Sevens in Cumberland

[Silk]

The monsoons cleared over the weekend in time for Mazda’s debut of Franken7 at Cumberland. The sight of a no-hood Seven with an LS1 stuffed into it certainly drew a crowd. Kinda like Pamela Anderson in a skimpy . . . well, you get the drift.

 

Saturday was a very long course, with most people running in the 80-90 second range. After a couple of off-courses, Mazda found the way and notched a solid 90 second run. Jeff Duncan was on fire, and ran a 74.9 in his Ultralite for 4th overall, behind one B Mod and two C Mod cars. I couldn’t stay with him and settled for 10th overall with a 76.9.

 

On Sunday’s shorter course, Jeff and I ran neck in neck all day (Mazda had to head home the night before), and I had my revenge, edging him out 50.0 versus 50.3 for 6th and 9th overall respectively. The competition at the top of the heap was pretty intense – 5th through 16th places all had times of 50.xxx.

 

It was great having Mazda join us, and hopefully more of the PA, MD and VA Sevens can make some of the remaining Cumberland events. Great venue, good people, and fast courses that suit our cars.

 

Link to results: http://www.nationalroadrally.com/historics_09.html

[slngsht]

I will definitely be there and will try to run in the same heat as you guys.

I went off course on 2 of my runs. first one was on the short leg, where the tire marks went through the wrong gate. I followed right along with them.

 

I'm sure there was another 5 or 6 seconds in the car had I bothered with tire pressures (banging head). Overall the car felt OK, although it was totally on marbles, sliding around on all 4 wheels. Balance was good.

 

Competition is pretty stiff out there. i'd say 80% of the cars were running slicks (didn't actually count, but sure seemed that way). Some beautiful machines there too.

 

I had a great time and wish I could stay longer for the time in the hanger.

 

Next time.

[jwduncan]

Mazda,

 

Glad you made it. Check out Ben's write-up on the Cobra Club site. Saturday He does a great job capturing the event. Nice picture of you and the Rotus. http://www.usa7s.com/vb/images/icons/icon6.gif

 

"Adding flavor to the usual crowd of misbegotten Cumberland racers, the much discussed LS1 powered Lotus Seven clone of Mazda Ebrehimi made its Cumberland debut, joining fellow Lotus worshippers Gary Hughes and Jeff Duncan. It looked just plan nasty with its protruding V8 and no hood or windscreen as it rolled through tech. "

 

Looking forward to doing it again in July. If anyone else is interested in playing later this year let us know. As Gary mentioned it would be great to show up en masse with a bunch of sevens.

Edited June 10, 2009 by jwduncan

[slngsht]

I definitely had a blast. hanging out with the Cobra guys was fun too. nice bunch.