Saw MM's post about MSR this weekend and wondered how the 2 355C's did in their races.
We were there yesterday and Rob was the only Ferrari. He did very well in the "muscle car" class as well as the RSX class. Congrats to Greg who put in a good performance also! Good racing in everything we watched - light rain made for interesting times too. Impressed with the Legends and the mini grand cars - those little suckers could move with their Yamaha engines. You see them on SpeedTV but it's always round-de-round - the guy we were talking to said they always run road courses. MaranelloMan was at TWS if I remember his post. Carol
Sadly, my 355C maiden race lasted only two laps. The car had been showing "ck eng 1-4" intermittently. We thought we had fixed it last week with new exhaust ECUs, but during practice it came back and the car had a serious sporadic power loss. I skipped qualifying and ran over to Boardwalk Ferrari picked up 2 oxygen sensors, slapped them in and went to the back of the grid for the race. Rob started next to me at the back of a pretty big field, because neither of us had qualifying times. During the warm up lap my electrical problem returned. I stayed out two laps, but it wasnt really safe with the power coming and going. Rob passed a ton of cars and worked his way up to be shown 4th. I was really disappointed not to be able to race. I should have it worked out for the next event, and I might have it repainted so Rob and I wont look like twinkies.
Mark, I am really sorry to hear that. Man, racing at MSR in the wet...ouch. That track has to be THE most slippery when wet. Heh heh...you said twinkies...heh heh.
I assume you guys have heard of the hottiesonhoods site. Well, apparently they worked a deal with Rob to send some ladies down to MSR this weekend and take some pictures of a few of the ladies on the 355C. Anyway, my camera sucks, but they said they should have high-res versions on their site within the week. Click the links to check out my low quality pictures. http://taylorrotorsports.com/srx7/images/Backfire/babes-on-ferrari's.jpg http://taylorrotorsports.com/srx7/images/Backfire/babes-on-ferrari's2.jpg
Those cars are beautiful and I owe a tip of the hat to Rob in the first race on Sunday. He was qualified 2nd, I was 4th and he got a great start off the line in the standing start. That allowed me to tuck in behind him and we were ahead of the field before Rattlesnake. He then gave me a break in Buzzard's Neck by allowing me to go by on the inside although he had qualified almost a second per lap faster - I had two of my competitors in class behind me and he let us race it out amongst ourselves. Class act and great action, thanks Rob! As for those hotties in the photos, that needs a little work there Chris, lol. Regards, Mike Bell NASA TX AI #16
Hello Mike. You know, I never thought anything could beat SRX7 racing, but I had a blast racing with all of you. Who would have thought the lowest torqued car in the top 10 would make the first corner in 1st. Problems started then as my well dead tires were taking a good 3 laps to get sticky. I enjoyed watching the great AI battle ahead of me (reminded me of SRX7 with the paint trading) and no shame with FerrariChat.com user Keith Verges kicking my butt in a Miata. I look forward to more races. Can I borrow some torque?
Hey Mike - what happened to you Sunday? I crawled out from under the car, saw a purple roof and hood, and muttered "uh-oh". I've still got a Spec7 seat for you....
Chris, Motor self-destructed on Sunday. I haven't begun the teardown yet but corner workers reported piston parts being found so it is terminal. It was the original 111k mile shortblock so I knew it would happen sometime. We're working on a new combo now, hope to make the May event. Sorry Rob, as you can see, I have no torque to give anyone right now, lol. It was great action while it lasted!
I also enjoyed Sunday's race and meeting Mike Bell (after a bit of unfortunate coming together the prior day when I put my nose in Rattlesnake a bit ambitiously). I tried to stay out of the well- fought top 3 battle in AI, but simply could not resist on Sunday. After they got spread out a bit, I decided to press matters in the SM Turbo (maybe a new spec class?) and everyone was very cordial, starting with Rob. This time I had no contact but did get black flagged over a difference in opinion about a yellow flag for Mike's then disabled car (I swear I was ahead by the corner station, but they did not seem to like my racing to the station). I hope to get another chance to run with Rob when his tires are up to snuff.
Somebody missed the driver's meeting.... You didn't know you were supposed to stop in the middle of the track, get out of the car, talk to your buddies, and then get back in and drive off once they kick some pebbles off the outside of the turn, did you? :rofl:
We wondered about that also. We looked at car walking on our way back to the pit area and noticed the shield - that's neat. Also liked the rear plate on it. Carol
Keith, sorry to hear about the black flag, I hope you won't hold last weekends experience against me . You were flying last weekend and I had a great time racing with you. I noticed you laid back in the second race Saturday allowing me room to catch the AI leader (which I was unable to do), thanks for the opportunity. You made the right call on Sunday's first race, we were really spread out and I was holding you up. You really drive the wheels off that turbo, hope to see you again in May and maybe we can have a cold Gatorade and talk racing.
Kevin told me a few days ago he might be able to get a flier at 1:17-1:18. Oh well, I'm just out there to have fun, I'm not going to develop this car more than it is, except for using fresh tires. Whether that is a half second or 2 seconds we'll find out in May. I don't care if I'm racing a Vette, AI, or Miata. I just love racing!
Will the May event y'all are talking about be a similar race at MSR? If not, what and where. Is there a firm date. We would like to come and engage in another gawk and drool session. John
