Lotus 7 D mod. - Page 21 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #**301** 08-07-2017, 05:03 PM

I just got an inquiry about renting my Lotus to compete at the SCCA Solo (autocross) Nationals. That might be exciting to do.

t walgamuth · #**302** 08-10-2017, 07:43 PM

Today got a new battery on warranty. NO charge. (no pun intended).

t walgamuth · #**303** 08-10-2017, 08:02 PM

I just got an email and it looks like I'll be going to Nationals providing a car for one of the top D mod hotshoes in the country.

He's definitely fast enough to win and hopefully the venerable YC-3 is as well.

t walgamuth · #**304** 08-21-2017, 07:45 PM

I picked up a new set of Hoosiers for Nationals. I'll pick up the car tomorrow from Michael's after the rear spoiler work, general servicing and corner weighting.

t walgamuth · #**305** 08-23-2017, 09:08 AM

I went to Anderson to pick up the Lotus. We also checked the corner weights. They were so close to being on the money that we did not try to adjust them at all. They also built and rebuilt the rear spoiler so that it goes all the way across to provide the maximum downforce allowed by the rules. It is also now adjustable where it was not before. The workmanship is excellent! I'm getting her ready to attend the pre-Nationals three day test and tune on Friday and Saturday.

Woo hoo!

t walgamuth · #**306** 08-26-2017, 06:30 PM

I just got back from two days of hard running in preparation for Nationals. My driver, Peter Raymond made about 15 runs today, I made 4 yesterday and he made about 15 yesterday too. The car is running beautifully and the new downforce is working as designed. I have a list of final things to do and we'll be running at Nationals thursday and friday September 8 and 9 IIRC.

Its a freaking Rocket!

Woo hooooo!

t walgamuth · #**307** 08-31-2017, 10:26 PM

Today my Indie installed new drive plates which are aluminum and have a spline that accepts the splined rear full floating Winters rear end. The splines can turn out of there and the plates are maintenance items.

We also installed aluminum strips to widen the rear fender enough to match the new winglet width as required by the rules.

t walgamuth · #**308** 09-07-2017, 08:00 AM

We're at Nationals now in Lincoln Nebraska. Long drive getting here. Interesting differences in how the interstate is built, different on ramps, etc.

Yesterday we did some minor but good things to the car to make it more ready. Made 4 runs in the test and tune practice on the old tires. Car a little tight then loose on cold worn tires. Nothing broke or fell off. Put on the new Hoosiers. Got a good night sleep.

Peter has headed over to walk the course for maybe the 12th time counting yesterday. I just ate and will shower then head over to the site.

Peter may be getting a co driver today. Del Long the car's original builder is here with the first lotus 7 he built but now powered by the Ecotec turbo motor. Yesterday when the motor got spooled up they broke an axle. So his son may want a co drive today. I'll make that happen. Del has been very helpful in helping me keep the YC-3 in running condition.

We like our situation.

P.C. · #**309** 09-07-2017, 05:04 PM

Looks pretty formidable!

t walgamuth · #**310** 09-07-2017, 09:15 PM

Darin did co drive today. His first run was a 59 something. Huffman (the favorite, running the slickest elan ever for the last dozen years or so) ran next and laid down a 54.8 or so. Then Peter ran a 56.2 or so. Good for second place. Next run Huffman ran a 54.6 iirc. Peter answered with a 55.3. Last run Huffman ran a 54.9. Peter ran a 55.6 but the Ellerbys (father and son in another Del Long built race car) responded with two runs (one each) that were between Peter and Huffman so after the first day Peter is in fourth place but not by a lot. Three more cars ended the day within a few tenths of Peter and the rest of the field spread out some.

The competition is fierce and the driving is excellent. Peter did not hit a cone all day, and his last run the tires were probably too hot. Tomorrow we'll plan to spray the tires to keep them cool.

If we have a good day and Huffman stumbles (not likely) we could still win. A podium finish is still a good possibility.

The car is running and handling excellently.

In the morning I'll be changing the rear diff ratio from 7.56 to 7.25 as the course has more high speed sections.

Wooo hoooooooo!

t walgamuth · #**311** 09-08-2017, 05:57 PM

He got 3rd with a solid performance today. the car ran perfectly and handled perfectly.

The old YC-3 still has the speed!

t walgamuth · #**312** 09-09-2017, 11:20 PM

Yesterday morning I suggested to Peter that not hitting any cones probably suggested he was not trying hard enough.

So he hit cones on first and last runs but his second run was quick enough to move up and split the Ellerbys for 3rd place.

I'm not sure of Peter's age but I am guessing he is within a year or so of my age. When he went up to collect his 3rd place trophy they said it was his 35th year at Nationals and that he had won 29 trophys (so far).

So it turns out that Peter had not run all year because of his car being broken and our test and tune at Grissom was his first racing this year, and Nationals was the second. Huffman is running the most developed car and has been in it for at least 12 years. The Ellerbys are in a car they have been running for about 20 years. The son is quite young but this was his seventh Nationals. The Ellerbys car is the most beautiful, well prepared seven I have ever seen.

We thought he also might be the oldest competitor to win a trophy this year.

I suggested if we run next year we might solicit Geritol and Viagra as sponsors.

Mike D · #**313** 09-10-2017, 07:13 AM

Wouldn't viagra hinder getting in and out of the, ...wait for it.., cockpit?

t walgamuth · #**314** 09-10-2017, 09:12 AM

Vaseline my friend!

t walgamuth · #**315** 09-17-2017, 11:23 PM

i took the Lotus over to Grissom today. My local D mod nemisis did not show up. I made four runs starting at 58.8, then 58.6, then 57.06 and 57.03. I got beat by the F mod car (he was 49 something) and at least two C mods. I may have beaten another C mod, not sure until I see final results.

The car felt good. My driving felt pretty solid too. It was over 90 and pretty sunny today so I got a bit pooped by the end of the day. Nice breeze most of the time and alternated between sunny and cloudy. I caught rain as I came into Lafayette.