Carlisle 2012

I know i know, i have not been on for a while.  I may be a bit late with this, but here are some of my best pictures from the 2012 Carlisle Import and Kit Car Show.  You can use these pictures however you'd like, i would prefer it if you didn't use them for public showing or use, but i'm 12 and i can't stop you.

 Here is a nice little Lotus 7.

 

 GODZILLA!

 

 Lotus Elise.  'nuf said.

 I believe this is a Triumph TR6.  Correct me if i am wrong

 

 Funky looking TVR, has a Flat-6,  i think.

 Replica Ford GT.  Named Christine.

 

 This is the inside of the "Lady Bug", A tricked out VW Beetle.

 

 Ferrari California?

 

 The timeless Daytona.

 

 The only Ferrari that i think looks best in white

 

 I love the BMW Isetta

 

 The model name eludes me now, but hey, looks great

 

 The inside of the previous Ferrari

 This thing was really cool.

 

 A little something for our Vette loving readers

 

 An interesting Lamborghini, they started it up and the echo was tremendous

 

 Again, forgot the Model and Make, but its a very sleek car, i think it had a modern Vette engine in it.

 

 This is an Australian kit car, very cool, with a Ford Focus RS engine

 

 I adore this Porsche.  Great color.

 

 Everbody loves a 2CV

 

 A pretty Datsun 280ZX 2+2

 Datsun 280Z?  Wonderful light blue.

 Mazda Miata.  Scissor Doors.  Wow.

 Opel GT, Probably the best Opel i can think of.  At least 4 showed up to Carlisle this year.

 No clue what this is, the front fascia looks like Abarth.

 

 There was a whole tent dedicated to Saab, this one was my favorite.

 This is a Saab Sonnet?  The only real sports Saab i can think of.  Too bad they went out of buissness, really.

 Citroen DS.  Gotta love it.

 Don't ask me what this is, but i want it.

 Here is the engine of that 3 wheeler.

 

 One of the early Bugattis.  Imagine going from this to the Veyron in something like 90 years.

 Probably one of the most sought after badges in the modern car world.

 

 Just one of the many buggys on show this year

 

 When this beast rolled in nobody could look anywhere else.  Amazing replica.

 Cobra engine 427.

 The best looking car.....in the world.

 Bug-Eye Sprite.  Love it's little smile.

 Just look at the price.  If i was a bit older, i would have begged my dad for this.

 TVR.  Best. Company. Ever.......Arguably.

 ThisTVR seems un-stock to me.....

 Sensing a theme yet?

 This is badged a Lamborghini, resembles a Diablo.....hmmmm.

 An early Cobra softop.  Unfortunately not the classic Blue and Whit color scheme.

 Datsun 280Z 20th Anniversery.  Gold and Black livery.  Wanted this soooo badly.

 This sounds and looks cool, but what is it exactly?

 WOW, ITS AN F40!!

 awwwww.....darn it.......(for our non-French speakers, Faux means False.)

 The Fiat/Abrth stand.  This is a nice little Barchetta.

 

 Sorry about no comment on the previous picture.  As for this one, well, its a big Citroen Van.  I like it.

 This is a  Mid engine Abarth of some kind, i'm a fan.

 The raging Gallardo.  Can't miss this from a mile away.

 Don't know what it is, but it looks fun, althought not going 65 MPH down a highway.

And the best car of the lot, the one we eventually bought, the great TVR 2500M.

TVR 2500M

Back in May, My father and I took a trip to Carlisle, PA for the Carlisle Import and Kit show.  We arrived Thursday night.  We woke early and started down to the Carlise fairgrounds in our 2003 Toyota Tundra. (exciting car, huh?)   My first impression was, wow, not many cars here.  (i would be proved wrong) we immediately headed for the show field.  cars were still just arriving so we went to the vending area.  The first stop was a tent with all Datsun (Nissan) parts.  We were at Carlisle to ponder a car purchase at the event.  At the top of our list was the Datsun 280ZX T-top.  We ventured around there for a while. and the day went on as we ventured through the fairgrounds.
the next day there were so many cars i could not even begin to count.  I was in heaven.  The only car we saw that we liked was a 1974 TVR 2500M.  (i had to explain to my dad what TVR was.)  A while later we were sitting down watching cars STILL rolling in, when we saw another 2500M roll in on a trailer.  It was Orange with a Black racing stripe.  We then went to see if it was for sale.  It was.  You can probably see where this is going.

