Der Wolfsburg Rennsport

VW Sport Caravan GTI (part 5.99, almost there...)

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +0000

One must be careful what one wishes for. The truth of restoring and rebuilding a car from the ground up while already working 40+ hours a week is tough. That said, we're finally feeling like we're getting somewhere on the Caravan GTI. Perhaps as soon as this weekend we'll be ready to share.

It's not going to be ground-breaking at first, but the parts are piling up hard and fast, and maybe, just maybe, we'll start to see some real progress, especially as the weather turns. It's never pleasant when the garage is the same temperature as the outside...

_WRS

Pic post (vintage): Old school (this is what it really looks like)

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Josh did a little digging in the archives (for once) and scanned in this gem of his 1986 GTI and our buddy Damion's 1991 GTI at a Baltimore autocross back around 1993 / 1994. Autocrossers Inc used to hold these events on the parking lot where Raven's stadium now resides - a real shame as it was an easily accessible and growing event. Had they been allowed to continue I'm sure that the Baltimore VW landscape would be significantly different than it is today. I'll see if I can convince Josh to find and scan more, as there were some great cars that used to attend. Funny how different things were back then, and how far they've come. Whether that's for the best or worst I'll leave you to decide.

_WRS

Video Post: Brumos at Daytona, from the eyes of Leh Keen

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:59:00 +0000

The Porsche channel on Youtube remains one of my favorites. Unique among car manufacturers, or at least it seems, they have a much more personal sort of approach to content. Quirky, different and refreshingly not stuffy or snooty, it's a sure-fire bet for some entertaining motorsport videos...

_WRS

Video Post: Speechless

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Really, really quite speechless. One of the most hilarious and impressive things I've seen in a while. I just want to know how many oil pans they went through.

_WRS

Video Post: You never forget your first

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

Hot rod and custom-builder / legend, Chip Foose, talks about his love of the Mk2 GTI. Pretty hard to argue with anything he says; we agree wholeheartedly.

So. Think that drawing is for sale?

_WRS

Video Post: Porsche Cup Middle East

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0000

That's a beautiful row of GT3 Cups...

24 hours, 16 valves, 1837 miles, and one Mk3 GTI - The Britcar 24 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Photo copyright / courtesy of John Brooks

As human beings we all share at least one similarity: We dream. As car automotive enthusiasts, and more specifically motorsport anoraks, we've all likely shared the same little day dream: Take a modest budget, a group of friends, a cheap car and go giant-killing at a proper endurance race with something akin to David's sling-shot in a battle of the Goliaths - if you allow me to use that well-worn cliche.

Well some brave souls from the Club GTI forums did just that at the 2011 Britcar 24 Hour, entering a Mk3 GTI 16v to do battle with Porsches, Ferraris, turbo Seats, BMWs and every other manner of car you can imagine. Not only was the car just generally outclassed by the insanely expensive full-time GT cars, it was also very modestly modified.

When the clock had gone around twice and the dust had settled the little GTI was a stellar 13th overall and 4th in class.

Photo copyright / courtesy John Brooks

Some pistons, headwork, a programmable ignition system and a few other bits gave about 200hp, while the brakes were just standard, with good pads. Similarly the suspension saw the addition of some high-spec coilovers, while the rest was merely upgraded a bit over stock. And this going against proper GT race cars...

Perhaps most amazingly the transmission, which is of the ancient and much-maligned 020 variety rather than a more stout cable-shift box, was quite literally box-stock. No shims, no diff, not a single thing was altered. It says a lot about the general durability of the VW GTI, but perhaps even more to the ability of the drivers to be mechanically sympathetic and make it all last.

The car, which was prepared by the Carvell family and run and piloted with the help of fellow VW enthusiasts and volunteers, was naturally prepared to a very high standard to have lasted a full 24 hours, but the main components were quite modest in origin.

The team estimates around a $7500USD total investment in the car. That wouldn't even buy a bumper on half the cars in the field.

There is an excellent write-up and a ton more pics on Chris's thread over at the Club GTI forums - which is just about the best VW and Audi motorsport resource out there - and I recommend checking it out.

Many thanks to Chris Eyre for the info, pictures and the link to the thread.

Special thanks to John Brooks and DoubleDeClutch.com for the use of his images where noted.

_WRS

Video Post: Porsche at Le mans, 1980s

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Great tune too.

Video Post: Porsche at Le mans, 1970s

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:31:00 +0000

VW Sport Caravan GTI (part 5.9, close to a proper update)

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Don't think we haven't been busy bees over here...we're just about ready for a proper update on the Caravan GTI. In the meantime, here is the GTI as she currently sits. The reality of doing some of this work on our backs sunk in and we've gone inside the main building at NGP Racing to get this portion of the chassis prep done - after that, it'll be back to the small building for the less labor-intensive work.

