National Sport Compact Racing Association
April 4th, at the new Palm Beach International
Raceway
MATCH RACE WINNER 3 - 0
Promotional
Video by GRS Motorsports
My first race in 2009 is expected to be a real crowd pleaser
with NSCRA. Check out the web site at
http://www.nscra.com/
The Nuclear Banana has undergone a little surgery to
remove a little weight which will help a lot. I am anticipating a weight
reduction of about 130 lbs form new fiber glass doors in stead of the original
factory metal doors and I will again try tuning without the heavy intercooler
and plumbing. I expect the car to weigh in just a tad under 200 lbs.
Additionally, the rocker panels have been modified, now going straight down to
assist with the aerodynamics. Unfortunately, I don't have any spy pictures of
the car with it's new look as my friends are making me wait until I fly down for
the event. I can't wait.
In addition to the event, I am also excited to be able to
compete at the brand new Palm Beach
International Raceway. Formally the old
Moroso Motorsports Park where I have had won 3 Wally's, this new track is a
totally revamped and from what I am told, is now an awesome track and facility.
Lets hope I can keep the streak going.
April 12, 2009: I have to say, the
race weekend had to be one of my all time favorites for several reasons.
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I was amazed at how the car turned out, thanks to ALL
who had a part from fiber glass, fabrication, painting and dedicated assistance.
It was obvious to me that many hours had been spent thrashing to get it done by
Friday.
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The car looked completely different and to be very honest, it
grew on me the more I looked at it especially after countless fans and racers
alike commented how much they preferred the "new" look with minimal
graphics and plain yellow.
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The car lost 140 lbs as a result of replacing the steel doors
with Pimar Fiberglass RX8 doors and removing the intercooler and
associated hardware. That is big! The car tipped the scales at 2,032 lbs. Thank
you PITO!
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The RX8 now officially wears the name
NUCLEAR BANANA
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Palm Beach International Speedway is without a
doubt one of the best Drag Strips I have ever driven on. Personally seeing what
the new owners have done is absolutely phenomenal and breath taking. It is truly
a beautiful Motorsports facility. Additionally I want to add how professional
and dedicated the staff are to making the racers and fans feel welcome. My hat's
off to you!
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The track "hooks" so well at the starting line that my great
2007 clutch set-up needed to be changed and since I only had three attempts to
get it right, I stlii did not get a handle on it consequently bogging the engine
every time the car left the line with a best 60-foot time of 1.12 seconds.
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To Mazda, Mazdaspeed and Mickey Thompson Tires, it
was and honor to have your support and come out the king at the end. Thank you
for your support.
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What can I say about Tito Chassis, This man knows
how to set up a Sport Compact drag car like other in my humble opinion. The car
launched straight down the center of the track on every single attempt. Some
fans even commented after seeing the in-car video that I could have taken the
steering wheel off and still gone straight down the middle of the lane.
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Finally, although I had not driven this car since we last
competed last year in Puerto Rico, it was evident I had not lost my ability to
perform on the starting line when it counted. I almost equaled my best reaction
time of 0.053 with a 0.084 in the first match which equaled a 1/10th advantage
on the starting line.
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I am honestly delighted with this result and we would all have
to agree, West Palm Beach/Moroso has to be my favorite track with a total of 4
Victories between the All Motor and Modified cars. To all the fans who attended
and the ones who were following the results on line, I know enjoyed this event
hosted by the new Sanctioning body, NSCRA. I am looking forward to the next
event on May 3rd, 2009.
Look out 3/4 Chassis racers, the
NUCLEAR BANANA is
going to surprise you.
