MSC RESULTS AND EDITORIAL (long)

[Steve Chryssos]

Editorial (long)

Back in the day, race cars and street cars were distinct and mutually exclusive. And the vehicle owners were equally different. For example, a race car dude would buy a set of custom BRC high or low silicon pistons with a 10cc dish or dome and a 1.395 pin location, while a street car enthusiast would buy a set of shelf stock TRW pistons and erroneously label them as 9.5:1's, or 12:1's. Racers called hot rodders "street squirrels" or "street strokes".

Times have changed. There exists a segment of the hot rod world that is technically savvy. It's people with an understanding of chassis dynamics and engine tuning. It's a segment that can hold it's own on a race track while still enjoying seat-time on the street. It's a segment that shares wide crossover with race car brands--be it brakes or safety equipment. That segment is called Pro-Touring.

Most people and businesses still don't get pro-touring. In their world, the 15" Cragar SS and Holley 600 cfm/tunnel ram combo still reigns supreme. But one company--Lane Automotive, Inc. and its division Motor State Distributing has the guts and the vision to step up and grab the brass ring that is the pro-touring market.

And when Lane Automotive steps up, they go big! There were fire engines and police vehicles blocking intersections for the cruise procession. As we approached our cruise destination, a police escort led the way. At Gingerman, Lane Automotive employed the services of the South Bend SCCA. Efficient scheduling ensured that all participants received ample track time. Timing and scoring went off without a hitch. The PA system worked and the announcer was freakin' hilarious. Spectators were kept abreast of results at all times.
The autocross was another example of logistical efficiency. Apparently, the SCCA people have done this sort of thing before. Ditto on Motor States in-house event registration and contingency planning.

We didn't do so bad ourselves. I have never EVER seen hot rods pushed to such extremes. For example, my right rear brake pad completely vaporized at Gingerman. It's just gone! There are dozens of war stories. Three engines expired--One of them a complete meltdown. Numerous cars exceeded their traction limits and "got all four wheels off". Performance limits were explored in a safe, controlled environment. Kyle Tucker would have been in the hunt except that a broken battery mount torpedoed his Shootout time. So mechanical failure came into play just like at any race. The Motor State Challenge looked, sounded, smelled and felt like a true race. There is no longer any doubt that these cars possess supercar performance. Zero doubt.

I volunteered as technical director to scratch a long standing itch. I wanted to engineer an event that encompasses the best features of all previous events. So the inaugural MSC combined a road course Shootout like the Optima Challenge with Goodguys autocross and a Run Thru The Hills atmosphere including a 60 mile cruise and barbecue. Car shows and hangouts were inevitable--in the paddock, at the cruise destination and all night long in the host hotel parking lot. Two classes, Touring and Time Trial, accommodated a variety of build types and driver skill levels.

And the inaugural MSC was super competitive. The margin of victory between 1st and 2nd place (all inclusive on 100 TW tires) was a mere .123 seconds. That's positively mind blowing! Not bad for a buncha "street strokes". (sic) Drama surrounding our 100 Tread Wear Tire Rule fizzed out. Boy am I glad. The fastest car driven by Ryan Matthews at DSE ran 300 TW BFG KDW's, the 2nd fastest car driven by Mark Stielow ran 220 TW Michelin PS2's and the 3rd place car driven by Jake Parrott at Jake's Rod Shop ran 100 TW Toyo R triple 8's. Enthusiasts were allowed to pick tires that made them feel safe and comfortable on track. That was the intention. Drivers like Ryan Matthews, Mark Stielow, Jake Parrott and David Pozzi can be fast even if they're driving Fred Flintstone's hot rod.

But the general consensus is that you did not need a competitive car or a ton of experience to thoroughly enjoy the Motor State Challenge. As event promotors, our primary goal is to inspire enthusiasts to finish cars and use them to their fullest potential. Get it done and drive it. That core philosophy is good for everyone--enthusiasts and vendors alike. Along the way, we are happy to enlighten anyone who thinks that pro-touring is soft or insignificant. Our cars do everything well.

Pictures and words cannot fully describe what we witnessed last weekend, but here it is: The Motor State Challenge represents a milestone in hot rod history where pro-touring cars aggressively competed and looked good doing it. Does that sound too strong? If you were there, you would agree. I can't say it any other way.

