the team

[SmartWombat]

Yes, I actually got behind the wheel in a 6 hour endurance.
The red car is a specially modified rallying smart.
Mine is totally standard, apart form 118000 miles driven.
Both finished !

[Frog]

What a team! What's the difference in the cars other than color? I'm racing ignorant.

One question: Does your beard ever get caught in your helmet buckle?

[Jimmy B]

From looking at the picture it looks like all involved was having a good time.Where was the race held?
Jimmy

[SmartWombat]

One question: Does your beard ever get caught in your helmet buckle?

Nope, I wear the regulation nomex fireproof balaclava, over the head and down the neck, then tucked into the nomex fireproof race suit.

[Lori11]

Wow, what fun! 6 hours is a long one!

[SmartWombat]

The race was at Mallory Park circuit.
The plan was to race on the 1.35 mile car circuit, but because it was raining in the morning they added one of the bike chicanes to slow us down before the esses.

My car is almost standard.
Smart Roadster Coupe, Mercedes 698cc 3-cylinder turbo, 84hp (measured on rolling road).
Only supposed to be 80hp but mine seems to be a good one from the factory
Clutch replaced with stronger Brabus clutch at last service.
Brake discs replaced with red dot grooved fast road.


The red car is a Smart Roadster.
Same engine, but without the glass rear window that gives mine extra luggage space.
Instead it has a notchback appearance with a flat boot only 6" deep.
So it's lighter but has possibly worse drag (if it ever goes fast enough it matters).

Lots of modifications on that one:
Race FIA approved exhaust.
Race FIA approved roll cage.
Race FIA approved lightweight seats.
Race FIA approved 4-point harnesses.
Race discs and pads.
New (smoother bore) turbo induction piping.
New Air filter and intake.
Custom engine computer remap.
Bonalume racing clutch.
Adjustable shocks, for height and rebound.
Brantz rally computer.
Custom computerised multi-function gauges.
Custom extra sensors for temps/pressures.
Custom electronic throttle control rebuild.

Guess
1) which car was more reliable?
2) which car/driver turned the fastest lap time?

[SmartWombat]

Can't wait for a 24 hour race - just need one that our cars can enter and be competitive not mobile chicanes !

[Old Timer]

Gee that looks and sounds like it would be a lot of fun. I'm betting that your car was the most reliable and turned the best times! The more you do to them the picker they get.

[Jimmy B]

Thanks for the info Paul. Is that an old F-1 crew uniform? I don't have Mallory Park on any of my PC driving games, Donnington Park is a blast!
Jimmy B

[SmartWombat]

Yes, it's from the Honda F1 team charity day last year.
£100 for a team suit (3 layer nomex etc, etc.) compared to £150 for a new 2 layer clubman suit - no contest !