Chike's official 2007 AutoX Blog thread (D-Stock)

[Chiketkd]

Figured I'd start a thread where members of the SVXWN can keep up with my autoX progress this season in my D-Stock '06 WRX TR. Feel free to post questions & comments but I won't always be able to respond right away as my time has become extremely limited. Due to the upcoming birth of my second child (June 14th due date), I will not be making the trip to Topeka this year, however, I'm currently registered in D-Stock for the June 24-25th National Pro Solo in Washington D.C.

Winter Reading
As I had some time on my hands this winter, I decided to read a few autoX books. By far the best one I read and would recommend is Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry A. Watts:

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/images/drivewerks/books/114749.jpg


Winter Development
The basic set-up I ran with last season included:

Whiteline adjustable 27/29mm Front Swaybar (set on the 29mm setting)
4 wheel alignment (-1.1 front, factory setting of -1.2 rear)
Heavy 22lb Prodrive P7 wheels with 235/40/17 Toyo RA-1's
CG Lock (seat belt tensioner)

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/38454.jpg

This set-up lead me to trophy in DS at the '06 Subaru Challenge (5th) as well as to win the DS class for the season with my Blue Ridge SCCA Region.

Over the Winter I corresponded with several National champions and top national drivers (including Brian Garfield, Jonathan Roberts, Ian Stewart, Keith Casey, Max Hayter & Scott Hoffman), and using their input/suggestions I began making changes to my set-up...

[Chiketkd]

2007 Set-up

My complete set-up for 2007 currently stands as follows:

STI Performance panel filter
2.5" highflow Prodrive axleback muffler section
Whiteline adj. 27/29mm front swaybar
Alignment (-1.4 camber front, factory -1.2 rear)
CG Lock (seat belt tensioner)
Pair of 3mm spacers for my front wheels only
17x7 18lb +55et Subaru SPT wheels
225/45/17 Kumho Victoracers

The 2.5" stainless steel Prodrive axleback shaves 7.5lbs from the stock system, and dynos have shown an increase of 3-4whp and 5-6 wtq.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Exhaust/07Prodrivemuffler.jpg

As stock '06+ WRXs are making 200-205 whp on Mustang dynos, it is estimated that true stock power output is ~255hp at the crank (factory rated at 230hp). With the Prodrive axleback and STI panel filter, I'd estimate my car is making somewhere around 260hp at the crank (~210whp).

The brand new 17x7 Subaru SPT wheels I bought use my stock factory offset (+55et) and weigh 18lbs a piece (3lbs lighter than my stock wheels).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Subaru%20SPT%20Wheels/spt-001.jpg

I got some used 225/45/17 Kumho Victoracers and they're now mounted & balanced and ready to go:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Subaru%20SPT%20Wheels/0217x7SPTwheelswith225Victoracers.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Subaru%20SPT%20Wheels/0317x7SPTwheelswith225Victoracers.jpg

245/40/17 Hoosier A6's will go on later this Spring prior to my National Pro Solo in June! http://images.nasioc.com/ubb-files/smilies/lildevil.gif

In regards to my alignment, as I can't legally adjust rear camber from the factory setting (rear camber bolts are unadjustable), I had the technician crank in as much front camber as possible w/o any cross-camber. The most he could get was -1.4 degrees per side. I had my toe set to 0.0 all around and didn't want to add rear toe-out per the following comments by Brian Priebe in the May '06 issue of Sports Car:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/SCCA/May06SportsCar_Page38resized.jpg

Based on his comments, I'm trying to focus on adding as much front grip as possible, to make the rear-end easier to slide on course in a predictable manner. Through my new front-end alignment, 3mm spacers upfront and adjusting tire pressures front & rear, I should be able to accomplish this...

[Chiketkd]

Corner Scales

In February, I went to my Solo Chairman's house to weigh my '06 WRX TR on the corner scales he recently purchased from C-DOC. After receiving them in the mail, he sent them out to a specialist to have them calibrated within 1/10th of a lb. His 2001 Corvette Z06 weighs 3,150lbs exactly on these scales with a full tank of gas.

He built a ramp system out of wood for the scales, and after adjusting it for my car's wheelbase and width, I drove her into place.

We then measured my car's weight w/o driver and w/ driver. My car had an indicated 1/3 tank of gas which I confirmed later by driving to a Shell Gas Station immediately after leaving his house and filling up with 10.13 gallons of gas - so 5.8 gals were in my car at the time of the weigh in (15.9 gal tank). I also performed the required SCCA weight reduction and removed my spare tire and all-season rubber mats.

Results were as follows:

w/o Driver

LF 919lbs RF 932lbs
LR 636lbs RR 569lbs

Total weight: 3,056lbs (Front 61%, Rear 39%)
Left-side: 1,555lbs; Right-side: 1,501lbs (Left 50.9%, Right 49.1%)


w/ Driver (170lb driver w/ seat-belt on AND both of my hands on steering wheel)

LF 990lbs RF 951lbs
LR 691lbs RR 594lbs

Total weight: 3,226lbs (Front 60%, Rear 40%)
Left-side: 1,681lbs; Right-side: 1,545lbs (Left 52.1%, Right 47.9%)

These measurements were done on my factory wheels with heavy 225/45/17 RE070 tires. My racing 17x7 SPT wheels with 225/45/17 Victoracers will be roughly 8lbs lighter per corner.

A few pics:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Corner%20Scales%20Weigh-in/02WRXdriverssidefront.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Corner%20Scales%20Weigh-in/01WRXdriverssiderear.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Corner%20Scales%20Weigh-in/03WRXunderside.jpg

I'm extremely happy with these results as my racing weight (with racing wheels & tires) will be over 30lbs lighter i.e. 3,025lbs w/o driver and 3,195lbs w/ driver.

[Chiketkd]

2007 March Schedule:

My schedule for the month of March currently sits as follows -

3/10 BRR-SCCA Test & Tune Verona, VA
3/11 BRR-SCCA Event #1 Verona, VA
3/17 Philly SCCA Winter Series Event #3 Ripken Stadium, MD
3/25 WDCR-SCCA Test & Tune Fedex Stadium, MD

I'm the course designer for the 3/10 Test & Tune with my BRR-SCCA club, and this was the course I designed for the event:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/SCCA/Verona3-10-07TTCourse.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Instruction:

Over the Xmas holidays, I signed up for a Phase 1 Evolution School in Danville, VA on April 14th. The 1 day school, that includes lunch, ran me $220.00. From all accounts by previous attendees, it's worth every penny.

My confirmed instructors are Sam Strano & Mike Johnson with two others to be determined (possibilities are Tim Aro, Jinx Jordan, Dave Newman, GH Sharp and Rob Falkner). As my instructors will be driving my car that day, I'll be gathering their input on how my new set-up is handling...

Evolution School webpage (www.autocross.com/evolution)

From their website:

Phase 1 - Skill Building

The "original" Evolution program as developed by the McKamey Autocross School. This first step in the Evolution is where all students start, regardless of experience. Daylong course builds upon students existing skills, while introducing new ideas to improve one’s times. Students both ride and drive with Evolution trained national caliber drivers to learn where they are fast and where they need to improve. Small student teacher ratio of 6:1 insures quality instruction time. Computerized timing provides segment times, which can be compared at various times during the day. Do to some factors such as, weather, segment times may not be available and are beyond our control.

Combined with race proven skills, concepts, and techniques this course will improve the performance of all drivers on both road and track. Even experienced driver’s benefit from the Phase 1 course as a refresher for those things they’ve forgotten over the years or perhaps never learned. No matter what type of car you drive the Phase 1 skills will improve your overall driving abilities.

[SVXRide]

Chike,
How about the cross weights? This is what will affect your polar moment the most.
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

Chike,
How about the cross weights? This is what will affect your polar moment the most.
-Bill
Bill,

I have the print-outs it at home - will dig up and post tonight. :)

[ensteele]

We will have to keep an eye on you to see how you come out. Very interesting. Keep up the great work. Now, if this was a SVX, it may generate more interest. :D :D

[Chiketkd]

Chike,
How about the cross weights? This is what will affect your polar moment the most.
-Bill
Bill,

Cross-weights are as follows:

w/o driver:
RRxLF = 1,488.0lbs (48.7%)
LRxRF = 1,568.0lbs (51.3%)

w/ driver:
RRxLF = 1,584.0lbs (49.1%)
LRxRF = 1,642lbs (50.9%)
We will have to keep an eye on you to see how you come out. Very interesting. Keep up the great work. Now, if this was a SVX, it may generate more interest. :D :D
Thanks Earl. I guess the small interest I'm trying to generate will be among those members who might have an interest in getting into autoX - whether in a Subaru or any other car. :)

[sicksubie]

ooohhhh..... To have a 3056lb SVX.....

[SSSVX]

Chike, nice to hear from you. This is an interesting stuff. :cool:

How do you make use and gain benefits by knowing those weight numbers of your car?

[Chiketkd]

How do you make use and gain benefits by knowing those weight numbers of your car?
Ken,

This corner weight info is mostly for my info. I can't corner balance my stock car as I'm still on the stock struts...

[Hocrest]

ooohhhh..... To have a 3056lb SVX.....

I'd rather have my 2700 lb SVX :p

[newsvx]

Chike,
GOOD LUCK this coming season - as well as the new baby!!!!!!:D Ha, and you really think you will have time for all you have planned with the new baby coming:eek: :p ;) :D

Great thread on your setups - thanks for sharing. I'll be autocrossing the "new" (to me) '92 SVX this season rather than the '97. I don't have the money to go the extent you have, but we'll have fun - main intent is to beat my oldest son and his Focus SVT :D :D .

BTW, are you going to try to get up to Cumberland this year? I am going to try to make the first autocross there as well as most of the Mercedes events - last year, I was 7th overall.
Harry

[Chiketkd]

Harry,

Thanks for the well wishes! I'll have to see what I'm able to do this year, so I can't commit to the Cumberland autoXs at this time. My main focus this year will be to run events where top National drivers are in attendance - e.g. Steve Snow, Matt Murray, etc.

Good luck with your local Mercedes club autoXs! Congrats on finishing 7th overall last year! :cool:

Chike

[SVXRide]

Bill,

Cross-weights are as follows:

w/o driver:
RRxLF = 1,488.0lbs (48.7%)
LRxRF = 1,568.0lbs (51.3%)

w/ driver:
RRxLF = 1,584.0lbs (49.1%)
LRxRF = 1,642lbs (50.9%)



Chike,
Interesting. Shame you can't move anything around to be a 50-50 balance;)
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

LOL! :D You know, I never take out my factory jack when I race (or when I weighed the car). It sits in the far left rear of my car and weighs about 10lbs or so. Not a huge change, but it'll move me in the right direction...

[Royal Tiger]

Chike, she looks good. Congrats on getting better with auto-X. Maybe someday I'll get to meet up with you and go for that ride you promised. :)

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Dan! We should definitely meet up and have that ride someday!!!

Chike

P.S. Bled and then re-bled my brake lines this weekend replacing the fluid with Valvoline Syn Power (dry boiling piont of 500F). Brake pedal feels much firmer and I'm ready for my season to begin this upcoming weekend!

[Mr. Pockets]

Chike, good luck this season.

I'm not running my MR2 this year. A friend and I are going to be campaigning his Eclipse GS-T in STX. Front-wheel-drive isn't my thing, but the car's pretty quick. It's probably still not really competitive for its class, but it is much more so than my car is. :) We have a lot of work to do before the season starts next month.

We're planning on doing our first NT event in July, in Milwaukee.

I was 2006 regional ES champ in my Mk1, by the way. :)

[Chiketkd]

That's awesome Pockets! Congrats! Definitely keep me posted of your progress this season and good look at the Milwaukee NT!!! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

My weekend ended up being quite crazy. I did the test-n-tune event Saturday and found out very early on that these 'practice' victoracers were heatcycled to death and lacked any sort of grip. My best time ended up being a 39.2 while FTD for the day was a 37.1. I had two more seasoned drivers in my autoX club take my car out for some laps and they're best were a 39.1 & 39.4. So I was basically extracting the most time possible given the slick grip from the tires. Other than the lack of grip though - my car was handling pretty well - it was pretty easy to get my rear end to step out in low to medium speed corners.

The craziness began on Saturday evening when I got home - I had to drive up to DC immediately as my younger brother (a Phd student at the Univ of Md) was involved in a hit-n-run accident. He was coming home from the lab early Saturday morning (around 1:30am) and a driver ran a stop light and struck him. He was knocked unconscious and the humorous bone in his left arm (between elbow and shoulder) was broken and he also sustained lacerations on his left leg and bruises on the left side of his back. I didn't get back home until 4:00am...

Sunday was event #1 with my autoX club, and I decided to compte despite being on 4 hours of sleep. Finished 3rd out 4, about 1.5 seconds back from the leader (a guy I was able to beat by over 2 seconds on my RA-1's last season). Great course and I really enjoyed driving it - but there was very little grip to work with from the victoracers.

I've decided to put my autoX schedule on hold for a month and my next event will be the 4/14 Evo School. I plan to use the victos for the school and then replace them with 245/40/17 Hoosiers! :cool:

I'll post a few pics from this weekend in the coming days...

[Hotshot]

I was out at the government center saturday to watch, and it took me a little reading to figure out why your car and the background from the pictures looked so familiar. Although we were not able to make it this weekend, I've competed in some of the SCCA events there with my governor's school's electric vehicle team. If you have seen them, it is pretty hard to miss the white and blue 240z and the ugliest porsche 911 you have ever seen. If I had something a little more competitive to run than my '97 legacy outback, I would have been out there too. Next time I see you, I'll have to stop and say hi.

[Chiketkd]

^
I remember seeing that electric 240Z last season. Definitely come by and say hi - I should be at the 4/22 event #2 in Salem.

[newsvx]

Chike,
My best to your brother!! Hope he recovers quickly! A real bummer - I hope they catch the guy that hit him.

From what my son, Tom, tells me, you'll love those Hoosiers! Best tire for autocrossing, but more dollars!!

keep up the good effort, and keep us posted on your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and your family!

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Harry. I really appreciate those comments.

Hoosiers are expensive but I'm not going in the 'deep end' just yet. I've secured a set of 245/40/17 S05's that were purchased new last Fall, have 4 heat cycles on them and were stored in a heated basement all winter. These should get the job done! :)

[Chiketkd]

From the Test-n-Tune:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9d9b222fbb6485633cb09776ca726fca/ea5a1b55.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p142fb1c6e35a5467e0806eedc7470691/ea5a0cb5.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pbd13d4e50ead779e7956829ecd19dac5/ea5a060a.jpg

From Sunday's Event:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p54bb65e218941848a0a3b077a2134925/ea58cf3a.jpg

[subi-crosser]

My weekend ended up being quite crazy. I did the test-n-tune event Saturday and found out very early on that these 'practice' victoracers were heatcycled to death and lacked any sort of grip. My best time ended up being a 39.2 while FTD for the day was a 37.1. I had two more seasoned drivers in my autoX club take my car out for some laps and they're best were a 39.1 & 39.4. So I was basically extracting the most time possible given the slick grip from the tires. Other than the lack of grip though - my car was handling pretty well - it was pretty easy to get my rear end to step out in low to medium speed corners.

The craziness began on Saturday evening when I got home - I had to drive up to DC immediately as my younger brother (a Phd student at the Univ of Md) was involved in a hit-n-run accident. He was coming home from the lab early Saturday morning (around 1:30am) and a driver ran a stop light and struck him. He was knocked unconscious and the humorous bone in his left arm (between elbow and shoulder) was broken and he also sustained lacerations on his left leg and bruises on the left side of his back. I didn't get back home until 4:00am...

Sunday was event #1 with my autoX club, and I decided to compte despite being on 4 hours of sleep. Finished 3rd out 4, about 1.5 seconds back from the leader (a guy I was able to beat by over 2 seconds on my RA-1's last season). Great course and I really enjoyed driving it - but there was very little grip to work with from the victoracers.

I've decided to put my autoX schedule on hold for a month and my next event will be the 4/14 Evo School. I plan to use the victos for the school and then replace them with 245/40/17 Hoosiers! :cool:

I'll post a few pics from this weekend in the coming days...

I hope all is well with your brother! My brother just spent some time in hospital because he passed out at his Dr's appt! When all the tests showed no reason for the 'symptoms', they went to his house and found a major problem with his FURNACE!!
They replaced it, he is home and there has been no furthur problems.

Are you planning any weekends in Cumberland??
I really enjoyed the 'visit' last year!
I am keeping my options open as to what I will be driving this year, but really hope to see what Tom's SVX will do if the belts stay on!!

I need to spend some QUALITY time with Tom so I can explain what a cone w a cone laying next to it actually means! Then maybe HE will burn up his own tires..

We are talking about 'turbo-ing' my little red wagon. I put some Dayton Datonas on it. It feels like a different car. Now it needs a 50% boost on torque and HP!!

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Jerry. He was discharged yesterday and is back at home resting comfortably. I'll be visiting him again this upcoming weekend.

Glad your brother is okay and the problem was fixed with his furnace. I'm not sure about Cumberland autoXs this year. I'm on a very fixed autoX budget and will be lucky to do 1/2 the # of events as I did last year. Our soon-to-arrive-in-June baby takes top priority. :)

[subi-crosser]

Thanks Jerry. He was discharged yesterday and is back at home resting comfortably. I'll be visiting him again this upcoming weekend.

Glad your brother is okay and the problem was fixed with his furnace. I'm not sure about Cumberland autoXs this year. I'm on a very fixed autoX budget and will be lucky to do 1/2 the # of events as I did last year. Our soon-to-arrive-in-June baby takes top priority. :)

June 28th through sunday. There is a rod run scheduled . cost is $30. for the weekend, Includes 2 adults, and 3 kids under 16. bands, food, driving events etc.

I will be doing the 'rod jousting'. ( goal is to spear 3 rings in the shortest time). Practice is sat, actual compition is sunday.

Camping is free after thursday.

I offered to bring the bleach for an AWD burnout on the FIRST supercharged SVX.....

Tom said that his family WILL attend the event.


If anyone needs a reg form, , post the request and I will download one.

