25hrs of Thunderhill 2009

[Damn True]

Well it's that time of year again! This will be my fourth year working at the 25hr and I look forward to it all year long. December 3-6 is this years event. Once again I will be on the crew for BiggsB Racing.

We will be campaigning two cars this year and are really excited about the opportunity to compete for class wins in two different divisions.

The first car is our 'ol reliable, #55 Miata. This car has finished 1st or 2nd in E2 in each of the last three races. It's getting the usual complete new drivetrain, brakes and suspension bits. The spec and strategy for this car just plain works and the drivers are top-notch. If all goes to plan we fully expect another podium finish with the #55 car.

The second car is new to us. We are partnering with Turn-In Concepts to run their redline time-attack street class champion Subaru Imprezza WRX. A very different machine for us with an entirely different classification. The highly competitive ES division. Some very fast machines here.

Because of the addition to the team we find ourselves wanting for crew. So I'm raising the flag. If you are interested in crewing for a successful and very serious race team in the longest endurance race in the United States let me know.

The miata will pit once every 1:50 and the Subaru will come in once every 1:15 so this is a lot of pit stops over 25hrs and we want to make sure we have enough people that everyone can get a bit of sleep overnight, stay warm, fresh and alert.

Keep in mind, these are not NASCAR pit stops. This is done slowly and methodically. We cannot make mistakes. If we spill a drop of fuel (literally a drop that leaves a spot on the pavement larger than a quarter) we get a 5min penalty. If anyone on the team is injured we are DQ'd. So the importance is on being careful. Making sure stuff is done once and done right. First you must finish and all.

As far as specific roles: The first year I was the fuel-man for the entire race in addition to assisting in changing a transmission and an engine. We only had a couple of crew for that race. It was exceptionally tough. But still fun.

The last three years I did a lot of the pre-race final checks/safety wired nearly everything on the car and installed the harnesses. During the race another crewman and I alternated on the fuel for the first 1/2 of the race, then I migrated to tires for the second 1/2 because we had some problems with the rear wheel studs that required extra care so we had one person do it so we knew it would be done right consistently. On non tire change stops I checked fluids or cleaned the windshield/lights or stood by with the fire bottle for my team-mate on fuel. Between stops I manned the radio a bit or tried to catch some z's and stay warm.

Primary roles include tire wrangler, tire changer, jack man, fuel wrangler, fuel assistant, fuel man (requires full FIA firesuit etc), driver change assistant, spotter and general crew-dog. Of course the whole thing can change at the drop of a hat if something goes sideways and everyone can expect to pitch in somewhere but we like to have at least two people for each primary role to allow rest.

If you are interested in joining the team get in touch with me here, let me know what kind of experience you can offer.

Let's go racin!

[ITLBTU]

Wow! I can't fill my lawnmower up with out spilling a doughnut size spot on the driveway. Is there info on this event? I looked on TH website but didn't see anything.

[Damn True]

Yeah, you have to remember that this is CA and as such the SCCA SF Region (owns the track) is highly conscious of the tenuousness of auto racing. They are very proactive to ensure that they don't create a situation that would give the eco-nazi's anything to snivel about.


This really is a phenomenal event. The entries range from Daytona Prototypes and LeMans LMP2 cars, to Ford FR500's, Porsche Cup cars, to Miata's. BMW has shown up with prototype diesel drivetrains in a pair of 3-series in the past and Honda tested their new Civic Si at the race before it was launched. This year there is a Ferrari F430 Scuderia, a Nissan GTR Lightweight and some prototype supercar from Peugeot on the entry list along with our humble offerings. And there are rumors that lexus may show up with their new LS-A supercar as well....just a rumor though.

A whole lot of car porn!

[ITLBTU]

I used to race LMS stock cars on a paved 1/4 mile track. That looks like a blast. I've driven around TH on 2 different occasions, and I love the track. I didn't notice any muscle/pro-touring type cars registered other than a new dodge charger. Could a late second gen Camaro be made competitive to run in that race, and how would one know what class to build it for? Do I need to go to the SCCA web site for car specs?... I'm thinking for next year...

[Damn True]

Tyler and I were talking about building a '68 with all his goodies and an LD 3-link before he had to throttle back. I think you could potentially build a musclecar to run. I wouldn't count on being the fastest car out there, but that's not what endurance racing is all about. You have to build a car that will just keep going round and round at a reasonable pace. Easy on the tires, pads and gas and running 2:05's and you are in good shape if nothing breaks. In 4 years I've not seen the overall or individual classes won by the fastest car. The race almost always comes back to a somewhat slower, but better managed and more reliable car.


Now that I think about it, you'd probably be well ahead by buying a year-one roller with all the DSE goodies pre installed. Have it caged, put in a fuel cell, put in a crate LS3/tko-600 and a dirt simple electrical system that it strong enough to support some aux lights. Enter it in a few AIX races to sort it out and get a logbook and you'd be all set for the car. You'll need 6-8 sets of wheels/tires (ouch).

