Hi, guys, just thought I'd gloat a little. I won a local radio contest, and am going to be working with the pit crew on the Doran/Lista LMP900 Leman car all day saturday at Searspoint Raceway this is the car that won the 24hours at Daytona last year. Anyway, I'll share photos, and all that after the race. Later for now, Carl

 

You lucky dog! Go Panoz!!!!

 

Panoz? WTF it's Lista(til Monday)

 

dam u .lucky baster. good luck there. dont screw out any thing there

 

Maybe cross thread a center lock

 

Hey, Carl. A few years ago I was up at the Visa races I think it was(former imsa), and this guy in a pit with a Mazda Kudzu car asked me if I wanted to pit for him. I was really excited and said yes. He told me to be back in two hours. I spoke with Larry Oka about it and he told me that I shouldn't do it. He said that all I would be doing is carrying tires around for the guy and getting gas, and that I had just paid the $35 general admission fee to do it. I guess it will be an experience but I doubt you will be in the thick of the tech around there.

By the way, sorry for flaking on you the other week I seriously need to hook up but I'll wait till your car is out of the shop. I'm not tinkering around with anyones car without them there. Thanks for the trust though. And I'm still going turbo regardless. T-66 huh!? Show me your dyno results and I'm game!!!!! What about a T-70 or T-72???

 

Congratulations man.
But Go Panoz! anyway

 

Ditto! I've "carried tires" at major events before and enjoyed every minute of it. For me at least , it's just a neat experience being part of the show.

 

Probably true. It's cool to be in the pits.
BUT if you're crewing, even if it's just to carry tires or fill the water bottles, you should get in free.

Cory

 

True...and I always do.

 

Lista is the sponsor of the car. They make cabinets that you see in trailers.

Kevin uses lots of local people in his crew.

Another great way to get in free is to work at the track. Work the grid, the pits, the course, or at a flag station.

db

 

Well, my wife and I did it, we did not have to pay admission, and really did no "dirty work" We hung out with the team, I sat in the LMP900 while they did their corner weighting, And basicly talked shop with the team, and all the other teams nearby. It was a gas. IMHO Larry is a bit of a snob, I've spoken to him twice, and both times he was condescending, and self important.
The day was awesome, I spent a little time with Mark Schueller of TriPoint engineering, talking about the good ole days of the TII, and showing him my Tripoint/GTC FC. He was very nice, and was excited about maybe seeing his old car(Simon/reboot), and my car, and Rishies car at SevenStock. I could go on for hours, but how does 1:23.5 strike you for Sears!!!!!!!!!!!, that was the fast time of day set by the # 16 LMP675. The Doran/Lista LMP900 was around 1:25.5, about a second behind the two R8 Audis. The only Panoz was an Esparante in GT that had trouble all day long, pretty car though.
Everyone was very friendly, and the engineers took the time to explain that not even they really understand all the theory behind the mathematical models they use to set up the cars .
So thanks to Kevin Doran, and the rest of the team. I will look them up next year. BTW the Hawian Tropic girls beat the Umbrella girls hands down

 

1) How do you "sign up" to help out?
2) Agreed on the girls

 

Win a Contest
Contact the race team, tell them your credentials, offer your services at no cost when they are in your area,stay in touch. Carl

 

You lucky dog

Hey Carl, go clean these wheels!

Hey Carl, go make me a sandwich!

Hey Carl, hold onto this metel thing while I get the torch!

Hey Carl, check and see if this thing is hot!

Hey Carl, you wanna drive? Good. Then take me truck and buy us some beer.

Hey Carl, when you're done washing the wheels you'll have to get something to eat. We ate all the sandwiches!

Bet you had fun. Pics?

 

Actually bought wheels
ate all the sandwiches while they were racing
did hold the metal thing(rear shock telemetry) while they epoxied it back on to the million dollar car.
yes it was hot
those boys can drink
We had a great time, now were "in", and we'll do it again next year.
Damon, my wife is STILL laughing from your post
If I knew how to post I would, if someone can post them if I email them let me know, and I will send them. Carl Byck

 

Hey Carl, where was the Saleen?

 

Saleen did not run, they were at another event. They had a road car on display "no touchy the merchandise though".
Interesting tidbits,
These cars generate in excess of 3Gs in the turns,
they hit 165-170 between 9 and 11,
it takes two laps before they heat the brakes enough to stop at all.
It takes them 15 minutes to replace the entire rear of the car, and 3 hours to replace the motor, and rear transaxle.
They get 1800 miles out of a motor
the low gas light comes on with one gallon left(sometimes not enough for one lap)
they operate on 25% of the Audi budget
these cars are sick

 

Hey Carl,

Why didn't you call me and tell me about your experience?! You're a lucky man!

By the way, I think I might have found an engine...

talk to ya later!

-nader