[Chiketkd]

Final standing from BRR event #1:

3rd out of 4 in D-Stock
30th out of 100 in PAX
55th out of 100 in Raw Time

http://www.brr-scca.org/Results/03112007.htm

A few more pics taken from the event-

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p850069a22a17adbf306b9a40b72133cc/ea485283.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pfcccd91d597ec0408b1b38e01532a3eb/ea485297.jpg

Looking ahead...
It was nice to take the weekend off from autoX, and I spent the time with my family and catching up on some much needed rest. My wife and I took our 3.5yr old son to the DC Zoo yesterday had a blast. We met up with my younger brother & his g/f afterwards and had lunch. He's doing much better and is healing nicely - the weight of worrying about his well-being after the accident is finally starting to lift off my shoulders... :)

Next weekend, I've signed up for the 3/25 WDCR test & tune event to co-drive my friend Shawn's nationally prepped STS2 Miata (in '06 Shawn won the Devens Nat'l Tour event, and finished 12th at Solo Nat'ls in Topeka).

http://teamwtf.org/gallery/albums/album436/wdcr_06_4_sts2_018.sized.jpg

[Royal Tiger]

Chike, no real cars, aka Porsche's, in any of the recent events? :)

[Chiketkd]

Chike, no real cars, aka Porsche's, in any of the recent events? :)
They were a couple at the first event:

'78 911
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p1e80b9dbeee27ed639764d7d482d21ee/ea5a381a.jpg

'06 Cayman S
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pceb17ccb95a40a452d15dc27600ee949/ea58d137.jpg

'98 Porsche Boxster
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe091f09099bb6a2fda354cd8ad6006d4/ea5a215b.jpg

We also had Jeff Underwood (Instructor at VIR Raceway) compete in his B-Mod Caterham 7 (which uses a Yamaha R1 engine):

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p55842709822ed429127ab503166281a1/ea5a1486.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p3df26792b580e6f6849796b703294593/ea484525.jpg

And there was also a Lotus Elise...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p7d96205c06d22a9472dea8b75933a6f3/ea5a0519.jpg

[benebob]

Chike, no real cars, aka Porsche's, in any of the recent events? :)

Ya mean kinda like that 928 that we trounced at GRM 06 challenge?;) :D It sure made for some good pictures on the course with the camera set at 1/60th seconds. Not a bit of blurring!:eek:

[SVXRide]

Next weekend, I've signed up for the 3/25 WDCR test & tune event to co-drive my friend Shawn's nationally prepped STS2 Miata (in '06 Shawn won the Devens Nat'l Tour event, and finished 12th at Solo Nat'ls in Topeka).




Chike,
see ya Sunday!
-Bill (only a welded front sway bar end link and tire swap out away from being ready...)

[Chiketkd]

^
Awesome. See you Sunday Bill! I'm in the 4th Run Group (1st run group of the afternoon). I'll keep my eye out for ya... :)

[SVXRide]

^
Awesome. See you Sunday Bill! I'm in the 4th Run Group (1st run group of the afternoon). I'll keep my eye out for ya... :)


Chike,
I'm in the same run group! Now if I can just get the tab on the strut housing rewelded (pulled the tire and the "big bar" had put enough pressure on the stock tab to snap it in half:eek: )...
-Bill

[benebob]

Chike,
I'm in the same run group! Now if I can just get the tab on the strut housing rewelded (pulled the tire and the "big bar" had put enough pressure on the stock tab to snap it in half:eek: )...
-Bill

Yeah good luck with that one. I wasn't real successful welding with oil in the strut. It just wanted to stay cool kinda like trying to sweat a pipe with water in the line. I think I have a couple spares in the basement that you could just swap housings with.

[Hotshot]

Chike, no real cars, aka Porsche's, in any of the recent events? :)

Hehe, our electric vehicle team might bring our gorgeous custom '86 widebody 911. At least it is now all a nice orange primer color.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5174/ec655848sq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

lol

(That actually would be me driving it last October.)

[SVXRide]

Yeah good luck with that one. I wasn't real successful welding with oil in the strut. It just wanted to stay cool kinda like trying to sweat a pipe with water in the line. I think I have a couple spares in the basement that you could just swap housings with.


Ben,
Thanks for the offer. Sean was able to weld the stock tabs back on when I ripped both the DS and PS tabs off last year. We're going to go with some 1/8" plate with a 7/16" hole this time so the end link won't be able to move around like it can with the stock tab.
I'm definitely thinking about working over another set of housings with beefed up tabs from the start (i.e. before putting the Koni inserts into them;) )
-Bill

[Royal Tiger]

Chike, the Cayman is just sex on wheels. I like it better then just about any 911, except of course the new 911 GT3 RS. HOT! Post one up for me bud.

[benebob]

Chike, the Cayman is just slow on wheels. I like it better then just about any 911, except of course the new 911 GT3 RS. HOT! Post one up for me bud.

Typo, typos, typos. Fixed it for ya!:D Still I'll take a similar yeared 944 over a 911 for a track car anyday. Wait, we beat up on one in a lowly SVX this past year. He finished 3rd out of 3 in class!:D

Ya coming down to Reading this year Dan?

[Royal Tiger]

I'm going to try, but I might be Porsche-less. The 968 was the best auto-x car Porsche ever made, but far to little of them. Well, unless you get your hands on a 1200+hp 962! :)

[benebob]

I'm going to try, but I might be Porsche-less. The 968 was the best auto-x car Porsche ever made, but far to little of them. Well, unless you get your hands on a 1200+hp 962! :)


I'd take a well sorted 914-6 with a Xt6 engine in the back over the the 968 for an autox, on a track it wouldn't compete but handling wise in a sorted state it would give a run for the money. 1200hp on an autox course would be about 800 of useless noise!;)

Glad to see you'll try to be down!

[Royal Tiger]

1200 would be overkill, but imagine the rush! A 750hp 935 would be cool. I used to have a link to a 914 with a Chevy 350 crate motor.

[Chiketkd]

The WDCR autoX on 3/25 was my first time ever behind the wheel of a miata and what a blast it was! Shawn's STS2 miata is set-up extremely loose, and navigating the course was an exercise in counter-steering! :D I now know what it feels like for a car to spin around like a top and come to rest on the course with the engine stalled. :rolleyes:

I never really got a good feel for the car, as I like to drive hard into corners and trail-brake, which is a serious no no with a 'loose' miata. As the car was a '90 model, it didn't come equipped with ABS and I locked the brakes up at least once or twice on each run! :o However, what really got me excited about the car was the way it handled fast transitions such as slaloms and sweepers. With the car being so narrow and light, I could cut through slalom cones like they weren't there... :)

My runs got progressively quicker (with the exception of my 3rd run where the major spin took place), and on my 4th and final run, I got my best time of the day - a mediocre 76.359.

Overall I finished:

5th out of 6th in STS2
148th out of 226 in PAX
Link to Results (http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/results/20070325.php)

A pic of me in Shawn's miata courtesy of Team WTF?!
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/139101144-M.jpg

P.S. I picked up some 245/40/17 Hoosier S05's before Sunday's event and they'll be going onto my WRX after the 4/14 Evolution School. They only have 4 heat cycles on them and are in excellent condition!

[Chiketkd]

I went to the dragstrip on Friday evening to get some much needed practice with the starting tree in preparation for my June Pro Solo. Temps were in the mid to upper 50's, but humidity was a muggy 75%. I didn't bother let the car cool down, just took her to the line after the 1hr 30min drive down there. Best time was as follows:

R/T 0.670 (perfect light is 0.500)
60' 1.933
330 5.807
1/8 9.002 @ 76.89
1000 11.731
1/4 14.053 @ 95.00mph

All in all, the practice was very useful and I was cutting consistent 0.1xx reaction times. I also practiced launching with the handbrake, as most starting lines at Pro Solo's aren't flat.

Chike

P.S. My Evolution School is coming up this Saturday, 4/14. The finalized instructor list is as follows: Rob Falkner, Eric Petersen, Courtney Cormier, and Mike Johnson. I can't wait! http://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gifhttp://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gifhttp://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif

[Chiketkd]

I completed a Phase 1 Evolution School over the weekend, and my group of 12 was instructed by Rob Faulkner and Eric Petersen. The day started off wet, but luckily the rain decided to stop during most of the 8+ hours of the school.

We started off by getting three runs (by ourselves) on the course, and I turned a best time of 40.2xx seconds. Instruction then began and I worked with both instructors on a one-on-one basis. By the end of the day, everyone got three more runs by themselves on the course, and my 3rd and final time was a 'clean' 37.85x. This was 0.3 seconds faster than the time turned by my instructor Eric, but still 1 second off of the time Rob (national champion) turned in my car.

Lots of pics -

Rob Faulkner (red cap) & Eric Peterson (black cap)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p281bdd7c93e80ef112a2fad56c24686b/e9e56fd1.jpg

Mike 'Jr' Johnson (left) & Courtney Cormier (right)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p578d65000899593fa7341b05673ffcc8/e9e550e9.jpg

Yours truly (orange shirt)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p51bd3726aeafe44cabb92e0f9112ed8a/e9e562cb.jpg

Heading out on course
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9bf755613ac05d73d5367ee21f941f87/e9e56144.jpg

One-on-one Instruction with Rob Faulkner
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p0a6ac7adc9d80548a3cb794e57f0fc74/e9e54dd4.jpg

On course
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p12f5f715d62e037f1861c4b695089ef1/e9e56077.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p012d111e81d19896ce3e8a480829f86b/e9e545eb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pffb97cde28e3dcc76c1284147e8cbe65/e9e546cf.jpg

[SVXRide]

Chike,
Cool! How much did the class end up costing you? What tires did you run?
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

Chike,
Cool! How much did the class end up costing you? What tires did you run?
-Bill
Bill,

I got in at the 2006 rate since I paid up since 12/06. The cost was $220 (price included a lunch from Subway). The 2007 rate is $250.00 from what I hear, and it may go up to $300 in the near future as they plan to add MaxQ Data to all of their schools.

I ran my 225/45/17 Victoracers. I ended up cording the inside edge of both front tires (note: inside edge - not the outside). Wear was very even across all four tires. My 245/40/17 Hoosiers go on this Saturday, before Event #2 on Sunday with my BRR SCCA region (i.e. I won't be at Fedex on Sunday Bill).

[SVXRide]

Bill,

I got in at the 2006 rate since I paid up since 12/06. The cost was $220 (price included a lunch from Subway). The 2007 rate is $250.00 from what I hear, and it may go up to $300 in the near future as they plan to add MaxQ Data to all of their schools.

I ran my 225/45/17 Victoracers. I ended up cording the inside edge of both front tires (note: inside edge - not the outside). Wear was very even across all four tires. My 245/40/17 Hoosiers go on this Saturday, before Event #2 on Sunday with my BRR SCCA region (i.e. I won't be at Fedex on Sunday Bill).


Nice! Hey, I just picked up a pair of 315/35/17 Victoracers:eek: Just have to find 2 more so I can play games with SVreX II:cool:
-Bill (I'll be at Reading, so no FedEx on Sunday for me...)

[Chiketkd]

Speaking with Dave MacDougal (finished 2nd in STU behind Mike Neary in 2006 with the WDCR), it looks like I corded the inside edge of those Victoracers due the fact that they were previously on a camber-challenged Cooper S (I flipped them when they were mounted).

My toe is set at 0.00 upfront on both sides.

[Chiketkd]

This coming Sunday (4/22), I'll be competing in regional event #2 with my local BRR SCCA club.

I'll be up against a good autoX colleague of mine (Justin Rest) who finished 28th at Solo Nationals in 2006 (his car wasn't fully prepped last year, but currently is). I'll be also up against Karen Kraus, a very well known autoXer on the East Coast, who always runs Open Class at Nationals and most recently finished 12th at Nationals in F-Stock . Karen has been autoXing Subarus for years and will be co-driving Justin's car at the event.

I have nothing to lose going into this event, but will like to drive well and see just how close I can get to these two individuals using my current set-up.

Chike

P.S. Early Saturday morning, my 245/40/17 Hoosiers will be mounted on my racing wheels! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

I had a decent day yesterday and really got the chance to see where I stack up against a top national driver (Karen Kraus) this early in the season. This was my 1st event on the new 245/40/17 Hoosiers and the grip is amazing!

My main problem yesterday was that I beat myself - I kept overdriving the car in the slow parts and developed a push in at least 4-5 areas (including my fastest run). The course also didn't flow very well and required a downshift back to 1st in 2-3 sections which had slow 10-15mph turns... Karen put on a great display of driving and I was duly impressed - that's one gal that can drive extremely well! :cool:

Final results were as folows:

DS - D Stock Pax: 0.804
Place: Driver Car Best Pax
1t KAREN KRAUS 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 71.565 57.538(FTP)
2t JUSTIN REST 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 72.941 58.645
3 CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX GRAY 74.538 59.929
4 JON-MICHAEL FRADY 98 INTEGRA TYPE R WHITE 282.603 227.213
http://www.brr-scca.org/04222007.htm


Top 10 Results by Pax Time
Place: Driver Class Car Best Delta Pax Delta
1 KAREN KRAUS DS 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 71.565 3.327 FTP 57.538 0.000
2 JUSTIN REST DS 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 72.941 4.703 58.645 1.107
3 DAVID CLEMENS SM2 65 CHEVROLET CORVAIR SILVER FTD 68.238 0.000 58.821 1.283
4 STEVE ST JOHN AS 07 SATURN SKY REDLINE BLUE 70.470 2.232 59.054 1.516
5 TARA KNOLL STS 00 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5 RS BRP 74.022 5.784 59.588 2.050
6 GLEN THOMPSON ES 91 MAZDA MIATA WHITE 73.404 5.166 59.604 2.066
7 MARTIN VALENT SM 90 TOYOTA CELICA ALLTRAC WHITE 69.821 1.583 59.767 2.229
8 CHAD HENRY HS 05 FORD FOCUS ST RED 75.932 7.694 59.910 2.372
9 MIROSLAV VALENT STS 95 TOYOTA CELICA ST BLUE 74.429 6.191 59.915 2.377
10 CHIKE DELLIMORE DS 06 SUBARU WRX GRAY 74.538 6.300 59.929 2.391

Summary:
3rd out of 4 in D-Stock
10th out of 108 in PAX

Pics:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pfbe25acc8d816cc66d771ca2ac54cc65/e9cd1ac5.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p06cdf5b31520947be76f513c631dc05f/e9cd1a2d.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p1399b6985f1c9965d28793c486eca35e/e9cd0fbf.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb04025dfd176e63fa4c19e01792f867d/e9cd0fc3.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pd0aa6842148375b51af30af0810cf9af/e9cd177a.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I'll be running the next 4 weekends in a row, and my schedule is as follows:

5/6 SE Division Super Regional - Danville, VA
5/12 WDCR Event #2 - Fedex Stadium
5/20 BRR Event #3 - Danville, VA
5/27 Triad Event #3 - Danville, VA

These events should provide me with some extremely stiff competition and get me some much needed seat time BEFORE the June Pro Solo in DC! :cool:

[newsvx]

Good luck to you, Chike!! I wish I could be down that way to see you run! BTW, Danville is my hometown - born and raised there!

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Harry! I never knew you were from Danville, VA but I love events in that town. The unused section of runway makes for a large, grippy surface on which national style courses can be run, and the everything is relatively inexpensive in teh town - food, hotel rooms, gas, etc.

What's going to be interesting in the coming weeks is that I'll have national Champion, George Perinis (STR Pro Solo Champion '99), co-driving my car at the WDCR event on 5/12. I *may* also get Karen Kraus to co-drive with me at the BRR event on 5/20. I'm basically trying to run against the stiffest competition possible to keep edging closer and closer to them. Hopefully by the time the Pro Solo rolls around in late June I'll be in peak form and ready to tango! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

This past Sunday I competed in the SE Division Super Regional held at the Danville, VA airport and hosted by the Central Carolinas Region SCCA and Triad Sports Car Club. Several multi-time national champs in attendance such as Jinx Jordan, Ginette Jordan and G.H. Sharp as well as other National trophy winners such as Eric Peterson, James Feinburg, Per Olof Ezelius, and Aaron Buckley.

I felt very comfortable on Jinx Jordan designed course and had the 3rd fastest scratch time (48.3 +2) after 2 runs which was roughly a 1/2 second back from Karen Kraus and Bret Shillock (both at 47.8). By the end of our heat, I was unable to put a truly good run down and clean but 'safe' 49.7 was my best run.

Final Results:
'D Stock' - Total Entries: 6 Trophies: 2 Times Total Diff.
1T 34 Karen Kraus 06 Subaru Impreza WRX 0:49.103 0:47.800+1 0:50.537+2 0:47.318 0:45.508+5 0:47.318
2T 8 Bret Shillock 01 Acura Integra type r 0:48.128+1 0:47.843+1 0:47.630 0:47.868+2 0:46.850+1 0:47.630
3 57 Keith Vail 05 Chrysler Crossfire 0:47.889+2 0:50.760+dnf 0:47.191+1 0:46.745+1 0:46.684+2 0:48.745
4 170 Chike Dellimore 06 Subaru WRX 0:48.458+1 0:48.382+2 0:49.736 0:49.646+2 0:49.451+1 0:49.736
5 729 Shane Warren 06 Subaru Impreza WRX 0:49.989 0:49.185+2 0:48.773+3 0:50.229 0:47.205+3 0:49.989
6 487 DAVE SALVAGNINI WRX 0:55.653 0:54.884 0:53.973 0:53.336 0:58.492+5 0:53.336

Summary:
I finished 4th out of 6 in DS
43rd out of 100 in PAX

FINAL RESULTS (http://www.auto-x.com/results/2007/danville%20super%20regional%20day%202_fin_.htm)

PAX RESULTS (http://www.auto-x.com/results/2007/danville%20super%20regional%20day%202_pax_.htm)

I haven't seen any pics of my car from the event, but one person from my BRR SCCA region took this video of my 4th run (not my fastest): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7336405782732062923&pr=goog-sl

Next event is the WDCR Event #2 on May 12th this weekend. Shawn Roberts will be co-driving my car with me in DS.

[Chiketkd]

Bret's ITR, Keith's Crossfire and my WRX in grid (Keith is talking to Karen Kraus):
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe3b25912c4f0ffd4ac7392a3e90381e3/e99c41a3.jpg

Jinx Jordan walking towards his FSP Civic:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/paf857b2714c2c3ed98eaa242e8f24bdf/e99c44b2.jpg

Ginette Jordan on course:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p01b3acbe6bfff10f26b0b96045fce81b/e99c3ab2.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Keith's Crossfire on course:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/Crossfire01.jpg

Karen's WRX on course:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/Karen01.jpg

Bret's ITR:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/ITR01.jpg

My WRX in action:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/WRX05.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/WRX02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/WRX07.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Danville%20Super%20Regional%205-6-07/WRX08.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I competed in the 2nd WDCR points event this past Saturday on a course that was fast and flowing. My car was triple driven by myself, Shawn (I co-drove his STS2 miata previously) and his girlfriend Katie.