Here are the final standings:
Time Trial class standings are based on road course Shootout times plus fastest autocross times. Entrants were required to participate in the 60 mile cruise as well.
Touring class standings are based on participation in cruise and road course segments as well as timed results from the autocross. Vendors (aftermarket manufacturers and dealers) were excluded from receipt of trophies and awards as were event organizers and late model vehicles.

Special mention goes to Scott Wahlstrom and Chad Higdon from Lane Automotive, Inc. / Motor State (for their vision); Jeff Luckritz from the South Bend Region of the SCCA (for meeting our complex goals and putting up with me); Bill Howell (for starting all of this five years ago) and Baer Brakes (for keeping spare brake pads in their hotel room).
Thanks everyone
/Steevo
Twist Machine

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[JEFFTATE]

Thanks for posting Steevo !
I couldn't have said it better.

[Damn True]

Exceedingly cool.

So can I pencil in a CA iteration in say......2011?

[dropit69]

Congrats to Matt on 3rd did pretty awesome considering the power problems you were haveing ..hate to see ya when you get bugs ironed out !!

[Steve Chryssos]

Exceedingly cool.
So can I pencil in a CA iteration in say......2011?

Uhh.. I wish there were some way to convey the amount of time, effort and resources that Motor State dedicated into this effort. A lot of their employees were diverted to support this deal. Local agencies were tapped including fire, police, and state parks. Motor State even had a hospital parking lot reserved in the event of a hail storm. Who does that? The Motor State Challenge is so much more than just a track day and/or autocross event. It's a three day party on wheels that's custom tailored for hot rods that race.

Unless a big, local company steps up to the plate, your best bet is to tag along with a pre-existing track day and plan a party afterwards.

[Damn True]

Dang. All the interesting gatherings are east of the Rockies.

[Steve1968LS2]

Congrats to Matt on 3rd did pretty awesome considering the power problems you were haveing ..hate to see ya when you get bugs ironed out !!

Yea, Matt did great.. and for a lot less cash. lol

Our final time wasn't as good as our qualifying time because our brakes cook due to repeated abuse... But we're very happy with the overall results.

The nice thing about events like this is that it makes it easy to target what areas need attention on the car.

Great event, can't wait until next year!

[Bill Howell]

Dang. All the interesting gatherings are east of the Rockies.

OH True, you don't know how much I could say about this quote and maybe why there are not many in Ca stepping up to sponsor such an event these days, but I am afraid it would be considered political and I would ruin a great thread.....lol

Great post Steve, you nailed it. :1st:

I have said it before, when companies like Lane "get it" about what we are all about, this is the result.

[Damn True]

OH True, you don't know how much I could say about this quote and maybe why there are not many in Ca stepping up to sponsor such an event these days, but I am afraid it would be considered political and I would ruin a great thread.....lol

Great post Steve, you nailed it. :1st:

I have said it before, when companies like Lane "get it" about what we are all about, this is the result.

Well, I think the reality is that many of the bigger companies that are willing AND able to offer substantial sponsorship for such a thing are East of the Rockies.

But yeah, I get your drift.

[bucks69]

[QUOTE=streetfytr68;541161]Editorial (long)


But the general consensus is that you did not need a competitive car or a ton of experience to thoroughly enjoy the Motor State Challenge. As event promotors, our primary goal is to inspire enthusiasts to finish cars and use them to their fullest potential. Get it done and drive it. That core philosophy is good for everyone--enthusiasts and vendors alike. Along the way, we are happy to enlighten anyone who thinks that pro-touring is soft or insignificant. Our cars do everything well.

Pictures and words cannot fully describe what we witnessed last weekend, but here it is: The Motor State Challenge represents a milestone in hot rod history where pro-touring cars aggressively competed and looked good doing it. Does that sound too strong? If you were there, you would agree. I can't say it any other way.


I didnt even have a car there but proceeded to have the time of my life,due in large part to Jake throwing me the keys to "BLUE BALLS" and telling me to get at it on the AutoX. The people make any event and these were great people, hence GREAT EVENT!!!!!

