Race Results: Not too shabby for a 1st gen!!!
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
The results from the Lansing race have been posted (finally). I knew I had a damn good run, but HOLY **** BATMAN!!!
Out of 71 entries, I came in 4th overall. The cars that got me were 2 highly modified STIs, and a supercharged Mustang on race rubber that was 4 feet wide (but still, it was a mustang
). And keep in mind I am still running Sumitomo tires, which I have to admit have done a hell of a job for me.
Here is the link to the results page. I raced in CSP as number 98.
http://furrin.org/Results/tabid/56/a...l--892009.aspx
And here's a link to a bunch of photos from the event (although none of me in action).
http://furrin.org/Resources/PhotoGal...7/Default.aspx
I have come to the conclusion that my car is finished (as far as upgrades go), and is simply waiting for my skills to catch up. Although I would still like to get onto some race rubber so I can start competing for Fast Time of Day.
I have in car video of all four runs, which I will try to get uploaded within the next couple of days (maybe tonight if I stay up late).
And I really want to thank Dennis (Sterling Carbs) for the flawless performance of the carb along with plenty of power. And Billy (Respeed) for the suspension parts, guidance, and moral support during the building of this car. I could not have done any of this without their fantastic support.
And of course all of those on this forum who have held my hand over the years on my road from complete Newb to a somewhat more educated Newb.
.
Out of 71 entries, I came in 4th overall. The cars that got me were 2 highly modified STIs, and a supercharged Mustang on race rubber that was 4 feet wide (but still, it was a mustang
). And keep in mind I am still running Sumitomo tires, which I have to admit have done a hell of a job for me.Here is the link to the results page. I raced in CSP as number 98.

http://furrin.org/Results/tabid/56/a...l--892009.aspx
And here's a link to a bunch of photos from the event (although none of me in action).
http://furrin.org/Resources/PhotoGal...7/Default.aspx
I have come to the conclusion that my car is finished (as far as upgrades go), and is simply waiting for my skills to catch up. Although I would still like to get onto some race rubber so I can start competing for Fast Time of Day.
I have in car video of all four runs, which I will try to get uploaded within the next couple of days (maybe tonight if I stay up late).
And I really want to thank Dennis (Sterling Carbs) for the flawless performance of the carb along with plenty of power. And Billy (Respeed) for the suspension parts, guidance, and moral support during the building of this car. I could not have done any of this without their fantastic support.
And of course all of those on this forum who have held my hand over the years on my road from complete Newb to a somewhat more educated Newb..
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Glad to hear she's being well cared for. 
We have 4 of the Lotus Elise that race in my region. One of them is turbo'd, putting down 450 hp to the wheels. I think it would take more than a TII swap for me to take him on though. lol.
Good luck with the swap man...

