Get off the sidelines, Bench Racers!!!!

[scottycards]

Yet another chance to drive at ridiculously high speeds for ridiculously extended periods of time. Like 100 miles- on a public highway- legally.

Sure, we've all had our cars at 120MPH. But have you driven 120MPH for 50 miles, then turned around and run a solid 120 all the way back, maybe with a good burst up to 140 or so? Will your car melt? Will the turbo on your ricer fry? Or will your hemi pull you down the road, asking for more?

Here's your chance bench racers. Put up or.....well, keep bench racing.

The Gambler's Run Twin 50 is coming up in a couple of weeks. July 12-14. Show up Thursday, run your car in practice on Friday on a 10 mile stretch a bunch of times, to make sure you can handle the speed, then on Sunday morning, it's time to strap in, put the pedal on the floor, and go run the car down the highway, through the curves, and across the finish line, hoping to hit your target speed. You can shoot for an average of 90MPH, or if you have the stones, enter the 170MPH class.

The event is in Elko, NV. Gambling, lots to do, fun events around the race, and even a few legal brothels in town, should that be of interest. :tisk: PM me for details- on the race, not the brothels........ With my friend driving and myself navigating, we set the course record on this road a few years back with a 187MPH average speed over the whole run of 100 miles. :eek: I'd recommend the 120 class for first timers!

PM me for info, etc. I have no financial interest in this event, only a desire to share my addicition with others. :D It is something you will never forget, I promise.

http://www.openroadracing.com/html/gamblersrun.html

[JKTODD]

Damn-I was hoping you would have info on the brothels. Guess I'm out...



I wish I could go. I think next year that I'm going to make an effort to partake in some of these events. I can't really afford to feed another addiction right now. Have fun.:)

[scottycards]

For those considering, but not ready to take the plunge yet. Again- I'm referring to the race here, not the brothels (but it was a good pun).

You can go out and be a courseworker. They put you out on the road to keep line-of-sight supervision of the cars, and you'll have a radio in case something happens. For your efforts, you get to see some high speed action, and you get to go to the awards banquet. I think you get a t-shirt as well.

But- it's a great way to get familiar with the event and the people, who are the best you'll ever meet. They are pretty much like family to me. If you play your cards right, you can probably score a practice run riding shotgun with someone and get a taste of the speed.

Flights to Elko or SLC are cheap, and it's a super fun way to spend a weekend. You can take a lawn chair out there and just drink beer and take photos all day if you want........

[ColoradoSkier]

What car did you set the record in?

[scottycards]

Camaro. It's in my gallery of photos. I think we ran either 212 or 214 tops that day.

[ColoradoSkier]

Camaro. It's in my gallery of photos. I think we ran either 212 or 214 tops that day.

You don't have friends in Evans, do you? :flipoff2:

[scottycards]

Funny guy. Not that kind of Camaro- you could buy several double-wides for the cost of the heads on the race car.........right back at 'cha! :flipoff2:

[_CJ]

Last time I checked, you had to enter lower speed classes before the sanctioning bodies would allow you to enter the higher speed catagories. Has this changed? And are there still spots open? The races used to fill up pretty early in the year.

For all talk of needing big stones to enter the event, I don't recall you mentioning what kind of car you're driving. :flipoff2:

[scottycards]

Yes, you must enter the lower speed classes, and work your way up. For someone with no experience, I believe they'll recommend you do the 110 class, but if you have any experience (SCCA, drag racing, maybe a driving school, etc.) you can enter higher classes.

There are still spots open.

I've driven plenty of these events, dating back to 1998. I had a 65 Superformance AC Cobra that I ran from the 110 class to the 130 class. That's top down, short wheelbase, head above the winshield with wind buffeting the helmet so that you can't really see, the whole deal.

Sold the Cobra and ran an Audi A4 with APR Stage III kit (about 330hp on race fuel), lowered, H&R springs, Bilsteins, 18's, and Milltek exhaust. Ran up to 140 in that one as a driver. We (my Dad would navi for me) won several events, even taking top overall once, with a 125.009MPH average over 110 miles- that figures to something like 11 FEET off our target speed/distance.

As soon as my house in Bldr sells, I'll be running the 150 class as a driver- tech speed of 168, BTW. Few know how hard these speeds are on the car, so it takes a bit of $$$........

