That might make more sense if the parts weren't getting out, but they are. Regardless, the underbody paneling & appearance items I get, but what's the point of a simple performance part like the IC.

 

I think the underbody panels are standard equip on '07's ?? Right?

They don't seem to have the same rule overseas. That's where the parts are coming from. I can't explain why.

Randy

 

http://www.grand-am.com/Events/Event.asp?ID=233

The RSR Grand Am Mini's will be at Daytona for the Test in early January.

We have made some improvements over the last two months and are ready for the 2008 season. The cars have been completely rebuilt . . . body work, mechanicals, etc. A year's worth of bumps and dents are gone . . .

Daytona is not our best event (aerodynamics) but we feel pretty good about our prospects for the year.

Driving at the test and at the Koni race later in the month will be:

Randall Smalley
Owen Trinkler
Mark Congleton
Rick Johnson


Merry Christmas!

Randy

 

randy: i'm interested to know what GA has allowed you to do this year. brakes, IC's, weight etc. any changes? what other changes have you made? i promise i'm not a VW spy. i look forward to seeing you at daytona again.

greg

 

Good luck Randy !

I would love to hear about any changes to the rules that allow the MINI to be a bit more competitive.

Was there any progress on getting the signed posters available?

 

Working with Grand Am is like 'Chinese Water Torture'. Everything you get from them comes one drop at a time. They are very keen on evolution, slow and measured change. Grand Am is part of the NASCAR family and their roots are firmly planted in the Daytona way of doing things.

The only new Mini rule for 2008 is a weight reduction of 50 lbs. Minimum weight is now 2200 down from 2300 at this time last year.

However, as the 07 season ended we had some new rules we were never able to take advantage of. The larger JCW brakes were approved near the end of the season but we did not have proper pads. Hawk is now making JCW pads for us so the larger brakes will be on both cars. Our limited experience with the JCW's was a big improvement.

As I discussed in prior posts, the IC issue is solved. We are now able to deal with engine tuning and mapping. We have invested in ECU mapping equipment/software and expect an improvement in engine power and fuel economy. Early dyno work has been promising. We will also be able to make specific changes at the track to adjust for conditions. This will be a huge benefit and is something the Honda/Acura teams have been able to do for years.

We suffered all season with suspension problems. The Koni's are now correct and fully sorted. Handling will be where it should be.

We have experienced drivers. Last year, every track we went to was new to most of the drivers. Three of the drivers for '08 are signed on for the full season and the 4th is on board for 1/2. This is big. GA events don't typically offer enough track time. Much of the practice in '07 was spent familiarizing the drivers with the cars and the tracks. We can focus on setup and fine tuning now.

Lastly, we will have an exciting annoucement in January regarding the team. Stay tuned . . . you will like it!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Randy

 

Thanks for the update.

Now if GA could only get a decent TV package........!

 

At least 10 Races will be televised . . . Five ST and Five GS

Daytona ST & GS (Combined)
Limerock ST & GS
Salt Lake ST & GS (Combined)
Mid Ohio ST
Barber GS
New Jersey ST & GS

Three Rivers ST & GS (pending)

. . . at least this is what they are telling us.

Randy

 

Thanks for the update Randy!

I was great to see the progress the team made this year starting from scratch. It is more exciting to see the changes and improvements you have going into 2008.

Good luck!

 

Randy, Kudos to you and the entire hard working team. Hey, how about a nice group shot? I'm sure there are some well deserving people behind the scenes.
Really, you have done so well with you efforts. I hope the best for you all with sponsorship, and I'm hoping that the big surprise is that MINI USA finally saw fit to back your efforts, as well they should.
Promise to see you guys at LRP in 08.

 

Great news on the TV package.............

Now if I could only get to a race.

 

Thanks Greg . . . I just saw the new pic's. Wow! You have come a long way since the last time I checked in.

Congrats!
Randy

 

Hey Randy, I just noticed this thread. I thought I recognized that color scheme from somewhere. They look pretty sweet close-up. I was there as part of UCF's SAE club. We build a formula style racecar and compete against other schools. Unfortunately, I didn't make it over to the RSR booth this year. Keep up the good work.

 

Randy- What are your plans for '08?

Jon Waterhouse

 

Randy, read your Daytona Test Days thread,which says it all regarding your plans for 2008. Maybe a win this year?

Jon Waterhouse
Keeler MINI

 

Easy now.... I think the Mini comunity would be more then happy with more top 10s at this point. Though I would not be surprised to see a podium or two.

 

11:30am EST January 1,2008

The transporter just departed to Florida. Looking forward to better weather. It's cold and Rainy in the Northeast.

I will keep everyone updated as the week wears on.

Randy

 

Woooohoooo............racing season is almost here !

 

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A hard freeze expected in parts of Central Florida early Thursday will bring a chance of snow flurries in Daytona Beach and other areas as temperatures drop into the teens and low 20s."

But ... it's supposed to get warmer by the weekend!

 

Hmmmm great Mini S weather! Hope it stays coldish...

 

I'm glad to see you guys back this year!!! I can't wait for the season to start!

I will be at the Barber MP event cheering you guys on!

Good Luck!

 

Too funny! Someone is yankin' your chain...

Forecast ConditionsHigh/Low °F
Precip.
Chance
High Temperatures Low Temperatures Precipitation Wind Speed Today
Jan 3
Partly Cloudy / Wind51°/43°10% 51°F
[SIZE=1]Check Flight Delays[/SIZE]
Fri
Jan 4
Few Showers66°/51°30% 66°F

Sat
Jan 5
Scattered Showers72°/57°30% 72°F

Sun
Jan 6
Scattered Showers75°/59°30% 75°F

 

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Some residents in Daytona Beach and other parts of Central Florida photographed snowflakes in their neighborhoods as temperatures fell below freezing early Thursday.

 

yeah, it made the news - but the snow flurries were not over night or early AM they finally fell at like 9am when the wind finally started coming in off the ocean - so back on topic

Good Luck Randy - can't wait to hang out again this year!

can someone post up the dates for the Koni / 24hrs Daytona race weekend

 

Event schedule is on the Grand-Am site:

http://www.grand-am.com/CONTENT/Docs...im%20Sched.pdf

Koni Race is on Friday afternoon (1/25) at 2:15 PM (ET).