We have 4 of the Lotus Elise that race in my region. One of them is turbo'd, putting down 450 hp to the wheels. I think it would take more than a TII swap for me to take him on though. lol.
Good luck with the swap man...
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Okay, I just finished up the video. In car shots of all four runs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWpEYAKo0fU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWpEYAKo0fU
Nice job man!
That being said, I think your club must be very uncompetitive, atleast compares to our's in Minnesota. Even if you were a very good driver there is no way you'd be able to do that well around here without a serious setup. One guy in our club is running NB miata without a windsheild, stripped to the bone. 1900lbs, 300lbs to the wheels, and foot wide hoosiers.
That being said, I think your club must be very uncompetitive, atleast compares to our's in Minnesota. Even if you were a very good driver there is no way you'd be able to do that well around here without a serious setup. One guy in our club is running NB miata without a windsheild, stripped to the bone. 1900lbs, 300lbs to the wheels, and foot wide hoosiers.
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Nice job man!
That being said, I think your club must be very uncompetitive, atleast compares to our's in Minnesota. Even if you were a very good driver there is no way you'd be able to do that well around here without a serious setup. One guy in our club is running NB miata without a windsheild, stripped to the bone. 1900lbs, 300lbs to the wheels, and foot wide hoosiers.
That being said, I think your club must be very uncompetitive, atleast compares to our's in Minnesota. Even if you were a very good driver there is no way you'd be able to do that well around here without a serious setup. One guy in our club is running NB miata without a windsheild, stripped to the bone. 1900lbs, 300lbs to the wheels, and foot wide hoosiers.
Kenetsu, good job man! I think it's funny how all 3 of the first gen 7s posted a better time than the 3rd gen 7, so maybe it'll shut up all of those "You DRIVE an Rx-7?!" people who get excited until you tell them that it isn't the twin turbo one. Good job man, with some serious race rubber under your feet you just might start topping off the charts in your area. Makes me really see the potential of the Sumitomos I'm running when they're mounted on one of Billy's great setups. I just need to get the money for Billy's stuff haha. Good job once again but I hate to tell you that you're never REALLY "done" with your car.
I'm sure Michigan is more competitive in auto sports than 90% of states out there. That was some great driving. I'm kinda dizzy just watching the video. yeah but like you said breath more if you wouldn't of finished so quick you may have passed out.
I can see how the STI's won there awd is a definite advantage on that tight course, but there turbo lag, and aesthetic loss is a disadvantage. I say you add that pan hard & 3 link you let collect dust, and show them STI's whats really up. I'd say you mastered what you have. time to upgrade.
I can see how the STI's won there awd is a definite advantage on that tight course, but there turbo lag, and aesthetic loss is a disadvantage. I say you add that pan hard & 3 link you let collect dust, and show them STI's whats really up. I'd say you mastered what you have. time to upgrade.
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From: Trying to convince some clown not to put a Holley 600 on his 12a.
Great driving, Kentetsu! It has been a lot of fun watching both you and your car evolving. The suspension & carb tuning has put your power where you need it, and you've definitely improved your skills. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos so we can all see this metamorphosis, as well as representing the rotary community with humble, professional sportsmanship.
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
It's okay. Super doesn't know the whole story, and maybe just made a quick judgement.
Both of those STIs were highly modified. One was picked up at the dealership, then immediately dropped off at a race shop and told to make it fast as possible. They were both amazing cars to see.
Besides, I'm beating Miatas here!
That was my goal in the beginning, but one of those Miatas is supercharged and has one of the best overall setups of any that I've seen. He often beats the 450hp Lotus Elise that runs with us too. We do have competition in Michigan, and it can be pretty stiff. Anyway......
Thanks everyone for the kind words. It sure is a lot of fun driving in Autocross, but even more when you kick a little butt. lol. But mostly, its a great group to race with, very nice guys. And when you watch the videos, you need to picture me with an ear to ear grin on my face, sometimes even laughing as I drive. I love it!
I shot my first video to try to raise awareness of this sport. I always wanted to race, but was 35 before I finally got my feet wet. All because I didn't know where to start, and I didn't realize that these events were going on all around me the entire time. Or that it would be so easy to get started, or so cheap! Hell, $20 entry fee and borrow a helmet and suddenly you can race your car. You can't beat that with a stick.
I'm very happy with the path my restoration of this car has taken. I can race it (sometimes even succesfully), and I can still drive it to work every day. Its a blast! I don't even drive the Bimmer part time anymore, at least not until the snow starts falling.
One thing that might surprise some people is that I let other people drive/race my car too. After most events we have "fun runs", so I usually let whatever rotary enthusiasts may be around drive my car to try it out. Its a lot of fun seeing their reactions. The first question is usually something like "what do I have to do to make my car do that?". So if you are ever in the area, feel free to hit me up for a test drive.
And, I meant what I said. Thank you to everyone that held my hand along the way. I found this forum about five minutes after I bought my car, and started with zero knowledge concerning rotaries. You guys provided me with an education and kept me from screwing up too badly along the way. Thank You!!!
Both of those STIs were highly modified. One was picked up at the dealership, then immediately dropped off at a race shop and told to make it fast as possible. They were both amazing cars to see.
Besides, I'm beating Miatas here!
That was my goal in the beginning, but one of those Miatas is supercharged and has one of the best overall setups of any that I've seen. He often beats the 450hp Lotus Elise that runs with us too. We do have competition in Michigan, and it can be pretty stiff. Anyway......Thanks everyone for the kind words. It sure is a lot of fun driving in Autocross, but even more when you kick a little butt. lol. But mostly, its a great group to race with, very nice guys. And when you watch the videos, you need to picture me with an ear to ear grin on my face, sometimes even laughing as I drive. I love it!
I shot my first video to try to raise awareness of this sport. I always wanted to race, but was 35 before I finally got my feet wet. All because I didn't know where to start, and I didn't realize that these events were going on all around me the entire time. Or that it would be so easy to get started, or so cheap! Hell, $20 entry fee and borrow a helmet and suddenly you can race your car. You can't beat that with a stick.