[Charley Lillard]

All participants got a Lane catalog. Maybe each of us can make a effort to look there for our next car part we need.

[firewood]

Surely there are pix and vids from this event? Where to see?

Newbie mistake! Found 'em!

[Steve1968LS2]

All participants got a Lane catalog. Maybe each of us can make a effort to look there for our next car part we need.

Oh, you know I will.. They carry a HUGE amount of stuff.

[Ron S]

Steevo,you nailed it.Even for a guy as inexperienced as myself could run his junk, and pick up pointers from the guys way beyond my paygrade.The format you guys came up with was great,(I kind of felt sorry for you having keep up with it),but it kind of kept the regular guys and the real competitors competing but seperate.

I learned tons about my car on the road course. Brakes are important! I'll make some improvements,and hopefully we'll all be back more competitive next year.

I can't say thanks to all involved enough,I could see how much effort was put into it.I really hope everyone involved does remember Lane when they pick up the phone needing parts. Ron

[JEFFTATE]

All participants got a Lane catalog. Maybe each of us can make a effort to look there for our next car part we need.

Ditto , Charley .
We should support those that support us.

[David Sloan]

Man you guys are killing me! I would have given my left or right (edit) to have been there.
Just wasn't in the cards this year.
I can tell you that if this does not inspire you to finish you cars an get out there with the fun factor that happened last week end, i don't know what will.( I am pumped )working on our shop car to get it finished.
I will for one be calling Lane for some of the stuff i need to finish the Killer Orange car.

Thanks Stevo you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks for your role in this.
Even thou i was not there in person i was there at heart.
Thanks to all.

[Bow Tie 67]

I can tell you that if this does not inspire you to finish you cars an get out there with the fun factor that happened last week end, i don't know what will.( I am pumped )working on our shop car to get it finished.



Steve,

Excellent write up and proud to know you " car brother ".

David's quote about inspiration to finish is right on the money. Yes my car is not finished and will not be for some time. But I chose the road less traveled, tear it apart in the winter, thrash to get it back on the road for summer, repeat. My incident last fall with the tire wall was less painfull since she was not in paint.

Guys and Gals its all about driving the iron and making friends.

Lane Automotive stepped this niche' up Big Time........

Matt

[Finch]

All participants got a Lane catalog. Maybe each of us can make a effort to look there for our next car part we need.


For those who may not have noticed Lane used some shots from last years RTTH event in the 2009 Street Performance catolog. Twist Machine camaro on the cover, RTTH top 5 on pg 95, couple other shots on 237 and 238 etc.

They get it and are behind the PT movement.

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks for the kind words. I've wanted to see an all inclusive event like this for a long time. Year One offers paced road course laps but not open laps. The inaugural Optima Challenge has an open track shootout, but it mostly ran SEMA-fresh cars--not really representative of the club; Run Thru The Hills is awesome, but the resources, like Timing and Scoring, are understandably limited. And Goodguys has Doo-Wop music. You will notice that Doo-Wop music was non-existent at the Motor State Challenge (Not on purpose, just a joke)

Glad we all got to scratch the itch.

This year was a prototype. The two biggest questions were:
1. How do we safely accommodate a wide range of driver experience levels and car build levels and still make it entertaining?
2. How do we make sure that everyone gets ample seat time?

Jeff Luckritz and the SCCA easily took care of question number 2. He said don't worry. I was nervous. He was right.

The first question was handled by running two classes. Again, Jeff said "not a problem, don't really need two classes and again, he was right. Everyone conducted themselves well. There were no "Yahoos" as expected. Learning from the prototype event, we can handle more cars without worrying about people standing around bored and we can merge the two classes.

IF there's a Motor State Challenge next year, I would like to hire 12 instructors to help teach people like myself how to drive. I hope that green participants would be willing to pay $200 to shave years off their learning curve. I would. I know I was braking too early and accelerating too late. Who knows...some quick learners might even end up in the Shootout.

[Steve1968LS2]

I hope that green participants would be willing to pay $200 to shave years off their learning curve. I would. I know I was braking too early and accelerating too late. Who knows...some quick learners might even end up in the Shootout.

