Its been a LONG last two months since the moment Mike Copeland of #Lingenfelter Perfomance Engineering decided that I should run my own personal Corvette in the 2014 #DriveUSCA #OptimaBatteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The car was still wrecked from St. Louis and besides repairs, there were many things that needed to be done to field what I deemed a competitive car in this increasingly competitive event. While I am extremely pleased with the outcome , there are many, many individuals and many companies I need to personally thank for helping with all of the preparations for this event. I hope I do not forget anyone here.... I first need to thank the #Lingenfelter Perfromance Engineering team for the opportunities to compete in this series as their driver. We have a long time and term relationship that just keeps getting better and better. We have geled together as time passes and work very well together for common goals. I am very thankful that Mike, Graham, Brent, Jason are behind this program 100%. These guys know how to make power above all else, but also are very insightful in ALL perfomance venues. It is my plesaure to be affiliated with these guys. Besides the above, there are many other people involved with this RAFT Motorpsorts/McCluskey Chevrolet Corvette. Here at the shop, I need to thank Tim Shaw, and Kieth McCluskey for allowing me to spend the time out of the shop neccessary to compete in these venues, and Daniel Hellinger for covering this place in my abscence. Within #BFGoodrich, Richard and AJ for allowing my to run on the finest, fastest 200TW tires available, The BFGoodrich Rival. I believe this was their FIRST EVER Optima OUSCI overall win. Their fabulous tire won EVERY single performance event this year ! David and Steven at #Forgeline for their awesome, second to none wheels. Highest quality available wheels, at an affordable price and turn around and service that leaves my jaw on the floor. Paul , Dan and Art at #Vansteel for their continued support and knowing how to make these Corvettes do WORK. Baer Brakes, and Todd and Edwin Hawk Performance for making this car STOP as well as it goes. #Tremec transmission for buliding a gearbox that will tolerate my rage, and Geoff and Jeff at Quarter Master for building reliable clutches that never leave us down. Nick at American Racing Headers for scavenging this nasty little powerplant. Brian at Wiseco Pistons for putting pop in the engine. Rodney and Jeremy at RPM for building a rear diff that withstands the rigors of racing. JJ Furillo at JRi Shocks for building the finest dampners in the industry, giving me as much adjustement as possible and allowing the car to eat the bumps that these tracks dish out to my chassis. Scott at GOODAero, LLC for the incredible downforce that this thing achieves with the custom RAFT front aero. Anthony at LG Motorsports for the help and insight. I sincerely hope I did not forget anyone here... Those are just the companies. The individual are : Todd, Jeremy and James for the help at every event as well as the friendship that I enjoy. These guys put their all into my program as well as their own. Dan and Mike Ballard, for their countless hours helping repair the body damage, as well as lending a hand whenever needed , especially when things are WAY behind schedule .David Moster fills these shoes too...as well as brings the chocolate malts to calm the crew. Aaron Quine for being there two days and giving his time to also help. There is also one other very important person who will remian nameless at this time. This person calms me when I am wigging out. The are many other people that I hold of high regard at these events and it is a pleasure hanging out with all of you. We are all extended family,for sure, and bonded by these automotive events. I also need to thank and congratulate the engine Optima and FM3 crew for their fabulous efforts with the new venue, site and format. Sure there were hiccups and I am sure they noted them first. It is not easy to put on an event of this magnitude and Jimi, Cam , Optima Jim, Brian, Amber and the entire crew did an OUTSTANDING job. I sincerely appreciate all of the accolades here that have been given since winning the event, but the REAL winners were everyone that participated this year, gave it their all, and drove their hearts out. There were more impressive drives within the field and many more interesting stories than mine. Until next year, my friends.... I can hardly wait !!
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:49:07 +0000
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