Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
2011 Nissan Juke vs. 1971 Datsun 510, Dave Coleman's Rally Beater
The dream-team of automotive journalism, from the heydays of Sport Compact Car Magazine (SCC), has reunited. Dave Coleman, now Resident-Geek at MotoIQ, and Josh Jacquot, now Senior Editor for Edmunds Inside Line, have chronicled yet another completely irrational competition in their own special way. Dave's job was to haul his Datsun 510 (SCC Project Rally Beater) to put up against Nissan's latest Frankenstein-like creation, The Juke. Josh's job was to bring the shiny new Nissan and report back to the mother-ship on the happenings. Below is a brief video of the race for you all to watch, but I don't want you to stop there. Josh's full write up on the experience is reminiscent of the '90s articles in Sport Compact Car. The writing style, energy, and humor from Sport Compact Car (specifically when Josh and Dave were the head honchos) served as the inspiration for the Hamfist Racing blog.
2011 Nissan Juke vs. 1971 Datsun 510 Full Write Up, By: Josh Jacquot
Friday, November 25, 2011
Porsche Club of America - Zone 1 Autox Championship
Local autocross veteran, Rich Wayne, offered a co-drive opportunity at the 2011 Porsche Club of America Zone 1 Autocross Championship. Our weapon of choice was a mid-engine 1999 Porsche Boxster. The tires of choice were 2007 vintage Kumho V710. The car was an absolute blast to drive. The featherweight Porsche felt like a Miata with the motor at the wrong end of the car. The car was bone stock. It could quickly and comfortably be brought to it's limit. Over-steer was effortlessly corrected. Under-steer was minimal and only shined it's ugly head if the driver made a big mistake.
The competition was held at the Tobay Beach autocross site. Temperatures barely broke into the 50's but the sun was shining and it was to be the last autocross of the year. We made the best of it. Our times (both raw and clean) were mere tenths of a second from each other run after run. We were constantly pushing those old tires and the 190+ hp engine to their limits. Rich and I finished 1st and 2nd in class, respectively.
Here are some pictures and a video from day 1, November 19th 2011. Until next year, have a Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
2012 SCCA Solo Pax Index Figures Released
Monday, November 21, 2011
iPhone Data Acquisition - MotorsportsNE Autocross in HamfistRacing.com Mazda RX7
Friday, November 18, 2011
2012 National SCCA Solo/ProSolo Schedule Released
Well folks, it's the time of year when you should sit down with your boss to explain, once again, why you will be away from work for sporadic days throughout your 2012 work schedule. The hard part is getting "that look" from your boss when you tell him or her that you'll be driving a big clunky trailer through the middle of nowhere on a day you are supposed to be at work. You know "that look". It's the one where you know he's thinking, "This guy is nuts." Without further delay, below please find the 2012 SCCA National Solo and ProSolo Schedule:
3/17 Texas National Tour – College Station, TX
4/14 Maryland ProSolo – TBA
4/21 Mineral Wells ProSolo -Mineral Wells, TX
4/28 San Diego National Tour - San Diego, CA
5/5 El Toro ProSolo – Irvine, CA
***CANCELED***5/19 New Jersey National Tour- East Rutherford, NJ***CANCELED***
5/25 Lincoln ProSolo – Lincoln, NE
5/27 Lincoln National Tour – Lincoln, NE
6/8 Blytheville ProSolo - Blytheville, AK
6/10 Blytheville National Tour - Blytheville, AK
6/30 Packwood Tour - Packwood, WA
7/7 Packwood ProSolo - Packwood, WA
7/14 Colorado National Tour – Fountain, CO
7/21 New Mexico ProSolo – Farmington, NM
7/28 Toledo ProSolo - Toledo, OH
8/4 Peru National Tour - Peru, Indiana
9/1 ProSolo Finale – Lincoln, NE
9/4 Tire Rack Solo Nationals – Lincoln, NE
10/27 Tri-States Championship – Blytheville, AR
More details at www.scca.com/solo
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Project SSM RX7 Update 2011 Season
After a successful run for a trophy finish at the 2010 SCCA Solo National Championship in Super Street Modified Class, the Hamfist Racing RX7 experienced a devastating blow to its progress and development. A combination of over-boosting, over-revving, maxing out fuel system capacity, and suspect octane levels, led to a not-so-unprecedented apex seal failure. The long trailer ride to Speed1Allentown was the start of a comprehensive, yet premature, powertrain overhaul that would bring the car into the pinnacle of Super Street Modified competition.