More soon,

_WRS

Pic Post: The G&W Jenniferfund RSR

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:38:00 +0000

Our intrepid reporter on the inside of most things Porsche, Robert from Lufteknic Porsche, sent these pics over to me last week, of the Jenniferfund / G&W Motorsports 993 RSR. My favorite 993, and a car significant to both Robert and myself, in its way. You see, Robert was crewing for G&W Motorsports back in 2000, and this car placed 3rd in the GTU class that year - the little aircooled 911 that could. After the vast majority of the then-new 996 GT3Rs dropped like flies with engine failure after engine failure, this little Porsche kept on going. Of course, after 24 hours of battle on the track it looked a bit different...

Covered with dirt, grime and rubber residue, pock-marked from rocks and looking worn but proud, this pale-blue RSR was on the podium at Daytona in 2000. It was there the following year as well (at Daytona, not on the podium), but Robert was no longer with G&W, having moved on to Orbit Racing for 2001. But with the water-cooled era rushing in with power that couldn't be touched by even the hottest air-cooled 3.8s, this car was soon resigned to the has-been pile.

I had often wondered what happened to the Jenniferfund RSR. Many cars such as this are sold off to club-racers after their useful, professional life has come to and end, and more often than not they end up as twisted wrecks. Luckily this didn't befall this car, but I'm not quite sure why I like it so much. There's just something about it which I love. Robert, who said the car now looks ten times better than it ever did when it was being actively campaigned, feels the same way but obviously he has a bit more invested. He was wrenching on this thing day and night 10-12 years ago. That sort of connection is bound to bring up memories, both good and perhaps not so good.

As it is now the RSR is more GT2, with a super-rare, super high-spec GT2 EVO motor now residing in the rear. It's also for sale, as I understand it, at G&W Motorwerkes, in Waynesboro Virginia. $198,000 will get you the car, plus I believe another spare (bent) shell from when the car was re-tubbed at some point, or at least that's how I understood it.

There was also this little piece of history there at G&W, one of the super rare, never run, Porsche Indy cars - a project which never saw the light of day after last-minute rule changes throttle any hope that Porsche, and the Ted Field run and financed Interscope team, would have had of winning the 500 that year. So it never ran, at least, not in a race. Testing indicated it would have been quite successful. The motor at least went on to greatness. It powered the 956, and we all now how that story ends up.

So, anybody got a spare $200k they want to loan me? I've got a RSR to buy...

_WRS

Pic Post: The Gold Cup Historics at VIR

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:19:00 +0000

A few weeks back I made the trek down to southernmost Virginia - and the classic track that is Virginia International Raceway - for the Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historics. It was my first time to the once abandoned, now re-opened circuit, and I have to say I came away thoroughly impressed. It very much has the vibe and layout of an old-school track. It reminds me a little of Lime Rock but it's significantly longer with a lot more elevation change. It's awesome.

It has been a very busy last few months, and with VIR lying about a five hour drive it made for a very early morning on Saturday. And with temperatures dropping into the 30s overnight, it made for a very cold sleep in the trailer. It was all well worth it. The chance to help out Alan and get my feet wet for 2012 with the IMSA GTI was fantastic, and it left me really looking forward to next year...

Full selection of pictures after the jump...

More pics over at Flickr

_WRS

VIR w/ Alan and Les #fb

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Video Post: TRG at Petit

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:14:00 +0000

The Racer's Group: 2011 Finale from TRG on Vimeo.

Very well shot little video short from the guys at The Racer's Group and their run at Petit Le Mans this year. I can dig it. I think more of these teams need to get into this sort of thing...

On another note, I'm currently packing to head to VIR tomorrow, so expect lots of pics and a full report on the Gold Cup Vintage festival in the very near future. It'll be my first time at the famed southern Virginia track, and I can't wait to experience it.

_WRS

VW Sport Caravan GTI (Part 5.75, work to be done)

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

There is work to be done. Lots of work. The trail on new information has gone a little cold, but we're forging ahead as planned, and after a hectic couple of months of moving, working, adjusting, and everything else you can manage to cram into a 2 month period, things are finally heading forward on our VW Sport Caravan GTI. Tools are in hand, parts are beginning to arrive. With this, we'll have more frequent updates and new content as we rebuild (but not restore) the GTI for track time in 2012. It's a bit of a mountain, but the beauty of these cars is their simplicity, so once the primary chassis work is completed, things will start to come together quickly. Or So I hope.

