porsche GT3 G-A spec Wendys
91 GT1 Jordan Bupp Red 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Hamilton Safe-NCR
96 GT3 Christopher Garel White 1974 Mazda RX-3 Miami Fast Lane
0 SPO Lee Arnold Black 2010 Chevy Impala V8Stockcar.com
101 SPO/V8 GT-1 Connie Bogan White/Blue 2010 Dodge Viper ACRX Northern Nevada Auto Wreckers
04 SPO/V8 GT-1 Robert "Bosco" Logsdon Yellow/Black 2010 Chevrolet Corvette V8StockCar.com
05 SPO/V8 GT-1 Squeak Kennedy Yellow/Black 2010 Chevy Corvette V8StockCar.com
06 SPO Mary Wright Blue 2009 Ford Fusion Competition 101 Driver Developement
07 ASR Jacek Mucha BLACK/WHITE 2006 SWIFT JMS016CP Phoenix-Innotech
08 SPO/V8 GT-1 Keith Goldin black 2005 mazda rx8 Jack Meoph Unlimited
114 AS Chuck Reynolds Red/Black 1994 Chevrolet Camaro RD Motorsports
141 GT2 Mark Strong Silver 2002 Panoz GTS M Squared Plumbing Services, Inc., Brightwater Farms Art & Design Studio
Last edited by bosco022; 07-19-2011 at 04:39 PM.