Speed1Allentown, aka KDR Performance, began the tear down and port polishiing – intake & exhaust – of the 13B rotary engine. Before the engine could be put back together, the entire rotating assembly, including a pair of new high compression Series 4 RX7 rotors and a lightweight RX8 eccentric shaft, were sent to Racing Beat in California. Racing Beat shaved material off the sides of the new rotors and balanced the entire assembly. The end product was a rotary engine that could scream effortlessly to 10,000rpm without losing balance or flow. To support the new mechanical limits of the engine both fuel and ignition systems were enhanced. KG Parts supplied the FPR, custom rail, lines and 1600cc secondary injectors while an HKS Twin Power ignition amplifier would spark the initial bang.
A blown motor has a funny way of taking things down with it. The upgraded HKS T04E turbo was one such bystander. Realizing this dangerously close to the first ProSolo of the season, I called fellow SSM competitor Andy McKee in desperation, hoping he was still selling his old turbo kit. Sure enough, it was sitting on his shelf, covered in cobwebs. Don't be fooled by the cobwebs, however, the turbo – a ball bearing Garret GT35R unit – had very light duty before Andy decide to try something else. An unmentionable shipping bill and Mr. McKee’s alacrity got the new turbo, tubular exhaust manifold, ceramic coated downpipe, and dual Tial wastegates to my door just in time for the New Jersey ProSolo. The setup was installed the next day and dyno tuned by Dave Barninger at Speed1. The car made nearly 400whp peak, but the biggest gains over the old setup were in the 3,000 to 5,000 rpm range. Here the ball bearing turbo shined, boosting both power and torque nearly 50 units. Thanks Andy!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
ANZE Suspension Has A New Home
Hamfist Racing marketing partner, and shock builders extraordinaire, ANZE Suspension has relocated to a brand new facility! Their new shop is located at 66 Glen Cove Road, Greenvale, NY, which is easier to get to and from and will offer a host of services. In addition to producing their championship-winning custom struts, they can also assist you with all your damper needs, design and fitment, dyno testing, service, rebuilding and sales or advice. Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed...
Monday, November 7, 2011
2012 NNJR SCCA Solo National Tour - Date Released!
The Northern New Jersey Region SCCA and the SCCA National office have booked a National Tour event at our favorite local proving ground for the 2012 season! The Meadowlands (aka Met Life Stadium) will host a tour event, rather than a ProSolo, this year, on the weekend of May18-20, 2012. I am sure the region is looking for volunteers to help plan and organize the event. If you are interested, please reach out to the NNJR SCCA core workers. See you there!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tow Vehicle Feature - VW Touareg V10 TDI
Are you looking for a tow vehicle to haul your heap of carbon fiber and engine grease to the nearest (or farthest) race venue? Do you want that truck to be comfortable, luxurious, capable and affordable? Enter the Volkswagen Touareg V10 Diesel TDI. With model years from 2004 to 2008, a used example can be had for less than $30k, provided you can find one. Few were manufactured, but if you can get your hands on one, the possibilities of towing stuff is endless. Need to move a 300,000 lbs airplane? No problem. Really! Watch the Fifth Gear video below.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Mark Daddio - AMS/NOS Time Attack EVO X
Here is a quick throw back video from the days when hot-shoe-extraordinaire, Mark Daddio, piloted the AMS/NOS Time Attack EVO X. I'm not sure if AMS is actively pursuing time attack competition, but if they do, they better wise up and put the alien back in the cockpit.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Recommended Article: MotoIQ Project V8 RX7
This article series by the guys at MotoIQ.com discuss their Project V8 RX7. While V8 RX7's are nothing new, this series discusses the merits of the hybrid swap (debatable) as well as the intricacies of the E-Rod CARB/EPA legal LS3 kit.
http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/articletype/categoryview/categoryid/20/project-v8-rx-7.aspx
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Hybird Pfff - 84MPG Internal Combustion FTW!