$200 is chump change compared to what Bonderant charges, and that would be the cheapest way to be faster. My line was all over the place. lol

And for the record, my fastest autocross time was 30.698 --- I know it's only half a second but I worked my ass off for it. lol

Again, great event and thanks to all those that made it happen.

[yellowrallys]

Man you guys are killing me! I would have given my left or right (edit) to have been there.
Just wasn't in the cards this year.
I can tell you that if this does not inspire you to finish you cars an get out there with the fun factor that happened last week end, i don't know what will.( I am pumped )working on our shop car to get it finished.
I will for one be calling Lane for some of the stuff i need to finish the Killer Orange car.

Thanks Stevo you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks for your role in this.
Even thou i was not there in person i was there at heart.
Thanks to all.

My thoughts exactly, David.

The pictures and videos posted show that this event was attended by the best.

I wish I could have made it just to be able to hang out with such motorheads. Maybe next time.

[Bow Tie 67]

While at the event I spoke with Randy ( Probell ) about the first practice session. At any future track event we need to run a conga line for the first few laps. Basically a pace car with a driver who knows the line with the rest of use ( 6 -8 cars ) in tight formation. That way we can see what the line is supposed to look like.

I for one had never been to gingerman and only had an idea were the line was. My total experience on a road course spans roughly 10 -12 events, so I am by no means " seasoned ", more lightly salted. Turns 8 and 9 scared the crap out of me at the begining of the day. After talking with Randy " seasoned " about the line and how to run it, it was my favorite section.

[Steve1968LS2]

While at the event I spoke with Randy ( Probell ) about the first practice session. At any future track event we need to run a conga line for the first few laps. Basically a pace car with a driver who knows the line with the rest of use ( 6 -8 cars ) in tight formation. That way we can see what the line is supposed to look like.

I for one had never been to gingerman and only had an idea were the line was. My total experience on a road course spans roughly 10 -12 events, so I am by no means " seasoned ", more lightly salted. Turns 8 and 9 scared the crap out of me at the begining of the day. After talking with Randy " seasoned " about the line and how to run it, it was my favorite section.

I agree.. spacing out the cars behind the pace car was silly.. and more importantly useless for learning any sort of "line".

My line looked more like a scribble.. lol

[Mike Holleman]

All participants got a Lane catalog. Maybe each of us can make a effort to look there for our next car part we need.
Here here Charlie. They have certainly earned my business. Prior to last weekend I did not know they existed. Great people.
Mike

[Bow Tie 67]

I agree.. spacing out the cars behind the pace car was silly.. and more importantly useless for learning any sort of "line".

My line looked more like a scribble.. lol


Lol, mine was drawn in crayon.

[Mike Holleman]

Lol, mine was drawn in crayon.

I used an etch-a-sketch.
Mike

[cemick17]

Boy do I agree with the conga line pace laps. I was blown away when in the first session at Gingerman we were spaced 15 seconds apart. As a seasoned driver/instructor even I like to see the line by somebody that knows it. If I can make your next event, put me down as an instructor to help out. We may even get randy signed off as an instructor tomorrw at Limerock. I encourage all of you to seek out your local BMW club or Audi club and do their track events. The instructors are usually second to none. In Northeast other clubs are PDA and SCDA.

http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=chapter_finder
http://www.scda1.com
http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/

Chris

[redsand]

Guys,
I missed Friday / Saturdays event due to some external issues, but I made it to Sundays event.....I was the guy with the 2 little girls walking around drooling on your cars after the first set of runs. All I can say is these cars were of unbelievable quality. I could not believe how hard you guys were pounding on your cars, my girls and I (Even my wife) absolutely could not believe how fast you guys were pushing these cars.....Had a chance to talk with Kyle even though I interrupted his lunch!! It was a great event, I hope to attend next year with my 60 impala and finally meet some of you guys. Warn the cones, the ss minow is coming with a vortech supercharged 350......Does the slowest guy get a prize?

[JEFFTATE]

I think we should run ALL the first sessions for ALL the groups in a conga line behind the pace car.
But just the first sessions.
Then let everybody run spread out in the second sessions.
Then actually split the groups up by lap times for the later sessions of the day .
Say : the fastest 5 cars from the morning run together in a group , then the second fastest group of 5 , and so on..
That way , you're out there running with cars that are similar in speed and lap times.
Or would that get the timing / scores confused ????

