Going to the Runoffs... suggestions

[CarMan]

Hi Caterham fans

 

So, we have decided that we might like to qualify for the SCCA Runoffs this year. Each year we have run a few Major events and finished well. The FrankenMazda's and BMW Z3's are faster in a straight line and we have zero aero aids,

But we would like to try and qualify. That means we have to be aware of the stress this will put on the car. It is rather easy to run a 30 minute club race, but a 40 minute ALL out Major is another matter.

Specifically I am concerned about the front suspension and the wheel Hub Assy. We purchased and installed the Large Racing hubs a couple of years ago and have since replaced the wheel Bearings each year.

The brake discs and Calipers are 6 years old and appear fine.

But I keep looking for the weak link that will cause us grief and that is why i am asking you for advice about what to look at and have spares if necessary.

 

Thanks

George

[MichaelD]

You might contact Chip Bond as he raced and rented Sevens for many years. 540-832-0307

 

Also try Miner Wilcox minerwilcox@gmail.com

[lucky dawg]

You might want to read over this older thread, starting at post#16 http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?4489-Beachman-McClure-Racing-3rd-Overall-at-25-Hours-of-Thunderhill&highlight=Thunderhill+Beachman

Edited January 17, 2016 by lucky dawg

[Paul Hill]

Craig Chima (chima97@aol.com) would be another good source of assistance. He is in Akron OH, specializes in 7s, with a heavy emphasis on road racing. I believe he is still an active racer himself as well as maintaining 7s for other racers.

You could also contact him here as he often frequents this site.

[Kitcat]

I second the suggestion of contacting Craig Chima. His cars have won the Run-offs in the past, and he knows the host track of this year's Run-offs (Mid-Ohio) inside and out. Also a very nice guy.

 

I think Mid-O is a tough place for se7ens to compete due to their hp and aero disadvantage, combined with the lengthy straights. I suspect if you come for fun and to compete it will be special. If you come to win or trophy, it may be a challenge.

 

A number of track day events are held there all spring and summer. Why not sign up, learn the track and see how competitive your times are?

Edited January 17, 2016 by Kitcat

[Paul Hill]

AND if you follow Kitkat's advice about a track day or 2 you could maximize the benefit and bring Craig along as a driver coach!

[CarMan]

Thank You for all of your suggestions! I am aquainted with Craig. He was a big help in putting me in contact with a new engine for my Cat. I have no delusions about winning the Runoffs..... but I want to at least experience the festival that is the runoffs.

More than anything I would like to minimize the chances of mechanical breakdown.

I will contact Craig soon and we can all follow the long winding path that is the road to the runoffs.

 

Thanks

George Kline

[James A]

George, the run-offs this year is at a track where the last time the run-offs were held there a Caterham 7 won E Production, that is the car my son and I race now.

As to the Caterham and stress on it, most failures we have had has been in the rear of the car. Frame members breaking and dragging the fuel cell on the track, De Dion camber ears breaking, the welded end of the De Dion tube failing on the welds (we have seen 3 cases of this now in three different Caterhams check these welds!). We did have a front stub axel fail and changed to the uprated ones from Caterham with no further problems. Other than all of that trauma, the T9 Gearbox is a weak link, primarily the syncros and shift forks. The diff seems very stout, we have had a front seal leak and an LSD fail after many many seasons, a well built engine will last 3 season before it is tired.

[Kitcat]

James:

I watched that Run-offs win and it was grand and glorious. But it was also a consequence of the 4 (as I recall) front runners all taking each other out on the last lap in their desperate and unsportsmanlike efforts to win, leaving the Caterham, back in 5th, to inherit first. And as I recall, he was way behind the front runners (fortunately for him:)).

[Shoe String Racing]

I'm just a noob here sitting in the peanut gallery, but I gotta say, I could not be more impressed after reading about the Beachum runs in the 25 hrs. It's one thing to crunch some numbers about running at those speeds for 25 hrs, but, for me, having been there crewing for a team, it's another to "feel" the fatigue and challenge for 25 straight hours in cold and often wet conditions. So, long way of saying I'd be asking Bruce how they kept the car and crew together for all those miles.

[coffee break]

... but I want to at least experience the festival that is the runoffs.

 

I worked corners when the Runoffs were at Road Atlanta. It's where the 7 seed was planted in my head. Those were some fun times :party: and good racing. :driving:

[Paul Hill]

Beachums 25 hr run was impressive, no doubt. I have a better appreciation of the accomplishment now....

My 2 sons finished 2nd in their Honda Civic at the 38 hr Chumpcar event at Palm Beach International Raceway over New Years. Obviously they were not alone, 5 drivers plus support crew, the logistics of which make it all the more amazing when you consider hauling all the equipment, tools, spare parts, and tires for a 2 car effort 1700 miles. And then there is the effort required to feed 12 people, hotel rooms etc.

BTW...they led most of the event til a many laps down back marker cost them 12 laps for repairs. Shades of Mat Kenseth...