I have been busy getting my Sports 2000 ready for the runoffs. We had a great test at Pueblo Motorsports Park on September 7th and things are looking good! We had great weather and our work was rewarded with our final run where every lap that wasn't in traffic was faster than our previous fastest laps at this track. Those previous laps were set in the Shannon JM06 which finished 6th at the 2006 national championship Runoffs race.
Here is a shot of the Lola JM07 at the test:
Since the runoffs effort has been "can till cain't" as we say here in Texas, I have been slow posting more info on the DSR project. Here are some photos Mike Alexander from PDG sent recently. They show the differential/rear suspension box in its first stage of construction.
During this phase the critical points are all being located. You can see some of the stock Tatuus suspension mounts in place. We also are working from engineering drawings and specs provided by Lee Williams of Williams Racing Developments http://www.willrace.com/ for the custom differential that will be installed. This setup will allow us to use all of the original Tatuus half shafts and we will not be required to relocate any of the suspension pickup points. In addition, we will be able to retain the shock ratios and location points.
You will notice the box is very substantial. This part will be lightened considerably once the dimensions for the jack shaft setup are finalized. Like every ship built in a bottle, that measurement was delayed until we could finalize the header/bulkhead clearance dimension. George Dean was a critical helper in establishing the header specs. We will build the final header unit from titanium utilizing the stock header flanges and the top portion of the stock tubes. Everything else will be custom made to the dimensions he specifies as a result of his dyno work.
Once the differential/rear suspension box is finalized and lightened the whole assembly will be annodized. After this piece is finished the final engine bay trunnions and motor mounts will be assembled. This will be a major step towards having a rolling race car once again!