So, what's your high speed driving experience, BENCH RACER?????:D :flipoff2: :D Oh, riding shotgun at over 200 is waaaaaay scarier than driving.

[Oscar]

My jeep does 70 going down hill with a tail wind

[Steve]

Oh, riding shotgun at over 200 is waaaaaay scarier than driving.

I believe that. :eek:

My EB and F250 PSD wouldn't do well in this kind of event, and taking the wifey's new 'Stang wouldn't be worth the hassle in the long run. :silly:

Between the EB, two dirt bikes, RC airplanes and hot air ballooning I have more than enough expensive hobbies right now. :shrug:

[Jake_Blues]

Man, wish I could do this... 150+ in my car is FUN! :D I'll be busy working during that time :(

-E

[_CJ]

Yes, you must enter the lower speed classes, and work your way up. For someone with no experience, I believe they'll recommend you do the 110 class, but if you have any experience (SCCA, drag racing, maybe a driving school, etc.) you can enter higher classes.

There are still spots open.

I've driven plenty of these events, dating back to 1998. I had a 65 Superformance AC Cobra that I ran from the 110 class to the 130 class. That's top down, short wheelbase, head above the winshield with wind buffeting the helmet so that you can't really see, the whole deal.

Sold the Cobra and ran an Audi A4 with APR Stage III kit (about 330hp on race fuel), lowered, H&R springs, Bilsteins, 18's, and Milltek exhaust. Ran up to 140 in that one as a driver. We (my Dad would navi for me) won several events, even taking top overall once, with a 125.009MPH average over 110 miles- that figures to something like 11 FEET off our target speed/distance.

As soon as my house in Bldr sells, I'll be running the 150 class as a driver- tech speed of 168, BTW. Few know how hard these speeds are on the car, so it takes a bit of $$$........

So, what's your high speed driving experience, BENCH RACER?????:D :flipoff2: :D Oh, riding shotgun at over 200 is waaaaaay scarier than driving.


Well, you've got me there :shrug: These days, my car is languishing in the garage. I need to weld in some adjustable spring perches, a roll cage, and a fuel cell. Not happening this year....too busy building engines for other people's cars. To tell the truth, I get more satisfaction out of building the engines and cars than I do driving them. :D

[OrangeCrush]

Let's sponsor Saul!!!

[89minitruck]

I believe that. :eek:

My EB and F250 PSD wouldn't do well in this kind of event, and taking the wifey's new 'Stang wouldn't be worth the hassle in the long run. :silly:

Between the EB, two dirt bikes, RC airplanes and hot air ballooning I have more than enough expensive hobbies right now. :shrug:


Hot air ballooning? c'mon... I haven't heard this story.

[Eric]

I believe that. :eek:
Between the EB, two dirt bikes, RC airplanes and hot air ballooning I have more than enough expensive hobbies right now. :shrug:

You forgot scuba diving :flipoff2:

Man the Z would be fun for this. Some day maybe, but not this year.

[Eric]

Let's sponsor Saul!!!
LOL

[Steve]

You forgot scuba diving :flipoff2:

Man the Z would be fun for this. Some day maybe, but not this year.

Oh yeah, forgot scuba diving. That one's cheap, at least compared to the others. :shrug:

And yeah, your Z would be great fun for this. :evil:

[Leon Phelps]

This sounds REALLY Cool, would love to road race, just need something with speed to do it in.

[JKTODD]

This sounds REALLY Cool, would love to road race, just need something with speed to do it in.

You know old mustangs that are set up for this sort of racing look really, really cool!!! Say a '65 coupe perhaps?:cool:

[JKTODD]

Hey Scotty-there was a guy at the May Farms car show who had an early 70's Challenger that was a road racer. It was black with no headlights, huge cage and a 318. Wondered if you knew him?

[scottycards]

Never seen that one, XJTODD. Although there are a couple of Challengers that usually show up.

[MinesJeep]

This sounds awesome, I'll race my Jeep in the 85 MPH section! I got 3.07s and top out at 100mph. I might wanna hook the sway bar back up though.

