Times Are a Changin'.....(VERY LONG)
05-07-2005, 01:19 AM
#1
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Times Are a Changin'.....(VERY LONG)
Perusing the board these past few days, I can clearly see that this board has evolved even in the relatively short time that I’ve been around it (since Oct 2001). I thought I’d chime in with my little pictorial story of my own evolution during that same time.
In October 2001, I purchased my first Porsche…”Silver Bullet”, an Arctic Silver 1997 C2S with 17K miles on the clock. It was essentially a garage queen and was well cared for by its previous owners. I sold my '91 British Racing Green Miata to my brother to make room for this car.
After driving it on the streets for a few months, I decided that there must be a better way to use this amazing machine. A friend of mine introduced me to autocrossing in March 2002. What a blast! However, with only 4 one minute runs for an entire day, I was not entirely satisfied.
A few new friends (Mooty, Suwipin, Jeff Chan, AW) signed up for TracQuest at Thunderhill Raceway in July 2002. It was the first time I was ever on a track. WOW! Now THIS is where the 993 belonged!
No roll bar, no harnesses, no gloves, no skill….a helmet, horse collar (neck support), and a 282hp chariot….
We have lift off Houston!
I added a PSS9 suspension, roll bar, harnesses, racing seats, fire extinguisher, aux oil cooler, and removed the front bumperettes and ran 4-5 more track weekends.. I also added more tape and a magnetic hood cover to protect the pristine paint. Hmm…I seem to be too worried about the condition of the car…maybe I ought to think about a dedicated track car….
(continued...)
In October 2001, I purchased my first Porsche…”Silver Bullet”, an Arctic Silver 1997 C2S with 17K miles on the clock. It was essentially a garage queen and was well cared for by its previous owners. I sold my '91 British Racing Green Miata to my brother to make room for this car.
After driving it on the streets for a few months, I decided that there must be a better way to use this amazing machine. A friend of mine introduced me to autocrossing in March 2002. What a blast! However, with only 4 one minute runs for an entire day, I was not entirely satisfied.
A few new friends (Mooty, Suwipin, Jeff Chan, AW) signed up for TracQuest at Thunderhill Raceway in July 2002. It was the first time I was ever on a track. WOW! Now THIS is where the 993 belonged!
No roll bar, no harnesses, no gloves, no skill….a helmet, horse collar (neck support), and a 282hp chariot….
We have lift off Houston!
I added a PSS9 suspension, roll bar, harnesses, racing seats, fire extinguisher, aux oil cooler, and removed the front bumperettes and ran 4-5 more track weekends.. I also added more tape and a magnetic hood cover to protect the pristine paint. Hmm…I seem to be too worried about the condition of the car…maybe I ought to think about a dedicated track car….
(continued...)
Last edited by Wreck Me Otter; 05-07-2005 at 02:53 AM.
05-07-2005, 01:20 AM
#2
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Along came a perfect donor car for my 993 track car project. A high milage, tracked heavily, and cheap 95 993…perfect setup for a complete ground up rebuild…she will be called “Yellow Zonker”….
Before I build it out...I had to take a picture of both of these beauties together for posterity.
While the Yellow Zonker was being built, I continued to track the Silver Bullet and was having a blast…particularly in my back yard at Laguna Seca….
Sometime in May 2003, Yellow Zonkers initial build out was complete…3.8L engine, Porsche Motorsport LSD/short gears/steel syncrhos, Big Reds, Moton Clubsport suspension, ERP monoball strut mounts/camber plates, spherical bearing control arm bushings, aux oil cooler, roll bar, Recaro Pole Position seats, 6-pt Schroth Profi II harnesses, RSR spoiler and front splitters…and a whole host of repairs, repaints, updates to make it a nearly new street/track car. It put out about 317hp at the crank. I took it to several track days in 2003.
I then added RS side skirts, Kinesis K58 wheels, GHL catless exhaust.
In August 2003, I took one step further and started doing time trials with the PCA and Alfa Romeo Club
Silver Bullet was sold in November 2003 as she wasn't getting much attention after Yellow Zonker's build out.
(continued...)
Before I build it out...I had to take a picture of both of these beauties together for posterity.
While the Yellow Zonker was being built, I continued to track the Silver Bullet and was having a blast…particularly in my back yard at Laguna Seca….
Sometime in May 2003, Yellow Zonkers initial build out was complete…3.8L engine, Porsche Motorsport LSD/short gears/steel syncrhos, Big Reds, Moton Clubsport suspension, ERP monoball strut mounts/camber plates, spherical bearing control arm bushings, aux oil cooler, roll bar, Recaro Pole Position seats, 6-pt Schroth Profi II harnesses, RSR spoiler and front splitters…and a whole host of repairs, repaints, updates to make it a nearly new street/track car. It put out about 317hp at the crank. I took it to several track days in 2003.
I then added RS side skirts, Kinesis K58 wheels, GHL catless exhaust.
In August 2003, I took one step further and started doing time trials with the PCA and Alfa Romeo Club
Silver Bullet was sold in November 2003 as she wasn't getting much attention after Yellow Zonker's build out.