So this will be the first of many new post on the GTI - it's already on jack-stands and underbody prep is under way...

More soon...

_WRS

Video Post: In-car with the Hotchkis / Wynn's Porsche 962 at Rennsport IV

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:04:00 +0000

This video has made the rounds on a bunch of the usual sites, so you may have very well already seen it, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth sharing again. It's worth noting that this old war-horse of a 962 can pretty well take it to the much younger and more technologically advanced RS Spyders...and that's with 1982 technology more or less. The 962 of course has a standard syncromesh gearbox (Mark Hotchkis here is using a clutch!), while the RS Spyders are fully computer-laden and cutting edge with fully sequential gearboxes, traction control and every other driver aid which is legal. And yet, the 962 is as fast. And sounds better. And looks better. And is more exciting to boot.

Bring back the 962? Re-legalize ground effects? Yes please.

_WRS

Rennsport Reunion: (Porsche video) This is how we take a picture

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:16:00 +0000

We'll have a full report from intrepid reporter Robert Overholser, but in the meantime, feast your eyes (and ears) on this...

_WRS

From behind the pitwall: Petit Le Mans 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:38:00 +0000

The following can be attributed to Robert Overholser of Lufteknic Porsche, Richmond, VA.

It's been a while since I was at the track for some ALMS crew work. It was refreshing and fun to be back in the action, almost a vacation to be away from the shop and doing something that I've enjoyed doing for a long time now. My good friend Marc at German Performance Service has been working with Black Swan Racing for the past 2 years.

The past 2 years have resulted in Championships in the ALMS GTC class. Road Atlanta was packed with fans ready to watch the battles, and it was also one of the few races in recent memory where there was more competitors than slots available to race cars. A few were cut depending on qualifying results...

The 2011 Petit Lemans had great weather, the start of fall was upon us with a fantastic turnout, and a full field of cars. The only appearance of the Audi R18 in North America for 2011. After the disappointment at this past summer, with the lone Audi victory at the Le Mans 24 hours, they were out for the win. Peugeot now has experience, tenure in the field, wins to prove it, and was a formidable force for the race. The race got started with the typical blistering pace that all the "modern" sports-car races do. All out sprint, no matter the distance.

As the LMP field encountered the GT cars, the first caution/incident was imminent. The race pace was soon set and many of the LMP cars developed problems or fell victim to incidents. Both Audi R18s had been overcome by incidents.

Bourdains pole sitting Peugeot also ran into problems and was ultimately parked with transmission trouble. The GT/GTC field was where the race to watch was at, no question. Mere seconds separated most of the field, and for the entire 10 hr/ 1000 mile distance this was the case.

The GTC championship for 2011 would be decided by the results of this years Petit Lemans. Black Swan's driver line-up was the team owner Tim Pappas, Jereon Bleekemolen, and his brother Sebastian ( both of Porsche Supercup fame). Tim entered the race leading in driver's points for the championship, and Black Swan had to finish 70% of the race and the second place team (TRG) had to be beaten in order to clinch the championship. Due to other driving commitments throughout the 2011 season both Jereon and Sebastian could only help bring the team championship home - Tim was the only Black Swan driver in play for the driver's title.

As the race wore on GTC was to be one of the closest battles. Great pit stops and clean racing meant there were mere seconds that separated the first 3 places. TRG and Black Swan Racing swapping 1st or 2nd for the last few hours. Through some of the closing cautions Alex Job Racing was able to get the lead, adding to the ferocity of the battle.

Towards the end, under darkness, Jereon was able to pass the TRG car to gain the lead, and brought the championship home for Black Swan! It was literally a nail-biter the last few laps; traffic and darkness at Road Atlanta can be a crazy time to concentrate behind the wheel of any race car. Jeroen brought the car to the finish unscathed, and after almost 4 hours in the car, it was incredible to watch his performance.

The team finished 1st place in class at Petit Le Mans in 2011, 2nd place finish for 2010, both of which garnered championships for Black Swan Racing in GTC.

In the past Marc and I have won championships together with Turner Motorsport, it was great to help out, and help bring home another.

-Robert

The Baltimore Grand Prix

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:39:00 +0000

Approximately one month ago, Baltimore City, held the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix. It was a double-header weekend featuring the American Le Mans series on Saturday, and IndyCar on Sunday. Despite the fact I was quite literally in the process of moving from New York to Baltimore, there was no way I was missing the ALMS on the streets of my hometown.