So now most of you are wondering, well, what the heck is a TVR and more so the 2500M.  Well, TVR was founded around 1948 by Trevor Wilkinson.  The name TVR derives from his name. TreVoR.  His small company started out making kit cars.  Then, in the 50's, the Grantura became their first production car.  Then came the Griffith and the Vixen and so on until in the late 60's, the 2000M came out to start the M series.  In 1971, the 2500M came out.  Our 2500M is a 1977, the last year of the 2500M until the more powerful 3000M came out.
Here are some statistics:
around 110HP (our car has dual SU Carburetors which boost that number to around 150
top speed: 110 MPH (see above)
0-60: 9.2 s
Triumph TR-6 In line 6 engine
Weighs 2500lbs

MRP WKA Gold Cup

 So, i was just racing in Indiana for my 3rd WKA Gold Cup event. The race took place at Michina Raceway Park. Earlier in June i was down there for practice. However i had a mentor named Mark Miller. Some of you who follow the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge may know who he is. He drives the #4 Mazda MX-5 Miata in that series.

Anyway, the Friday of the race weekend was just practice, and quite uneventful for me. Saturday was the day of my first race, Jr. Sportsman 2 Lite. The first session was just practice, then a three lap qualifying session. (remember, this is only my 2nd National Gold Cup race) I qualified 7th out of 9. Up next was the Pre-Heat. For the majority of the race i had 4th or 5th, but on the 8th lap of 10, the guy behind me shunted me in to the grass. (this happened quite a bit but the officials were to busy with their cheeseburgers) So i ended up finishing 8th. The final session was the race. I slowly climbed up the field from 8th to 5th, which is a podium finish. i finished 5th an i was ecstatic.

Then, an official called me over to where he and my dad were. he was going to penalize me for scrubbing my tires. I wanted to throttle his neck. I was so upset, for one who really cares, i didn't really do much wrong and second of all this rule is not in the rulebook, not in the rules hand out that they call "propaganda" so everybody pretty much figures it is commercial advertising, and they did not go over it in the drivers meeting on Saturday, the day of my penalization. (of course, they said it the next day.)

Sunday was the day of Jr. Sportsman 2 Heavy. I qualifyed 7th out of 10, and finished 7th in the Pre-Heat. Then, in the race some jerk shunted me in to the guy in front of me, srewing round with the carburetor. So in the race i lost 300 RPM and 2 seconds per lap.

So, note to WKA, Tighten up the rules, and, most importantly, actually watch what is going on in the

2014 Camaro

This week I was at Camp Motorsport which is a racing camp located at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) near Dansville, Virginia.  Now, I am not going to talk about my experience unless you would like me to in which case you should COMMENT about it.  Ok, but i am going to talk about what happened to be testing at the track while I was there.  First, the number 49 NASCAR of Juan Pablo Montoya was testing Monday and Tuesday.  (The camp got a tour of his garage setup).  BUT, on Tuesday a GM trailer arrived and unloaded what appeared to me as five Chevrolet Camaros.

                As it was, obviously as I really know my cars, I was right.  But another thing I noticed was some styling.  These Camaros looked much different than any Camaro I had seen.  I concluded that these must be new, 2014 Camaros.  My suspicions were confirmed Wednesday when I spotted a guard pacing in front of the GM garages.  A Person (name and title are Top secret.  Not really i just don’t want to tell you because i don’t understand how legal stuff works.) had also told me that the new Camaro have a DODGE Viper engine.  Now I do not believe this has been confirmed by GM or Chevrolet, but as I write this driving home to my residence in New York, I was told that this test was a really big deal while I was gone.  So, these five Camaros consisted of an orange and black one, an all-black one, an all-red one and a white one that I BELIEVE was a NASCAR Aerodynamics package test.  (i noticed a Carbon fiber front splitter which started this suspicion.)  Because It was announced by Chevrolet that Camaro is coming to NASCAR Nationwide.  (WOW I am good).

                Now I will describe these cars.  First off, they sound MEAN.  Sort of Shelby Cobra-ish but a tad toned down and more “civilized”  The whole car is more streamlined than the previous Camaro and appeared to have a lower profile.  They also had Shark Gill side vents on either side.  The rear end appeared to be thinner horizontally than the old Camaro.  I did not get much time to study the front end.  The car also appeared to have more Carbon fiber, but the only section that I believe is carbon fiber is the deck lid.  The NASCAR test car had a carbon fiber splitter and rear wing.

                GM had brought along a Shelby mustang which i believe was used to compare data with their cars.  The Camaros also seemed slightly faster than the NASCAR #49.

