This was my first Lemons event, and definitely won't be my last. I had a great time, and learned a whole lot about racing. I was fortunate enough to be on the Race Hard, Race Ugly Team. The 2 cars were E30 BMWs, and they were solid driver's cars. I drove the #94 car with kwicker. Coming from Spec Miatas, the E30 had more passing ability than I was used to. I was also the unfortunate slob at the wheel when the motor slit it's own wrist.
SRSBSNS wrote:Which team were you?
Our E30 *ALSO* ate our radiator hose (alternator death).... we got a generic hose and were back on in just under an hour...
How did you guys know you lost coolant? I didn't hear or feel anything besides a power loss (thought it was low fuel at first) and the temperature gauge held steady below half-way. I pulled into the pit on the next lap but it was too late. The position of the temperature sensor didn't give any indication of high temps.
About the Black Widow Miata: Running from the event was a sure sign of guilt (ask any highway officer). If you can't stand to see your car crushed, then don't bring it. I think it's against the spirit of Lemons competition to run from the People's Curse. Your heart definitely isn't in the right place if you've got too much attachment to your Lemons race car. But I'm a Lemons Noob, so what do I know?
Also, Lemons is an amateur, grassroots events. Pro drivers in a pro-built car just doesn't seem very sportsman-like. Maybe Daytona or Thunderhill is more their speed. But to wail on amateurs again and again at Lemons seems to be a bit weak, especially when you run from the People's Curse. I wouldn't ban anyone, but a REWARDS system of equalizing could work. Being penalized laps did nothing to slow the car down, maybe only strengthen their driver's resolve to push harder. Nor did it do anything to slow down the speed differential on the track, which is probably how the team go noticed. I think a Spec Miata restrictor plate or a few hundred pounds of ballast could have made things more interesting (like say, a 55 gallon drum of raw sewage bolted to their trunk or 300 lbs of roadkill in the passenger area). Maybe welding their bumper to Cajun Jihad's car, music blaring.
Having said that, I'm glad the Black Widow drew attention from our team.
And to Patrick: chill out. It's all for fun, ya big baby. :-)
Benson Young, Team Nemesis #88, debuting at MSR 2011
Raced Hard, Raced Ugly, got the nickels, moving on...