Open wheelers, let alone spec open wheelers, have never really done it for me, so I opted to finish moving on Sunday, but with the full blessing of the best wife in the world to go and enjoy myself, I was able to make it down on Friday and Saturday for the main event, the ALMS. And what a weekend it was.

I'd never been to a street circuit before, so I was quite curious how it would compare to Lime Rock, Sebring, Watkins, and the other 'proper' full time race tracks I'm more familiar with. In a word, it's different. The cars are remarkably close at many points on the track...

...but viewing is basically a lot more limited. Whether for safety, 'VIP' areas and whatever other reason, you're behind lots of fencing and there's not exactly easy access to a lot of corners. It makes for a lot of shots like this.

The best wife ever, pictured with GT class winners Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler.

Still, the electricity and excitement that was shooting through the crowd and echoing off the buildings, not unlike the boom from the Pratt and Miller Corvettes, was unlike anything else I've seen or felt. The crowd was into it.

Full on, no holds barred, acting like kids in a candy store stuff. Strangers were talking to strangers, some who had never seen or felt anything like it, some hardcore fans, but all completely stoked that these cars were tearing down Pratt Street. It was amazing.

The race was an exceptional one, for teams, drivers and spectators alike, and it was certainly one for the record books. I don't think I've ever seen this sort of crowd for a post-race tech inspection.

With a little luck, the Baltimore Grand Prix could end up as a modern day classic. Let's hope it does.

View the full gallery here.

_WRS

Falken Tire wins at Baltimore Grand Prix

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Awesome race, pics and coverage to follow.

_WRS

ALMS: Baltimore Grand Prix preview

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:53:00 +0000

We'll have full coverage of the Baltimore Grand Prix - but I do want to apologize for the total lack of updates lately. I'm in the process of moving, and well, it's kind of been taking up all my time. After the BGP we'll also have fresh H2O pics and feedback, plus work will commence on the IMSA GTI.

_WRS

Roadtrip: At the world's largest truck stop

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Pic Post: Mini in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 02:56:00 +0000

It's not everyday that you see a beautiful Mini in America. It's even less likely to find one having just rolled out from a heavy-duty truck repair shop, owned by the shop's painter, but that's the beauty of the automobile. The most unlikely of individuals can become a dyed in the wool fanatic. This is one of several Minis which the painter owns, and he's as hardcore as anybody I've met when it comes to his cars.

More pics after the jump...

All in all a beautiful little car. Lots of character, clean, but not too nice - stickered up and ready to drive. It may not be German, but it's my kind of car.

_WRS

Fat tires

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Do it better.

Pic Post: (vintage) NATCC T.C. Kline BMWs at Cleveland

noreply@blogger.com (Der Wolfsburg Rennsport) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:01:00 +0000

Stance what? Stance who? It ain't nothing new kids. And as awesome as these BMWs look, for better or for worse, it's cars like this that fed the somewhat questionable huge wheels / tacky spoiler trend of the mid to late 90s. But these insanely low, over-wheeled sedans were proper race cars, and they handled and went like nothing else in a sedan body, to say nothing of the stopping. Several cars ran twin front calipers and discs as big as anything seen in their time. It wasn't exactly a spec series, as there were all sorts of makes, models and drive trains allowed, but there were strict rules to adhere to, and the rear wheel drive BMWs and all wheel drive Audis suffered heavy weight penalties. By the point these pictures were taken (1997) they were pretty handicapped and not all that competitive with their front wheel drive competitors.

The Super Touring formula which the NATCC adhered to was as follows:

No more than 2.0 liters displacement - Most brands were said to make 290-320hp, and were seen in 4, 5 and 6-cylinder variations. Most were 4-cylinder.
8500rpm maximum
19x8" wheels
Four-door sedans only
Rear wing and front splitter were the only aerodynamic add-ons allowed
Engine was to be 'stock block' and had to be sourced from the model line, but didn't have to come in the car being raced. As the Audi A4 BTCC thread over on Club GTI shows - these were some awfully trick 'stock block' engines.

And so in America, we only saw these cars for two years, 1996 and 1997. As I understand it the cars were not especially cheap to run, with their 6-speed sequential gearboxes and highly-strung engines, but they were a blast to watch. Dodge was the only American company to step up to the plate, and their in-house built Stratuses (Strati?) were some of the strongest in the series.

Somewhere our intrepid slacker Josh has at least another 5-6 rolls of film from this trip we took to Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland for the CART race, for which the NATCC was a support series. Getting him to develop it or print it will be something else altogether, but maybe if I'm lucky he'll see this post and be guilted into it...right after the 2001 and 2002 Daytona 24 Hour races.

_WRS