Also , I still think that the vendors/manufacturers should have their own trophy or category.
They deserve some up front recognition for being the fastest cars out there.

[Bow Tie 67]

I think we should run ALL the first sessions for ALL the groups in a conga line behind the pace car.
But just the first session.
Then let everybody run spread out in the second session.
Then actually split the groups up by lap times for the later sessions of the day .
Say : the fastest 5 cars from the morning run together in a group , then the second fastest group of 5 , and so on..
That way , you're out there running with cars that are similar in speed and lap times.
Or would that get the timing / scores confused ????

Also , I still think that the vendors/manufacturers should have their own trophy or category.
They deserve some up front recognition for being the fastest cars out there.

Bingo, then similar timed cars can duke it out. Don't worry guys I really dont want to scratch my primer.

[David Pozzi]

What was done by the Shelby Club at a recent open track day at Streets of Willow was to put 4 or 5 new drivers in an SUV with an instructor who did laps and talked them around the track showing the line. This helped a LOT!!!!

They had 3 or 4 instructors and not all the drivers were new, so orientation went pretty quickly. Getting the verbal info while he drove the line was great. I'd also rather have had the "fast 15" time trial session later in the day when we'd had more time to get used to the track, or make some adjustments.
David

[JEFFTATE]

I'd also rather have had the "fast 15" time trial session later in the day when we'd had more time to get used to the track.
David

I think that would be good too.
But a lot of cars might be broken by the end of the day.....

[Corn Nova]

Hi guys, Chad Higdon here. The little scrawny guy from Lanes that was hanging around all weekend. First of all, I wanted to say thanks to all the vendors who helped pull this off, and to Steve for all the behind scenes help (he did alot more than most of you know). Secondly, thank you to all of you who participated in the event. It was a awesome turn out for a first year event, and we couldn't be more happy with the results.
Lastly, for the dirt. This event was two fold. First it was to get a bunch of speed craving, car loving people together to have a great weekend (which will hopefully turn into an annual gig, I'm pulling for it!) Also, it was to help promote business not just for us, but also thru our dealer network. I urge all of you to support your local speed shops and the dealers who you see year in and year out at these events. I know clicking a mouse and shopping the big mail order guys may often be easier and cheaper, but it comes down to supporting local businesses and the guys who come play with you. Many of the guys you hung out with this past weekend and you see at RTTTH's are wholesale dealers for us and can get you any parts we offer (which is over 400 brands) just as easy as they get them for their own cars and projects. So, to sum it up... If you need anything, give me a call. I can get you in touch with a dealer in your area, a dealer who supports this forum board or I can get you what you need if the other routes don't pan out. Or just call to say hi, I'll be at my desk possibly needing relief from a street rod guy who never drives his ride. LOL

Again, thanks for the great weekend everyone.
Chad Higdon
Motor State Distributing/Lane Automotive
Senior Sales Rep.
1-800-772-2678 ext 239

[JEFFTATE]

Thanks Chad !

Where's the nova ???
When are you bringin' it out ??

[Smittys]

First things first LANE AUTOMOTIVE IS SECOND TO NONE PERIOD!!!!!!! I have been a wholesale customer for 7 years with not one complaint everything they do is 1st class from top to bottom all the people who work there are awsome car people!!!! They are people with car smarts and not a person at a phone who drives a scooter. My shop is 240 miles away if I place a order at 5:59 pm I get my shipment the next morning there shipping is flat out amazing. If you call for help with a part and they dont have a ansewer they will put you on hold a get you the answer you need.

The event I thought went as smooth as possible for a first time out. There is always room to tweak things but I would just like to say thank you to everyone involved!!

One last thing 1:50 lap times in a truck is a blast!!!

If any needs any parts I will help out as much as posible.
Thanks Chris

http://www.smittyscustomauto.com/

[Corn Nova]

First things first LANE AUTOMOTIVE IS SECOND TO NONE PERIOD!!!!!!! I have been a wholesale customer for 7 years with not one complaint everything they do is 1st class from top to bottom all the people who work there are awsome car people!!!! They are people with car smarts and not a person at a phone who drives a scooter. My shop is 240 miles away if I place a order at 5:59 pm I get my shipment the next morning there shipping is flat out amazing. If you call for help with a part and they dont have a ansewer they will put you on hold a get you the answer you need.