The driver bit is tougher. They don't allow rookie tickets in this race. You'd need 4 experienced endurance racers.

[ITLBTU]

I guess I better offer out my services! :idea: I guess I have a year to get a team put together...

[Damn True]

Love to have you. It's a lot of work, but always interesting and fun.

[Damn True]

So Greg, are you in? If so, shoot me a PM with your email addy.

[Damn True]

Last years race write-up. I hope to be able to provide better updates this year.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50351&highlight=thunderhill

[ITLBTU]

I sent you a pm..

[ITLBTU]

I talked to my old crew chief and he might want to help out as well. I put the bug in his ear for next year. I got started today and bought a car for next year... I saw it on craigslist... I talked him down to $300.00 It's a '94, and it's in almost too good of shape to gut , but hey it was cheap! I also talked to an old racing buddy/competitor who is also racing the 25 hour race as well. His name is Mike David, and he's running a late model stock car.

[79-TA]

^ 300 dollars? I know of another 24 hour race you can enter that thing in . . . :naughty:

[ITLBTU]

I don't have an engine... yet... Are you refering to the lemons race?

[79-TA]

Yes, hehe. I kinda figured given the height in the front. It looks like a really great project.

Are you looking to run any particular NASA series with it? (Camaro Mustang Challenge, American Iron, American Iron Extreme, etc)

[ITLBTU]

I don't know all of the specs , but I was thinking the American iron Camaro mustang challenge

[Damn True]

I don't know all of the specs , but I was thinking the American iron Camaro mustang challenge
The rulesets there are really restrictive. Hell, CMC won't even let you tie the cage beyond 6 landing points.

Build it to one of the Performance Touring classes. A lot of freedom there. You don't have to be competitive in PT, you have to be competitive in an endurance class. A whole 'nuther ball of wax.

That stock car breaks a lot. Just sayin.

You want simple. Durable. Efficient (fuel & tires). 2-ish min laps. Go any faster in a production platform and the car wont last.

[Damn True]

I talked to my old crew chief and he might want to help out as well. I put the bug in his ear for next year. I got started today and bought a car for next year... I saw it on craigslist... I talked him down to $300.00 It's a '94, and it's in almost too good of shape to gut , but hey it was cheap! I also talked to an old racing buddy/competitor who is also racing the 25 hour race as well. His name is Mike David, and he's running a late model stock car.

Well if you are in, send me your email addresses and I'll send you the crew letter.

[Orngcrush69]

I have a sweet wheelbarrow!

[Damn True]

Crew update - BiggsB Racing - 2009 25hrs of Thunderhill.
17 days and counting till race weekend!


Just wanted to update everyone on the results from Friday’s test/tune at Thunderhill.


The Turn In Concepts boys arrived at Thunderhill on Thursday afternoon after their 2300mi power drive from Ohio and Dave pulled in late Thursday after towing the Miata from San Diego. Thanks to both for pulling long-drive duty to get the cars to the track on time so we could get right to work on Friday morning!


Track time was plentiful for both cars. The TiC crew loaded their “conservative” map onto the ECU and sent Tony out on the track to follow Andrew around in the Miata to learn the track. After about 20min of lead/follow Tony took off on his own to explore the limits and alternate lines. The car was FLYING, even on street tires. I didn’t capture any lap times, but the corner speeds looked very very competitive and there is no shortage of grip. The conservative tune puts out about 345hp to the wheels and will be more than enough to be competitive in the class. The FR500 Mustangs have about that amount at the crank so I think we should be able to run with the best in ES. The TiC guys have built a really nice car and the NASA tech inspector agrees. It just needs a few tweaks down at Dave’s shop in San Diego to get ready for the race. Upgrades to the cage and brake system and then game-on!


The Miata is a bloody amazing little car. Dave just builds a good car. Period. The thing literally sat for like 9mos after last year’s race. Dave blew off the dust, installed fresh suspension bits and changed the oil. It came off the trailer as quick as it was last year. We did however get the trick shocks from last year rebuilt so we can use them and we spent most of the day tuning them against the fuel loads we plan to run in the race. We got a lot of fantastic driving from Kim Wilcox and Bob Michalian and they were able to turn 2:10’s and 2:09’s in the car with both a full fuel load and with a light load as well. The times were using the longer track configuration which adds about 2-2.5 sec a lap over the configuration we’ll see for the 25. I think we can legitimately expect a car capable of 2:07’s or so regardless of how much fuel is on board. That is the exciting bit. The performance last year was pretty poor with a full fuel load and got better during the run. This time, the car will run quickly all the time thus putting less stress on the tires and the drivers.

[ITLBTU]

I sent my email addy to you in my pm... Would it be possible to help out on Sat only? I think we will probably build the Camaro for the PT class, so we would like to check out all of the cars. I totally understand if you want full time help.