This lightweight chassis VW Rabbit with a properly tuned modern diesel motor drastically out performs every hybrid on the market. Dave Coleman and the team at MotoIQ.com take this VW Rabbit retrofit and break a lot of automakers' hearts.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Proposed F1 Circuit for 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix
Below is the proposed 2013 New Jersey Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit spanning through Weehawken, NJ; not Jersey City as previously speculated. The event organizers should also host a Time Attack in conjunction with the F1 competition like an opening band for The Beatles. This is not a entirely unique concept. In 2008 the Long Beach Indy Grand Prix hosted a Time Attack in the streets of the great California city. There are many people who would jump at this once in a lifetime opportunity to run a city circuit with a NYC skyline back drop.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Spotted: Team Polizei's M5 Interceptor Goes Sleeper
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Speedway Motors 2011 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships Music Video
Below is an excellent music video prepared by SCCA marketing partner, Speedway Motors. The video features the best of the best competing for top honors at the 2011 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska. Don't miss the Hamfist Racing RX7 shooting a quick fireball from the exhaust at the 3:53 mark. Enjoy!
2011 SCCA Solo National Championships Run - West Course Hamfist Racing RX7 #197 SSM
By: Jake
Thanks to some inclement weather on the east course day 1, the final finishing position for the Hamfist Racing RX7 #197 SSM was 9th of 24 in class. Thanks again to my codrivers Dave Corsaro and Elena and my marketing partners, including ANZE Suspension, OS Giken and Park It NY.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Lincoln Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Hamfist Racing Interview: 2011 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships
Below is an interview with Hamfist Racing (specifically Elena and I) by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce regarding the 2011 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships. I hope we were able to successfully promote SCCA's appreciation to Lincoln for hosting our championships and the symbiotic relationship that ensues. Thanks again to all our marketing partners/sponsors, without whom we would have never been able to compete in Lincoln - Park It NY, ANZE Suspension, OSGiken, Hoosier Tire, Mazda Motorsports and Speed1 Allentown!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Thanks Park It NY & Marty's Auto Body!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Congratulations Andy Mckee! 2011 SSM Solo National Champion
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Third Time's a Charm?
Chances are high that this old adage has been uttered by most of you reading this. Thousands of scenarios may summon this little phrase in times of much needed luck or good karma, usually when exhibiting a skill or talent. Even everyday tasks like closing a door, or walking your over-fed dog around the block more than twice trying to get it to... you know.
During these final days of August, Jake and I will be making our third visit to Nationals since 2009. In two prior visits, I have struggled trying to find my usual comfort zone. When I am not comfortable, I am not confident. When I am not confident, I am slow(er). The onboard video of my Nationals' runs last year were really uncharacteristic of my driving at every other event. Immediately after Nationals, I made some very simple changes to my car (and to myself) that allowed me to drive with confidence once again. Live and learn.
Jake, Elena, and I will be driving the Hamfist Racing RX7 at Nationals this year. I would like to thank Jake, once again, for letting me co-drive his car. I have made a few rogue passes with this monster, up and down an unnamed parking lot in New Jersey. The car is fantastic with the new setup and I am eager to compete with it.
We are all going into this, first and foremost, to have fun but also while leaving nothing on the table. Let this be the year for Hamfist Racing... third time's a charm!!!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A Double Post.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Garage Love?
Do you have a Garage-Mahal or simply have garage-envy? If so, check out these two great websites showcasing the greatest treasures of every car guy's home, the man-cave. CarProperty.com showcases garage oriented real estate of all kinds - for sale, for rent, or just for show - including commerical & residential properties all across the country. GarageJournal.com is a blog style garage-centric forum that inspires and assists users in creating custom garage space for their machine of choice.
