Another 355CH Entering the Series

While you guys are off having fun in Homestead, I am busy making plans to join you guys for the last round in Daytona and then run the series full time in 2012!

I'll be putting Paul Prideaux's old car back into action and joining Team Universal Autosports. Just waiting for Melissa to clear her desk from all the final Homestead planning (and her real job!) so I can complete the paperwork. I've been running Porsches here in TX for a number of years now but you guys seem to be having so much fun I figured it was time to race Italian style. Ad of course it doesn't hurt that I still have fond memories of the 2004 FFQC still in my head ...

Looking forward to meeting and racing with everyone soon!

Rob
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Does this ring a bell?
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Just sent you an email ...

 

Paul met me out at VIR yesterday and I got my first laps in car - just outstanding! Initially I was a little slow as I was content just sitting back and listening to the engine behind me. Without a doubt the best sounding race car I've had the pleasure of driving, the notes are still in my head.

With Paul's tutoring (my first time at VIR), I began to pick it up in the afternoon and had a blast. The car is very easy to drive, forgiving and predictable. Only complaint is the steering is overboosted and numb compared to the Porsches I've raced, but I knew that going in from the street cars I've owned. Biggest surprise was how good the brakes were, couldn't ask for anything more in that department. I also loved the gated shifter on track, combined with the heavy on-center spring action as it made for very precise shifts.

On the last lap of the day I did manage to brake 2 wheel studs on the left rear shortly after apexing T1. But hey, that's why we do shake down runs before racing a car that was pulled out of storage. With Paul's help it will be fixed and ready for Daytona!

For anyone sitting on the fence about a 355C, just drive one! They have to be one of the best bargains in used race cars right now. And with the FCRA growing and building demand for these former cast offs, I suspect ownership costs will be limited to maintenance and consumables. There is another yellow one in the classifieds right now, come join us ...

 

The cost from Risi Ferrari is $178/each. But from Ricambi (via Hill Engineering) it's only $28! Daniel is having 20 air freighted in from the UK for me so I can replace all of the original studs. Another example of amazing service from one of the Fchat sponsors.



Looking at the pictures of the new decals going on the car, I think we should award trophies for 'Best Prepared' car. If I am not quick at least I will look good! Of course I would have to send the trophy home with Paul as it's his hard work that is making all this happen. I'd never be able to make this race without all of his efforts, so a big public THANK YOU to him.