Chump Cars

[BlownMGB-V8]

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: http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?2,166,page=53
 
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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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. http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1924739011.html

[socorob]

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/revenge-turds/

Might get some pointers here, they say stay away from american v8 cars because they usually cant make it to the finish.

[BlownMGB-V8]

What could possibly go wrong?

JB

[Bratfink]

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.

[MGBV8]

What could possibly go wrong?

[roverman]

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.