Spec Boxster Build

[thstone]

Ok, this thread has been a little slow this summer while I've been looking into a couple of racing opportunities that came my way and trying to decide what to do (I know, 1%'er problems for sure!)

The first opportunity that came along was to go endurance racing with a team that fields a Spec E46. I met the owner of the car earlier this year when I hired him to coach me and as we continued to keep in touch, he asked if I wanted to sell my Boxster and buy a Spec E46 or join him and share his car at endurance races.

This took me down the Spec E46 path pretty deeply and since one of my goals has always been to go racing around the country at some of the great tracks like Lime Rock, VIR, Daytona, COTA, Road America, etc., this looked like one way to make that happen. Plus, I have a great affinity to the BMW E46 after having previously owned two E46's. Great cars and fun to drive.




The second opportunity was to join my friend and previous POC Spec Boxster champion Alex Bermudez racing Spec Racer Ford (SRF) with the SCCA. A really nice SRF had become available where I could sell the Boxster, buy the SRF, and probably pocket some cash. If you're not familiar with SRF, here is an info link (Spec Racer Ford ) and a pic of Alex in his car;




After much thought and consideration, I ultimately decided to stay in Boxster Spec for the same reasons that I didn't move to an air-cooled 911 race car last year - I'm still not at the top of the Boxster Spec class so that means that I 'm still not ready to move up or out.

So, its back to Spec Boxster racing starting on Sept 9/10 at AutoClub Speedway in Fontana!

[NigelT]

Glad you finally came to your senses, Tom. You had me worried for a while there. Looking forward to mixin' it up with ya in a couple of weeks.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by NigelT

Glad you finally came to your senses, Tom. You had me worried for a while there. Looking forward to mixin' it up with ya in a couple of weeks.

Thanks Nigel! My plan now is to stay in BSR at least through the end of 2018 (because it might take me that long to catch up to you, Anders, and Branimir!)

[itsnotanova]

You could always join WRL. Most of the boxsters in that series started off as 2.5 spec boxsters. Pretty much all of them have switched motors to the 2.7 or 3.2 with six speeds and S brakes. WRL has a LOT more seat time and no 13's. Even without the 13, I don't see them getting wrecked anymore than spb. Don't quote me on this but I think the track fees are cheaper too(per seat time). I love WRL and that would be the series I would race in if I were to start racing. I guess the only downside for you is that they don't really race on the west coast. You don't really need to use your car though as most of the teams rent out spaces for races. You have to sign up early as spots are usually filled within a month of the race. I think each team has 3-5 drivers per 8 hour race. They just finished a 24 race and might have more per car for that race. If you or anyone else is interested, PM me and I can get you in contact with a few teams. They would love to have someone who knows their way around a boxster. Even more if you have a winning history

[seningen]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

You could always join WRL. Most of the boxsters in that series started off as 2.5 spec boxsters. Pretty much all of them have switched motors to the 2.7 or 3.2 with six speeds and S brakes. WRL has a LOT more seat time and no 13's. Even without the 13, I don't see them getting wrecked anymore than spb. Don't quote me on this but I think the track fees are cheaper too(per seat time). I love WRL and that would be the series I would race in if I were to start racing. I guess the only downside for you is that they don't really race on the west coast. You don't really need to use your car though as most of the teams rent out spaces for races. You have to sign up early as spots are usually filled within a month of the race. I think each team has 3-5 drivers per 8 hour race. They just finished a 24 race and might have more per car for that race. If you or anyone else is interested, PM me and I can get you in contact with a few teams. They would love to have someone who knows their way around a boxster. Even more if you have a winning history

I know several teams were short on drivers at the 24@5280.

IMHO, the best way to do this is find a group you like and a car you like and "join the team".

I got lucky -- my primary team is fantastic, it's practically extended family.
I also have a secondary team that fields a well prepared, competitive car (E46).

Mike

[thstone]

Originally Posted by seningen

I know several teams were short on drivers at the 24@5280.

IMHO, the best way to do this is find a group you like and a car you like and "join the team".

I got lucky -- my primary team is fantastic, it's practically extended family.
I also have a secondary team that fields a well prepared, competitive car (E46).

Mike

Woody and Mike - Thanks, and yes the BMW opportunity was with a team who just ran the 24 at High Plains and finished pretty well. I am still hoping to join them at one or two races before the end of the year.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by thstone

Ok, this thread has been a little slow this summer while I've been looking into a couple of racing opportunities that came my way and trying to decide what to do (I know, 1%'er problems for sure!)

The first opportunity that came along was to go endurance racing with a team that fields a Spec E46. I met the owner of the car earlier this year when I hired him to coach me and as we continued to keep in touch, he asked if I wanted to sell my Boxster and buy a Spec E46 or join him and share his car at endurance races.

This took me down the Spec E46 path pretty deeply and since one of my goals has always been to go racing around the country at some of the great tracks like Lime Rock, VIR, Daytona, COTA, Road America, etc., this looked like one way to make that happen. Plus, I have a great affinity to the BMW E46 after having previously owned two E46's. Great cars and fun to drive.




The second opportunity was to join my friend and previous POC Spec Boxster champion Alex Bermudez racing Spec Racer Ford (SRF) with the SCCA. A really nice SRF had become available where I could sell the Boxster, buy the SRF, and probably pocket some cash. If you're not familiar with SRF, here is an info link (Spec Racer Ford ) and a pic of Alex in his car;




After much thought and consideration, I ultimately decided to stay in Boxster Spec for the same reasons that I didn't move to an air-cooled 911 race car last year - I'm still not at the top of the Boxster Spec class so that means that I 'm still not ready to move up or out.

So, its back to Spec Boxster racing starting on Sept 9/10 at AutoClub Speedway in Fontana!

Tom,

You can still race all the cool tracks...

That's my plan for 2019. 2018 I'll start SPB, primarily after my daughter heads
off to school.

I will also race Chump/WRL endurance with my buddy in whatever he prepares as a semi-arrive and drive. Lots of seat time, team unity, good times.

I'm hoping over time there will be a group of SPB folks who "travel" so that there will be a camaraderie of road course warriors.

When you come to CoTA -- let me know!

Mike