Above: Alan Jackson's Sweetbriar Estate in Franklin, TN Featured on CarPorperty.com with 20 Car Garage
Monday, August 15, 2011
Hoosier Win's GRM Tire Battle
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hoosier Vs. Goodyear Battle Updates
It's nearly August. The 2011 SCCA Solo National Championships are a month away. I have yet to see - let alone drive - a Goodyear Eagle RS autocross tire at a single event here in the northeast. Activity in the west coast, however, is sending mixed signals. The results are up from the Packwood ProSolo in Washington state. SSM driver Andy Mckee, having won on Goodyears new Eagle RS tire early in the season, is shown competing on Hoosiers in Packwood very successfully. Mckee took the class win over nationally ranked SSM competitor Duke Langley and posted a near-top-pax-finish overall. Meanwhile Bump 1 and Bump 2 classes in Packwood were dominated by two cars (one F Stock the other Super Stock) sporting the new Goodyear stickies.
There is little time to test and tune for those who haven't experimented (east coast drivers, I am looking in your direction). It appeared that only after the 2011 SCCA Solo National Championships would we know who makes the best rubber in town; however, Tire Rack is working in collaboration with Grassroots Motorsports on a formal tire test will be on newstands mid August. Let's just hope that Championships are not determined by the "haves" and the "have-nots" since it seems getting your paws on a set of the Eagle RS tire is easier said than done.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
NJ ProSolo 97 SSM Hamfist Racing RX7 - In Car Video
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
2011 New Jersey ProSolo - SSM RX7 vs. SSM M Coupe
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Another STI vs. EVO Challenge
Saturday, April 2, 2011
2011 Tire Wars: Hoosier A6 vs. Goodyear Eagle RS
April is here, but signs of Spring have not surfaced yet. It's 40F outside and we have only had one autocross in the New York metropolitan area this year. The autocross season is here, but it's hard to take it seriously when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. However, that doesn't stop many autocross nuts from casually browsing the internet researching the latest autocross happenings around the country.
The event is only halfway complete, but autocrossers from around the country are taking note of the impressive preliminary standings of Andy Mckee (SSM), Gary Thomason (SS) and Jason Uyeda (SS), all competing on the new tire. Their registration information suggests these key players have been blessed with direct manufacturer sponsorships from Goodyear.
As a recent adopter of the Hoosier A6 for all my tarmac biting needs, I was shocked to learn there was a new game in town. I cannot remember a time when Stock and Street Prepared/Modified classes' tire choice was, well, a 'choice'. Granted I'm young and I've spent a lot of time perusing the Street Touring classes of SCCA autocross (140+ treadwear), but for as long as I've known the sport, the A6 was THE tire. Clearly, Goodyear has set out to change the status quo.
For the readers thinking how you wasted your hard earn bread on a fresh set of Hoosiers, remember this: When the wind picks up in that parking lot at the 2011 San Deigo National Tour, the drivers sporting Goodyears will also be sporting their SCCA National Championship jackets. In other words, these guys are some of the greatest autocrossers in the country and would very likely be winning their class on A6's or possibly all season tires - they're that good.
While the fresh Goodyears may be making a splash at their inaugural SCCA Tour event, don't think for a second that Hoosier fans will give up without a fight. Many sectors of motorsports experience tire battles, and given that autocross is one of the largest competitive motorsports in the world, expect your local arena parking lots to play battlefield to a great "Tire War".
Will Goodyear Eagle RS dominate the DOT compliant classes of SCCA and other racing organizations? The first bomb has been dropped and only time will tell who will be the victor in this "Tire War". What will be your weapon of choice?
NOTE: Early signs suggest Goodyear will NOT be offering contingency sponsorship to SCCA Solo Racing or NASA Time Trial Racing, and only to SCCA & NASA Club Racing.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Drift vs. Grip... Drift Can Be Fast & Hamfist Proves It!