I'm very happy with the path my restoration of this car has taken. I can race it (sometimes even succesfully), and I can still drive it to work every day. Its a blast! I don't even drive the Bimmer part time anymore, at least not until the snow starts falling.

One thing that might surprise some people is that I let other people drive/race my car too. After most events we have "fun runs", so I usually let whatever rotary enthusiasts may be around drive my car to try it out. Its a lot of fun seeing their reactions. The first question is usually something like "what do I have to do to make my car do that?". So if you are ever in the area, feel free to hit me up for a test drive.

And, I meant what I said. Thank you to everyone that held my hand along the way. I found this forum about five minutes after I bought my car, and started with zero knowledge concerning rotaries. You guys provided me with an education and kept me from screwing up too badly along the way. Thank You!!!
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
And what tires? htr-200's?
Way to kick some *** man! My friend always gives me **** (he has a miata) about my FB's. I gotta show him this!!
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: London, Ontario, Canada
Very well done. I really should have waited until after your last run to start changing my tires. It would have been nice to watch that first hand.
I think beating a purpose built SM2 Miata that's boosted with race rubber and 2 very good drivers running it says not only mounds about the cars setup, but even more about the driver. Beating a Miata that is not only lighter, more powerful and on significantly stickier and way more expensive rubber tells me that you really have learned to drive that car as well as it could be driven. Get some race rubber and take those STi's to the cleaners too.
And he's not lying about letting anyone drive, sorry, THRASH, his car. Sometimes I don't even have to ask. I only wish he had started building his car before I started mine, so I could have followed in his footsteps sooner, and had a car just as capable, even if the monkey behind the wheel isn't.
I think beating a purpose built SM2 Miata that's boosted with race rubber and 2 very good drivers running it says not only mounds about the cars setup, but even more about the driver. Beating a Miata that is not only lighter, more powerful and on significantly stickier and way more expensive rubber tells me that you really have learned to drive that car as well as it could be driven. Get some race rubber and take those STi's to the cleaners too.
And he's not lying about letting anyone drive, sorry, THRASH, his car. Sometimes I don't even have to ask. I only wish he had started building his car before I started mine, so I could have followed in his footsteps sooner, and had a car just as capable, even if the monkey behind the wheel isn't.
Great job! I always look forward to your videos and event reviews. We need to get out to some nationals with some race rubber next year. As always, I will help any way I can.
-billy
-billy
Looking GREAT kentetsu! I was laughing out loud as I watched that video, your car handles like it's on rails.
I'm also liking the older Malibu? that I see ripping up the corners behind your car in the picture.
I'm also liking the older Malibu? that I see ripping up the corners behind your car in the picture.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,162
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From: London, Ontario, Canada
Here's a couple videos of my car. Not nearly as impressive but I had tons of fun. Go full screen on the second one and turn the volume down. Poor camera placement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX2_L56r2N4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgGuyTn_Ma8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX2_L56r2N4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgGuyTn_Ma8



