Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (long)
12-08-2003, 09:47 PM
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Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (long)
Team RNR Racing (my team) had high hopes going in. We won E2 last year & actually came in 2nd overall. I prepared a better program this year with a very strong driver line up. Besides my regular teammate, Derek Ramsey, we also had Roger Foo (Speed Touring), Tom Lepper (NorCal H1 & USTCC champ.), Mike Davirro (2K 12 Hour E1 champ.) & Josh Jacquot of Sport Compact Mag. on board.
We had great support for our sponsors: Title sponsor Auto Innovations & (in alpha) ACT, Cobalt Friction, Griffin Motorwerke & Rota Wheels.
Wed. was hectic. It had been several pressure filled weeks for me as I tried to balance home, work & preparing for this race. This was the last day to get anything done. I ended up having to take a last minute vaction day to finish up. I didn't come in from the garage until 10 PM. I had everything packed & loaded.
Thurs.
Derek met me @ home. We drove together to pick up my friend Pat. All three of us went to pick up the two RV's I needed to rent. One was for Team RNR. The other was for Team Honda Research, who were flying in late Thursday night. We met Roger on the road. It is raining now. He was bringing the car up for THR in his trailer. We all arrived @ Thunderhill @ 4PM. There is already a long line of cars waiting to get into the track. When they let us in, we stake our claim to a spot in the center of the paddock.
Friday.
It is raining still. Off & on now. We go into town to eat. After eating, we go back to the track to get ready for testing. My car is sorted so there really isn't much for us to do. Testing goes OK. Did I mention that I hate driving in the rain?
Saturday.
It isn't raining. The forecast calls for rain. The race starts @ 11AM. We have to grid from 10:00 - 10:30. If you aren't there you start from the back. We see some blue sky & gamble on drys. During the National Anthem it starts to rain. (The opening ceremonies included a Air Force Honor Guard, a Humvee on track during a pace lap & two jets doing a fly-over!) The cars go out & it is slipper as hell. We bring Roger in right as it goes green. We switch to wets (full tread RA-1's). Rog goes out & turns times 6 secs faster than the leaders. By the time he finishes his stint, he has gotten us back up to 8th in class, which is where we started. Lepper gets us to 3rd in class with his stint.
Random points 'cuz you don't really want to read for 25 Hours.
We get as high as 2nd in class & 10th overall.
We had two offroad excursions where the drivers get stuck. Both times they are able to get back on track, barely! Good thing I got the limited slip.
The tranny is starting to feel crappy. Worn syncros. Don't know if it will make it. I separate the spare engine/tranny & lay out the tools to swap it.
The track is slippery as hell especially @ night. One second the car feels great, for the rain, & the next you're sliding around. Mud is getting scatted everywhere. Hit it & the good line is now just as crappy as the bad.
My first stint sucks. It is night time but not really raining. There is a dry line but if you stray just a bit or hit some mud..... I have one of the off track excursions mentioned above. I also come thru T15 sideways, then tank slapping. I correct only to find myself heading straight for the pitout gorepoint!
I tell Derek that we aren't doing this again.
My second stint is much better. It has stopped raining completely @ this point. I drive much better. I have to go "2 wheels off" twice to not get hit. Even though it is still night & we are short shifting @ 6800 rpm (instead of 7200 rpm), I turn edited-read the sheet wrong: 2:20's. I get us up to 2nd in class from 3rd.
I tell Derek if we get a podium, we should do this again.
We get a 5 min. stop & go penalty for a pass under yellow. We drop to 5th in class.
The headgasket blows @ ~ hour 23.
We send the car back out while we try to get ready. Derek is basically coasting around on track.
I have to put the tranny & engine back together since I had previously taken them apart. We bring the car in. We swarm over the car. We get the old engine out in 23 min. The Kazz tranny oil is thick as molasses & just as slow to pour. One axle won't go into the hub. It is super tight. People watch as we work. We finish in 1 hour!
My crew kicks ***! We never have a fuel spill. We have fast stops. We are faster than many big $$ teams. Honestly! My crew consisted of Orlando, Pat, Mike, Jeff & Shawn. Robyn not only bought the food & brought it to the track, she made sure we all ate.
(Edit: official results posted. Adjusted below for accuracy.)
@ hour 12, we were 3rd in class & 11th overall.
