:grin: Finally, after three previous races my #53 Mini won the opening race of the '04 Road racing series at " No Probem Raceway" here in Louisiana.
After starting 3rd on the grid in red bracket class (the fastest improved touring class), I chased the extremely well driven CRX by Franco Valobra and Bill Mack's Subaru WRX....The three of us soon left the entire field behing by half a lap with intense bumper to bumper action.
I finally got around Franco's CRX going into turn 10 only to get passed again going into turn 4, a 2nd gear tight turn. In less than half a lap I was back in the fight and on The CRX's bumper just waiting for the opportunity to power past him which happened about two thrds into the race.
While entering the last turn #14, a long double-appex turn, Franco pushed the Bill's Subaru into a wide exit leaving me the inside shot onto the main straight where I passed them both and held the lead till the finish.
It was the most intense race I have yet experienced.
Next race will be on Feb 21st...anyone interested in racing in our series, contact me at : 225-953-2742

Sincerely,

Paulo S. Diniz :cool:

CONGRATS

Earl

Excellent Paulo!

Website, pics?

What club or series are you racing in?

>>Excellent Paulo!
>>Website, pics?
:cool: Sorry but no website yet however, you can e-mail mw at: paulosdiniz@aol.com and I will send photos...Have in-car videos of the races as well
Thanks,
Paulo

Nice win. Keep up the good racing and keep us informed.

>>What club or series are you racing in?
:cool: We are racing under the bracket system using the "vintage car" racing rules as with BMWCCA or PCA ie: NO metal rubbing or you geet put on probation for 13 months...if it happens again, you get suspended for 13 months.
I race with mostly scca ITA Honda CRX's, another Cooper S, Porsche 944's, spec Miatas, older prosche 911's etc...
Classes are formed based on your lap times, with a 4 sec. bracket separating each class usually.
If you sand-bag your qualifying time then turn laps 2 sec. faster than the fastest time in your class, you are disqualified.
No restrictions on what you can do to the car, seems to be a great equalizer.
Will be going to Roebling Road track next week for the 4 day racing school, will be hauling my Mini. should come back with my SCCA liscense.
If you are interested in road racing, contact me at : paulosdiniz@aol.com
Regards,
Paulo

Congrats Paulo!
I would've been there, but found out about the schedule too late. I will try to come watch on the 21st.
Maybe you could get Lance to post the video and pics on the gulf south motoring site.