The car was handling very well and the tires held up perfectly to our constant driving. My new rear-end alignment feels awesome, and the back-end is easy to coax out with lift throttle or trail braking.

The class was very competitive with 15 drivers in total. I should have attacked the course more earlier and on my fourth and final run where things were starting to feel 'right' I tapped two cones in the slalom (still over drove 2-3 corners). Had that run been clean, I would have finished two spots higher and PAX'd 77th overall... :rolleyes:

Final results were as follows:

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 15 Trophies: 3 Times Total Diff.
1T 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 66.816+1 68.091+1 66.294 66.802 66.294 -
2T 57 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 67.188 66.681 66.240+1 73.781 66.681 0.387
3T 12 Hoyer, Mike 2006 Subaru Wrx Black 66.793+2 67.007 66.763+2 66.839 66.839 0.158
4 70 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 68.309+1 67.430 68.116 67.535 67.430 0.591
5 82 Pozner, Alan 2000 Acura Integra Type R Yellow 67.567 68.851 67.921 67.696+1 67.567 0.137
6 71 Staples, Curtis 2002 Bmw 330Ci Blue 68.630+1 70.059 67.962 68.143 67.962 0.395
7 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 70.173+1 68.776+1 68.147+2 68.543 68.543 0.581
8 6 Arispe, Eduardo 2006 Subaru Wrx Blue 68.862 68.721 68.802 68.588 68.588 0.045
9 170 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 70.850 69.437 69.424 68.283+2 69.424 0.836
10 46 Redington, Alex 2001 Audi S4 Black 72.915 73.011+3 72.035 71.079+5 72.035 2.611
11 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Black 74.074 73.065 72.519+1 72.814 72.814 0.779
12 24 Danneman, Randy 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 76.920 75.365 74.775 73.596 73.596 0.782
13 111 Clark, Jim 2004 Subaru Forester Xt Black 78.990 75.411 75.242 74.042 74.042 0.446
14 113 Needle, Michael 2007 Subaru Impreza Wrx Tr Silver 80.264 77.802 77.034 76.687+1 77.034 2.992
15 124 Danneman, Dorinda 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 85.925 83.865 83.034 82.049 82.049 5.015
Link to Results (http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/results/20070512.php)

Here's an in-car vid of the my colleague Mike Hoyer's (finished 3rd) fastest run: Vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwaR_sMPZ4s)

Summary:
9th out of 15 in D-Stock
104 out of 242 in PAX


Pics

Yours truly:
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152126035-M.jpg

Matt's 330i (2nd in class):
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152121471-M.jpg

Mike (3rd in class):
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152122332-M.jpg

Spector (winner of DS):
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152125161-M.jpg

Katie (in my car - finished 5th in the indexed ladies class):

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152227159-M.jpg

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152232357-M.jpg

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152232517-M.jpg

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152232672-M.jpg

Sam Strano took top PAX at the event and was 'stupid fast' in the F-Stock Shelby GT350 he's driving this season:

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/152175264-M.jpg

[SVXRide]

Course layout....(wish I could have been there:( )

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVXRide/43955.gif



Pat Salerno had the fastest "stock" time running in SS -- 60.316!!

The local email traffic has focused on the course being one that you had to know when to go "slow" or else it would bite you (maybe it was a good thing I didn't run:rolleyes: )

-Bill

[Chiketkd]

The local email traffic has focused on the course being one that you had to know when to go "slow" or else it would bite you (maybe it was a good thing I didn't run:rolleyes: )
You definitely missed a good course Bill. I pretty much understood the lines I needed to follow, but I'm still getting used to how much grip I have at my disposal with these Hoosiers as well as how they break away at the limit (completely different to the Toyo RA-1's I used last season).

All in all, I think I'm right around where I was at my driving peak last season, but the Evo School has really shown me how I could go faster. I know I could have turned a low to mid 67 on that course Saturday, I just wasn't able to string the different elements together like I wanted in the same run. Seat time, seat time, seat time... :)

[Chiketkd]

At last weekend's WDCR event I got a chance to do a course walk with Sam Strano and chat with Brian Garfield for ~10 minutes afterwards. As I already read Secrets of Solo Racing, Brian recommended an unusual book for me to read next -

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/12380000/12382276.gif A Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code

While it's about motorcycle road racing, most of the principles apply to autocross. I just ordered a copy from B&N in the used section for $12.37.

[Chiketkd]

Attended my home region BRR-SCCA event #3 at the Danville airport yesterday. The course was very fast with a long slalom and several fast transistional elements. If you drove it at 10/10ths and stayed ahead of the elements, you were rewarded with a fast time - however, if you tried to drive it at 11/10ths...you were rewarded with a huge spin (did this on my last run)! :p

Final Results were as follows:

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 3 Trophies: 1 Times Diff
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX STEEL GRAY 60.130
2 JOEL BALSLEY 06 MAZDASPEED 6 WHITE 62.353 2.223
3 DAVID WILSON 07 MAZDA 3 63.451 3.321
Link to Results (http://www.brr-scca.org/05202007.htm)


Top 5 PAX at the event:

Class: Place: Driver Car Best Delta Pax Delta
STS 1 ERIC SIENKIEWICZ 95 BMW 318 59.259 2.546 FTP 47.704 0.000
STS2 2 KURT DAVIDSON 90 MAZDA MIATA RED 59.465 2.752 47.929 0.225
AS 3 STEVE ST JOHN 07 SATURN SKY REDLINE BLUE 57.289 0.576 48.008 0.304
DS 4 CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX STEEL GRAY 60.130 3.417 48.345 0.641
BSP 5 MICHAEL BRIGHT 03 NISSAN 350Z BLUE 56.943 0.230 48.572 0.868

Pics

Yours truly:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p3dfda973298b21a5c8860a84c16a32ff/e96f018e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p27d3d0d9e73249482bfa0a4de9599696/e96f00db.jpg

Michael Bright's uber fast BSP 350Z:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p3d1cc7d02585a5f97c5ef6031ccbd23c/e96ef66a.jpg

B-Mod Locost 7 (uses a Yamaha motorbike engine):
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe1a8877ffdf954212aa0433601fced69/e96ef008.jpg

Ultra fast A-Stock Sky Redline that rode on 295/30/18 Hoosiers f&r:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p3da2c09b7de26929fd8b58b269cc1a0c/e96f00b1.jpg

[Chiketkd]

This past weekend, I ended up cross-threading 4 wheel studs when swapping tires after the Danville event. Decided it was time to pick up some open-ended steel lug nuts asap, and swap out the wheel studs on my own.

New open-ended tapered lug nut vs stock lug nut:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Wheel%20studs%20and%20lug%20nuts/WRXwheelstud02.jpg

The driver's side rear wheel was the worst with 2 cross-threaded studs:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Wheel%20studs%20and%20lug%20nuts/WRXwheelstud01.jpg

All in all it took me and Michael ~2 hours to replace all four - the front two (one per side) were a 15 minute job each, but the back two took forever as the parking brake mechanism makes it difficult to swap wheel studs in and out of the hub (a long, thin magnet is your best friend!).

Many thanks to Michael (Mimmsey) who helped me swap out the wheel studs yesterday as well as Tom (svxfiles) who gave me a run down of what to do the night before. Also, thanks to Andrew (Amazonparrot) who stopped by to lend moral support.

[Chiketkd]

I competed in the Pro Class with the Triad Sports Car Club at the Danville airport over the weekend. Temps hoovered in the low to mid 90's and the track temp was well over 120F. Competing in the class was multi-time national champ GH Sharp, James Feinburg (finished 2nd in STS2 in '05), Scott Sawyer (5th in STS2 in '06), Pat Griffith (2nd in the FS Pro Finale in '06), Karen Kraus, Bret Shillock, Justin Barbry and a host of other top regional/national drivers.

These were the course stats, video and a GPS map posted by James Feinburg for his fastest run:
GPS Course Map:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s56/JamesFeinberg/070527_course.png

Course Stats from my best run of 69.4 (video link) (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7683514524533694209):

Course Length: 0.77 miles
Average Speed: 39.9mph
Top Speed: 61.4 (limit of 2nd gear-- you can hear me banging of the rev limiter in the video)
Max Lateral g's: ~1.1
Max g's under acceleration: 0.48 g's (this occurs at the start of the run in 1st gear)
Max g's under braking: 0.74 g's

I was slow getting started, and the course was a fast one with sections where I was hitting 62-63mph. However, there were slow sections which you had to be patient on. I was turning 75 and 74 second runs, before putting it all together and running a 73.0 on my last run.

Final results in Pro were as follows:

'Pro' - Total Entries: 13 Trophies: 4 Times PAX Ranking
1T gs 64 GH Sharp 1:09.602 0:55.890
2T sts2 68 James Feinberg Honda CRX 1:09.401 0:55.937
3T ds 57 Kieth Vail underdog crossfire 1:10.551 0:56.723
4T sts 49 Eric Sienkiewicz Acura Integra 1:10.706 0:56.918
5 ds 06 Karen Kraus Subaru WRX 1:12.056 0:57.933
6 fs 48 Pat Griffith Chevy Camaro 1:10.020+1 0:58.264
7 ds 106 Justin Rest Subaru WRX 1:12.637 0:58.400
8 ds 8 Bret Shillock Acura Integra Type R 1:12.730 0:58.474
9 ds 170 Chike Dellimore Subaru WRX 1:13.080 0:58.756
10 sts 13 Justin Barbry Brandon's Suuuubbaaaarrrruuuuuu 1:13.063 0:58.815
11 bsp 20 Michael Bright Nissan 350z 1:09.626 0:59.391
12 dsp 72 Anthony Hodges neon 1:11.306 0:59.611
13 es 23 Scott Sawyer Mazda Miata 1:13.656 0:59.808
http://www.auto-x.com/results/2007/danville5.27.07_fin.htm

Summary:
9th of of 13 in Pro
14th out of 106 in PAX

Pictures from the event (courtesy Tom Deady):

Yours truly:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/Chike01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/Chike02.jpg

James Feinburg:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/Feinburg.jpg

GH Sharp:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/GHSharp.jpg

Karen Kraus:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/Kraus.jpg

Keith Vail:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/KVail.jpg

Pat Griffith:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Triad%205-29-07/PatG01.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I'm currently on a 2 week hiatus from my '07 autoX season as my wife's due date was during this time. This past Thursday, my wife and I welcomed the newest addition to our family - Anna Elizabeth was born on June 7th at 9:28am weighing 7lbs 1oz and was 19" in length.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Misc/BabyAnna03.jpg

She's in perfect health and my wife is recovering wonderfully and will be coming home this weekend!

Chike

[SSSVX]

Congrats to your family's new addition....glad to read everything's okay. :)

Your shirt looks cool but you need to face to the camera so we can see if your daughter looks like you more or her mom :D

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Ken. My little crumb-cruncher has a petite version of my nose and my thin eyebrows. However, she has her mom's ears, eye color & hair. She's the sweetest little baby and hardly fusses at all. :)

[svxfiles]

I'm currently on a 2 week hiatus from my '07 autoX season as my wife's due date was during this time. This past Thursday, my wife and I welcomed the newest addition to our family - Anna Elizabeth was born on June 7th at 9:28am weighing 7lbs 1oz and was 19" in length.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Misc/BabyAnna03.jpg

She's in perfect health and my wife is recovering wonderfully and will be coming home this weekend!

Chike
Congratulations, Chi ke Bob!!!:D
Kids are the GREATEST THING EVER!!!!!
Give Sara Bob a big hug from Di and I.:D

[subi-crosser]

Congratulations, Chi ke Bob!!!:D
Kids are the GREATEST THING EVER!!!!!
Give Sara Bob a big hug from Di and I.:D
" A woman's womb is a man's only link to the future"
I don't remember who said it, but it is the TRUTH!

Those little people are a man's ONLY link to the future!

(unless you invent something that changes the world)

When we are gone, the 'works' of our children will be what is remembered.

Bend the 'sapling' in the direction that will best 'preserve' what is important to you.

There are so many 'followers' , we need LEADERS! The torch has been passed.

You mentioned on our last meeting that you are a 'history' buff!
USE the education that you have to direct the child into the small percentage of achievers that actually DO something with their lives!

(Lead, follow, or get out of the way!)

Congrad's , on the 'Blessed event'!!!!

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Tom and Jerry. I will pass your kind & wise words onto my wife. I'm so excited to have Anna in our family.

She completes this family! :)

[Earthworm]

Thanks Tom and Jerry. I will pass your kind & wise words onto my wife. I'm so excited to have Anna in our family.
Hehehe...
http://www.komix.it/img/tom-jerry-02.JPG

[Hocrest]

Congrats on the little racer, just think, 5 years from now she'll be running carts :)


oh yeah... Nice shirt ;) :cool:

[Chiketkd]

Hehehe...
http://www.komix.it/img/tom-jerry-02.JPG
LOL!!! :D
Congrats on the little racer, just think, 5 years from now she'll be running carts :)


oh yeah... Nice shirt ;) :cool:
Thanks Dave! Yeah, I kinda wear that shirt a bunch! :)

[Chiketkd]

I attended the WDCR event #3 this past Sunday. The class was packed with several strong competitors including multi-time national trophy winner Terry Baker in a 330i. I actually drove quite well, and got close to several drivers who I would normally be over 1 second back from.

Final results in my class were as follows:

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 18 Trophies: 3 Times Total Diff.
1T DS 171 Baker, Terry 1999 Bmw 323I Black 60.747+2 60.173 59.370 59.768 59.370 -
2T DS 157 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 60.610+DNF 60.368 60.059 60.063 60.059 0.689
3T DS 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 61.236 60.743 60.082 60.582 60.082 0.023
4 DS 34 Kraus, Karen 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Black 60.966 60.776 60.898 60.726 60.726 0.644
5 DS 182 Snyder, James 2000 Acura Integra Type R Yellow 61.492 61.634+DNF 61.149 60.895 60.895 0.169
6 DS 82 Pozner, Alan 2000 Acura Integra Type R Yellow 61.373 61.380 61.504 61.119 61.119 0.224
7 DS 50 Taylor, Bill 2002 Subaru Wrx World Rally Blue 62.163+1 61.881 61.621 62.281+1 61.621 0.502
8 DS 6 Arispe, Eduardo 2006 Subaru Wrx Blue 63.923 63.405 62.005 62.113 62.005 0.384
9 DS 71 Staples, Curtis 2002 Bmw 330Ci Blue 62.838 62.445+1 62.022 62.461 62.022 0.017
10 DS 70 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 63.216 63.845 62.676 62.259 62.259 0.237
11 DS 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 63.137+2 63.131+1 64.266 63.373 63.373 1.114
12 DS 46 Redington, Alex 2001 Audi S4 Black 67.277+1 66.956 66.911+1 65.963 65.963 2.590
13 DS 27 Winkler, Matt 2005 Dodge Srt-4 Acr Black 75.844+DNF 74.924 67.571 66.768 66.768 0.805
14 DS 24 Danneman, Randy 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 71.616 69.617 68.100 66.886 66.886 0.118
15 DS 42 Cuellar, Roland 2005 Subaru Wrx Wagon Silver 70.376 67.600 67.048 67.478 67.048 0.162
16 DS 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Blk 67.458 67.291+1 67.443 67.599 67.443 0.395
17 DS 57 Arnold, Jelena 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 83.184 70.820+2 68.157 67.578+1 68.157 0.714
18 DS 124 Danneman, Dorinda 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 75.365 72.668 74.070 72.231 72.231 4.07
http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/results/20070617.php

Summary:
10th out of 18 in D-Stock
85th out of 244 in PAX

Some pics from the event:

Yours truly
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Chike02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Chike03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Chike04.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Chike05.jpg

Terry Baker 330i
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/TerryBaker.jpg

Karen Kraus WRX
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/KarenKraus.jpg

Larry Spector ITR:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/SpectorITR.jpg

P.S. My next event is this coming weekend - the National Pro Solo being held at Fedex Stadium!!! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

Sam Strano
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Strano.jpg

Jason Burns
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/Burns.jpg

Mike 'Jr' Johnson - ASP C5 Z06
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/JuniorASP.jpg

Courtney Cormier drving McGeorge's ASP C6 Z06
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%206-17-07/CormierASP.jpg

[Chiketkd]

This past weekend, I attended my first ever national solo competition at the Washington, D.C. Pro Solo held at Fedex Stadium. My weekend report is as follows:

Friday 6/22
Got up to DC around 12:45pm, registered with Ann and Andy Hollis to do the QuickStart program for Pro Solo novices. I then immediately changed tires and got ready for the 1:30pm start time of the program. Quickstart gives you 4 free practice starts and I had reaction times in the 0.6-0.7 range. I then paid to do 4 more practice starts and got a best 60ft time of 1.9 seconds. After the practice starts, the course was open for walking and I went around at least 5-6 times per side. I also had the opportunity to do a course walk with Jonathan Roberts (National Solo and Pro Solo champion). I checked in at registration and took my car through tech and got the SCCA required decals to run the Pro Solo/National Tour events. I was all set to go...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/ChikeWRX02.jpg

I bought a t-shirt which had the DC Pro Solo course maps on the back:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/DCProSolocoursedesign.jpg

Saturday 6/23
I was there bright and early at 7:00am and commenced my course walks once more. I felt relatively rested and refreshed and was looking forward to competing. Took my car to grid, checked tire pressure and checked my lug nuts with my torque wrench. DS ran in Heat 2 and it was soon time to roll!

In the morning session, we got 4 runs and my plan was to go out and put down some fast & clean scratch times. As I went out on course my car felt extremely 'pushy' and I couldn't get a good rhythm going. My best on the left course was a clean 36.8 along with a clean 36.7 on the right. The leaders were into the low 35's, and three had cracked into the upper 34's. At the end of the session, I sat 8th out of 11 in class.

In the afternoon session, I decided to set my car up a little looser with my tire pressures to get my back-end to step out more. The car was much looser and on my first afternoon run, I ended up spinning 360 degrees when making my way through the esses after the start. This shook my confidence for the rest of the session and I only ended up lowering my times slightly to equal 'clean' 36.7's on both left and right courses... I now sat 10th out of 11 in class.