We finished 9th in class & 26th overall for the 25.
73 cars started the race.
Derek & I didn't get any pics. Too busy.
I stayed up for 38 hours.
I told Derek we could win next year.....
Modified by civicrr at 11:04 AM 12/9/2003
Modified by civicrr at 8:48 AM 12/10/2003
Modified by civicrr at 8:52 AM 12/10/2003
We had great support for our sponsors: Title sponsor Auto Innovations & (in alpha) ACT, Cobalt Friction, Griffin Motorwerke & Rota Wheels.
Wed. was hectic. It had been several pressure filled weeks for me as I tried to balance home, work & preparing for this race. This was the last day to get anything done. I ended up having to take a last minute vaction day to finish up. I didn't come in from the garage until 10 PM. I had everything packed & loaded.
Thurs.
Derek met me @ home. We drove together to pick up my friend Pat. All three of us went to pick up the two RV's I needed to rent. One was for Team RNR. The other was for Team Honda Research, who were flying in late Thursday night. We met Roger on the road. It is raining now. He was bringing the car up for THR in his trailer. We all arrived @ Thunderhill @ 4PM. There is already a long line of cars waiting to get into the track. When they let us in, we stake our claim to a spot in the center of the paddock.
Friday.
It is raining still. Off & on now. We go into town to eat. After eating, we go back to the track to get ready for testing. My car is sorted so there really isn't much for us to do. Testing goes OK. Did I mention that I hate driving in the rain?
Saturday.
It isn't raining. The forecast calls for rain. The race starts @ 11AM. We have to grid from 10:00 - 10:30. If you aren't there you start from the back. We see some blue sky & gamble on drys. During the National Anthem it starts to rain. (The opening ceremonies included a Air Force Honor Guard, a Humvee on track during a pace lap & two jets doing a fly-over!) The cars go out & it is slipper as hell. We bring Roger in right as it goes green. We switch to wets (full tread RA-1's). Rog goes out & turns times 6 secs faster than the leaders. By the time he finishes his stint, he has gotten us back up to 8th in class, which is where we started. Lepper gets us to 3rd in class with his stint.
Random points 'cuz you don't really want to read for 25 Hours.
We get as high as 2nd in class & 10th overall.
We had two offroad excursions where the drivers get stuck. Both times they are able to get back on track, barely! Good thing I got the limited slip.
The tranny is starting to feel crappy. Worn syncros. Don't know if it will make it. I separate the spare engine/tranny & lay out the tools to swap it.
The track is slippery as hell especially @ night. One second the car feels great, for the rain, & the next you're sliding around. Mud is getting scatted everywhere. Hit it & the good line is now just as crappy as the bad.
My first stint sucks. It is night time but not really raining. There is a dry line but if you stray just a bit or hit some mud..... I have one of the off track excursions mentioned above. I also come thru T15 sideways, then tank slapping. I correct only to find myself heading straight for the pitout gorepoint!
I tell Derek that we aren't doing this again.
My second stint is much better. It has stopped raining completely @ this point. I drive much better. I have to go "2 wheels off" twice to not get hit. Even though it is still night & we are short shifting @ 6800 rpm (instead of 7200 rpm), I turn edited-read the sheet wrong: 2:20's. I get us up to 2nd in class from 3rd.
I tell Derek if we get a podium, we should do this again.
We get a 5 min. stop & go penalty for a pass under yellow. We drop to 5th in class.
The headgasket blows @ ~ hour 23.
We send the car back out while we try to get ready. Derek is basically coasting around on track.
I have to put the tranny & engine back together since I had previously taken them apart. We bring the car in. We swarm over the car. We get the old engine out in 23 min. The Kazz tranny oil is thick as molasses & just as slow to pour. One axle won't go into the hub. It is super tight. People watch as we work. We finish in 1 hour!
My crew kicks ***! We never have a fuel spill. We have fast stops. We are faster than many big $$ teams. Honestly! My crew consisted of Orlando, Pat, Mike, Jeff & Shawn. Robyn not only bought the food & brought it to the track, she made sure we all ate.
(Edit: official results posted. Adjusted below for accuracy.)
@ hour 12, we were 3rd in class & 11th overall.
We finished 9th in class & 26th overall for the 25.
73 cars started the race.
Derek & I didn't get any pics. Too busy.
