Well friends, it seems I will be taking an early retirement from racing. I pushed out the head gasket around cylinder # 7 at the last Pro 8. I suspected something yesterday when I found my crankcase was full of coolant. I spent the day tearing the motor down and while the block and cylinder head look good, it is always best to have everything magafluxed and refreshed rather than stuffing another gasket in there and hoping it will hold together with all that cylinder pressure created with the amount of nitrous I run. I already run 13.5:1 compression.

The reality is that the car truly can't endure much more than the 8.8's that I have accomplished. The IRS isn't strong enough to try and get competitive at an 8.5X level, even if I could get that from the motor. After all, it is a 38 year old frame.

At this point I will set my sights on using most of the motor as a base for a blown big block. I always wanted a big azz birds mouth sticking up thru the hood. This combo will be desgined to run 10.0 and no more.

I'm committed to finishing the last of the restoration and upgrade that is currently in process on my '79 Vette so I can have a hot street car for daily cruzin'. That will impair funds for fixing the race car. Maybe it will be done and I can think about participating in the Pro 10 next year. I want to run other 10.0 index events as well. Just a blower running easy 10.0 passes.

Will I miss the Pro 8? Absolutley! It's been a blast. Will I miss goin' that fast? Yup, no doubt.

I have managed to accomplish many goals during the last few years. Winning a Pro 8 championhsip was certainly a major deal and Ben and I couldn't be prouder having run with a such a great group of guys. I also think I am only behind Greg Eaton having run the fastest C3 IRS passes with my 8.8 @ 156.

I will try and make a run down for the Pro 8 on the 20th. In the meantime I will hang out on the forum and keep an eye on things. And if anyone needs a substitute driver (any class) - keep me in mind.

Thanks for all the friendships and friendly competition that have made the last 6 years driving to Etown such a great time.

 

Hmmm, wont be the same without Team Shaw.

Hope it gets squared away sooner then later, see you at the banquet?

 

WOW.. A real heartbreaker.. We will miss seeing you compete in the PRO 8....
BUT it will be gret to have ya compete in the PRO 10.00000000h..

 

sad for Shaw motorsports & sad for the pro8..... but i can understand Mark... its hard to push the irs rear anymore.
i'll give you a call and try to talk you into a comeback

ps i got that 8.8 time slip too

 

Sorry to hear that you won't run the Pro 8 anymore but it is understandable.. I'm not sure if I'll continue to pursue the 8's or if I'm just going to keep running 9's... Will see..

 

Wow, sort of like an end of an era.
Good luck with the new set up Mark.

 

Breaks my heart Mark but it was certainly great to see you stick with it as long as you did taken the wins where you can while inching the car down to th e8.8 ranger.

Thank you and Ben so much for putting the show for us and we look forward to you both beeing major players in Pro 10.0

Edgar

 

Mark,

Sorry to hear about the unfortunate problem with your engine. It won't be the same without you and Ben being there.
But I know you guys will be there in spirit. And that's all that matters.

I know you will be on the forum, so I guess we will all see you at the Banquet.

Til then take care and be safe.

 

Good luck in the 10.0 class Mark!

 

Mark, Sorry to hear it but I can understand.

We will miss you!

 

Wow, I had no idea that your car was still an IRS. That's very impressive!

 

I personally think that the IRS will be able to handle mid 8's without a problem in a LIGHT car but with a heavy car, there's a lot more stress on the rear... Both, Greg Eatons as also my car are pretty light.. Fully loaded, my car is about 3000 lbs..

 

Hey Mark,
I love you car.
I know Jay and I will miss your friendship at the track while you are away.
Dave

 

Oh, man...... I was in a middle of another build so I could kick Mark's *** in the Pro 8.50. Now all that money and work just went down the tubes. Oh, well, I guess I'll just put the car back on the cinder blocks in my front lawn.

Too bad, Mark. Don't be a stranger. Best of luck with your projects. I always enjoyed hanging out with you and Ben.