THSCC Forums

Regarding mechanical problems and failures:

It's all about preparation. Successful Rallycrossers, just like every other form of motorsports, take car preparation seriously. Not talking about modifications, but understanding car weaknesses and taking appropriate measures BEFORE getting to the event. Then again, sometimes people just get lucky.

Plan to bring out a jalopy without going over everything? Not going to bother freshening those components you KNOW will be stressed? Plan for failure. Be sure you have a ride home. From whatever kind of event.

Autocross: Hubs, wheel bolts/studs, belts, hoses, power steering system, wheels.
Track: Cooling system, oiling system, brakes, air:fuel ratio, safety equipment, wheels
Rallycross: Exhaust hangers, tire pressure, motor mounts, shock mounts, shocks, low-hanging items, airdams

They all matter for everything, but there are certain things that need to be ensured are top-notch for each activity.

So while Rallycross may induce *more* frequent failures, I'd venture to say that those failures are *less* significant than failures seen at autocrosses, and almost certainly less significant than those typically seen at track.

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

I think they should pay more. They spent more time on the course than everyone else. It's all about seat time. Why should everyone else get shafted?

Or maybe send a bill for "Disabled Car Relocation Assistance"? $20 sounds about right, doesn't it?

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

I have a tow strap and a tractor - I would've helped out PJ and Dan if I didn't think it would've broken the car in half.

I'll have to remember to keep the tow strap handy on the tractor for future breakdowns. I actually didn't think about it until I was putting all the stuff back into the 2.5RS after the rallyx. (yes, I keep a tow strap in the trunk just in case... )

I was thinking along the same lines as Mike when I posted that stuff earlier. People just show up, not knowing the condition of the car they're driving, and expect to just be ok while throwing the car through corners a LOT harder than I do. And a lot of the rental debeads have been because they just didn't check the air pressure before starting.

I always go over the car before each event and make sure nothing's busted or has a high probability of becoming busted during the event. And the mounts and bushings that might flop around too much & cause something to break during a rallyx have been replaced with Group N rally mounts and bushings. I have the correct pressures, and a little negative camber to help prevent debeading (and to increase grip). I drive carefully where I know I could break the car (or hit a cone!) by being careless, and I really push where there's a low probability of hurting anything. There's a lot more to it than just showing up and driving all crazy and stuff.

And yes, there are certain types of cars that I wouldn't take out there (Acura NSX is a good example ), but I just figured that was understood.

Hmm. I just flog the crap out of the Neon. It's more fun.

_________________
Carl Fisher

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=4651531

Now you know why I just flog the crap out of the Neon.

_________________
The person with too many names...
Mary E./ME/Emmie Fisher/Daniel/Daniel-Fisher
(& some others not suitable for posting!).
Help support our habits; BUY http://virginiabreeze.us !

i have a tow CHAIN in the truck and i truly was hoping to get out on the course with the towbeast but PJ said pushing would be better. i'll keep my fingers crossed.

:lol:

and expect to just be ok while throwing the car through corners a LOT harder than I do. I drive carefully where I know I could break the car (or hit a cone!) by being careless, and I really push where there's a low probability of hurting anything. There's a lot more to it than just showing up and driving all crazy and stuff.

so Kevin, i guess what you are saying rings true with my 10 yr old daughters evaluation of my driving style. " Dad, you are always out of control coming to the finish" i guess it is a good thing she couldn't see the whole course. i look forward to the day she can reach the pedals.