(continued...)
Last edited by Wreck Me Otter; 05-07-2005 at 11:44 AM.
05-07-2005, 01:20 AM
#3
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In March 2004, I was introduced to the Spec Miata while the Yellow Zonker was in the shop for some repairs. I had previously owned a Miata for 10 years before buying Silver Bullet and I had wondered how well they drove on the track. I rented this one from Barry Hartzel (previous SM regional champ). It took a whole different skill set to get the SM to go fast around the track. Put it this way, my best time at Laguna Seca in Yellow Zonker is 1:44.5…the fastest SM driver just ran his car around 1:47.5 in a practice session before a race….yikes, that’s getting close….
Meanwhile, Yellow Zonker, came back from the shop and I went back to high HP driving in April 2004.
Starting to get a bit aggressive though…maybe I need to find another form of tracking…
I bought back my ’91 Miata from my brother and had it converted to a Spec Miata, less the full roll cage (started with a ½ cage in the rear) and started tracking it in August 2004. When running with other SM’s during track days, this car is a total blast to drive. You can really see how well you’re driving in comparison to others…whereas in the Yellow Zonker…I just had a faster car….
After spending the rest of 2004 learning how to drive a momentum car, I still had a desire for something more competitive so I enrolled in the SCCA licensing school in March 2005 and completing the conversion of my Miata to a full Spec Miata.
(continued...)
Meanwhile, Yellow Zonker, came back from the shop and I went back to high HP driving in April 2004.
Starting to get a bit aggressive though…maybe I need to find another form of tracking…
I bought back my ’91 Miata from my brother and had it converted to a Spec Miata, less the full roll cage (started with a ½ cage in the rear) and started tracking it in August 2004. When running with other SM’s during track days, this car is a total blast to drive. You can really see how well you’re driving in comparison to others…whereas in the Yellow Zonker…I just had a faster car….
After spending the rest of 2004 learning how to drive a momentum car, I still had a desire for something more competitive so I enrolled in the SCCA licensing school in March 2005 and completing the conversion of my Miata to a full Spec Miata.
(continued...)
Last edited by Wreck Me Otter; 05-07-2005 at 02:57 AM.
05-07-2005, 01:21 AM
#4
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My first school practice race start…splitting the field up the middle….yahooo!....
After the school came time for my first race in April 2005…this is an ITA class race with non-SM’s in the field on a rainy day….
The second race of the day was the SMT class with 58 cars on grid! Notice how much further back I started in a real race (red arrow) as opposed to the school practice race…No splitting the field this time.
First race back at my home track, Laguna Seca, also in April 2005.
Full safety gear now….as opposed to the no gloves, short sleeve shirt, tennis shoes, no harnesses, no racing seats when I started in Silver Bullet…we're ready to rock!
(continued...)
After the school came time for my first race in April 2005…this is an ITA class race with non-SM’s in the field on a rainy day….
The second race of the day was the SMT class with 58 cars on grid! Notice how much further back I started in a real race (red arrow) as opposed to the school practice race…No splitting the field this time.
First race back at my home track, Laguna Seca, also in April 2005.
Full safety gear now….as opposed to the no gloves, short sleeve shirt, tennis shoes, no harnesses, no racing seats when I started in Silver Bullet…we're ready to rock!
(continued...)
Last edited by Wreck Me Otter; 05-07-2005 at 11:24 AM.
05-07-2005, 01:22 AM
#5
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mustn’t forget our roots….
We’ve come full circle...again standing beside my trusty steed….just a different color, manufacture, and power output is all…and a few go fast stickers…. It sure looks different than the car I sold when I bought Silver Bullet. I will do my best to represent the Hey Wait For Me Racing team....my best finish in a full field race is 25th so I seem to upholding the team standards well…
Well…that’s the end of this little tale. You may be wondering why I chose to tell it and how it is relevant to the 993 board. Right now my total focus is on racing Spec Miata’s and I have no time or resources for the Yellow Zonker…so I’ve decided to put it and all of its spare parts up for sale….It’s an amazing street/track car, but I find that I can only deal with one type of track car at a time and I don’t need much for the street…I commute in my tow vehicle now days….
If you’re interested, or know someone who is, take a look at my ad in the Rennlist classifieds at:
95 3.8L 993 Coupe "Yellow Zonker" For Sale
I won’t be around much as my time is now spent on Spec Miata related boards and it seems that racing requires a LOT more time and effort on the car than track days or even time trials….but I’m having the time of my life doing it…
We’ve come full circle...again standing beside my trusty steed….just a different color, manufacture, and power output is all…and a few go fast stickers…. It sure looks different than the car I sold when I bought Silver Bullet. I will do my best to represent the Hey Wait For Me Racing team....my best finish in a full field race is 25th so I seem to upholding the team standards well…
Well…that’s the end of this little tale. You may be wondering why I chose to tell it and how it is relevant to the 993 board. Right now my total focus is on racing Spec Miata’s and I have no time or resources for the Yellow Zonker…so I’ve decided to put it and all of its spare parts up for sale….It’s an amazing street/track car, but I find that I can only deal with one type of track car at a time and I don’t need much for the street…I commute in my tow vehicle now days….