Hamfist Racing driver Brian Goldstein has been under the radar for years on the racing scene. He is always just out to have fun. He doesn't run the national level autocross races, but when he races he destroys any cometition in his path. Greatly influenced by the drift culture and the recent Ken Block gymkhana videos, Brian has always had a penchant for driving sideways. However he doesn't compromise his speed like a lot of Formula D fanboys. So, in his search for the marriage of drifting AND speed, he explored new varieties of motorsports.
In the 08/09 winter Brian discovered Monticello Motor Club's winter driving series. The event was a "balls out" time trail rally on the private Monticello Motor Club racing circuit blanketed in ice and snow. The venue finally afforded him a place to showcase the speed in drifting his 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. The first event Brian ran on all-season tires to get acquainted with the Ice-Age-like conditions. But it didn't take long to realize he was competing on the wrong rubber. By the second event, Brian had picked up a fresh set of dedicated snow tires and took to the rally race once again. The improvement was extraordinary. He was able to blast through every turn at full opposite lock with total control and lots of speed. The end result was an overall 1st Place - Fastest Time of Day. Check out the video below!
Monticello Motor Club disappointed the rally community over the 09/10 winter season by discontinuing the Winter Driving Series time trial races. Frustrated that he couldn't continue showcasing his drift skills in the snow, Brian began looking elsewhere. The drift scene was too much about show and not enough about being fast. Autox after autox you could hear Brian asking course designers to implement gymkhana elements and 360* turns around single cones. Finally, his requests were heard... sort of. NOPI and Hot Import Nights hosted a Gymkhana competition at Englishtown Raceway Park. Brian once again failed to disappoint, executing drifts and rotation far better than the rear-wheel-drive machinery in the mix. The spectators loved it! Check out the video below of his last run. Half way through the run the car fuel starved and turned off. I suspect that run would have been FTD if the fuel pump didn't start sucking air.
What sideways action will Brian get into next? Time will tell. But I suspect he is already having fun with his new RWD daily driver Miata in the secluded roads of some backwoods NY State Park.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
NJ Motorsports Park Filed Bankruptcy
Written by: JOSEPH P. SMITH
"MILLVILLE -- The fact that New Jersey Motorsports Park got through its 2010 season is a debt it owes, literally and figuratively, to the Millville Rescue Squad.
One result of the federal Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection motion the park filed Monday is that the privately owned park's financial picture is now public business. Everything from ownership portions, to mortgage structure, to outstanding vendor balances is disclosed -- or soon will be.
According to court papers, the Motorsports Park's largest local creditor is the Millville Rescue Squad. The park fell behind $520,035 on payments to the private nonprofit last year. The squad provides a range of emergency response services, without which the park cannot operate.
"As the debt was accruing, we knew that discontinuing service would stop track operations and cost people jobs," Rescue Squad Chief John Redden said Tuesday.
Last month, with the squad threatening to hold back its services for the 2011 season, an agreement was reached to repay the debt. The terms of the deal require a $200,000 payment to the squad by this Friday, and another $200,000 in July.
The remainder of that debt will be settled in monthly payments, along with concurrent 2011 payments, park and rescue squad officials said.
Among other details contained in the massive bankruptcy filing is the park's gross annual income. Since opening in 2008, it has averaged about $9 million annually from racing events and concessions, a sum an official said is less than projected. The park, which employs 250 full- and part-time workers, has spent more than $45 million on capital improvements, of which half was paid to contractors in Cumberland County, according to the court papers.
Joseph Savaro, a partner in the Motorsports Park, said the recession's impact on residential and commercial real estate depressed the park's earnings. Efforts to sell villas, or townhouses, at the park took a particularly hard hit, he said; only eight are sold.
"We still have faith in the project," Savaro said. "We'll get through this Chapter 11. A lot of companies have been through that."
Savaro said the proposed construction of a motocross facility, called the Field of Dreams, also is important financially.