Technically, i saw these Camaros before anybody else even knew they existed, which is kind of cool.

Note:  None of the descriptions have been confirmed by Chevrolet or GM.  The only confirmed statement in this article is the Camaros entry in to NASCAR.  Any questions please COMMENT!!!  Juan Pablo Montoya was not actually at the track as well, so don’t ask me to sell you his autograph.

Sahlens 6 Hours at the Glen 2012

I'm Back!  And i just got back from the 2012 Rolex ALMS series's stop at Watkins Glen.  This event took place June 28th-July 1st, and included a 150 Mile race in the Continental tire series, and a 45 Min. Sportsman Showcase event.  I thought this was a very good race weekend.  I started the weekend arriving at 6:30AM Friday.  We waited in for 30 Minutes before the gates opened.  we where the lucky ones.  We were able to get in to the gate 30 Minutes before some people who had waited since 4:00 AM.  We got REAL lucky.  My condolences to whoever was a victim of this.  We camped out in the heel of The "boot" section of the Watkins Glen circuit.  As soon as we arrived, we my dad and i had too jump Into our TVR 2500M.  (any questions about this vehicle or TVR as a  company, please comment with your question.)  We were going to The Lake to Lake Ramble Arranged by Watkins Glen's Stone Bridge Drivers program.  We Met the group at the Internation Motor Racing Research Center (my kind of Library).  The cars there included lots and lots of Mazda Miatas from every generation, Honda S2000 a Shelby Cobra, Lots of Mustangs, an Alfa Romeo Spider, MG B, MG Midget and even an E-type Jag.  The first item on the agenda was a brunch at the Glen Club while the Rolex series practiced.  Then the group did 3 laps of the new course.  That was quite an experience, and with no power steering or anything, my dad really had to work at it.  And you would not believe how much braking is required even when you are just "parading".  After that we went straight on to a 120 mile ramble.  we chose the Spirited Route, which includes tons of hairpins and tight sections.  I got to be the navigator, which is harder than you think.  All was well until we were kept waiting for 15 minutes at the gate entering the track even though 2 people were in front of us.  The engine blew an antifreeze hose.  (i had to tell my dad what was going on).  We finally made it back to the campsite.
The Next day was the Continental Tire 150.  My karting Instructor happened to be a driver in this series.  He drove the #4 Mazda MX-5.  Unfortunately his day was cut short due to rear end damage.  (was not his fault).  This race was very exiting and was led for the majority by the #14 Nissan Nismo 270z.  To bad for him, because that cars day ended heading down into the boot when he collided with a lapped car head on.  The race was ultimately won in the Grand Sport class and overall by my favorite car, the #13 Porsche sponsored by RumBum, and driven by Matt Plumb.  I do not know who won the Street Tuner class, but i believe it was a Honda.
Sunday was the day of the Sahlens 6 Hours of the Glen.  The DP class was led early by Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the #01 Telmex Car, but they ended up finishing 4th in class.  GT was led for a long time by the Stevenson Camaro GT.Rs.  Towards the end of the the race, The #70 Maxda RX-8 led, but was overtaken by the #59 Porsche driven by Leh Keen.  The overall win and DP winner was the #9 Action Express car.  The GT winner was Robin Liddell in a Stevenson Camaro.
A few notes:
Andy Lally's Porsche caught fire in the early stages of the race.
Those Stevenson Camaros sound VISCIOUS!

Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

  Hi, i just wanted to give a quick overview of one of my favorite classic cars.  There is this local store near my hometown of Bloomfield, NY,called Turner Automotive.  They specialize in Chevrolet Corvettes.  Occasionally, however, they trade for another car. For example, they currently have a Rat rod, a Chevrolet BelAir, A Dodge Charger SuperBee and even a Bricklin SV.  A week ago, i noticed a 1970's Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce was outside apparently on display.  I was exited because i had never seen one before.  If you have no idea what car i am talking about read on....

So, the Alfa Romeo Spider started life in 1966 (when my mom was born :)  It was in production for almost 30 years.  (ended production in 1994 as Commemorative Editions for North America)   There were only minor exterior and mechanical changes throughout its tri-decade life.  The First Generation was assembled by Pinninfarina in Grugliasco an the Fourth Gen in San Giorgio Canavese.  The final Alfa Spider was produced in April, 1993.  This was also the last RWD Alfa before the 8C Competizone.