[Ghettojeep]

Damn I missed this one, I would love to run the STi in something like this, and my buddy has a evo in LV. Maybe next time. I think my ride could do a 110 maybe 120 or so class w/ out melting the motor. I'd need more gauges, especially an egt, and then about 50 gallons of water or the intercooler sprayer. lol :D

[scottycards]

Run the 110 class first time out, for sure. Pony Express 130 mile race is still left for the year. A closed road, where you can apex all the turns at over a buck is pretty awesome..........and do it for an hour!!! One after the other.
You won't regret doing it.
Also, in October, there's a race in TX, which is super fun.

[Leon Phelps]

Gawd damn, I will have to get in on this next year. Either in the VW or the Mustang.

[scottycards]

Well, here I sit at work, looking over my forecast numbers. When I talked to my buddy, who was just unloading his car (170 class, 200+ tech), he said it's hotter than heck out there, and I really didn't want to be there anyway.

Hot car, loud 750HP motor screaming at like 7500RPM, sweaty helmet, the road has just been resurfaced, so it won't have any exciting bumps in it, hookers less than a mile from the hotel, gas-powered blender with margaritas after practice today- you know, nothing special.

Green flag drops at 8AM tomorrow.

Nah, I'm not missing anything. Spreadsheets and flourescent tubes are really where it's at.

In lieu of a "slitting my wrists" smilie, I'll use the headbanger........

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[Leon Phelps]

Agreed.

[Frebius]

Scotty have you ever done this one?

http://www.sorcrace.com/sorcschedule.doc

[scottycards]

Yep. I was the first car off the line in their first event a few years back. Got my ass whipped in my Cobra by a supercharged Mallett Vette.

[DanaT]

Yet another chance to drive at ridiculously high speeds for ridiculously extended periods of time. Like 100 miles- on a public highway- legally.

Sure, we've all had our cars at 120MPH. But have you driven 120MPH for 50 miles, then turned around and run a solid 120 all the way back, maybe with a good burst up to 140 or so? Will your car melt? Will the turbo on your ricer fry? Or will your hemi pull you down the road, asking for more?

Why, yes, I have driven 120mph for more than 50 miles. In fact, it was almost 400km of wide open Autobahn on a holiday. Most of the time it was 125-130mph (all the faster the car would go) with occasional drops to 100mph to slow down for that damn slow moving traffic. 90%+ of the time was spent above 120mph.

And even better, it was in a Diesel....

-Dana

[scottycards]

Why, yes, I have driven 120mph for more than 50 miles. In fact, it was almost 400km of wide open Autobahn on a holiday. Most of the time it was 125-130mph (all the faster the car would go) with occasional drops to 100mph to slow down for that damn slow moving traffic. 90%+ of the time was spent above 120mph.

And even better, it was in a Diesel....

-Dana

A lifetime dream of mine. That sounds awesome. :thumbsup: The dream includes going over for a "factory delivery" of a twin turbo in Stuttgart, followed by a couple of weeks of driving through Europe. Back to Stuttgart to drop the car off and have it shipped home...........

[DanaT]

A lifetime dream of mine. That sounds awesome. :thumbsup: The dream includes going over for a "factory delivery" of a twin turbo in Stuttgart, followed by a couple of weeks of driving through Europe. Back to Stuttgart to drop the car off and have it shipped home...........

If you even get to go..

One of the fastest highways (autobahn) there is the A57 north of Cologne. Basically, once you pass Moers (near Duesseldorf) and head towards Holland, there is never much traffic. You can blast through there.

The sad part is my time that it took to drive the 400ish km (Hamburg to Duisburg) was three hours with a stop for dinner. The trip back took 6.5 hours with no food stop.....

Realistically, even with a very fast car, driving much over 220-240kmh is nearly impossible for any length of time due to traffic. Best best to do it are Holiday mornings that are also a Sunday. No traffic then.

And between big cities is also a PITA.

-Dana

[DanaT]

Scotty...get to be a non-bench racer in two days and counting...supposed to an A4 when I show up...maybe they will make a mistake and give a C4S....

-Dana

[scottycards]

Scotty...get to be a non-bench racer in two days and counting...supposed to an A4 when I show up...maybe they will make a mistake and give a C4S....

-Dana

Post photos when you get it.:thumbsup: Then go to www.goapr.com and buy a stage III kit. Best thing I ever did with my A4 1.8T.

