2007 RSR Archive
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Browns Valley, CA
Just saw you driver line up for VIR. I was really surprised to see someone that I know. Caleb Kenny from NorCal. I met caleb last year at the Jim Russell racing school at Infineon Raceway. He was very fast and progressed quickly. We ran the annual runoffs together and Caleb went on to participate in the Formula Russell series and win quite often. Has Caleb driven the Mini before or will this be his first outing behind the wheel of the Mini race car?
It looks like a good lineup of drivers for VIR, Good luck guys.
It looks like a good lineup of drivers for VIR, Good luck guys.
Coordinator :: RSR Motorsports Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Just saw you driver line up for VIR. I was really surprised to see someone that I know. Caleb Kenny from NorCal. I met caleb last year at the Jim Russell racing school at Infineon Raceway. He was very fast and progressed quickly. We ran the annual runoffs together and Caleb went on to participate in the Formula Russell series and win quite often. Has Caleb driven the Mini before or will this be his first outing behind the wheel of the Mini race car?
It looks like a good lineup of drivers for VIR, Good luck guys.
It looks like a good lineup of drivers for VIR, Good luck guys.
This will be his 1st drive in the Mini. We are looking forward to having him!
Randy
Coordinator :: RSR Motorsports Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
. . . strange . . . I'm in Germany on a business trip. Before I left town, I set my TIVO to tape it. It was on at 1:00pm and again at 4 or 5 as I recall. It is listed as 'Koni Challenge".
I guess I won't know until I get back next week. I hope they televised it as planned.
Randy
update: According to Grand Am
Full TV Schedule
Tape Delay9/23/2007 4:00 PM ET
Last edited by Rsstopper; Sep 24, 2007 at 02:14 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Browns Valley, CA
15" racing wheels
I was going over some of your past race posts and was interested in seeing that you switched to smaller wheels. Would you be able to explain in technical terms why the smaller wheels and tire work better on the Mini.
I understand that they are lighter, and less unsprung weight is a good thing.
I currently have an 03 MCS with stock suspension, 15% pully, tsw rotors and greenstuff pads.
I understand that they are lighter, and less unsprung weight is a good thing.
I currently have an 03 MCS with stock suspension, 15% pully, tsw rotors and greenstuff pads.
Coordinator :: RSR Motorsports Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I was going over some of your past race posts and was interested in seeing that you switched to smaller wheels. Would you be able to explain in technical terms why the smaller wheels and tire work better on the Mini.
I understand that they are lighter, and less unsprung weight is a good thing.
I currently have an 03 MCS with stock suspension, 15% pully, tsw rotors and greenstuff pads.
I understand that they are lighter, and less unsprung weight is a good thing.
I currently have an 03 MCS with stock suspension, 15% pully, tsw rotors and greenstuff pads.
This a post by me from another forum. I hope it answers your questions ...or at least my thoughts on the subject.
Thanks!
Randy
Coordinator :: RSR Motorsports Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Pre-departure VIR Update
I am back from my business trip to Europe and here is the latest news . . .
#197 has a new engine. The engine was 'run out' so a decision was made to put in the spare motor, which is brand new. We installed a new clutch and throw-out bearing. In addition, the 197 now has the 2800 series Koni racing shocks. (big $$$). At this point we still have the JCW intercooler installed. The water/air intercooler unit has been shipped but it is doubtful it will be installed before the race. We have a prototype of a new air/air IC that we will test in practice. It looks promising. Barber setting on the suspension.
The 197 will be driven by Owen / Jon / Jamie / Caleb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#198 passed all the engine tests with flying colors. It also has a new clutch and throw-out bearing. The w2a intercooler is installed. The suspension is set to 'Barber' specs.
The 198 will be driven by Randy / Mark / Rick / Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Barber setting is a little soft. We have springs on the transporter to 'up the rates' (both cars) if it proves to be too soft. We discovered a problem with the 2800 series Koni shocks at SLC that negates virtually ALL the prior suspension work we have done. Both cars are set at a 'neutral' setting. We will need some feedback during practice to dial the cars in. Soft is good on a Mini . . . it makes them turn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brakes:
During Wed practice we will to bed-in some pads and rotors. We have been analyzing the brake life at VIR and do not think we can run the entire 6 hours with one set of pads unless we really baby them. Therefore, the plan is to swap pads and rotors on both cars at the +/- 3 hour mark. The bedded-in rotors and pads will be used for the change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other:
New hoods with headlights are on the cars. We have mounted rains ready to go but it does not look like we will need them.