Series 1 (1966-1969)
The car was introduced as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show in 1961.  But because of the economic challenges that Italy faced at this time restricted production by Pininfarina at the end of 1965.  Alfa Romeo utilized the Giula 105 chassis.  The car was unveiled at the 36th Geneva Motor Show in 1966.   The car was unamed at the Show.  The name Duetto was eventually chosen.  Pininfarina was responsible for the body design.  The Duetto was the last project the founder, Battista Farina was associated with.  The design dirctor for Pininfarina at this time was Franco Martinego.  Pininfarina was also responsible for production.  The car was designed with Crumple Zones in te front and rear.  The engine chosen was a 1570 cc version of the Alfa twin cam four Cyl. and spat out 109 HP.  It included a 5 Sp. Manual tranny, disc brakes, and the US price was $3,950.  May seem small, but that was still $1,500 more expensive than the British MGB.
The First Duetto was produced 1966-'67 and was replaced in 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, equipped with a 118 HP, 1779 cc engine.   The European models had twin carburetors, When the American version had mechanical fuel injection.  Differences for this model included Suspension, brakes electric and wheel modifications.  Other differences were the rear-view mirror was repositioned to the door and there was differnt badging on the rear.


In 1968, the Spider 1300 Junior was released with an 89 HP engine.

Because of its round tail, the Series 1 is sometimes referred to as Osso di Seppa, meaning cuttlefish bone in Italian.  This car was in the 1967 film, The Graduate, driven by the Dustin Hoffman portrayed Ben.



Series 2   (1970-1983)
 In 1970 the first real exterior change was added to the 1750 Spider Veloce,with the original round tail changed to a cut-off tail commonly called the Kamm tail.  Alfa also improved trunk room.  In 1971, the Spider got a new 1962 cc, 132 HP engine, and the name was changed to the 2000 Spider Veloce.  In 1972, the 1600 Spider restarted as the Spider 1600 Junior and was identical to the 1300.
In 1972, the rare Spider-Targa was introduced.  Based on the Spider, it had a Porsche like solid rear window and T-tops.  Less than 2000 of these models were made and was the only hard top Spider until the factory one.


In 1974-'75 the 1300 and the 2000 were modified to have 2 small seats behind the front ones to become a "2+2".  The 1300 was discontinued in 1977.  In between 1974 and 1976 the early stainless steel bumper was replaced with a black rubber one to meet North Amercan requirements.


Series 3 (1983-1990)

The series 3 was previewed in North America in 1982 when they introduced the 2.0 Lm Bosch electric fuel injection to replace mechanical fuel injection.   The Spider went through a revamp in 1983 which introduced rubber bumpers.  Also, a small rubber spoiler was added to the rear.  The 1600 lost the Junior name as well.   The Green Leaf Clover model was introduced in 1986 with many tweaks which included side skirts, mirrors, front and rear spoilers, 15" alloy and optional removable hardtop.  Different interior trim included Blood red carpets and gray leather upholstery.  It was mechanically twins with the Spider Veloce.

The interior had new things to it including a new center console, lower dash panels, and a single monopod gauge cluster.   A North American edition named The Graduate was added to pay a tribute to the Veloce's apperence in the film, The Graduate.

The Graduate was made as a cheaper entry level Alfa.  It had the same engine and transmission as the Veloce, but it did not have alloy wheels and the luxurys of the other models.  It had manual windows, vinyl seats, a vinyl top and steel wheels.  The only optios were air conditioning and a radio.  The Graduate appeared in 1985 and ended in 1990.

Minor things were changed in 1986-'89 which included new paint colors, a center mount stop lamp and new turn signal levers.  1988 models had automatic seatbelts the extended from a device in between the fron seats.

Series 4 (1991-1993)
The final big change to the Spider was in 1990.  The Spider was given a Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and an electronic fan.  The Spider also dumped its under-bumper spoiler and the trunk lid spoiler.  This was also the first Spider with an automatic.

These syling changesd did not appear in North America until 1991.  The production of the Spider ended in 1993.  Then,an all new Spider arrived in 1994.   A Limited Commemerative Edition was made for North America and was a 1994 model.  190 of these were imported to the US.  Each had a plaque saying what number of 190 it was.  It had a special badhe on the nose and a CE below Spider Veloce on the rear.  They had gold caps on the wheels and wood interior trim.  Every model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain and documentation.  The CE's had VINs 008276-008460.  They are not in order numbering.  All 1994 Commemerative Editions were produced in May 1993.  In Europe, the CE was sold with a 1.6 L engine that was utilized in the Series 3.