[Damn True]

There is a registration cost associated with each hot-pit crew credential issued so I really don't want the team owner to pony that up (admittedly a pittance compared to the rest of the costs but it isn't my money) if you can't be there the whole race. That said, the paddock is open to spectators and support crew. You just can't go into the hot-pit area. If you want to help with some of the back end duties (running to the fuel pumps or shagging tires from BFGoodrich) you certainly can do that w/o a hot-pit crew credential.

You are more than welcome to come, hang out, and ask as many questions as you can think of.

[Damn True]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/BiggsBPressRelease2_WEB-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/Biggsheader-1.jpg

11 November 2009 - Mountain View, CA
BiggsB Racing announced today that they will participate in the 2009 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Presented by Mothers Polishes, Waxes, and Cleaners, December 5-6 at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA.

BiggsB Racing will field a two-car team this year consisting of the BiggsB Racing / Turn in Concepts ‘04 Subaru WRX competing in the fast and competitive ES class and the returning BiggsB Racing Miata battling it out in the competitive E2 class.

The effort will involve some of the countries best professional and grassroots drivers including Andrew Caddell (Ford Mustang Challenge), Bob Michaelian (Koni GS), Jim Michaelian (Grand Am GT), Tony Wiesenhahn (Redline Time-Attack), Jeremy Croiset (Honda Challenge), Charles Mathes (Spec-Miata Texas Div) and Gale Corley (Spec-Miata Texas Div).

BiggsB Racing is a functional division of the BiggsB Group that was developed to meet the needs of customers in the various racing communities. BiggsB Racing provides; Team Management, Custom Parts Design, Development and Fabrication Services, Testing and Production Services, Race Car Preparation, Race Car Rentals, and Custom Development of Tuning Software.

Turn in Concepts (TiC) is the brainchild of a couple of car nuts, Tony and Clint, a pair of self proclaimed “do-it-yourselfers” who saw a market need to improve already impressive cars. Their interest lies in making their customers cars better, faster and strong. All parts sold by TiC have a single-minded goal - improving performance, and making the driving experience more enjoyable.

2009 SPONSORS:

BiggsB Racing
http://www.biggsbracing.com
http://www.livefromthe25.com

Kartboy
http://www.kartboy.com

BFGoodrich Tires
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com

Turn In Concepts LLC
http://www.turninconcepts.com

Enkei Racing Wheels
http://www.enkei.com

3dyn
http://www.3dyn.com

Rallysport Direct
http://www.rallysportdirect.com

Brembo Racing Brakes
http://www.brembo.com

Subaru Parts Pro
http://subarupartspro.com

Whiteline Flat Out
http://www.whiteline.com.au

Stoptech Brakes
http://stoptech.com

Wheeldude
http://wheeldude.com

Performance Alignment
http://performance-alignment.com

P&L Motorsports
http://pandlmotorsports.com

DCCDpro
http://dccdpro.com

GAC Chemical
http://GACChemical.com

Victory Lane Data
http://victorylanedata.com

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/BiggsBPressRelease1_WEB-1.jpg

[Damn True]

Check out the final prep of our Subaru ES class car here: http://gallery.me.com/tomdeadrick#100420&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=6

Follow the team on Twitter through the entire race weekend: http://twitter.com/livefromthe25

Check out the refreshed website: http://www.livefromthe25.com/livefromthe25/BiggsB_Racing.html

NASA live timing and scoring will be here: http://www.drivenasa.com/liveresults/25hour/

[Damn True]

T minus 72 hours and counting until the green flag drops on this years 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The longest and toughest sports car endurance race in North America. I'm so excited I just wee'd m'self a little. I will do my best to keep the updates coming through the course of the weekend. Not sure how able I will be to access this site, but keep an eye on our website and our Twitter page. NASA's live timing and scoring link is listed above.

Here is where things stand now:

Our final car prep is being completed on the Subaru today. It will get aligned then washed and packed in the trailer and our prep shop will tow it and the #5 Miata from San Diego to Willows, CA tonight. The guys did a fantastic job getting a complete fresh engine, trans and diff into the Miata in addition on the Subaru they upgraded the cage, installed a fuel cell and dry break fueling system, installed an auxiliary light system, installed an upgraded Brembo brake system (required fabbing caliper brackets as well), installed a complete fresh engine, turbo, intercooler, trans and center diff, installed screens on the hood-scoop, radiator and intercooler intakes. All the above took place between Nov 13 and today. Those guys are AWESOME!

So the team will arrive at Thunderhill on Thursday morning. Ton's of work at that point. We'll be setting up our pit, paddock and garage area's, breaking in the new drivetrains on both cars and getting our drivers re-familiarized with the cars and the track. Thursday night we'll change all the fluids in the cars and give them a good nut/bolt check.

Friday will involve getting fuel burn rate calculations on the cars and practicing pit stops. A lot! We'll finish Friday with a qualifying session which starts 30min before and ends 30min after sunset. Another fluid change and another nut/bolt check and it'll be game on for Saturday morning.

Green flag drops at 11am PST. Keep checking here, our website, NASA T&S and twitter for updates!

[ITLBTU]

How did you guys do? We tried to get up there on Sat, but our wives had other plans...