Both cars have been prepped with new belts, plugs, fuel filters, bushings, etc, etc.
We are waiting for 4 more Kodiak's that are in transit somewhere and then are ready to go.
The transporter leaves on Monday. I will be there on Wed afternoon.
Randy
Schedules:
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...20Schedule.pdf[/FONT]
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...tice%20Day.pdf[/FONT]
#197 has a new engine. The engine was 'run out' so a decision was made to put in the spare motor, which is brand new. We installed a new clutch and throw-out bearing. In addition, the 197 now has the 2800 series Koni racing shocks. (big $$$). At this point we still have the JCW intercooler installed. The water/air intercooler unit has been shipped but it is doubtful it will be installed before the race. We have a prototype of a new air/air IC that we will test in practice. It looks promising. Barber setting on the suspension.
The 197 will be driven by Owen / Jon / Jamie / Caleb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#198 passed all the engine tests with flying colors. It also has a new clutch and throw-out bearing. The w2a intercooler is installed. The suspension is set to 'Barber' specs.
The 198 will be driven by Randy / Mark / Rick / Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Barber setting is a little soft. We have springs on the transporter to 'up the rates' (both cars) if it proves to be too soft. We discovered a problem with the 2800 series Koni shocks at SLC that negates virtually ALL the prior suspension work we have done. Both cars are set at a 'neutral' setting. We will need some feedback during practice to dial the cars in. Soft is good on a Mini . . . it makes them turn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brakes:
During Wed practice we will to bed-in some pads and rotors. We have been analyzing the brake life at VIR and do not think we can run the entire 6 hours with one set of pads unless we really baby them. Therefore, the plan is to swap pads and rotors on both cars at the +/- 3 hour mark. The bedded-in rotors and pads will be used for the change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other:
New hoods with headlights are on the cars. We have mounted rains ready to go but it does not look like we will need them.
Both cars have been prepped with new belts, plugs, fuel filters, bushings, etc, etc.
We are waiting for 4 more Kodiak's that are in transit somewhere and then are ready to go.
The transporter leaves on Monday. I will be there on Wed afternoon.
Randy
Schedules:
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...20Schedule.pdf[/FONT]
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...tice%20Day.pdf[/FONT]
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,957
Likes: 2
From: a canyon, south Bay Area
Thanks for pushing the envelope on MINI intercooling. I really appreciate the transparency here on NAM as I find it highly educational and interesting. It's just amazing at all of the factors and considerations that go into competing at this level. Thanks again Randy and RSR!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Thanks for pushing the envelope on MINI intercooling. I really appreciate the transparency here on NAM as I find it highly educational and interesting. It's just amazing at all of the factors and considerations that go into competing at this level. Thanks again Randy and RSR!
Coordinator :: RSR Motorsports Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Randy
1st Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I am back from my business trip to Europe and here is the latest news . . .
#197 has a new engine. The engine was 'run out' so a decision was made to put in the spare motor, which is brand new. We installed a new clutch and throw-out bearing. In addition, the 197 now has the 2800 series Koni racing shocks. (big $$$). At this point we still have the JCW intercooler installed. The water/air intercooler unit has been shipped but it is doubtful it will be installed before the race. We have a prototype of a new air/air IC that we will test in practice. It looks promising. Barber setting on the suspension.
The 197 will be driven by Owen / Jon / Jamie / Caleb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#198 passed all the engine tests with flying colors. It also has a new clutch and throw-out bearing. The w2a intercooler is installed. The suspension is set to 'Barber' specs.