Sunday 6/24
I was staying with a couple of friends and one data-logged his runs in his ES miata and mentioned on our drive to Fedex that he was going faster when he gave up some speed in the esses to position the car better for the long straight afterwards. I took this advice to heart but still felt very down after my Day 1 performance. I ran into Jonathan Roberts right before heading out for my final four runs - he told me he always went faster on Day 2 and to just go out there and focus on running my lines. I took his advice to heart and decided to take a gamble and set my car up a loose as it was on my Saturday afternoon runs. First run was on the left, and I gave up a little speed in the esses but was able to really carry some speed in the straight afterwards. Came back in and saw a 37.1 but I knew my tires were cold and would be grippier on the next run. Adjusted tire pressures and pulled up to the line on the right side. Right as the lights were coming down the tree, my car rolled backwards a little causing one of my staging lights to go out. The run ended up being a DNF, but I still drove the course to plan and my time was a 36.5! I had two more runs left - one per side.

I pulled up to the left side for my final run. Got a good reaction, and a pretty solid launch. Took her up through the esses modulating the throttle and went into the turn around at a decent speed. I positioned the car well for the run back down to the slalom and I was able to carry some serious speed back down the course. I came into the slalolom a little too hot and pushed wide. I didn't panic but let the loose back-end step out to tighten my line and then romped back onto the throttle and went through the slalom into the finish. My time was a clean 36.06 - a 0.7 second improvement even with the sloppy slalom entry and choppy slalom driving! I then went over to the right side and ran everything soundly except for some more choppy driving in the slalom. My final time on that side was a 36.14 - a 0.6 second improvement. This dropped my combined time down to a 72.2 which still held me 10th in class, but just 0.2 seconds behind Larry Spector in his ITR (top DS driver with the WDCR) and 0.4 seconds behind Matt Arnold in his 330i - finished ~20th at Solo Nationals in '05. Steve Bambach who finished third at the 2006 DS Pro Finale finished 4th at the event, while my friend Justin Rest came third in his '06 WRX, and my other friend Keith Vail took 1st place in his Crossfire! :cool:

Final results for my class were as follows:

D Stock Drivers: 11 Trophies: 4
T 1 75 Keith Vail 2005 Chrysler Crossf 69.625
T 2 187 Bryan Hertweck 2006 Chrysler Crossf 69.640
T 3 60 Justin Rest 2006 Subaru Impreza Hoosier 69.754
T 4 2 Steve Baumbach 2005 Dodge SRT4 ACR 70.000
5 87 Aaron Buckley 2006 Chrysler Crossf 70.277
6 6 Eduardo N Arispe 2006 Subaru WRX Bl Hoosier 70.327
7 13 Mark A Pedley 2004 VW R32 Blu Kumho 70.698
8 57 Matthew Arnold 2003 BMW 330i Blu Kumho 71.879
9 37 Larry Spector 2000 Acura Integra Type R Hoosier 72.021
10 70 Chike Akil Dellimo 2006 Subaru WRX Hoosier 72.208
11 48 A Phil Williams 2001 BMW 330i Blu Avon 78.775

Complete results for the event can be viewed here: DC Pro Solo Results (http://www.scca.org/_FileLibrary/File/DC%20Preliminary%20Results.pdf)

Pro Solo index results for the event are up here: DC Pro Solo Index Rankings (http://sccaforums.com/forums/storage/16/250661/DC%20Pro%20Indexed.pdf)

Summary:
10th out of 11 in DS
130 out of 214 in Index (Pro Solo PAX)

When changing back to my street tires Sunday afternoon, I realized the reason why my car was so pushy in corners. Both of my factory front struts are now leaking... :(

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/Leakyfrontstrut.jpg

The leak looks worse than it really is and they should last me until the end of the '07 season. I'll be upgrading to konis later this year! :cool:

Here are some pics of my car in action courtesy Team WTF?!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/ChikeWRX01-1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/ChikeWRX02-1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/ChikeWRX03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/ChikeWRX04.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Sam Strano:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/Strano.jpg

Mark Daddio:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/Daddio.jpg

Jonathan Roberts:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/Roberts.jpg

Ian Stewart:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/DC%20Pro%20Solo%20June%2007/Stewart.jpg

[Mr. Pockets]

When changing back to my street tires Sunday afternoon, I realized the reason why my car was so pushy in corners. Both of my factory front struts are now leaking... :( I found last summer that one of my Outback's struts was leaking. What's Subaru buying these days? :p

[Chiketkd]

What's Subaru buying these days? :p
KYB is the OE strut manufacturer. My car is still under warranty but I won't be getting them replaced as the stock struts are crap. I'll hold out until this Fall and go to konis. If the car doesn't make it, then I'll just do co-drives until the end of the season.

[SSSVX]

Chike, how many miles on your WRX now from your abuse? :p Any recommendation...where to get struts at good deal on the web? :) My struts are leaking too/my strut mounts are not as good I think.

[Chiketkd]

Chike, how many miles on your WRX now from your abuse? :p Any recommendation...where to get struts at good deal on the web? :) My struts are leaking too/my strut mounts are not as good I think.
My car currently has 35K miles - one more 1K miles and it'll be out of warranty. IIRC, SVXs came stock with Showa struts. AFAIK, the new Imprezas and Legacies have KYB struts.

Not sure where cheap struts can be bought on-line.

Btw, Sam Strano pointed out on SCCA Forums that they were over 20 National Solo and Pro Solo champions at the DC pro Solo this past weekend.

[Chiketkd]

After speaking with my friend who's a former solo National Tour winner, I'm looking to replace my front struts with Tokico HP's:

http://www.prostreetonline.com/pso/images/products/HU3730_m.jpg Tokico HP Struts

These come stock on the Mazdaspeed Protege and should be noticeably better than my stockers. They're not adjustable and aren't as good as konis, but should work well with the stockers which I'll be keeping in the back.

These HP's will only need to last me until this winter when I'll be upgrading to konis...or maybe even Ohlins struts! :)

[Chiketkd]

...and should arrive by Friday, July 6th. Ran me $173.60 shipped to my door! :)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Struts/Tokico.jpg

A member of my Blue Ridge SCCA club who lives nearby will help me replace the struts on Sunday, July 8th.

[SSSVX]

I'm also looking at this strut(tokico hp) for my mazda. Maybe I will hold on for a while, it leaks but not as bad. I definitely need strut mounts too at that time.

Chike, you just change two? So your front is gonna be stiffer than the rear? Do you think urethane will help extend the life of strut mount or help old strut mounts perform better?

Let us know what you think for this strut later on.

[Chiketkd]

I'm also looking at this strut(tokico hp) for my mazda. Maybe I will hold on for a while, it leaks but not as bad. I definitely need strut mounts too at that time.

Chike, you just change two? So your front is gonna be stiffer than the rear? Do you think urethane will help extend the life of strut mount or help old strut mounts perform better?

Let us know what you think for this strut later on.
Ken,

My friends on the Mazda forums rave about the Tokico struts. The piston in the strut is much thicker than the factory unit, and these should be noticeably stiffer. I'm sure they'll be great for your mazda.

I'm just replacing the fronts as these will only be on my car for ~6 months. These should work very well with my stockers out back, and should help my big front swaybar keep my car flat in corners. Come Xmas, it'll be time for konis at all four corners ($600) -- or even Ohlins fixed perch struts which cost ~$1,800 for a set. ;)

Chike

[Chiketkd]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Struts/Tokicostrutsdelivered.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Struts/Tokicostruts.jpg

They'll be on my car by Sunday! :cool:

Chike

[Royal Tiger]

Who let the rustangs enter? :)

Tenth, not bad, but you let two other Subies beat you. :(

I'd like to see what you could do with a Cayman S.

[Chiketkd]

Who let the rustangs enter? :)

Tenth, not bad, but you let two other Subies beat you. :(

I'd like to see what you could do with a Cayman S.
LOL! Those Shelby rustangs are pretty darn quick! ;)

Even with my leaky stock struts, I could have cut at least another 1.5-1.8 seconds off of my combined time - on my fastest runs per course, I made mistakes before and during the slaloms. :(

I doubt I'll ever be in a Cayman S...I'll be competing in this car for at least another 2-3 seasons.

[Royal Tiger]

That's why I said I'd like to see it. rustangs are in D-Stock? Or where you just sharing pics? Maybe the Mrs. will get you a twin turbo 330i for x-mas. :) I'd still take the Cayman S though.

[Chiketkd]

That's why I said I'd like to see it. rustangs are in D-Stock? Or where you just sharing pics? Maybe the Mrs. will get you a twin turbo 330i for x-mas. :) I'd still take the Cayman S though.
No the Shelby's, mustangs, camaros, firebirds, etc are all in F-Stock which is the muscle car class.

Not a fan of the twin turbo BMW 335i as it has no rear lsd - just an open diff. :(

[Royal Tiger]

Oops. 335. If money were no object I'd go GT3 RS or if you wanted a conventinal car, the new AMG CLK63 Black Series. The 997 TT is faster, but the idea of driving a F1 Pace Car is appealing! :) Is the new Skyline GT-R going to be AWD?

[Chiketkd]

Is the new Skyline GT-R going to be AWD?
You betcha! That car is going to be beastly! :cool:

If money were no object, I'd autoX a 996 911 GT3. It's classed in SS and sounds heavenly at full song! :cool:

[Royal Tiger]

Don't like the new 997 GT3 RS? Lighter and faster.

I'd love to see the new RUF version of the Cayman.

[Chiketkd]

Don't like the new 997 GT3 RS? Lighter and faster.

I'd love to see the new RUF version of the Cayman.
I love the 997 GT3 and GT3 RS, however, they're classed in ASP and aren't legal for Super Stock (SS). The 996 GT3 is legal for SS which is why I'd want one to autoX if money wasn't an object...

[benebob]

I'd love to see the new RUF version of the Cayman.

I don't get 'em. To me they look like a modern VW Ghia.

[rufus]

I don't get 'em. To me they look like a modern VW Ghia.

You are kidding, right? ;)

[Chiketkd]

Took about 1.5hrs to do the install at my friend Steve's house. Very straight-forward and everything went smoothly - it's awesome working on my low mileage Impreza which has zero rust/corrosion on the bolts. :)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Struts/Tokicostrutsinstalled.jpg

I compared one of my stock front struts to one of the new Tokico's. On the stock strut, when you push the piston in, it goes down with some resistance, but when you let go, the piston rebounds v-e-r-y slowly to being fully extended again. The tokico strut on the other hand, takes some *serious* force to compress the piston and when you let go, the piston rebounds in a flash! :cool:

I can definitely feel the difference on the road. Car responds very quickly to transitional inputs and settles down much faster afterwards.

I'll be getting my car aligned next Saturday morning, and Sunday is WDCR event #4! :cool:

Chike

[Royal Tiger]

No more 11ths behind two other Subies!

[Chiketkd]

No more 11ths behind two other Subies!
LOL! We'll see. Besides...it was a 10th at a National event. :p

I've got to get re-adjusted to my car again...it'll be fun though! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

Got my car re-aligned this morning at Central Tire in Verona, VA (after the front strut install last Sunday). We maxed out front -ve camber and zero'd out the front toe settings. Rear camber is fixed from the factory and I'm currently running an 1/8" of toe out per side to help the car rotate a little easier in transitions (this has been my 5th alignment for the season). Current alignment specs sit as follows:

LEFT ------------------------ RIGHT

Front
Camber: -1.5 deg ---------- -1.5 deg
Toe: 0.00" ------------------ 0.00"

Rear
Camber: -1.5 deg ---------- -1.2 deg
Toe: 1/8" out --------------- 1/8" out

WDCR event #4 is tomorrow! :cool:

Chike

[Royal Tiger]

I hope you did good today. Post your results.

[SSSVX]

Do these struts handle and stop better?

How much change for the ride quality?

I hope you get better times with them.

[svxfiles]

I hope you did good today. Post your results.
Chi ke,Bob
How didja do?
So did you have to learn the handeling all over again?

[benebob]

You are kidding, right? ;)

No rufus I'm not kidding. Its nothing more than a VW bug that was put on the quartering machine and yanked for a spell.

[Chiketkd]

I hope you did good today. Post your results.
Official results aren't posted yet. I had a co-driver who finished 4th in class (I was 3-4 spots back in a 16 person field), but he ended up 0.8 seconds behind the winner (Matt Arnold - 20th at Nationals in '05) who was driving a fully prepped 330i which won Nationals in '05 (in the hands of his co-driver GJ Dixon).

Once the reuslts are up, I'll be sure to post them here.
Do these struts handle and stop better?

How much change for the ride quality?

I hope you get better times with them.
The handling is greatly improved. Car resets much faster during quick transitional elements, and there's much less brake dive. Ride quality is a little stiffer - but not jarring in the least.
So did you have to learn the handeling all over again? In a way yes, but in a way no. The car is handling much better now, and I have to get used to how much faster the car can slalom now. My co-driver typically competes in an '06 WRX on Tokico D-Spec struts all around, so he's used to a car that transitions quickly (he cross-threaded 3 studs and had to co-drive with me at the last minute). My car is set-up a lot more loose than his (his words, not mine), so he did have to get used to everything.

Chike

[Chiketkd]

Okay, here's my account of last Sunday's WDCR event - final results are still not posted on the solo.wdcr-scca.org website, but were posted in preliminary form last night on the wdcr yahoo message board.

My energy level for the day really 'tanked' after working the 4th heat out on a hot 95+ deg course with no shade. Formula Junior carts ran during that heat and one completely broke down by my station. The chain had come off the engine and got caught in something which locked the drive wheels. As a result, the cart couldn't be pushed - my friend Harry and I had to physically lift the cart and carry it roughly 50 yards or so over to the side of the parking lot. This is a pic that Team WTF?! took of the incident (not the greatest quality but you get the idea):

http://teamwtf.smugmug.com/photos/174312488-M.jpg

D-Stock didn't run until the 6th and final run group of the day. I offered my friend Eduardo a ride, when he cross-threaded at least 3 wheel studs when changing tires that morning on his D-Stock '06 WRX. My car was also driven earlier in the day by one of my good autoX friends Katie, who's the girlfriend of Shawn - the guy who's miata I co-drove earlier in the season.

The break-down of my runs were as follows:
Run 1: Took it easy in the slalom, really wanted to focus on my lines and running clean. Came down the hill to the showcase, went in too hot and pushed really wide loosing a good deal of momentum & boost. Drove the rest of the course reasonably well and finished with a 59.9 +0
Run 2: Came up through the slalom slightly faster and pushed really wide in the 180 turn-around at the top, came down into the showcase too fast once more and pushed wide. Drove okay over the rest of the course and finished with a 60.7 +0
Run 3: Got a solid run through the slalom, everything was feeling good coming down the hill into the showcase, braked earlier and nailed it! No push whatsoever, and I went out of the showcase with some solid speed. I got into those two offsets before the 180 skidpad thingie faster than before and went over 20ft wide in the first (had to counter steer to prevent a spin)! Came off of the skidpad with some decent speed and didn't lift until I came down the hill, went into the finish and ran a 59.7 +0 with my freaking a/c still on!!!
Run 4: Crap. Slalom didn't feel good at all, car pushed in 3 places killing momentum, and my final time was a 60.0 +0.

Results:
'D Stock' - Total Entries: 16 Trophies: 3 Times Total Diff.
1T 57 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 58.606+1 58.437 58.036+1 57.811 57.811 -
2T 157 Rubenstein, Nicholas 2003 BMW 330i 58.010 57.884 57.917 57.431+2 57.884 0.073
3T 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 58.150 58.131 58.277 57.675+1 58.131 0.247
4 170 Arispe, Eduardo 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 59.600+1 59.240 58.882+1 58.525 58.525 0.394
5 71 Staples, Curtis 2002 Bmw 330Ci Blue 59.404 59.676 58.594 59.072 58.594 0.069
6 50 Taylor, Bill 2002 Subaru Wrx World Rally Blue 60.278 58.996 58.596 58.914 58.596 0.002
7 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 60.048 59.559 60.635 60.049 59.559 0.963
8 70 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 59.919 60.733 59.778 60.088 59.778 0.219
9 46 Redington, Alex 2001 Audi S4 Black 63.219+1 62.980 61.435 61.332 61.332 1.554
10 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Black 62.834 61.886 62.694 61.840 61.840 0.508
11 11 Clark, Jim 2004 Subaru Forester Xt Black 64.898 62.379 61.863 61.865 61.863 0.023
12 180 Radford, William 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 65.106 62.872 62.683 62.102 62.102 0.239
13 42 Cuellar, Roland 2005 Subaru Wrx Wagon Silver 64.021 62.666 62.700+1 62.365+1 62.666 0.564
14 48 Williams, Phil 2001 Bmw 330I Orient Blue 65.691+DNF 63.840 66.721 64.373 63.840 1.174
15 3 Rollison, John 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Black 64.437+DNF 64.844 64.325 65.365 64.325 0.485
16 33 Garbow, Trevor 2005 Subaru Wrx Silver 74.110 69.798+1 69.101+DNF 68.694+1

Summary:
8th out of 16 in DS
102 out of 244 in PAX

Pics:

Yours truly:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Chike04.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Chike01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Chike02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Chike03.jpg

My co-driver Eduardo:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Eduardo01.jpg

Katie in my car:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Katie01.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Some of pics of DS competitors:

Harry (who helped me lift the cart)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Harry01.jpg

Matt's 330i
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Matt01.jpg

Larry's ITR
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Larry01.jpg

Dodge Viper (which competed in ASP)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%207-15-07/Viper.jpg

[Chiketkd]

My next event is the Coventry CommonWealth Games of VA 2-day autocross to be held this weekend (7/21-7/22).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/CommonwealthGamesofVA.jpg

I'll be up against Keith Vail (drives a black Crossfire), the winner of D-Stock at the DC Pro Solo last month.

When analyzing my driving last Sunday, I realize that I'm not looking ahead enough when on course - hopefully by going back-to-the-basics, I can pick my driving up another notch and stay close to Keith's times over the 2 day event. :)

Chike

[Royal Tiger]

You were the 3rd Subaru, and you lost to an Acura. No christmas cookies for you.

[Chiketkd]

You were the 3rd Subaru, and you lost to an Acura. No christmas cookies for you.
Thanks Dan. That makes me feel so warm & fuzzy inside! :p

[benebob]

You were the 3rd Subaru, you lost to an Acura and you took a picture of said Acura. No christmas cookies for you.

Fixed your post Dan. :D

[Chiketkd]

^
I can't claim credit for taking any of the posted pics from WDCR events - they're primarily taken by Alex T. of Team WTF?!

[Royal Tiger]

Had you lost to a ford, I'd have some boys come over and take the WRX back. Consider this a warning.








And still no cookies.

