[MB968]

Congratulations to one of our own, Eric_K for a great end to a successful race season. As many of you know, Eric races in the Pacific Northwest. I’m fortunate enough to be able to hang out with him at the track when he is at Portland’s track (PIR). Last Sat. Eric (and co-driver Mike McC) came in second overall in the 2 hour Enduro race. And, one amazing fact was that Eric had the stock 968 engine in for this race. So, he was probably giving up 100 whp or so to some of the other competitors. He normally runs in a 10#/hp class, wherein he has a 951 installed, but it was pulled for a bit of oil usage the race before. You can see it all, a full two hours including the LeMans start at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIYVtkcFCLw



First driver is Mike, second is Eric.



Enjoy

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[Eric_K]

Thanks for helping out Joe (and daring to bring a would be parts car to the paddock <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> ). As Joe mentioned, the car had the stock 3 liter back in it. The car didn't feel that much slower without the turbo engine - until you hit the straights. Then it felt like an absolute dog in comparison. Also of note is that Mike my co-driver is this year's NASA GTS4 national champ.



Things didn't go quite as well in the 6 hour race that followed the 2 hour. We did lead the overall for 58 of the first 76 laps but the left front bearing gave up and took the hub with it. I didn't have a spare M030 hub so we were screwed. I did ease it around the track for the last 15 minutes so that we were classified as a finisher. It was also cool having Al Unser Jr. and Al Unser III racing in the 6 hour. They were in a insanely fast Wolf sports racer that broke just before the finish.

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[MB968]

We've often kidded about it, but never really thought we'd be pulling a part from my car to put on yours, and an unexpected one at that. Guess for next season I need to find some M030 spindles/hubs for my car. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.png" class="smilie" alt="" />



Anyway, thanks for a fun day as usual.

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[tamathumper]

Nice job on the finish, and holy cow, you swap engines like socks?! That's impressive!

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[Paul W]

Congrats! What do you think of that start? I love the idea, but the thought of driver's having to run to their cars, belt themselves while watching others pull past them, it just seems to be setting up for failure. It would be easy not to get something right with the belts, and if anything did happen such as a bad crash, and the belts weren't right, you get the idea.



I don't know if it is worth the risk.



Regardless....I'm jealous....congrats!!!

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[kwikt]

Congrats Eric. Way to show the 968 community that it is still competitive along with your awesome driving skills.

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[Eric_K]

[quote name='tamathumper' timestamp='1382783533' post='151242']

you swap engines like socks?!

[/quote]



That about sums it up. The engine hoist has gotten a workout this year. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

[quote name='Paul W' timestamp='1382788258' post='151244']

What do you think of that start? I love the idea, but the thought of driver's having to run to their cars, belt themselves while watching others pull past them, it just seems to be setting up for failure.

[/quote]



It's not a big deal. Its basically just starting the race with a driver change like that would occur in a normal pit stop. Most people are smart enough to know the start of an endurance race doesn't decide much but it is fun to do something different.

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[Rap]

The start was sort of neat. I was thinking the same thing until it occurred to me that it was an endurance and there was plenty of time. Still it must get your competitive juices flowing. Is that something you practice?

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[MB968]

Not this year, but last year I helped the first driver, and the person who was going to assist, go through various dry runs. I watched, timed, and lent comments as I saw fit. But, of course when the race started throw all that out the window. I forgot what problem they had, but it wasn't anything that they had problems with when we did the half a dozen or so dry runs. Best laid plans.

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[pmcrespo]

Congrats Eric and team!!!!

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[pmason]

Congrads! Keep them coming.

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