"That clearly would have helped us," he said. "We tried to create critical mass and have diversity. We're still going to attempt things to turn it around, but the Chapter 11 helps us get on our feet."
Park owners want to restructure their debt and continue to operate the facility, including the upcoming season of scheduled races. But what happens next is up to the judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings.
Even the validity of the Motorsports Park deal with the rescue squad is now in question -- thanks to the bankruptcy filing.
An attorney the squad hired to sit in on talks with the park advised the nonprofit squad is in a "positive position" even if bankruptcy occurred, Redden said. And Motorsports Park officials said their attorneys advised the deal with the squad will stand despite court oversight.
However, the parties acknowledge there is a chance the presiding judge may disagree.
"It's in the hands of the court right now," Redden said. "We'll be consulting with an attorney to determine how we proceed."
Monday's filing lists the park's top 20 creditors -- that is, businesses to whom it owes money. Court documents indicate there are 150 creditors in total.
Topping that list is Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc., now part of Bank of America. The bank is owed about $30.54 million, although it has "knocked down" the amount to $20 million to aid the park in its reorganization plan, according to the filings.
Other area creditors include Henry Cifaloglio Inc. of Buena, at $14,003; Kavanagh, Kavanagh & DiLazzero LLC of Millville, $9,684; and Waste Management of New Jersey at $8,374.
Also owed money, but in a separate category, is the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone Corp.
The Empowerment Zone, which is federally funded, loaned $425,000 to the park at a 5 percent interest rate to go toward 2010 operating funds.
Jeannine MacDonald, the zone's executive director, said Tuesday the loan is guaranteed with personal notes from park investors Lee Brahin and Harvey Siegel. The bankruptcy proceedings should not have an impact on the debt, she said.
MacDonald said the park paid only interest on the loan through 2010. The principal was due this past December but has not been paid, she said. MacDonald said the park in January started making payments of both principal and interest on a 10-year amortization schedule.
"We are of course concerned about the local vendors and the long-term success of the park," MacDonald said. The zone has met with the park about the loan, but put further talks on hold to let the bankruptcy case proceed further, she said.
Savaro said Tuesday the owners have no interest in selling the establishment and that the park's managing partners remain Lee Brahin and R.J. "Dick" Valentine. However, the reorganization is affecting the ownership structure.
The reorganization plan calls for fresh capital of at least $2 million from an entity identified as NEI Motorsports LLC, a group headed by Valentine. NEI also includes some new investors.
In return for the $2 million, the papers indicate NEI receives enhanced ownership rights.
The filing states the $2 million is meant to meet the costs of the restructuring, including:"
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Rally New York USA | March 25-26
Rally New York USA is always full of gifted hot-shoes not afraid of a little cliff-side drifting. These guys were born in the dirt with a steering wheel in hand. If you're a fan of loose surface antics, Rally New York is as good as it gets, barring WRC stages! For the price of a tank of gas, you can experience thrills rivaled by WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal, taking place simultaneously halfway around the world - estimated airfare $2,000.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
New Circuit Only 2.5 hours from NYC Begins Construction 2011
Last year developer Louis J. Mascaro received final land use approval to build a "multi-functional, state of the art motorsports complex situated on 668 scenic acres... in Berks County, Pennsylvania" called Liberty Bell Motorsports Park. The site is a brief 2.5 hour drive from NYC. "The park will consist of 4 different racing circuits - two 26 foot wide tracks that are approximately 0.5 mile in length can be operated independently of each other or operate as a 0.84 mile road course. Both are served by their own pit/paddock areas and are designed for Karting, SuperMoto, MiniMoto and MiniGP... The two 40 foot wide, 1.5 mile courses can be operated independently of each other or combined to form a world class road course totaling 3.11 miles in length. All courses were designed with minimal concrete barriers... [and] incorporate massive run-off areas, many larger than football fields. The absence of tunnels or bridges minimizes the damages encountered by these structures. This modern technology ensures being able to safely compete in events while greatly minimizing the chances for driver injury or damage to equipment." The park will also include extensive campground facilities and a car museum. Construction is poised to begin this year.
