I know it's been quite sometime since posting on here but as you can tell I still hang out and read quite a bit. I hope all my fellow race enthusiast are doing well!

I still have my Z but it has since retired from any track days or time trials. We finally bought a purpose built car that has more then consumed all spare time and all funds.

We have started another project which we are currently building a 280z for both 24hr ChumpCar races in NC/VA next spring.

Has anyone on the boards raced or been involved in this series or the 24hrs of Lemons series?

I know alot of Z guys collect older Z's as well, any spares or anything imparticular on these cars to watch for considering the length of these races?

Anyone/company interested in sponsorship opportunities? If so I can email you the sponsor packet.

Thanks!!

 

How's the Pontiac Running?

 

I've run a few Chumpcar races, and others on the team have run a LeMons race. We've even won some money, some wine, and some very cool trophies from our two second places.

The Chumpcar races are far more fun if you're a racer, from everything I've seen/experienced and from what I've heard from those that have done both. NASA/SCCA-style flag rules (i.e. no BS flags for dipping a wheel to avoid contact, minimal rubbing, etc).

Also, much less emphasis on the sideshow and almost 100% emphasis on what goes on on track. As for the Z, we have a team that builds out of the same shop that's running a 280Z. The main things they seem to have had problems with are the power assist to the brakes. They lost all assist early in the race, and had to run the rest of it with a very hard pedal/lots of required effort. Might want to pay special attention to refurbishing that area.

Otherwise, some good tires and reliability work on the engine should be enough--they really loved the way the car handled, it had abundant power on the straights (considering the competition) and generally enjoyed the hell out of it.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you might have about the actual events, but you can get a crapload of info from the official forums, too.

 

Marty the pontiac is doing well. We have been working on a large make-over all season, have yet to put it on a track. We switched from wet sump to dry and have A LOT of issues with pump placement etc etc. FINALLY we are in teh last stages and hope to have it out by next month. Infact, hopefully I will see some familiar faces at some upcoming track days if they will allow us to come. we really need to shake down the car and break in the motor before goblins-go and road atlanta in nov.

guitarist i greatly appreciate the feedback! i will probably bug ya to death the further we get into the build. i have heard lemons is really about the "show" instead of racing. we may try one race next year with lemons but main goal now are the two local chumpcar races.

so how strict were they during inspections?

 

They aren't that strict at all--you'll get to race no matter what you bring, unless it's just unsafe. The penalty laps generally aren't horrendous, either. There were a few cars that got maybe 10-20 penalty laps, but one was running dual aftermarket oil coolers, new oil pumps, fancy stuff, and one of the others had a very hot motor with some expensive parts. Neither one lasted the full 24 anyway, though.

If your car isn't ridiculously illegal, you might even get some bonus laps. Homemade performance parts get you extra.