I stayed up for 38 hours.
I told Derek we could win next year.....
Modified by civicrr at 11:04 AM 12/9/2003
Modified by civicrr at 8:48 AM 12/10/2003
Modified by civicrr at 8:52 AM 12/10/2003
12-08-2003, 11:24 PM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
Damn how did you remember all that? I cant even remember how I got home from the track!
Good job ! that was one tough race. With all the big $$ teams that were there, and not so desirable condions it turn out very interesting. I just remebered hearing on our radios "Damn, There are cars going off EVERYWERE!"
I cant wait for next year!
Good job ! that was one tough race. With all the big $$ teams that were there, and not so desirable condions it turn out very interesting. I just remebered hearing on our radios "Damn, There are cars going off EVERYWERE!"
I cant wait for next year!
12-09-2003, 07:21 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (sleedawg)
Steve,
I am pretty scetchy on the positions. I do know that we beat Team Honda Research. They had a valve adjuster mid-race....disappear. They end up running a 15 valve engine. Wait, it gets worst. for them. Somewhere around hour 22 the driver hears clunking from the back. They bring him in after a couple of laps. Just as he pulls into our shared paddock space, the fuel tank springs several leaks. The tank strap broke!.
For those who haven't yet you better double oem strap. Better yet, make some straps out of 1/8" x 1" steel. This isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened.
Brian,
Somethings I remember. Other things are just a blur.
Outrun,
Nice pics. Did you get any of the #11 yellow Civic or #17 silver 'teg?
I am pretty scetchy on the positions. I do know that we beat Team Honda Research. They had a valve adjuster mid-race....disappear. They end up running a 15 valve engine. Wait, it gets worst. for them. Somewhere around hour 22 the driver hears clunking from the back. They bring him in after a couple of laps. Just as he pulls into our shared paddock space, the fuel tank springs several leaks. The tank strap broke!.
For those who haven't yet you better double oem strap. Better yet, make some straps out of 1/8" x 1" steel. This isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened.
Brian,
Somethings I remember. Other things are just a blur.
Outrun,
Nice pics. Did you get any of the #11 yellow Civic or #17 silver 'teg?
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12-09-2003, 07:33 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Just as he pulls into our shared paddock space, the fuel tank springs several leaks. The tank strap broke!.
For those who haven't yet you better double oem strap. Better yet, make some straps out of 1/8" x 1" steel. This isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Wow, I remember Roger Foo making a post about reinforcing your tank on this board a year or two ago. Coincidental that that happened in the paddock he was in.
For those who haven't yet you better double oem strap. Better yet, make some straps out of 1/8" x 1" steel. This isn't the first time this sort of thing has happened.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Wow, I remember Roger Foo making a post about reinforcing your tank on this board a year or two ago. Coincidental that that happened in the paddock he was in.
12-09-2003, 07:38 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (743)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 743 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Wow, I remember Roger Foo making a post about reinforcing your tank on this board a year or two ago. Coincidental that that happened in the paddock he was in.</TD></TR></TABLE>
True.
Important to remember that Roger didn't build that car.
Wow, I remember Roger Foo making a post about reinforcing your tank on this board a year or two ago. Coincidental that that happened in the paddock he was in.</TD></TR></TABLE>
True.
Important to remember that Roger didn't build that car.
12-09-2003, 07:46 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
2:14's in the dark?! Wow, you really can drive Mike! 
I can't imagine Thunderhill dark and wet although driving it in those conditions does have some sinister appeal.
Good job on the teamwork. Sounds like you and Derrick had the team to beat.
Greg
I can't imagine Thunderhill dark and wet although driving it in those conditions does have some sinister appeal.
Good job on the teamwork. Sounds like you and Derrick had the team to beat.
Greg
12-09-2003, 08:02 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
True.
Important to remember that Roger didn't build that car. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, I wasn't implying that. I just happened to remember his post when I read that and It just seemed weird.
Anyway, awesome job. Good driving and awesome crew.
True.
Important to remember that Roger didn't build that car. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, I wasn't implying that. I just happened to remember his post when I read that and It just seemed weird.
Anyway, awesome job. Good driving and awesome crew.
12-09-2003, 08:08 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We swarm over the car. We get the old engine out in 23 min...... We finish in 1 hour!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not bad, especially being trackside! I must admit, last week I actually entertained the thought of flying out there to lend you guys a hand.