[Chiketkd]

I competed in the official 2-day CommonWealth Games of Virginia at Danville airport last weekend. I was up against experienced drivers in well prepped cars.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/CommonwealthGamesofVA02.jpg

Day 1:
The course was reasonably fast & flowing except for one tight gate near the end. I ran into cone trouble and had to run almost 2 seconds slower on my last run inorder to run clean. I finished the day 2nd in class, more than 2 seconds behind the leader Keith Vail in his Chrysler Crossfire (DC Pro Solo Champion in D-stock).

Day 2:
Spent the night at the hotel with my family and got up Sunday morning feeling very well rested. I took to Sunday's faster course much better and had the lead over Keith for the first three runs (he was having a little cone trouble). Couldn't quite put a perfect run together and Keith ended up bettering my time on his 4th and final run. Combined 2 day results are below:

D-Stock
157 DS KEITH VAIL 05 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE BLACK 97.512
70 DS CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX STEEL GRAY 100.933
185 DS WILLIAM BAKER 06 SUBARU WRX SILVER 102.311
24 DS STEVE DASHER 06 SUBARU WRX SILVER 102.800
http://www.brr-scca.org/2007Combined.htm

While Keith won by 3+ seconds, if you take 2 seconds off of my combined time (for my coned runs on Saturday), I would have had a 2 day time in the 98's. :o

Summary:
2nd out of 4 in DS
44th out of 111 in PAX (Saturday)
22nd out of 115 in PAX (Sunday)

The prize for my 2-day efforts was a CommonWealth Games silver medal:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Silvermedal.jpg

Pics:

Yours truly
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Chike03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Chike04.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Chike05.jpg

Other competitors:

Jinx Jordan
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/JinxJordan.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Corvair.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/CSPMiata.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/STS318i.jpg

[Chiketkd]

This coming weekend I'll be at Radford University for my local SCCA club's event #7. This will be followed up by the WDCR event #5 at Fedex Stadium the following Sunday. The best is saved for last, as I'll be at the two day North Carolina Autocross Championships being held at Danville Regional airport on 8/25-8/26.

I'm trying to do a few of these 2 day events in 2007 as I prepare for the '08 season where I plan on doing at least one National Tour event, and three Pro Solo events followed by a trip to Topeka for the Pro Finale.

In other news, I'll be switching tire brands to run Hankooks Z214's:

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/uploadfile/product/z214_tire_left.gif

These tires come in three different compounds. A hard C30 compound for road-racing, a medium C50 compound for autocross/road racing, and a softer C70 compound for autocross only. I'll be picking up a set of 245/40/17 C50 compound tires pretty soon, and depending on my experience with them, I'll run C70 compound tires next season. These tires run $199 each from Frisby Tire, and are much cheaper than my current Hoosiers which run $237 each from The Tirerack. From several accounts on sccaforums, these tires are taking road racing by storm and are proving to be as fast as the Hoosier R6, and in autoX good drivers are winning National Tour and Pro Solo events on this rubber and can match the times of drivers on Hoosier A6's.

Here's a stack of 245/40/17 Z214's stacked up next to a set of 225/45/17 RE070's (my current street tires):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/842367523_db7ded1455.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I competed at the Blue Ridge Region Event #7 held at Radford University on Sunday. I ran solo in the DS class on a rather tight autocross course on which I found no real rhythm. Pax-wise I finished 14th overall, but my fastest time came on a run where I nearly spun out twice (requiring heavy amounts of counter steering).

I always try to learn from my mistakes, and the course designer sent me back-to-school yesterday! :D

Either way, I had fun and got to hang out with several of my autoX buddies - one of which will be moving away pretty soon to Mississippi with his wife. :(

DS - D Stock Time Pax
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX STEEL GRAY 36.511 29.355
http://www.brr-scca.org/08052007.htm

Summary:
1 out 1 in DS
14th out of 67 in PAX


Pics:
Yours truly
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p354da0c50703bd708e1524ee40b8d2f4/e83c7a7e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pdcac952f29a1392ebed5b423a9064d7d/e83c38a8.jpg

SM2 C5 Vette
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pdb710bdb3393c7ce6a7384c61bbcb0f6/e83c855c.jpg

SM2 Corvair
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8315eec0f226e14632ae4b188897b631/e83c8401.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Yours truly x2

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p5b01f797ddc44c76aa012df6a95be627/e83c2942.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pde0e1c7baaf9de1439b93aac182208b5/e83c2842.jpg

SS Cayman S
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pae50bffaf468d98eb7653c3ee2d47c4c/e83c2a36.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p87b2d4678eedadcb7097da1eca79080e/e83c2a0a.jpg

BS 350Z
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p64d9d3a6d0266db776b4cdf478828d46/e83c813e.jpg

This is me trying to explain to a guy (not in view) why his 3,600lb Mustang Cobra convertible wasn't able to be competitive in Street Mod in its current state:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb2e52b6feefc58b0e614b7c339594537/e83c44b7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p71ce217e04c0e0c27fb93ea375104936/e83c3c09.jpg

WTF?! Hitting cones is bad!!! :eek:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pae9897afe9fb075d990e9bf6c7235fc3/e83c3e17.jpg

[subi-crosser]

Yours truly x2

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p5b01f797ddc44c76aa012df6a95be627/e83c2942.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pde0e1c7baaf9de1439b93aac182208b5/e83c2842.jpg

SS Cayman S
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pae50bffaf468d98eb7653c3ee2d47c4c/e83c2a36.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p87b2d4678eedadcb7097da1eca79080e/e83c2a0a.jpg

BS 350Z
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p64d9d3a6d0266db776b4cdf478828d46/e83c813e.jpg

This is me trying to explain to a guy (not in view) why his 3,600lb Mustang Cobra convertible wasn't able to be competitive in Street Mod in its current state:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb2e52b6feefc58b0e614b7c339594537/e83c44b7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p71ce217e04c0e0c27fb93ea375104936/e83c3c09.jpg

WTF?! Hitting cones is bad!!! :eek:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pae9897afe9fb075d990e9bf6c7235fc3/e83c3e17.jpg


Looking forward to seeing you in sept! (they wrote a song about that!)

I don't think auto-Xing was included though.

[Chiketkd]

Looking forward to seeing you in sept! (they wrote a song about that!)

I don't think auto-Xing was included though.
Thanks Jerry. I'll be at the Subaru Challenge ready for action! :cool:

Hopefully, I'll remember to eat breakfast before I head out! :p

[Royal Tiger]

Good Luck Chike. And I see the look of envy on your face with the Cayman S! :D

[Chiketkd]

Good Luck Chike. And I see the look of envy on your face with the Cayman S! :D
No look of envy - but those Caymans are nice and sound awesome at full song!

I'll do at least another season in my WRX, but my next car after that will most likely be a Z or RX-8. The RX-8 has a few reliability issues and requires frequent maintenance, while the Z has a cheapish interior and is a lot less practical, but is reliable to a fault. This car will not not daily driven, as I'll be using my wife's 4 door Lancer for family duties (she's getting a mid-size SUV this winter).

So 1 more year in DS (with a trip to Topeka), then I'll be changing classes... ;)

[SVXRide]

No look of envy - but those Caymans are nice and sound awesome at full song!

I'll do at least another season in my WRX, but my next car after that will most likely be a Z or RX-8. The RX-8 has a few reliability issues and requires frequent maintenance, while the Z has a cheapish interior and is a lot less practical, but is reliable to a fault. This car will not not daily driven, as I'll be using my wife's 4 door Lancer for family duties (she's getting a mid-size SUV this winter).

So 1 more year in DS (with a trip to Topeka), then I'll be changing classes... ;)

wait....wait...."I have to get rid of my SVX because I need 4 doors":rolleyes: :D
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

wait....wait...."I have to get rid of my SVX because I need 4 doors":rolleyes: :D
-Bill
Which is correct - hence my current 4 door Impreza. I'll have my wife's 4 door for commuting so she's encouraging me to make my next car a true sports cars if I so want. :D

I used to own a 300ZX TT and that was our date car when we first met, so we both 'love' the Z! :cool:

[Royal Tiger]

Wait for the 370Z. More power and far better interior. Or with your small fortune, you can buy the G37 Coupe now. The RX-8 sucks. It's not 1.3L like the Mazda propaganda machine insists, but a 2.6L. Sport Compact Car did a nice multi paged story on it a few years back. I wish Automobile and Car & Driver who do their own research before jumping on the 1.3L banter. Secondy, the one secratary in the Youth Division bought one for her son. It makes more trips to the dealer then your normal ford POS. The topper was when she started it and backed it out of the driveway. When he went to start it an hour later it wouldn't. They called the Mazda dealer and they were told they didn't let the car get to it's proper operating tempature and it will have this issue when "treated" like it was (their words). I never realized backing out a car and parking it was so tramatic to such a "fine" automobile. I have never heard of a 911 GT3 not starting after such horrific treatment. In fact the GT3 will lap the Nuremburgring in under 8 minutes, and take you out to dinner right after. Get the Nissan.

[Chiketkd]

Dan,

I've heard of that issue with the RX-8. It's definitely happens quite often to owners not aware of the rotary engine's quirks. I like the RX-8 for its practicality and the fact that it isn't torquey and is more of a momentum car. This'll develop my driving in a way in a different way from my current WRX.

While I'm not set on getting the RX-8 or Z at this point, they'll both be on my list! My price range will probably be 30-40K. If the 370Z is out by then, I'd definitely take that over a 350Z. Other cars like the STI & Evo also fall into that price range and will be considered... :D

-Chike

[Chiketkd]

In other news, I'll be switching tire brands to run Hankooks Z214's:

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/uploadfile/product/z214_tire_left.gif

These tires come in three different compounds. A hard C30 compound for road-racing, a medium C50 compound for autocross/road racing, and a softer C70 compound for autocross only. I'll be picking up a set of 245/40/17 C50 compound tires pretty soon, and depending on my experience with them, I'll run C70 compound tires next season. These tires run $199 each from Frisby Tire, and are much cheaper than my current Hoosiers which run $237 each from The Tirerack. From several accounts on sccaforums, these tires are taking road racing by storm and are proving to be as fast as the Hoosier R6, and in autoX good drivers are winning National Tour and Pro Solo events on this rubber and can match the times of drivers on Hoosier A6's.

Here's a stack of 245/40/17 Z214's stacked up next to a set of 225/45/17 RE070's (my current street tires):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/842367523_db7ded1455.jpg
The tires arrived today via Fedex and will be mounted Saturday morning! The rubber feels very soft and grippy to the touch - I can't wait to try these bad boys out!!!!! :ninja:
P.S. I'll update my blog soon with results from last Sunday's WDCR. Karen Kraus co-drove my car with and it was solid day at the office.

[Royal Tiger]

Dan,

I've heard of that issue with the RX-8. It's definitely happens quite often to owners not aware of the rotary engine's quirks. I like the RX-8 for its practicality and the fact that it isn't torquey and is more of a momentum car. This'll develop my driving in a way in a different way from my current WRX.

While I'm not set on getting the RX-8 or Z at this point, they'll both be on my list! My price range will probably be 30-40K. If the 370Z is out by then, I'd definitely take that over a 350Z. Other cars like the STI & Evo also fall into that price range and will be considered... :D

-Chike

If you want a torque-less car, get a S2000, not that RX-8 POS. I could at least tolerate your Mazdaspeed 6 obsession but, the RX-8 is not worth it Chike, seriously. Get the G37, probably the best car in the vein you are looking at. Here is another clincher, an early 996 Carerra 2 cost about the same as a new RX-8. What would you rather have?

[benebob]

The tires arrived today via Fedex and will be mounted Saturday morning! The rubber feels very soft and grippy to the touch - I can't wait to try these bad boys out!!!!! :ninja:
P.S. I'll update my blog soon with results from last Sunday's WDCR. Karen Kraus co-drove my car with and it was solid day at the office.

Hoosiers are that fast but they're very predictable and last! From my understanding you may need to get the Korean kids working harder to make you some more by the end of the year!:D

[SVXRide]

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 18 Trophies: 3 Times Total Diff.
1T 99 Roberts, Shawn 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege Teh Spicy 44.729 43.918 42.979 43.469 42.979 -
2T 170 Kraus, Karen 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Black 44.252 43.124+5 44.026+1 43.139 43.139 0.160
3T 57 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 43.742 43.500 43.244 43.478 43.244 0.105
4 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 44.597 44.128 43.550 43.274 43.274 0.030
5 82 Pozner, Alan 2000 Acura Integra Type R Yellow 45.312 44.398 43.699 43.150+1 43.699 0.425
6 6 Arispe, Eduardo 2006 Subaru Wrx Blue 44.626 44.438+DNF 43.525+1 44.081 44.081 0.382
7 182 Snyder, James 2000 Acura Integra Type R Yellow 45.060 44.561 44.699 44.307 44.307 0.226
8 70 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 46.336 45.367 44.734 44.895 44.734 0.427
9 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 45.083+1 46.059 44.469+1 44.866 44.866 0.132
10 27 Winkler, Matt 2005 Dodge Srt-4 Acr Black 50.116 47.771 46.819 46.619+2 46.819 1.953
11 48 Williams, Phil 2001 Bmw 330I Orient Blue 48.848 48.291 47.499 46.960 46.960 0.141
12 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Black 48.916+DNF 47.353 47.626 46.976 46.976 0.016
13 42 Cuellar, Roland 2005 Subaru Wrx Wagon Silver 49.272 47.682 48.478 47.407 47.407 0.431
14 46 Redington, Alex 2001 Audi S4 Black 49.038 47.608+1 47.672 47.955 47.672 0.265
15 3 Rollison, John 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Black 49.389+DNF 49.253+DNF 48.751 48.758 48.751 1.079
16 7 Walker, Don 2004 Volkswagen R32 Black 53.909 52.819 50.178 48.990 48.990 0.239
17 36 Kiernan, Rob 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Red 50.494+DNF 49.952 48.701+1 49.743+DNF 49.952 0.962
18 5 Castillo, Mario 2001 Bmw 325Ci Blue 67.342+DNF 59.557+DNF DNF 49.952

Looks like his car is hiding ~1.5 seconds from him:D

[Royal Tiger]

3rd Subaru, but at least he beat the neon! :D

[Chiketkd]

Thanks for posting the results Bill! I was waiting on Team WTF to upload pics before posting... ;)

Okay, WDCR event #8 was interesting... The black WRX Karen was supposed to drive was in an accident, so she co-drove with me at the last minute. Temps were in the 90F range, but luckily there was a steady breeze all day that made things tolerable.

I focused on looking ahead more and being smoother with my steering inputs and ran a semi-decent time. Still made a couple mistakes in 3-4 corners on my fastest run and should have apexed to pivot cones later than I did. Karen and I also had to play with tire pressures a good deal, as my Hoosier R5's were on their last legs (heat cycled out).

Summary:
8th out of 18 in DS
94th out of 245 in PAX

Some pics from the D-stock action that day:

Yours truly
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185039811-M.jpg

http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185039892-M.jpg

Shawn's MSP (1st in DS)
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185040433-M.jpg

Co-driver Karen (2nd in DS)
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185045771-M.jpg

Matt's 330i (3rd in DS)
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185045281-M.jpg

Larry's ITR (4th in DS)
http://photos.teamwtf.org/photos/185050911-M.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I decided to take part in the Autocrossers Inc event #3 at Ripken Stadium on Sunday inorder to feel out my new tires before the 2-day North Carolina Autocross Championships (NCAC being held 8/25-8/26). Results should be up later this week, but here's a preview: I ran against my friend Shawn (orange MSP owner that won last Sunday's WDCR event). The weather was overcast, mid 70's, and our first two runs were with a light rain, while the last two runs had no rain but on a wet course that was 'drying'... ;) Oh, these Hankook Z214's are amazing!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Chiketkd]

Hoosiers are that fast but they're very predictable and last! From my understanding you may need to get the Korean kids working harder to make you some more by the end of the year!:D
Hoosiers are fast, but unfortunately the A6 compound doesn't last very long on 3,000+lb vehicles. Lee Piccione cords the 285 Hoosiers on his BS 350Z in 30-40 runs, while my buddy Keith corded the front hoosiers on his Crossfire in 20 runs.

The Hoosier R5's I was using do last much longer, but aren't as grippy and can heat cycle out after 60-75 runs (tires had 90 runs on them when Karen and I drove the car).

Oh and btw, the Hankook Z214's are the real deal and actually wear much better than Hoosiers. It is not uncommon to get 150+ runs out of a set. :)

[Chiketkd]

As I mentioned a few posts back, I decided to compete in Sunday's AI event @ Ripken at the last minute, as I got my new Hankook racing tires mounted Saturday morning and I wanted to test them out before the 2-day NCAC event I'm doing this upcoming weekend.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/Subaru%20SPT%20Wheels/245C51Hankooks01.jpg

The weather was dreary and wet, and part of me regretted driving 3 hours one-way to run and work in the rain. :rolleyes: DS ran in Heat 1 along with AS, BS, CS, ES and FS.

By the time I pulled up to do my 1st run, the rain was coming down steadily and I had my wipers going full blast. Took it easy through the course as I had never raced on these Hankooks before, and finished with a reasonably decent, and clean 51.4. My friend Shawn Roberts who won the last WDCR event in his orange MSP, finished with a 50.2 second run that was also clean. Neither of us improved on our 2nd runs (rain was coming down pretty hard), but by our third runs, the rain had stopped. The drainage is pretty decent at the Ripken Lot, so there was no standing water on course.

Shawn went out for his third run and came back in with a clean 49.5 run! I went out a few cars behind him, ran my lines throughout the entire course and crossed the finish with a clean 49.1 second time!!! I had the provisional lead in DS. :)

Shawn and I chatted before our 4th runs and we both felt more time was out there especially as the rain was holding up and the course was starting to 'dry' in a few places. We both felt a 48 second run was doable, maybe a 47 if the stars aligned. Shawn was up first and was positively flying through the course - no cones were hit and he came back in with a 47.459!!! :eek: I was up a few cars behind him and headed out on course with the goal of turning it up another notch through each element on course. I +vely attacked the slalom, and seemed to be carrying some nice speed going into the final elements on course. Went around the final turn, floored it through the finish and crossed with a clean 47.365 second run!!!! Shawn came running up to my car, and asked me what I ran and told me congrats!