You have me beat by 12 days. I'm off the sidelines as of Labor Day. More info soon. ;) My new horsepower figure starts with a "4".............:D

[DanaT]

Oh no. I wasn't clear. Tomorrow morning I am off to the land of no speed limits. The A4 is a rental car...

May have to stop by the Nuerburgring if I get time. Last time I was on the ring, I had an Opel Zafria.

Well, I hope the A4 will 230-240kmh....will most likely be a diesel so 230 is about it.

-Dana

[scottycards]

I'm gonna keep beating this drum 'till someone shows up!

Road Runner Open Road Race. Oct 3-6. Leave Wed evening after work, and take Thurs and Friday off, returning to Denver on Sunday.

Arrive Thurs morning to go through tech, and start your practice runs (at speed) on the road. Big racer's welcome party on Thurs nite. Lots of fun........LOTS of fun. Spend the remainder of Thurs and Friday running the road, getting your waypoints set for your target time, and enjoy the comraderie and car show on Friday. Drivers meeting on Friday.

Green flag drops on Sat at 8AM. Hammer down for 40 miles each way, 80 total. Lots of curves, and some good straights to run up to your tech speed.

What do you need? For the 110 average class (tech of 124), you just need a helmet, and I can probably arrange a loaner for you. You'll also need to bolt in a small fire extinguisher to your car. That's it.

Fort Stockton, TX is the host town. Great people, good food, and lots of fun.

I'm submitting my time off request today, and planning on either the 135 or 140 class- tech speed of 168(!). Anyone care to join me?

[Leon Phelps]

One day, shooting for a target completion date of 2009 on the '65 Coupe.

[REDLYNER]

I'm going to make one of these. I'm in Birmingham for this one, but keep beating the drum, it's the only way I hear about most of them.

Rocky Mountain Corvette also holds quarterly corvette only road races -you need to check them out. Ask for Alex (the owner) at Rocky Mountain Corvette. He's a stand up guy- tell him Jay Callaway referred you if you don't mind.

[scottycards]

Will do, Redlyner!

Got my Crow 6 points ordered yesterday, working on my harness bar. Next up, adding an oil and trans cooler over the winter, so that I can step up to 150 average class. Few realize what kind of temps you build in the axle running at speed. 325-350 is not uncommon for diff temps. Gotta get the coolers.....fortunately, Z51 coolers bolt right in, and pretty cost effective- not too spendy.

Stoked. SO friggin' stoked. Just got the Valentine mounted permanently off the visor mount, with the power hardwired in on the rear view mirror, so it's a clean, discreet mount............so fun.

[Ooompa Loompa]

Wow, I was kind of wondering if my stock Grand Prix GTP could do it, and then I visited the website and saw a picture of a freakin 4 door Saturn running. If he can do it I know for a fact I can do it. It sounds like loads of fun. Definately can't make it this year, but will keep it in mind for next year. I'll bet the GTP would be loads of fun at around a 90 to 100 mph class. So freakin cool!!!!

[scottycards]

So........I don't have the harness bar in my car, and I don't want to run a lower speed class. I struck a deal with the race organizers to help them carry all their timing gear down there for them, help run the official timing and scoring, and they're giving me next April's entry fees for free.

I go to pick up all the gear last nite, in my Forester, figuring I'll need the wagon to carry all the crap. 2 trees, tripods, batteries, computers, printers, blah, blah. It's a pretty good amount of stuff, and my buddy who is chief of timing and scoring says "that stuff ain't gonna fit in the Vette, is it?"

"No way".

So after tossing and turning all night, excited to go to the race, I get up at 4:30. Screw it- I'm going to find out for myself if I can make this stuff fit in the Vette.

I GOT IT DONE. Pics to follow, once it's light out.

Now I'm taking the fun car down to TX. Once there, I can unload into my bud's rental car, and I'll be free to roam Big Bend Texas. Practice runs on the other road where April's race is held, and a lot of VERY deserted highways. I'll be sure to bring a snapshot back with a speedometer photo or two for the enjoyment of others. ;)

Like I'm going to get a lot of work done today...........:shrug:

[MinesJeep]

Have fun, one of those snapshots better be over 200mph or its not worth posting!