Congratulations on the finish!
Not bad, especially being trackside! I must admit, last week I actually entertained the thought of flying out there to lend you guys a hand.
Congratulations on the finish!
12-09-2003, 08:46 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (johng)
What a story Mike! Your crew sounded awesome. 1 hour for an engine change is no small feat. I wish you had pics of that. 2:14 at night, you scare me man. 
38 hours beats me I think. I took a catnap at some point. but I am still recovering me sleep, even today.
38 hours beats me I think. I took a catnap at some point. but I am still recovering me sleep, even today.
12-09-2003, 09:10 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (gotocrx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gotocrx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
38 hours beats me I think. I took a catnap at some point. but I am still recovering me sleep, even today.</TD></TR></TABLE>
...well, that is why we had to stay in Willows Sunday night. It was either that or end up as a car wreak on the freeway.
38 hours beats me I think. I took a catnap at some point. but I am still recovering me sleep, even today.</TD></TR></TABLE>
...well, that is why we had to stay in Willows Sunday night. It was either that or end up as a car wreak on the freeway.
12-09-2003, 09:12 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
Thank you Monster Energy Drinks! They should have sponsored our rides home, not the race
12-09-2003, 09:29 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (Littleton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Littleton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Great stuff, that was a superb effort and result. Congrates!!!!</TD></TR></TABLE>
you all make me miss this even more....that first race next year is gonna be beautiful!!
you all make me miss this even more....that first race next year is gonna be beautiful!!
12-09-2003, 10:06 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (chad)
official results posted @ http://<a href="http://www.nasaprora...html</a><br />
placings/positions updated in original post.
placings/positions updated in original post.
12-09-2003, 11:47 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civicrr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Outrun,
Nice pics. Did you get any of the #11 yellow Civic or #17 silver 'teg?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, I did not take those pics. motorsport.com is one of the racing sites I visit and I was surprised that they had those pics as they mostly cover the mainstream F1, CART, NASCAR, WRC, ALMS, etc. series. I'm glad that NASA is starting to get more attention.
Outrun,
Nice pics. Did you get any of the #11 yellow Civic or #17 silver 'teg?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Actually, I did not take those pics. motorsport.com is one of the racing sites I visit and I was surprised that they had those pics as they mostly cover the mainstream F1, CART, NASCAR, WRC, ALMS, etc. series. I'm glad that NASA is starting to get more attention.
12-09-2003, 01:40 PM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (civicrr)
Many thanks to Mike and the RNR crew, we couldn't have done it without you guys.
Already looking forward to next year. Hopefully we can show up with something a little more interesting next time.
Jeremy Lucas
Team Honda Research - Comptech, Cobalt, H&R, SPC
Already looking forward to next year.
Hopefully we can show up with something a little more interesting next time.Jeremy Lucas
Team Honda Research - Comptech, Cobalt, H&R, SPC
12-09-2003, 03:32 PM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (jpl95si)
Jeremy,
It was cool to meet all you guys even though I couldn't get your names right half the time.
Sorry, that you guys had such rotten luck this year. You couldn't get a break it seemed.
I heard that you guys were already planning for next year!
It was cool to meet all you guys even though I couldn't get your names right half the time.
Sorry, that you guys had such rotten luck this year. You couldn't get a break it seemed.
I heard that you guys were already planning for next year!
12-10-2003, 07:53 AM
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Re: Tough 25 Hours of Thunderhill for Team RNR Racing (bulldog_RS20)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bulldog_RS20 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2:14's in the dark?! Wow, you really can drive Mike!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
not really. i made a mistake on reading the timing sheets. i turned 2:20
</TD></TR></TABLE>not really. i made a mistake on reading the timing sheets. i turned 2:20
12-10-2003, 11:32 AM
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Hey Mike,
thanks for the part! Couldn't do it without yourhelp! I'll send you an email on how to compensate you on the part soon. Again, thanks a bunch!
Congrats on the nice finish!
To rub it in, I did 2:18 at night. hehehehe
thanks for the part! Couldn't do it without yourhelp! I'll send you an email on how to compensate you on the part soon. Again, thanks a bunch!
Congrats on the nice finish!
To rub it in, I did 2:18 at night. hehehehe
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