Final results in DS were as follows:

D Stock - PAX = 0.804 Best PAX Interval
1T 70 Chike Dellimore : Subaru WRX Silver 51.419 51.762 49.120 47.365 47.365 38.081
2T 96 Shawn Roberts : Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege 50.472 49.599 47.459 50.274 47.459 38.157 (0.094)
3T 13 Harry Hogenkamp : Subaru WRX Black 54.157 53.191 52.519 49.403 49.403 39.720 (1.944)
4 72 William Marsteller : BMW 328i Green 54.792 53.440 52.064 49.496 49.496 39.795 (0.093)
5 36 Rob Kiernan : Subaru WRX Red 57.024 60.849(1) 54.756 51.913 51.913 41.738 (2.417)
6 8 Dave Blood : Subaru Legacy Silver 59.974 57.220 56.094 52.778 52.778 42.434 (0.865)
7 [N]85 Cody Pennetti : Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Bla 68.860 57.650 56.099 56.398 56.099 45.104 (3.321)

http://www.autocrossersinc.org/docs/2007_08_19_AI_Results.pdf

Summary:
1st out of 7 in DS
11th out of 116 in PAX

P.S. Next event is the two day NCAC being held this coming weekend at the Danville airport. Hopefully the weather will be dry and the times will be fast! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

I'll be heading out early tomorrow morning for Danville, VA. Weather is supposed to be 100F and sunny on Saturday ( :eek: :eek::eek: ), and 92F with a stray thunderstorm on Sunday.

Run groups were sent out via e-mail from the event organizer and are as follows:

Run Groups:
1) all STOCK except FS, GS, HS
2) FS, GS, HS, STREET PREP, PREPARED
3) all STREET TOURING
4) all MODIFIED, SM, SM2, PRO, NOV, Tire

So while Stock gets to clean off the course for everyone in the 1st run group, I'll get to run in the coolest part of the day (probably will be 85-90F around 11am).

Chike

[Chiketkd]

I competed in the 2 day NCAC over the weekend, held in Danville, VA. I drove like a mule's father pure and simple - especially on Saturday (Day 1). :rolleyes: It also didn't help that everyone in the 1st run group was expecting 4 runs - but found out we would only get 3 after our third runs were completed... Looking at things conservatively, I easily left a low 48 out there on Saturday, as I wasn't downshifting to 1st during the slow 180 turn-around at the end of the runway. :(

Day 2 was slightly better as I downshifted in the turn-around from the get go! :p I just happened to tap 2 cones on my final run which if it had been clean, would have put me 0.2 seconds behind Buckley -- and 0.6 seconds behind Buckley's & Vail's fastest raw times (FWIW, Buckley finished 5th at Solo Nationals in a B-stock RX-8 last year).

While Vail and I were on older tires (Keith had 40 run V710's IIRC; I'm on 3 track session heat-cycled medium compound C51 Z214's), Buckley was on fresh tires which he was scrubbing in for Topeka.

I can't wait to add konis and run fresh C7 Z214's next season! :ninja:


'D Stock' - Total Entries: 6 Trophies: 2 Day Times Total

1T 87 Aaron Buckley 06 Chrysler Crossfire 90.444
D1 48.726 49.050+1 47.120
D2 42.967+2 43.324 43.582

2T 57 Keith Vail 05 Chrysler Crossfire 91.672
D1 49.099 47.665 48.035
D2 44.007 42.910+1 43.213+1

3 28 Chuck Branscomb 03 BMW 330i ZHP 92.986
D1 50.349+dnf 49.120 49.181
D2 45.329 43.866 44.369

4 70 Chike Dellimore 06 Subaru WRX 93.951
D1 52.190+dnf 51.399 49.921
D2 44.729 44.030 43.551+2

5 729 Shane Warren 06 Subaru WRX 97.282
D1 55.976 52.300 50.274
D2 50.440 47.008 46.128+1

6 24 Steve Dasher 06 Subaru WRX 97.660
D1 54.187 52.908 51.796
D2 46.309+dnf 46.595 45.864

Link to complete Final Results: NCAC Final Results (http://homepage.mac.com/shaneeudy/HSCCresults/2007ncac_fin.htm)

Summary
4th out of 6 in DS
26 out of 145 in PAX

[SVXRide]

Just to put things into a "speed" comparison.....kinda makes you think all the full-bodied car videos are being run in slow motion:eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5eJLYccjY

-Bill

[Chiketkd]

Event #6 is now behind me. Several of the turns were off-camber which made my back-end extremely loose -- had to counter-steer to keep the car from spinning on each of my 4 runs when going through the slalom at the top of the course! :rolleyes: I easily lost 0.5-1 second on each run in that section alone (as well as the corresponding loss in speed/momentum)! :(

Kraus won DS by 0.1 seconds over Matt Arnold - she was in the '06 black WRX she'll be driving at the Pro Finale and Solo Nationals later this month -- she was also on fresh "sticker" 245/40/17 Hoosier A6's that she was scrubbing in for Nats.

My good friend Shawn, finished 4th in his "Spicy Orange" MSP (he also had oversteering issues on course), while I finished up in 6th place. Definitely felt like a low 56/high 55 was within my grasp that day.

Final results in DS were as follows:

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 15 Trophies: 3 Times Total Diff.
1T 34 Kraus, Karen 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Black 55.974 56.175 56.457 55.542 55.542 -
2T 57 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 56.193 56.373 54.972+1 55.614 55.614 0.072
3T 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 56.325 56.208 56.460 56.311 56.208 0.594
4 99 Roberts, Shawn 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege Teh Spicy 57.964 56.521 56.771 57.413 56.521 0.313
5 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 59.406+DNF 56.804 56.638 56.867 56.638 0.117
6 70 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 59.110+2 57.928+1 57.541 57.878 57.541 0.903
7 7 Little, Carroll 2006 Subaru Legacy Gt Silver 63.679 57.639 58.038+1 63.561+DNF 57.639 0.098
8 71 Staples, Curtis 2002 Bmw 330Ci Blue 58.846 58.056 58.400 57.659 57.659 0.020
9 180 Radford, William 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 61.629 59.151 59.250 58.624 58.624 0.965
10 46 Redington, Alex 2001 Audi S4 Black 60.859 60.066 60.338+1 60.241 60.066 1.442
11 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Black 63.562 60.267 60.245 60.483 60.245 0.179
12 42 Cuellar, Roland 2005 Subaru Wrx Wagon Silver 63.522 62.605 62.039 60.357 60.357 0.112
13 48 Williams, Phil 2001 Bmw 330I Orient Blue 62.195 61.483 63.117+1 60.984 60.984 0.627
14 17 Walker, Don 2004 Volkswagen R32 Black 63.653+DNF 62.452 62.373 61.792 61.792 0.808
15 3 Rollison, John 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Black 66.029+1 62.935+5 62.375+4 63.008 63.008 1.216
http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/results/20070902.php

Summary:
6th out of 15th in DS
73rd out of 223 in PAX

P.S. That's an awesome FTD video by Brian Garfield Bill - he was flying out there on Sunday afternoon! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

I'll be at the 2-day South East Division Super Regional being held in Verona, VA at the Augusta County Gov't Center. In DS, the biggest names I'll be up against are Karen Kraus in the black '06 WRX as well as Curtis Staples in his 330i (I run with him a bunch at WDCR events).

Course maps are posted for both days and are shown below:

9-8-07 Course
http://www.brr-scca.org/Verona9-8-07.JPG

9-9-07 Course
http://www.brr-scca.org/Verona9-9-07.JPG

[Chiketkd]

Completed the 2 day super regional event, and ran against Curtis Staples (I compete against him regularly at WDCR events). I drove okay all weekend making some little mistakes that cost me a 1/2 second here and there, but this was the first time I've ever beaten Staples by such a solid margin (last WDCR event I beat him by just 0.1 seconds).

After winning DS on Sunday, I was chatting with one of my autocross mentors - Anthony Hodges. He mentioned that beating Staples was no easy feat as he has 8+ yrs of autocross experience and has been to Nationals multiple times and even trophied one year! :eek:

Saturday 9/8/07:
DS - D Stock Pax: 0.804
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX 58.131 -- 46.737
2 CURTIS STAPLES 02 BMW 330CI 59.392 1.261 47.751
3 BRIAN JONES 03 INFINITI G35 SEDAN 62.007 3.876 49.854
http://www.brr-scca.org/sep0807.htm

Sunday 9/9/07:
DS - D Stock Pax: 0.804
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX 58.349 -- 46.913
2 CURTIS STAPLES 02 BMW 330CI 58.895 0.546 47.352
http://www.brr-scca.org/sep0907.htm

Summary:
1st out of 3 in DS
7th in PAX Saturday; 13th in PAX Sunday

Some pics from the event -
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9ea7fa8599523f26c5fb4e3bfd0fe8d3/e7cb2674.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p699be300213db989e1e4056497c9a527/e7cb2979.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p421dc99699d133c1072d7325f8346be5/e7cb1e0e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pc49f3a79ad5c10c7f86b520a20ebbbfb/e7cb1bec.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p51e428277ee88676223b48e350e554db/e7cb1fbe.jpg

[newsvx]

CONGRATULATION, Chike!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now if you were only driving a SVX!!!!:lol::lol:

Harry

[newsvx]

BTW, Chike,
On my first autocross after my extended layoff, I finished 2nd of 4 in G Stock and 11the overall in the local Mercedes autocross here in Winchester yesterday. Not too bad for an old fart, I guess. And Mike Wirt (RUFUS here on the network) also beat me in his Porsche.

A VW GTI beat me. His "index'ed' time was 41.785 sec and mine was 42.706 sec. And the fastest time of the day was a very accomplished autocrosser in a 2005 S 2000 with an index'ed time of 38.736 sec.

It was a fun (but hot!!) day, and it was great to get back in the saddle again!!:lol:

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Harry!

Glad to see you're behind the wheel again. It would be nice if I could compete competitively in an SVX, but I realized it's very hard to do given the weight of the car and tall gearing. Looking forward to seeing you at the Scooby Challenge later this month! :cool:

Btw, after the Saturday event, the top 16 drivers in PAX had a shootout. I made it all the way to the final and ran against Justin Rest in the STS neon. I ran a time that would have won, however, I hit 2 cones which cost me the win! :lol:

For my efforts, I won a free SCCA hooded sweatshirt - a $30 value!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/Sweatshirt01.jpg

Some more pics from the Super Regional event:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/S200001.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/CymanS02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/CymanS01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/C6Z06.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/330i03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/Chike03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR-SCCA%20Super%20Regional/Z0602.jpg

[newsvx]

Great job on the "Shootout"!! Damn those cones! They just jump right out in front of us, don't they!! BTW, I only hit "ONE" yesterday!! :tongue:

Also, Ron Mummert finished 3rd in G Stock yesterday in his 240SX. He is really improving!!

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Damn those cones! They just jump right out in front of us, don't they!!LOL! Yeah those little "orange people" have a way of doing that! :rolleyes: :lol::lol::lol:

[Chiketkd]

http://www.subaruchallenge.com/pix/banner2.jpg

Will be the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Subaru Challenge held at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, MD this Saturday! It should be a blast as I'll get to meet up with several members on this board. My ultimate goal will be to finish in the Top 3 in D-stock and make it into the Challenge at the end of the day. :)

I always have a blast running at the venue and lots of fond memories come to mind...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/29465.jpg

-Chike

[newsvx]

Chike,
Great shot there at Ripkin!

BTW, are you traveling north on Interstate 81 in going tto the Challenge this year? If so, would you like to hook up here in Winchester Sat morning?

Harry

[Chiketkd]

BTW, are you traveling north on Interstate 81 in going tto the Challenge this year? If so, would you like to hook up here in Winchester Sat morning?
Hi Harry,

I will actually be travelling up 29N, to I66 to 95N. I'll be heading out at 4:30am, and should arrive by 7:30am. So we'll probably be taking different routes. I'll be sure to catch up with you there... :)

-Chike

[newsvx]

Why don't we meet for breakfast at that McDonald's that we met at before? About 7:30 AM?

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Thanks for the offer Harry. I'm planning to arrive at Ripken by 7:30am inorder to change tires with my co-driver and have time to check-in and walk the course several times. I definitely will be eating a FULL breakfast at home this time though, prior to my departure at 4:30am.

Let's plan on sitting down together at lunch... :)

[newsvx]

good ideas, Chike. I will be changing tires also, and several walks of the course can't be bad!!

Yes, please do eat something this time.:lol: Lunch for sure!!

Harry

[subi-crosser]

Thanks for the offer Harry. I'm planning to arrive at Ripken by 7:30am inorder to change tires with my co-driver and have time to check-in and walk the course several times. I definitely will be eating a FULL breakfast at home this time though, prior to my departure at 4:30am.

Let's plan on sitting down together at lunch... :)

I'm trying to convince Tom to follow me down fri night so I don't have to run the Outback through tec. My daughter lives in Bel-air, so I want to be there LONG before the action starts.

At the last auto-x here, at the end of the 2nd heat, I still didn't have a 'ride'. I was ready to throw the junk out of the Outback and pull it out when Tom got there.

I might have to trade cars with Tom fri night. I can drive the SVX and he can haul the tires, toolbox and jack in the Outback.
That way, I will KNOW that the racehorse is there, even if if he gets stuck in traffic.

[Chiketkd]

good ideas, Chike. I will be changing tires also, and several walks of the course can't be bad!!

Yes, please do eat something this time.:lol: Lunch for sure!!

Harry
Thanks for understanding Harry! :)

Looking forward to catching up with you on Saturday...

[Chiketkd]

Competed in the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Subaru Challenge over the weekend. Had a blast as I got the chance to meet up with a bunch of my SVX friends! Not my best driving, but I had a great time on a very challenging course.

'D Stock' - Total Entries: 10 Trophies: 4 Times Total Diff.
1T 90 Leece, Andy 2003 Subaru WRX 51.885 51.347 57.411+2 59.058+dnf
2T 83 Arispe, Eduardo 2006 Subaru WRX 51.869+1 51.952+3 51.676 52.310+2
3T 91 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Subaru WRX 52.643+5 52.538 52.188 52.213+1
4T 89 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru WRX 53.916+1 53.451 53.608 52.667
5 130 Redington, Alex 2002 WRX 55.326+1 56.708 56.122 56.036
6 87 Cuevas, Art 2002 Subaru WRX 58.786 58.257 56.746 56.917
7 88 Dees, Stephen 2006 Subaru WRX 58.654 58.311 62.339 88.231
8 92 Wolf, Jonathan 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX TR 67.305 64.225 62.108 59.911
9 86 Callahan, Michael 2002 Subaru WRX 63.027 61.666 58.956+dnf 60.091
10 84 Bixler, Ryan 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Ltd 62.087 61.879 61.540 60.726

Complete Subaru Challenge Class Results (http://www.subaruchallenge.com/07Results/Ripken/Class_Results.htm)
Complete Subaru Challenge PAX Results (http://www.subaruchallenge.com/07Results/Ripken/Overall_PAX.htm)

Summary
4th of out 10 in DS
23rd out of 120 in PAX

My co-driver was able to datalog our runs on his Max Q data GPS. The following are graphs of my fastest run (52.6) in competition and Shawn's fastest run in the Challenge Round (51.6):

Chike - 52.6
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/MaxQ-Chike52.6run.jpg

Shawn - 51.6
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/MaxQ-Shawn51.6run.jpg

I'm hitting a max speed on course of over 2.5mph faster than my co-driver but went 1.0 second slower. This definitely bears out the fact that I need to work on my driving in the slower/tighter sections on an autocross course.

Some pictures:

Yours truly-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/Chike03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/Chike02.jpg

Shawn-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/Shawn02.jpg

Katie-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Subaru%20Challenge%202007/Katie01.jpg

Other pics:

TomsSVX-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/r_clas2/Subaru%20Auto%20X%202007/DSC_0137.jpg

Subi-crosser
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/r_clas2/Subaru%20Auto%20X%202007/DSC_0132.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/r_clas2/Subaru%20Auto%20X%202007/DSC_0232.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/r_clas2/Subaru%20Auto%20X%202007/DSC_0035.jpg

[Chiketkd]

2 weeks ago, I hit a pothole with my passenger-side front wheel, which blew out my RE070 tire and bent the inside lip of the wheel slightly. I switched back to my new all-season RE92's which were sitting in my shed but didn't get a chance to have the car re-aligned before the Subaru Challenge.

Took her in this am, and everything was as I left it last time, except for the passenger side front wheel which had gone from -1.5 degrees of camber to just -0.7!! There was also a 1/2" of toe out!!! :eek:

I emailed Per Schroeder of Grass Roots Motorsports, and used his advice in setting up the alignment of my car this time around. New specs are as follows:

LEFT ------------------------ RIGHT
Front
Camber: -1.5 deg ---------- -1.5 deg
Caster: 3.4 deg ------------ 3.4 deg
Toe: 1/8" out --------------- 1/8" out

Rear
Camber: -1.2 deg ---------- -1.2 deg
Toe: 0.00" ------------------ 0.00"

[Chiketkd]

Some of you might remember the PAX shootout I did against Justin Rest at the BRR Super Regional (post #146):
Btw, after the Saturday event, the top 16 drivers in PAX had a shootout. I made it all the way to the final and ran against Justin Rest in the STS neon. I ran a time that would have won, however, I hit 2 cones which cost me the win! :lol:
Justin is a good friend of mine and a fellow member of my Blue Ridge SCCA region (he's in the Va Tech cap).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Grouppic.jpg

Well at this year's Pro Finale in Topeka, Justin drove sensationally and won the D-stock class in his black '06 WRX.

http://www.scca.com/documents/resultfiles/11081_2007%20PROSOLO%20CHAMPIONSHIP%20FINALS.pdf

The guy we're talking to in the yellow shirt (Eric) finished 7th in STS2 at Solo Nationals in his first trip to Topeka!

[benebob]

So what you're saying that he had an off day?:D Congrats!

Some of you might remember the PAX shootout I did against Justin Rest at the BRR Super Regional (post #146):

Justin is a good friend of mine and a fellow member of my Blue Ridge SCCA region (he's in the Va Tech cap).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Grouppic.jpg

Well at this year's Pro Finale in Topeka, Justin drove sensationally and won the D-stock class in his black '06 WRX.

http://www.scca.com/documents/resultfiles/11081_2007%20PROSOLO%20CHAMPIONSHIP%20FINALS.pdf

The guy we're talking to in the yellow shirt (Eric) finished 7th in STS2 at Solo Nationals in his first trip to Topeka!

[Chiketkd]

So what you're saying that he had an off day?:D Congrats!
Ha ha! LOL! :D:D:D Actually, after that showdown he came up to me and said he was suprised at how well I drove. He said he drove well and was impressed to see that I could go toe-to-toe with him.

At the Pro Finale, Justin was able to step up his game to a whole new level. He was in 5th position, just outside of the last trophy spot after Day 1, and then took his driving to a whole new level on Day 2.