If you’re interested, or know someone who is, take a look at my ad in the Rennlist classifieds at:
95 3.8L 993 Coupe "Yellow Zonker" For Sale
I won’t be around much as my time is now spent on Spec Miata related boards and it seems that racing requires a LOT more time and effort on the car than track days or even time trials….but I’m having the time of my life doing it…
Last edited by Wreck Me Otter; 05-07-2005 at 03:01 AM.
05-07-2005, 01:26 AM
#6
Banned
ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!! But....
I think you forgot a key piece.....
How you got a Lifetime Membership.... Going outside the box and just doing what most wouldn't....
Yep. You are what Rennlist is all about.....
My thanks to you, Kim!
John
I think you forgot a key piece.....
How you got a Lifetime Membership.... Going outside the box and just doing what most wouldn't....
Yep. You are what Rennlist is all about.....
My thanks to you, Kim!
John
05-07-2005, 01:32 AM
#7
Burning Brakes
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kim:
The funny thing is, I remember your first post. I also remember Viken answering your stupid questions! (this is not a flame...Kim and I have known eachother since 01). I mentioned before that wisdom gets passed down. You are a good example of this. Thanks for passing down what you have learned. And thanks for sharing your first mistakes with changing your suspension. Don't know if you remember that or not...
Please keep me up to date on the races and I will do the same!
The funny thing is, I remember your first post. I also remember Viken answering your stupid questions! (this is not a flame...Kim and I have known eachother since 01). I mentioned before that wisdom gets passed down. You are a good example of this. Thanks for passing down what you have learned. And thanks for sharing your first mistakes with changing your suspension. Don't know if you remember that or not...
Please keep me up to date on the races and I will do the same!
Trending Topics
05-07-2005, 02:26 AM
#9
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
A few new friends (Mooty, Suwipin, Jeff Chan, AW) signed up for TracQuest at Thunderhill Raceway in July 2002. It was the first time I was ever on a track. WOW! Now THIS is where the 993 belonged!
__________________
following kim's leadership, i went through several miatas and several porsches. now he's trying to get me into racing.... it's a slippery slope.
__________________
following kim's leadership, i went through several miatas and several porsches. now he's trying to get me into racing.... it's a slippery slope.
05-07-2005, 02:36 AM
#10
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Kim.... you are a unique and VERY special man. I have enjoyed so much your hospitality and friendship and I wish you well my friend in your new adventures. Our 993 world certainly has missed you and certainly you are an inspiration to all.
I will stay in touch and I hope you do the same, for sure I will see you this summer.
John D is so right...you are what Rennlist is all about!
I will stay in touch and I hope you do the same, for sure I will see you this summer.
John D is so right...you are what Rennlist is all about!
05-07-2005, 02:51 AM
#11
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Kim,
That was simply spectacular. Very nice post ...classy!
I'll miss ya around here, bud! I remember ye ol Silver Bullet at LS ...sweet car; too bad about that gear, though. Then trying (well, for a few turns anyway) trying to keep your 6 with the YZonker at Laguna. At least I learned how to take T5 better following you. It was always great driving and hanging out with you (not to mention gawking at YZ). You are great company, indeed. With all this peer pressure, I will one day make it over to the dark side of wheel-to-wheel (finances and sanity permitting), and I hope that I will have as much to share with others as you (and EJ, and Mike in Chi, and many others) have shared with me. God's Speed --and safety-- on the tarmac, my friend. Stay in touch and keep me posted on your exploits ...I've got to have someone to be jealous of
Edward
That was simply spectacular. Very nice post ...classy!
I'll miss ya around here, bud! I remember ye ol Silver Bullet at LS ...sweet car; too bad about that gear, though. Then trying (well, for a few turns anyway) trying to keep your 6 with the YZonker at Laguna. At least I learned how to take T5 better following you. It was always great driving and hanging out with you (not to mention gawking at YZ). You are great company, indeed. With all this peer pressure, I will one day make it over to the dark side of wheel-to-wheel (finances and sanity permitting), and I hope that I will have as much to share with others as you (and EJ, and Mike in Chi, and many others) have shared with me. God's Speed --and safety-- on the tarmac, my friend. Stay in touch and keep me posted on your exploits ...I've got to have someone to be jealous of
Edward
05-07-2005, 03:05 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
Incredible story! Quite an inspiration. I surely don't have the time, or money to follow in your shoes, so I will will live vicariously through your wonderful story. Thanks for posting it.
05-07-2005, 03:11 AM
#14
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Great POST!!! I was at Willow one time with Kim when the Yellow Zonker turned into a Track Oil applicator! You should have seen the guy behind Kim!! Remember that one Kim?
05-07-2005, 04:24 AM
#15
Drifting
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aw man, I'm sad to see YZ go. I have to say Kim and John (mooty) were the ones that introduced me to track days and for that I thank them. Kim is always cheerful, even in the face of adversity. See you out at the track again soon!