Liberty Bell Motorsports Park website
Thursday, February 24, 2011
New Supporting Vendor Section Thanks Mazda Motorsports
By: Jake
We have added a supporting vendors list to the website. In recognition for all of Mazda's support to the Hamfist Racing fleet over the years, www.MazdaMotorsports.com is now our first official supporting vendor! We hope to be racing Mazdas for many years to come with continuation of the Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development program. Readers can keep an eye out for new supporting vendor updates. Please remember to support vendors that support racing.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New 2011 SCCA Solo Racing Contingency Program
SCCA Official Release Statement Feb. 18th 2011:
"With the season-opening event for the 2011 Tire Rack SCCA National Solo season just a few weeks away, participants should register now to be eligible for the thousands of dollars in contingency payouts.
Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo National Series
As part of its across-the-board Platinum SCCA contingency program, Volkswagen offers both event and year-end prizes for drivers finishing in the top three in either class or Gumout Super Challenge competition. Drivers taking a class win in one of 16 eligible classes earn $400. Should they take the Gumout Super Challenge, they win $800. Year-end class winners can also garner another $1,000 for doing it in a Volkswagen, with the year-end Challenge winner grabbing a $5,000 prize.
Honda, also a Platinum contingency sponsor, will pay $500 for a Super or Ladies Challenge win in each event, and $150 for a class win. Year-end class and challenge champions could take home $500 from Honda.
Longtime SCCA supporter Hawk Performance offers up $100 in product credit to any class or Gumout Super Challenge winner displaying Hawk Performance decals.
Bridgestone will post $500 for a Challenge win, as well as cash for a top three finish in any Street Touring class. Win a season-long class or Challenge title, and take home another $1,000.
Toyo Tires matches Bridgestone’s posting for Tire Rack ProSolo Street Touring® participants with its Silver level Contingency program.
Hoosier, Kumho, Mazdaspeed and TRD each post Bronze level programs, meaning registration and redemption are handled through those companies directly.
Kumho offers product credit for class and Challenge wins at events, including a $600 credit for a win in the Street Touring category. Hoosier offers two tires for a class win and one for a second-place finish. Event Gumout Super Challenge, year-end point Champions and Finale class winners each take four tires with a win.
Mazdaspeed will again pay out class, Challenge and year-end awards ranging from $200 for a class event win to $800 for a point championship. Likewise, TRD will pay class and year-end awards ranging from $200 to $1,000 for competitors in Toyota vehicles.
Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour
In Tire Rack Solo National Tour competition, Volkswagen will pay up to $500 for a class win and $300 for second place for VW drivers in any of 34 eligible classes.
Bridgestone, Toyo and Yokohama will each pay out top three finishes in the Street Touring Category, with $300 going to the winner.
AST Suspension continues as a contingency sponsor, offering the top-three finishers in eligible classes product certificates, with a $500 award going to class winners.
Like AST, Hoosier and Mazdaspeed also offer Bronze packages. Winners on Hoosier tires win a pair of tires, with a single tire going to second-place finishers. Mazda will pay a National Tour class winner $200 for a win and $100 for a second place finish.
Kumho Tires offers product credits to top-three in class finishers, rewarding the Street Touring Category with $600 in credit to champions, and $400 and $300 for second and third. All other classes receive $300, $200, and $150 in credit for a top three finish.
In addition to the National program contingencies, Bridgestone and Toyo Tires have also posted programs for the Tire Rack SCCA Divisional Solo Championships that matches their National Tour payouts.
For complete details on all of these contingency programs, visit www.scca.com/solo and click the “contingencies” link. A link for online registration is available there as well.
The 2011 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour begins March 12, with the Dixie National Tour in Adel, Ga. The Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo National Series begins with the Mineral Wells Pro Solo, March 26, in Mineral Wells, Texas."
2011 SCCA Solo contingency registration forms and additional info available HERE