[Chiketkd]

Attended the BRR event #10 yesterday. D-stock ran in the first heat on a course that had quite a few sections covered in loose gravel. I drove solidly, and really focused on driving the tighter sections of the course well. Left about 1+ seconds out there, but I was able to take FTP for all the drivers in my heat - which included the nationally known corvette driver Roger Garrett (drove his ASP Z06 at yesterday's event).

New alignment feels great! Rear-end rotates easily and in a very predictable manner. Temp was in the mid 80's, sunny with low humidity - it was the perfect day for an autocross!

D Stock Pax: 0.804 Time Diff PAX
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX STEEL GRAY 58.089 - 46.704
2 JUSTIN THOMAS 01 ACURA ITR YELLOW 59.239 1.150 47.628
Full Results (http://www.brr-scca.org/Oct72007.htm)

Summary:
1st out of 2 in DS
13th out of 74 in PAX

Pictures:

Yours truly
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/WRX01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/WRX03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/WRX02.jpg

Justin's DS ITR
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/DSITR.jpg

Garrett's ASP C6 Z06
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/ASPZ0602.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/ASPZ06.jpg

ASP BMW M Coupe (lifting the inside tire)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/ASPMCoupe02.jpg

ASP Lotus Exige S
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20VMSC%20Challenge%2010-7-07/ASPExigeS01.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Well the 2007 WDCR season is in the books! :) I competed in event #7 yesterday and almost decided not to attend when I saw the course map that was posted on Saturday evening:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/10-14-07CourseMap.jpg

Talk about a slalom fest which favors light-weight cars like the Integra Type R! :eek:

Arrived on site a little late (7:30am) and had to hustle to register, change tires, go through tech and then walk the course (only got 2 course walks). :whew:

On my first two runs, I was feeling out the course. Figuring out where I could carry speed, and which sections I had to be patient with. The leaders Arnold and Spector were both in the 74's, while I was back in the 77's. On my third run, I pushed it harder but gave up time in 2 really fast sections, and finished with a 76.2 -- I now knew that I could drop another second out there if not more.

On my 4th run, I went out with the goal of pushing my car hard in each slalom. The first 1/2 of the course felt solid, however, at the 7 cone slalom that runs between poles '45' and '22' on the map, my back-end got really loose around the middle and I had to countersteer quickly to prevent a spin. I didn't lose too much momentum, but it did cost me some precious time. I did the rest of the course fairly well (didn't late apex an important cone enough), and carried some serious speed into the finish. My time was a 74.392 -- which put me ahead of Spector and solidly into 2nd place!!! The sad part is, I left 0.5+ seconds seconds on the table and could have been in the 73's with Arnold!!! :o

'D Stock' Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1 57 Arnold, Matthew 2003 Bmw 330I Blue 82.511+DNF 75.327 74.318 73.795 73.795 0
2 70 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 77.807 77.317 76.294 74.392 74.392 0.597
3 37 Spector, Larry 2000 Acura Integra Type-R Black 76.574 74.899 74.150+2 75.578+DNF 74.899 0.507
4 80 Radford, Tommy 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 75.932 76.492 73.910+1 73.099+2 75.910 1.011
5 13 Hogenkamp, Harry 2006 Subaru Wrx Wagon Black 81.825 80.627 80.645 79.174 79.174 3.264
6 180 Radford, William 1994 Bmw 325Is Black 82.597 80.170 79.786 79.477 79.477 0.303
7 17 Walker, Don 2004 Volkswagen R32 Black 85.766 84.559+DNF 83.525+DNF 82.724 82.724 3.247
8 24 Danneman, Randy 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 96.420+DNF 105.793+DNF 86.361 83.300 83.300 0.576
9 124 Danneman, Dorinda 2005 Dodge Neon Srt-4 Acr White 114.430+DNF 102.220 91.604 90.287 90.287 6.987
10 186 Bair, Matt 2004 Subaru Impreza Wrx White 103.357+DNF 92.944+DNF 92.094 91.021 91.021 0.734
Complete Results (http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocross/CurrentYearResults/tabid/309/ctl/ViewResults/mid/1008/Eventid/2425/Default.aspx)

Summary:
2nd out of 10 in DS
44th out of 204 in PAX

This is my highest class and PAX finish with the WDCR all season! :cool:

P.S. I finished 7th out of 33 drivers in the D-stock season standings with the WDCR! Link to season standings by class (http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocross/CurrentSeasonStandings/tabid/313/Default.aspx)

[Chiketkd]

Some pics from D-stock action at the last WDCR event:

Yours truly
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Chike06.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Chike13.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Chike17.jpg

Matt's 330i
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Matt03.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Matt02.jpg

Larry's ITR
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Larry01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Larry02.jpg

Tom's 325is
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Tom02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Tom01.jpg

Harry's WRX wagon
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/WDCR%2010-14-07/Harry01.jpg

[Chiketkd]

I'll be at the BRR-SCCA event #11 in Verona, VA this Sunday where I'll be the Event Chairman. I should have an interesting match-up in DS where I'll be up against Justin and his co-driver Pete.

As you would remember from my earlier post...
Justin is a good friend of mine and a fellow member of my Blue Ridge SCCA region (he's in the Va Tech cap).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/Grouppic.jpg
Well at this year's Pro Finale in Topeka, Justin drove sensationally and won the D-stock class in his black '06 WRX.
Justin won the Pro Finale in DS this year. His co-driver Pete is also a solid driver who trophied at the Dixie National Tour in '07 in an STS neon.

Here's the course we'll be driving:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/FinalcoursemapBRRevent11.jpg

The last time Justin and I met in DS, he got me by 0.3 seconds...

[Chiketkd]

Completed BRR event #11 today. Ran against my fellow region member and current DS Pro Solo champ Justin Rest as well as his co-driver Pete Johnson. To quote Justin from our conversation afterwards -- he brought out the ringer!! :eek: Seriosuly, he was using 20 run Hoosier A6's (i.e almost brand new) on his well-prepped DS car.

Did my best to keep pace with him and Pete, but unfortunately, couldn't quite get a run down that I was 'pleased' with... My first run had two cones; on my second I went off-course by going into the turn around too hot; on my third run I had a solid time but clipped one cone -- so I had to try to get a good run in on my 4th and final run, while making sure that I ran CLEAN. Got a decent time down but left at least 1 second out there...maybe more. While I finished 3rd in class, I had the 12th fastest Raw Time of the day and the 5th fastest PAX (Justin took FTP, while Pete was 3rd in PAX -- how's that for a stacked class?!) :p

Final results are below - Justin told me afterwards that I drove well, I'm just giving up too much by not having a fully-prepped ride:

DS - D Stock Pax: 0.804 Time Diff Pax
1t JUSTIN REST 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 51.182 FTP 41.150 0.000
2 PETE JOHNSON 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 51.465 0.283 41.378 0.228
3 CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX GRAY 52.819 1.637 42.467 1.31
Link to Results (http://www.brr-scca.org/21oct2007.htm)

Summary:
3rd out of 3 in DS
5th out of 63 in PAX

Pictures from the event:

Yours truly-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Chike01.jpg

Justin's DS WRX-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Justin.jpg

Anthony's DSP Neon-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Anthony.jpg

Ray's GS Mini Cooper S-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Ray.jpg

Steve's AS Sky Redline-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Steve.jpg

P.S. Next event is the South East Division Championship in Atlanta on November 3rd - 4th!

[subi-crosser]

Completed BRR event #11 today. Ran against my fellow region member and current DS Pro Solo champ Justin Rest as well as his co-driver Pete Johnson. To quote Justin from our conversation afterwards -- he brought out the ringer!! :eek: Seriosuly, he was using 20 run Hoosier A6's (i.e almost brand new) on his well-prepped DS car.

Did my best to keep pace with him and Pete, but unfortunately, couldn't quite get a run down that I was 'pleased' with... My first run had two cones; on my second I went off-course by going into the turn around too hot; on my third run I had a solid time but clipped one cone -- so I had to try to get a good run in on my 4th and final run, while making sure that I ran CLEAN. Got a decent time down but left at least 1 second out there...maybe more. While I finished 3rd in class, I had the 12th fastest Raw Time of the day and the 5th fastest PAX (Justin took FTP, while Pete was 3rd in PAX -- how's that for a stacked class?!) :p

Final results are below - Justin told me afterwards that I drove well, I'm just giving up too much by not having a fully-prepped ride:

DS - D Stock Pax: 0.804 Time Diff Pax
1t JUSTIN REST 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 51.182 FTP 41.150 0.000
2 PETE JOHNSON 06 SUBARU WRX BLACK 51.465 0.283 41.378 0.228
3 CHIKE DELLIMORE 06 SUBARU WRX GRAY 52.819 1.637 42.467 1.31
Link to Results (http://www.brr-scca.org/21oct2007.htm)

Summary:
3rd out of 3 in DS
5th out of 63 in PAX

Pictures from the event:

Yours truly-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Chike01.jpg

Justin's DS WRX-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Justin.jpg

Anthony's DSP Neon-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Anthony.jpg

Ray's GS Mini Cooper S-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Ray.jpg

Steve's AS Sky Redline-
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/BRR%20Event%2011/Verona10-21Steve.jpg

P.S. Next event is the South East Division Championship in Atlanta on November 3rd - 4th!



Naaa,, NEXT event is the 'Pumpkin Carve' in Cumberland!!!!

All that other stuff is too much driving!

I promise NOT to burn the burgers and you can see the guys and gals from the network. Isn't that more fun than driving a long way to see a bunch of strangers??????

There will be a lot of fast Subis to compete with.


YA,ALL come!!!

[Chiketkd]

Thanks for the invite Jerry - but I have to pass. Too much on the honey-do list which I've been putting off for too long... :(

[benebob]

Thanks for the invite Jerry - but I have to pass. Too much on the honey-do list which I've been putting off for too long... :(


Translation... I only hang out with car sluts who buy not build their rides then after I get my $4 trophy throw the car away and move on to the next slut.;)

[svxfiles]

Translation... I only hang out with car sluts who buy not build their rides then after I get my $4 trophy throw the car away and move on to the next slut.;)

Ben, don't be shy, tell us how you REALLY feel.:rolleyes:

[benebob]

Ben, don't be shy, tell us how you REALLY feel.:rolleyes:

Truth hurts?:D

[SVXRide]

Translation... I only hang out with car sluts who buy not build their rides then after I get my $4 trophy throw the car away and move on to the next slut.;)

oooooooooooh, that's going to leave a mark!:eek::p:p
-Bill

[benebob]

oooooooooooh, that's going to leave a mark!:eek::p:p
-Bill

The mark won't be a sugar coating though;):D. Why aren't you going Bill, I'm sure you need some more practice so you don't finish 4 seconds back in a 50 second course from either Dave or I.:lol:

[SVXRide]

The mark won't be a sugar coating though;):D. Why aren't you going Bill, I'm sure you need some more practice so you don't finish 4 seconds back in a 50 second course from either Dave or I.:lol:

Did you fall and hit your head:rolleyes::p:p...seems to me that I was less than a second behind Dave at last years Subie Challenge.

To answer your question -- no trailer/truck to get the SVreX II there and BillStock 4.0 has head gasket "issues" right now (fresher, but not rebuilt engine in the works....)
How's the playhouse going?
-Bill

[benebob]

Did you fall and hit your head:rolleyes::p:p...seems to me that I was less than a second behind Dave at last years Subie Challenge.

To answer your question -- no trailer/truck to get the SVreX II there and BillStock 4.0 has head gasket "issues" right now (fresher, but not rebuilt engine in the works....)
How's the playhouse going?
-Bill

Okay so correction 2.5 seconds behind Ben.:barf: Don't you have enough spare parts for another engine by now? If not you need to visit my driveway!

Playhouse is done at least exterior wise.

[SVXRide]

Okay so correction 2.5 seconds behind Ben.:barf: Don't you have enough spare parts for another engine by now? If not you need to visit my driveway!

Playhouse is done at least exterior wise.

:D:D:D:D

but is is done enough to let your daughter play in it?;)
-Bill

[benebob]

:D:D:D:D

but is is done enough to let your daughter play in it?;)
-Bill

Of course, she moved her recliner, dining room table and kitchenette in weeks ago.;) She currently holds daily tea parties for friends and relatives.:lol:

[SVXRide]

Of course, she moved her recliner, dining room table and kitchenette in weeks ago.;) She currently holds daily tea parties for friends and relatives.:lol:

this should pay off when Fathers' Day rolls around;):D
-Bill

[benebob]

this should pay off when Fathers' Day rolls around;):D
-Bill

Fathers day= full 10 hill climbs in 2008.:D

[SVXRide]

Fathers day= full 10 hill climbs in 2008.:D

I hear ya! So, when are you going to post some pics of the "caged out" RaceCar?:cool:
-Bill

[subi-crosser]

Of course, she moved her recliner, dining room table and kitchenette in weeks ago.;) She currently holds daily tea parties for friends and relatives.:lol:


I put a 'beer fridge', recliner, VCR, sterio reciever, coffee pot, EZ bake oven, wood burner, computer and a lot of my clothes in my 'playhouse'. I even have room for some CARS!

The wife threatened to lock me out of the house. I said, " What's your POINT????"

My biggest fear is that she will figure out which breakers turn 'off' my world. Then I would have to install a 'sub-feed' from the 4 bay to 'power up' Huckleberry's place. (seperate meters)

[Chiketkd]

I'll be making the 8 hour drive to ATL this Friday morning for the the SE Division Championship event. I'm told the parking lot at the Atlanta Motor Speedway has grippy asphalt and is quite VAST making it a great venue for fast, national style courses.

http://www.cbc-raleigh.com/capcom/news/1998/atlanta_speedway/speedway%5B1%5D.jpg

Did some light maintenance on the car yesterday and drained and refilled my rear diff with 75W90 Mobil 1 synthetic.

Here's hoping I 'look ahead and be smooth' in Atlanta. :p

Chike

[benebob]

I'll be making the 8 hour drive to ATL this Friday morning for the the SE Division Championship event. I'm told the parking lot at the Atlanta Motor Speedway has grippy asphalt and is quite VAST making it a great venue for fast, national style courses.

http://www.cbc-raleigh.com/capcom/news/1998/atlanta_speedway/speedway%5B1%5D.jpg

Did some light maintenance on the car yesterday and drained and refilled my rear diff with 75W90 Mobil 1 synthetic.

Here's hoping I 'look ahead and be smooth' in Atlanta. :p

Chike

May the cone magnets be weak and the buttface Imp run fast!;)

[Chiketkd]

May the cone magnets be weak and the buttface Imp run fast!;)
I can toast to that! :p:rolleyes:

[Chiketkd]

Glad I went for the experience, but wish I could have driven better. I was 4th out of 5 after day 1, and finished 5th out of 5 by the end of Day 2. All four of my tires are now corded... :rolleyes:

D-stock was won by Danny Carroll who at Nationals finished 8th in DS in '06, and 14th in '07.

D-Stock Results:
'D Stock' - Total Entries: 5 Trophies: 2 Day Times Total
1T 121 Danny Carroll 2000 Acura Integra Type R Black 92.657
2T 21 David Carroll 2000 Acura Integra Type R Black 95.763
3 34 Karen Kraus 2006 Subaru Impreza Wrx Black 96.574
4 28 William Gravely 2003 Bmw 330I Zhp Red 98.878
5 70 Chike Dellimore 2006 Subaru Wrx Grey 98.949

Summary:
5th out of 5 in DS
55 out of 108 in PAX

I finished the '07 season ranked 4th in DS for the entire South East Division.

P.S. In about 2 weeks I'll know if the Cooper S will be moved to DS. If the move happens, I'll be trading in the WRX and moving onto another car & class. I won't be in a Subaru...nor any rally car for that matter.

[Chiketkd]

I've decided to move on from the WRX irregardless of whether the Cooper S moves into DS or not. I doubt I'll start a 2008 autocross blog thread as I will no longer be competing in a Subaru. My car is almost back to stock and in 2 weeks will be traded in for my new car.

I'll check in from time to time, but I probably won't be on the Network as much. I have a dedicated co-driver for the entire 2008 season, so I'll be able to prep my new car fully from the get-go.

Take care folks and God Bless.

-Chike

[newsvx]

I've decided to move on from the WRX irregardless of whether the Cooper S moves into DS or not. ......... and in 2 weeks will be traded in for my new car.

-Chike


Chike,
And just what will be your "NEW" car???????? You failed to mention that ...:D

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Chike,
And just what will be your "NEW" car???????? You failed to mention that ...:D

Harry
Not trying to be secretive, but a few members on here have already told me I'll get no Xmas cookies if I get one. ;)

Remember, this isn't a rally car (i.e. not Mitsu or Subaru), and it's rwd...it also can seat more than 2 people (so not a miata, 350Z or S2000). The package I'm getting will have HID headlights.

I just got off the phone with my sales guy, and before the end of today I'll know when she'll be arriving on the car transporter. :)

[benebob]

Chike,
And just what will be your "NEW" car???????? You failed to mention that ...:D

Harry

Remember Harry Chike has now reached what GrassRoots Motorsports would call a car hoar. He'll drive, buy anythiing else so long as its labled as the car of choice around cones. He'd buy a Yugo and love it if the "experts" told him to.:D Don't expect too much when the inital embarrassment he's feeling about posting it here wears off:D:D:D:barf: I'm fairly certain though it'll be a better autoxer than a 15 year old Impreza platform.:D

[wawazat??]

OK, let the guessing begin on what Chike the Car Ho will drive in 2008!:lol:

Remember the specs gang-RWD, available NOW, NOT a two seater, HID's available

Big three-
Mustang-RWD-yes, HID's-model dependant-Shelby is "under-classed" in F Stock. Maybe???
Corvette-RWD yes, 2 seater
Charger-RWD yes, otherwise YIKES
GM-Sky/Solstice-2 seaters

New domestics-BMW-135 or 335, Mercedes-NAH, Toyota-does Toyota offer a performance car these days???, Honda-Civic, S2000 neither meets the goals, Nissan-350Z-NO, G35?

Others-Hyundai, Porsche, Ferrari (gotta dream big), who knows???

As Chike stated, it's new and ready to roll. Let's see where this goes.