The event I thought went as smooth as possible for a first time out. There is always room to tweak things but I would just like to say thank you to everyone involved!!

One last thing 1:50 lap times in a truck is a blast!!!

If any needs any parts I will help out as much as posible.
Thanks Chris

http://www.smittyscustomauto.com/

Thank you Chris for the kind words. We all try very hard and love our jobs. It was nice to put a face to a name after all the years.

[Corn Nova]

Thanks Chad !

Where's the nova ???
When are you bringin' it out ??

The Nova is sitting accumulating parts to start working on it. Very soon it will start to get wrenched on. It won't be down to RTTH. Maybe ready for next year, but it'd be VERY ugly. LOL.

[JEFFTATE]

Ugly is ok.
As long as it's functional.

[PARKERRS]

What was done by the Shelby Club at a recent open track day at Streets of Willow was to put 4 or 5 new drivers in an SUV with an instructor who did laps and talked them around the track showing the line. This helped a LOT!!!!

They had 3 or 4 instructors and not all the drivers were new, so orientation went pretty quickly. Getting the verbal info while he drove the line was great. I'd also rather have had the "fast 15" time trial session later in the day when we'd had more time to get used to the track.
David


I agree, this is how the hot laps at the Year One event are done. The instructors take you out in a van and discuss the line and driving tips for the course and it was great. This way your first lap is spent settleing into the course rather than hunting for the line. Also ditto on the fast 15 being later, we had one run in my group to time for that and we were under yellow the entire time plus figureing out the line. My second run was over 2 seconds faster.

[YancyJohns]

As Rupp say's, "I didn't build a track car". But, I have to say, Tom McBride from Bowler Transmission drove the H*ll out of the Fairlane. The Fairlane has original stock steering, upgraded stock suspenion and street tires. With Tom's driving and the motor that Rupp built, it was good enough for 31.127 in the autocross. :hail: I wish we would have had a 3 point harness to get timed on the Gingerman track. It was a Geat Event. Aaron and I enjoyed everyone hospitality. Thanks again.....
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[madmax]

What was done by the Shelby Club at a recent open track day at Streets of Willow was to put 4 or 5 new drivers in an SUV with an instructor who did laps and talked them around the track showing the line. This helped a LOT!!!!

They had 3 or 4 instructors and not all the drivers were new, so orientation went pretty quickly. Getting the verbal info while he drove the line was great. I'd also rather have had the "fast 15" time trial session later in the day when we'd had more time to get used to the track, or make some adjustments.
David

I took a course at Bonderaunt. We were all taken out in a 12 passenger van and it was SPANKED! There were some magazine guys talking pretty loud about how they must've "really had the suspension tuned!". Then our instructor said it had been just been driven off the lot.... and it it's all about how you drive to the limit of the vehicle and keep it there... :smoke:

[WMCC Doug]

Very well said, Steveo. Every aspect of the entire weekend was a first class experience. Thank You to everyone in volved in any way. I'm certainly looking forward to next year.

I also like the ideas for helping out with learning the track line. Sounds like a very practical and efficient way to get this done.

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks!!

With some time to reflect, the event was an overwhelming success for an inaugural outing. The conga line thing was the only major miscommunication. It WAS in the plan. But we had no idea that Touring cars were being spaced 15 second apart. That's the only reason why it didn't work. I even had conversations with pace car drivers who were like "Whoa! We can't go slow enough to let everyone catch up...." But the 15 second gap was not brought into the conversation. So we didn't know why the problem was happening. Oops.

At the track, we were just happy that the Touring class participants behaved as well as (if not better than :rotfl:) the Time Trial class. In hindsight, the conga line needs to be done right at future events. The "flying" van is another good idea that I've experienced at other events.

But absolutely nothing beats having an instructor in the passenger seat. Not only do you learn the line and brake points, but 15 minutes with an instructor will shave years off of everyone's learning curve.

I firmly believe that instructors are the best way to advance our hobby at this time. I will be the first in line.