The 198 will be driven by Randy / Mark / Rick / Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Barber setting is a little soft. We have springs on the transporter to 'up the rates' (both cars) if it proves to be too soft. We discovered a problem with the 2800 series Koni shocks at SLC that negates virtually ALL the prior suspension work we have done. Both cars are set at a 'neutral' setting. We will need some feedback during practice to dial the cars in. Soft is good on a Mini . . . it makes them turn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brakes:
During Wed practice we will to bed-in some pads and rotors. We have been analyzing the brake life at VIR and do not think we can run the entire 6 hours with one set of pads unless we really baby them. Therefore, the plan is to swap pads and rotors on both cars at the +/- 3 hour mark. The bedded-in rotors and pads will be used for the change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other:
New hoods with headlights are on the cars. We have mounted rains ready to go but it does not look like we will need them.
Both cars have been prepped with new belts, plugs, fuel filters, bushings, etc, etc.
We are waiting for 4 more Kodiak's that are in transit somewhere and then are ready to go.
The transporter leaves on Monday. I will be there on Wed afternoon.
Randy
Schedules:
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...20Schedule.pdf[/FONT]
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...tice%20Day.pdf[/FONT]
#197 has a new engine. The engine was 'run out' so a decision was made to put in the spare motor, which is brand new. We installed a new clutch and throw-out bearing. In addition, the 197 now has the 2800 series Koni racing shocks. (big $$$). At this point we still have the JCW intercooler installed. The water/air intercooler unit has been shipped but it is doubtful it will be installed before the race. We have a prototype of a new air/air IC that we will test in practice. It looks promising. Barber setting on the suspension.
The 197 will be driven by Owen / Jon / Jamie / Caleb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#198 passed all the engine tests with flying colors. It also has a new clutch and throw-out bearing. The w2a intercooler is installed. The suspension is set to 'Barber' specs.
The 198 will be driven by Randy / Mark / Rick / Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Barber setting is a little soft. We have springs on the transporter to 'up the rates' (both cars) if it proves to be too soft. We discovered a problem with the 2800 series Koni shocks at SLC that negates virtually ALL the prior suspension work we have done. Both cars are set at a 'neutral' setting. We will need some feedback during practice to dial the cars in. Soft is good on a Mini . . . it makes them turn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brakes:
During Wed practice we will to bed-in some pads and rotors. We have been analyzing the brake life at VIR and do not think we can run the entire 6 hours with one set of pads unless we really baby them. Therefore, the plan is to swap pads and rotors on both cars at the +/- 3 hour mark. The bedded-in rotors and pads will be used for the change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other:
New hoods with headlights are on the cars. We have mounted rains ready to go but it does not look like we will need them.
Both cars have been prepped with new belts, plugs, fuel filters, bushings, etc, etc.
We are waiting for 4 more Kodiak's that are in transit somewhere and then are ready to go.
The transporter leaves on Monday. I will be there on Wed afternoon.
Randy
Schedules:
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...20Schedule.pdf[/FONT]
http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...tice%20Day.pdf[/FONT]
Jon
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT, soon St. James, NC
Good qualifying this morning - car #198 27th @ 2:17.109 and #197 28th @ 2:17.440 out of 36 cars on track. That's bringing home the bacon - good times, solid positions for the enduro start, and keeps the grid team together, also!
Have a fast, consistent race and finish well!
Have a fast, consistent race and finish well!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT, soon St. James, NC
Lap 35, now, about 4 hours 30 minutes till the checker flys........Randy is driving 198 in 25th position, and Caleb is in 197 in 27th spot.
Lap 103, 2 hours left, Mark is driving in 19th position, and Jamie in 25th!
Lap 128, less than 1 hour to go, Peter driving 198, 16th, Caleb in 23rd.
Lap 149, 9 minutes to go..... Peter in 16th, Caleb in 22nd.
One lap to go! and............the 3rd place car runs out of gas! ............both MINIs finish!!! WOW - what a great race! Great season!
Congratulations!
Survive!
Lap 103, 2 hours left, Mark is driving in 19th position, and Jamie in 25th!
Lap 128, less than 1 hour to go, Peter driving 198, 16th, Caleb in 23rd.
Lap 149, 9 minutes to go..... Peter in 16th, Caleb in 22nd.
One lap to go! and............the 3rd place car runs out of gas! ............both MINIs finish!!! WOW - what a great race! Great season!
Congratulations!
Survive!
Last edited by pbraun; Oct 6, 2007 at 06:03 PM.