[svxfiles]

Ford GT?!?!:D:cool:

















If I had a Ford GT I'd fit more than two people!":rolleyes:

[Chiketkd]

Remember Harry Chike has now reached what GrassRoots Motorsports would call a car hoar. He'll drive, buy anythiing else so long as its labled as the car of choice around cones. He'd buy a Yugo and love it if the "experts" told him to.:D Don't expect too much when the inital embarrassment he's feeling about posting it here wears off:D:D:D:barf: I'm fairly certain though it'll be a better autoxer than a 15 year old Impreza platform.:D
GRM doesn't influence my buying decisions - but they do have good reviews! :D

Oh, and yes...it does handle much better than a 15yr old Impreza platform. However, it's not faster than my current car in a straight line.
As Chike stated, it's new and ready to roll. Let's see where this goes.
Nice. I'll keep the suspense going - I also would like to see where this goes. :cool:

[Chiketkd]

If I had a Ford GT I'd fit more than two people!":rolleyes:
I'd have to as well - I wouldn't have a place to live anymore! :p

[wawazat??]

GRM doesn't influence my buying decisions - but they do have good reviews! :D

Oh, and yes...it does handle much better than a 15yr old Impreza platform. However, it's not faster than my current car in a straight line.

Nice. I'll keep the suspense going - I also would like to see where this goes. :cool:

So, V-6 Mustang then, eh?:lol:

[SVXRide]

GRM doesn't influence my buying decisions - but they do have good reviews! :D

Oh, and yes...it does handle much better than a 15yr old Impreza platform. However, it's not faster than my current car in a straight line.

Nice. I'll keep the suspense going - I also would like to see where this goes. :cool:

Chike,
does it have 4 doors?:rolleyes:
-Bill (leaning toward a vote for a Mini, but needing more info...)

[Chiketkd]

So, V-6 Mustang then, eh?:lol:
I said it handles better than my 2.5L WRX! :rolleyes: No solid axle, V6 Mustang can outrun my car on an autocross course. :p
Chike,
does it have 4 doors?:rolleyes:
-Bill (leaning toward a vote for a Mini, but needing more info...)
Those new turbo Cooper S's are sweet! Love 'em! However, I'm getting a car that's rwd and in a faster stock class than my WRX...but isn't a Super Stock car! :lol:

[SVXRide]

I said it handles better than my 2.5L WRX! :rolleyes: No solid axle, V6 Mustang can outrun my car on an autocross course. :p

Those new turbo Cooper S's are sweet! Love 'em! However, I'm getting a car that's rwd and in a faster stock class than my WRX...but isn't a Super Stock car! :lol:

oh, Lord....an RX-8 or a 350Z?? You going B Stock?
-Bill

[svxfiles]

(so not a miata, 350Z or S2000). :)
Hi Bill.:):rolleyes:

[Chiketkd]

oh, Lord....an RX-8 or a 350Z?? You going B Stock?
-Bill
I am going to B Stock Bill! Not a 350Z...but an RX-8! I'm getting one in Galaxy Grey with the performance package (HID headlights, fog lamps and Dynamic Stability Control):

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/GalaxyGray.jpg

Even though this is the Not Exactly SVX section, I figured most wouldn't care to see updates of my progress in a B-stock RX-8. I do like keeping a blog as it gives me a way to keep my SVX friends updated on what I'm up to. :)

IBBenebobsayingniceF0rd! :p

[newsvx]

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

We have funny windows - he has funny DOORS!!

Great car, Chike. Good luck with it!! But I think the MazdaSpeed 3 might outdo it at autocross!! :lol:

Harry

[Chiketkd]

But I think the MazdaSpeed 3 might outdo it at autocross!! :lol:Not at an autocross - the RX8 is the car-to-have in B-stock where it runs against the 350Z, MR2 Turbo, and E36 M3. The MS3 is in DS where it competes against the WRX, 330i, SRT-4, Audi TT but the Integra Type R is still remains the car-to-have after 10 yrs.

I've just decided for once to get a car I not only would like for the street, but which is the 'it' car for an autocross class. The best of both worlds in a way...

[SVXRide]

I am going to B Stock Bill! Not a 350Z...but an RX-8! I'm getting one in Galaxy Grey with the performance package (HID headlights, fog lamps and Dynamic Stability Control):

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/GalaxyGray.jpg

Even though this is the Not Exactly SVX section, I figured most wouldn't care to see updates of my progress in a B-stock RX-8. I do like keeping a blog as it gives me a way to keep my SVX friends updated on what I'm up to. :)

IBBenebobsayingniceF0rd! :p

Okay, so I get the "guess what Chike is buying" award?;):cool: (okay, so I didn't keep a close eye on previous posts, thus the 350Z guess....thanks, Tom:rolleyes:). Have you done a "baby seat" check on the back seat?:lol:
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

Have you done a "baby seat" check on the back seat?:lol:
-Bill
No prize...but if you ever show up for another autocross event, I'll let you ride shotgun on one of my runs. It'll be an eye opening experience--trust me! ;)

Baby seat check is complete. My car will be here in 2 weeks. :)

[SVXRide]

No prize...but if you ever show up for another autocross event, I'll let you ride shotgun on one of my runs. It'll be an eye opening experience--trust me! ;)



Only if you ride shotgun in mine first....2008 is going to be interesting;) I'm working on splitting my time between 5spd-equipped ESP and FP SVXi:cool:
Just have to make sure that I don't get roped into any more big NASA mission proposals for a couple of months:lol:
-Bill

[SSSVX]

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

We have funny windows - he has funny DOORS!!

Great car, Chike. Good luck with it!! But I think the MazdaSpeed 3 might outdo it at autocross!! :lol:

Harry


He needs a lot of parking space to open two doors together. :D

Chike, nice car. My friend rode with one of these at one autox event...this thing can finish certain courses with its first gear of the whole course. :lol:

[Chiketkd]

Only if you ride shotgun in mine first....2008 is going to be interesting;) I'm working on splitting my time between 5spd-equipped ESP and FP SVXi:cool:
-Bill
Well te current ESP PAX and BS PAX are very close to each other. So we'll almost have to run identical times.
Chike, nice car. My friend rode with one of these at one autox event...this thing can finish certain courses with its first gear of the whole course. :lol:
That wouldn't be a very fast course. With 245/35/18 Kumho V710's, 1st runs out around 37mph IIRC.

[Chiketkd]

For those that have an interest - here's the Top Gear review of an RX-8 from a few seasons back:

Top Gear Review of the RX-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrjBsSHB-DM)

The model I'm getting has a fully defeatable Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which will make the car safer in the wet.

[benebob]

So didn't someone who started this post get rid of his SVX because the rear seat wasn't big enough. Excuses, excuses. Personally I would've simply bought this. At least you wouldn't be driving around with a vacuum engine in a car with a rear seat smaller than an SVX. Oh and it would've been a cool 10k cheaper. Then again what do I know. I buy cars because I like them not because they're the "car of the month" from a bunch of whinners who insist that autoxing isn't the car its the drive but yet they seem to need to be in the "car of the month" in order to walk away with a $2 trophy!:lol:

John Guarnera is offering for sale his championship winning 2002 BMW 330ci.
It's not only a fantastic competition platform, it's also the most
responsive and most pleasureable street machine I've ever driven.

FOR SALE
2002 BMW 330ci
D Stock
1st and 2nd in points for the 2007 series championship
1st, 2nd and 3rd in points for the 2006 series championship
1st and 2nd in points for the 2005 series championship
Overall Series Pax Champion award for 2005
Titanium Silver with gray leather, 5-speed, sports pkg, premium pkg, heated
front seats and 18” wheels, sunroof and all the usual BMW amenities. 105,000
miles. 2nd owner.
Set up to SCCA multi-National Champion and BMW competition expert Bob
Tunnell recommendations.
K&N air filter
H&R front sway bar
4 - T.C. Kline double adjustable Koni shocks
Carbotech Bobcat brake pads front & rear
T.C. Kline high strength Nascar style wheel studs and lug nuts
Wheel spacers
Stainless exhaust
Simpson belts
8 – 18” factory alloy wheels w Hoosier R tires
4 – 17” m-tech wheels w Hoosier rains
4 – 17” wheels w snow tires
Kelley Blue Book lists private sale in good condition at $15,115
Asking $16,000 including all extras, but I'll entertain offers.
717-991-7054 or 717-697-2300 and ask for John Guarnera.

[SVXRide]

Chike,
Hey, don't leave "the family":D We'll still want to hear how you're doing, no matter what you're driving. You get good enough, and we might even let you drive some real cars at the Subie Challenge:lol::lol:
-Bill
(snicker, snicker....Ben said "vacuum engine".....snicker, snicker)

[Chiketkd]

So didn't someone who started this post get rid of his SVX because the rear seat wasn't big enough.
Things change Ben - I was actually considering a 2 seat car, so practicality wasn't a 'must' for this car purchase.

Those 330CI BMW's are great cars, but not my cup-o'-tea. I want something new, with a warranty that I personally want to own. If you think back, two years ago I test drove a WRX, a LGT and a RX-8...and bought the WRX. The RX-8 isn't a flavor of the month car for me - it's something I've wanted to own at some point in my life, and the opportunity is right for me at this time.
Chike,
Hey, don't leave "the family":D We'll still want to hear how you're doing, no matter what you're driving. You get good enough, and we might even let you drive some real cars at the Subie Challenge:lol::lol:
-Bill
(snicker, snicker....Ben said "vacuum engine".....snicker, snicker)
Thanks Bill. I'll consider starting a 2008 Autocross Blog thread then. I will be going to Topeka for Nationals as I'll have a co-driver to split costs.

[benebob]

Things change Ben - I was actually considering a 2 seat car, so practicality wasn't a 'must' for this car purchase.

Those 330CI BMW's are great cars, but not my cup-o'-tea. I want something new, with a warranty that I personally want to own. If you think back, two years ago I test drove a WRX, a LGT and a RX-8...and bought the WRX. The RX-8 isn't a flavor of the month car for me - it's something I've wanted to own at some point in my life, and the opportunity is right for me at this time.

Thanks Bill. I'll consider starting a 2008 Autocross Blog thread then. I will be going to Topeka for Nationals as I'll have a co-driver to split costs.

Blah blah blah blah, SVXist!!!:D:D:D:lol:

[Chiketkd]

Blah blah blah blah, SVXist!!!:D:D:D:lol:
LOL! I'm definitely an SVXist for life. I guess I'll always have a passion for weird & quirky cars.

I'm definitely getting excited about the RX-8. For a nationally competitive set-up all you need to add are an alignment, konis, 2nd set of wheels and 245/35/18 V710's. The stock swaybars from the factory are already super stiff.

Here's a pic of WDCR member (Clyde of Team WTF?!) with his former '05 RX-8 that only had konis and V710's at the time - notice the inside wheel lift.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/ClydesRX-8.jpg

[Chiketkd]

Got dicked around by a Mazda dealership in Richmond, VA for 6hrs on Saturday on my trade-in value and interest rate. Ended up walking out, and going to a Carmax down the street where I got 1K more for my trade.

While there, I checked their database and found a 2006 Galaxy Gray 6spd RX-8 with the sport package (HID's, DSC and fog lamps) as well as a rear spoiler for just 20K and my Credit Union can give me 5.39% on any new/used car 2006+.

Put a deposit down yesterday (yes Carmax is open on Sunday), and she'll arrive on a car transport in 7-14 days!!! :cool:

[SVXRide]

Got dicked around by a Mazda dealership in Richmond, VA for 6hrs on Saturday on my trade-in value and interest rate. Ended up walking out, and going to a Carmax down the street where I got 1K more for my trade.

While there, I checked their database and found a 2006 Galaxy Gray 6spd RX-8 with the sport package (HID's, DSC and fog lamps) as well as a rear spoiler for just 20K and my Credit Union can give me 5.39% on any new/used car 2006+.

Put a deposit down yesterday (yes Carmax is open on Sunday), and she'll arrive on a car transport in 7-14 days!!! :cool:

Chike,
How much did you end up having to pay to have it shipped in?
-Bill

[benebob]

1. Congrats! You can vacuum my carpets with it anytime you'd like;)
2. Be sure to check it good for transport damage before you even get it to test drive it. A lot of times they'll put the "sold" cars up front for shipping. They did this with the Scion a friend bought when they first appeared in Cali and he had shipped across the country since it would be another year before we got the dealers. The idiots even insisted on taking off the shipping covers to clean it before shipping.:lol:

Best of luck with it! Maybe you can be the first to convert an RX8 to a 350 small block!:D

Got dicked around by a Mazda dealership in Richmond, VA for 6hrs on Saturday on my trade-in value and interest rate. Ended up walking out, and going to a Carmax down the street where I got 1K more for my trade.

While there, I checked their database and found a 2006 Galaxy Gray 6spd RX-8 with the sport package (HID's, DSC and fog lamps) as well as a rear spoiler for just 20K and my Credit Union can give me 5.39% on any new/used car 2006+.

Put a deposit down yesterday (yes Carmax is open on Sunday), and she'll arrive on a car transport in 7-14 days!!! :cool:

[Chiketkd]

Chike,
How much did you end up having to pay to have it shipped in?
-Bill
Shipping itself was $249.00
1. Congrats! You can vacuum my carpets with it anytime you'd like;)
2. Be sure to check it good for transport damage before you even get it to test drive it. A lot of times they'll put the "sold" cars up front for shipping. They did this with the Scion a friend bought when they first appeared in Cali and he had shipped across the country since it would be another year before we got the dealers. The idiots even insisted on taking off the shipping covers to clean it before shipping.:lol:

Best of luck with it! Maybe you can be the first to convert an RX8 to a 350 small block!:D
Will do Ben - I'll definitely be sure to check for transport damage. I already told the sales guy that once it arrives I want to give the car a close inspection inside and out. Then will come the test drive, and if it all checks out, I'll hand over the check. ;)

Chike

[Chiketkd]

The car is in route - it was loaded on a transport yesterday. Should arrive within 2-3 days!!! :)

[Mr. Pockets]

I autocrossed an '05 RX-8 on Saturday. Having driven both the RX and the 350Z in anger, I'm really surprised the former has an advantage on an autocross course, but the results tell the story.

I liked the RX-8, I just found it tricky to drive well. Then again, I was rusty and only got four runs in it. Since we blew the engine in our STX Eclipse in July, I haven't been out. Normally I go to every local event.

The 350Z I understood right away. The RX-8 drove like a turbo. No matter the engine speed, it seemed to have to build up a head of steam before it'd light up the tires in a surprising fashion. I'm sure I could get used to it; I just didn't have the time over four runs.

And the RX I drove did not have a decent alignment on it, so it suffered terribly from understeer, which was frustrating after its optimistic turn-in.

It's a nice car to drive around town, though. I'm sure it's the more livable between the two.

[Chiketkd]

Interesting feedback Pockets - I would agree that the car in many ways drives like a turbo. I took one out for an extended 30 minute test drive last weekend and noted the same. The revs have to be above 5,000rpms to really feel like you're moving - however I've noticed that power builds very linearly. I don't feel the same acceleration 'rush' like in my 2.5L WRX - but I'm still moving. I also like the fact that the RX-8 is a momentum car - so it'll force me to learn how to minimize my braking and maximize the speed I carry through sweepers/transitions.

Isley has mentioned to me that a good alignment is essential to this car handling well in SCCA "stock class" trim. He doesn't divulge his alignment specs, but the duo of Mike Wood/Matt Braun mentioned that they run -1.7 camber front/ -1.9 rear along with as much caster as possible up front and a slight amount of toe out on the front wheels only. In 2007 Matt Braun won the Pro Finale and finished 2nd at Solo Nationals in B-Stock with this alignment.

[Chiketkd]

Update: My car has arrived!!! :D

Currently being detailed and will get a VA State inspection. I'll inspect, test drive and pick up on Friday!!! :cool:

[subi-crosser]

Got dicked around by a Mazda dealership in Richmond, VA for 6hrs on Saturday on my trade-in value and interest rate. Ended up walking out, and going to a Carmax down the street where I got 1K more for my trade.

While there, I checked their database and found a 2006 Galaxy Gray 6spd RX-8 with the sport package (HID's, DSC and fog lamps) as well as a rear spoiler for just 20K and my Credit Union can give me 5.39% on any new/used car 2006+.

Put a deposit down yesterday (yes Carmax is open on Sunday), and she'll arrive on a car transport in 7-14 days!!! :cool:



Isn't a Mazda one of them for'rin cars?? At least you could have married 'within the family' like a good redneck!

Good luck in the new class, may a WRX beat your best time!

You can still come to our SVX meets but you have to park in the back yard!

[Chiketkd]

Earlier today I picked this up from Carmax - 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 with the performance package and rear spoiler. Only has 12,600 miles on the odometer. Took these on Skyline Drive earlier this afternoon:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/My%20new%20RX-8/RX-801.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/My%20new%20RX-8/RX-802.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/My%20new%20RX-8/RX-803.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/My%20new%20RX-8/RX-804.jpg

[SVXRide]

Chike,
Nice color! Think of how much nicer it would look if the hood/roof/trunk was black;):cool:
-Bill

[Chiketkd]

Thanks Bill. I'm really diggin' the car as well.

My wife is totally in love with this car. I ordered konis for her Sunday night. :)

[SilverSpear]

Thanks Bill. I'm really diggin' the car as well.

My wife is totally in love with this car. I ordered konis for her Sunday night. :)

Congrats Chike! Love that car... :cool:

[benebob]

Thanks Bill. I'm really diggin' the car as well.

My wife is totally in love with this car. I ordered konis for her Sunday night. :)


You got your wife konis. Is she sagging or what!:eek::D:lol:

[newsvx]

Beautiful car, Chike. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.......

Harry

[Chiketkd]

Congrats Chike! Love that car... :cool:
Thanks Danny!
You got your wife konis. Is she sagging or what!:eek::D:lol:
LOL! :D Konis are for the RX-8! :p
Beautiful car, Chike. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.......

Harry
Thanks Harry!

[svxfiles]

Thanks Bill. I'm really diggin' the car as well.

My wife is totally in love with this car. I ordered konis for her Sunday night. :)

Really.....

Diana, I just HAVE to get you some headers for the Suburban....
And a Big Block would be a fabulous way to accessorize that, "Cave Man " look!:o

So retro!

[Chiketkd]

Well this week is really kicking my arse - my 6 month old daughter is sick and I've been running on a few hours sleep each night since Saturday.

Anyhoo, Whiteline FSB bushings have arrived and my co-driver and I will be installing them sometime over the next 2-3 weeks along with the konis.

The SCCA handed out this schedule at the PRI tradeshow (Performance Racing Industry) a few weeks ago.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Misc/2008SCCANTProSoloscheduletentative.jpg

We're looking to do at least two NT's and two Pro Solos while also trying to attend both the Pro Finale and Solo Nationals in Topeka, KS.