Off-Road Wheel-to-Wheel for our $500 cars! (Page 2 of 2)

After we'd run a few Lemons races with our Amazon, I built an 'SU Carb Toolbox"- one of those big, sewing-type boxes with the top things that fold out at an angle.  In it I had at least 2 of every SU part, many new, or at least good used.  It was like the Noah's Ark of SU parts.  And it came in very handy. 

An Amazon would be perfect for this race.  Tough, simple, and enough power to make it interesting in the turns but not so much to get yourself in trouble.  I have a couple of Amazons that would be ideal for this.

I'd say you've all got it right.  The course is going to change and get challenging, people aren't going to know how to drive it, there's going to be a lot of chaos and learning.  Cars will break and be repaired.  Doesn't that sound like a totally good time!?!

We will be doing course maintenance every two hours and between sessions to keep the massive ruts, holes and washboards down to a dull roar.  We'll also be watering the living bejesus out of the course before and during the event to keep the dust cloud down. 

It's not cut and dry.  There will be lessons to learn.  Come join us for the crazy time it will be!  Watch that Rodeocross  video - tell me you don't want to do that!?! ....with less horrible courses and less intentional contact allowed.  What they showed there was way too rough for my taste, but it sure is the right idea!

Team O'neill hasn't gotten back to me after our initial contact.  I'm assuming they're thinking the same thing you are, which is fine - this will only be possible at appropriate venues, and if theirs isn't one then we'll move on to somewhere else.  Suggestions are always welcome!

LMGTFY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWbYwOSPjH8

Oooooo, mud too!   

After careful consideration this weekend and some strong coffee this morning, I'm in agreement with the sentiments posted here and elsewhere about loosening the rules.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and hope this encourages more of you to come play in the dirt   This was posted on Dirt Cheap's forum:

In response to some very sage advice from some of my best advisors (namely Mr. Jim Beam), I am implementing some rule changes in the name of attracting more competitors to these early events and kicking off a successful race. They are:

- Cars will be split into to classes: Dirt Cheap Rally cars (as per the rules) and Overachievers which include $500 AWD cars and all 2WD rally cars that exceed the $500 spending limit.

- Age limit is lifted to 15 years old or older. For 2011 that means anything 1996 or older. (Does not apply to 2WD rally cars)

- Tire selection is widened to any all-season radial with non-aggressive tread. The BFG Radial T/A is absolutely as aggressive as will be allowed. If in doubt, email erik@dirtcheaprally.com and ask for permission to use a certain tire. Applies to all cars, 'real' rally cars included.

I like the T/A change - you'll find that that will not be an issue in offroad - they have the weakest sidewall of any tire- a rock will cut them down in a heartbeat or less... I have them only because our car needs the size for gear ratio rollout.
I can't interest team mates however - none of the parties want to build a new car after the event. (I guess they like the current one too much)

544 > Amazon!

544 > just about anything on earth!

I've never owned a 544, but have owned many Amazons, and I've looked at and under 544's.  544's don't impress me.  The Amazon is leaps and bounds ahead in design.  Yes, it is a tad heavier (about 300 lbs) but the superior suspension design makes up for it.  Of course, both are rugged as hell and held their own in period rallies, so either wouldn't be  a terrible choice.  Aesthetically, I prefer the Amazon, though that's strictly personal preference.  The 544 looks like an oddly proportioned '48 Ford to me.  An Amazon, on the other hand, looks like a perfect scale replica of a '55 Chrysler.