Saturday, April 30, 2016

"Cannonball" Baker

Who was "Cannonball" Baker ? He was the fastest guy in a car crossing the USA. Lots of history and lore surrounding this race - all finding its roots with pioneering legends such as Cannonball Baker.




Survived first day - again

Rain all day and lots of adrenalin. After completing the wet skidpad stage we had a light traffic transit through boring, flat Ohio. Highlights included burger and hot dogs at a Harley Davidson supermarket in Ohio and discovering that our Porsche 918 has a back up camera which can be forced to stay on. A big help considering the bad rear vision. We chatted about new business ideas and found the car radio useless. 

Tomorrow big bad 2.8 mile Pittsburgh Raceway is waiting....and more rain forecast. Now just passed midnight. In bed. Lights out. 








Friday, April 29, 2016

Arrival in South Bend Indiana

1 day to race start. 

One thing you notice in Indiana it's not only flat but there are more giant posters littering highway displaying the Baby Jesus and preaching Christian virtues than anywhere I have seen before - reminding me that we are on the Northern tip of Americas Bible Belt. 

Anyhow back to more mundane matters. The 918 feels ready and all its 988 horse powers seem eager. Driving it through traffic is challenging as the rear view is nonexistent. Manettino in Sport or Race with the wing extended - you go to guesswork. 

Today we put the most important sponsorship logo on car.  The lesser to follow tomorrow. LOL


Friday, April 22, 2016

3890 miles through 15 States




Our 3800 mile trip will take us through 15 state crossings. If we don't get lost on the way we would have driven a distance straight across the US. Last year the attrition rate was high with only about half the cars finishing. Our endurance trip will take us to some of the most famous race tracks where we will unleash some of the 1000 hp of our Porsche 918. 

For those new to the game. This is a race where no outside assistance is allowed, the competitors have to carry their own spares and luggage and you have to finish on the same set of tires. 

At the tracks (one per day) we will race against competitors- some who are pros and even factory backed teams.


Our other racer : Vic checking tires

T minus 10

In 10 days it is GO time. Our beast of a Porsche 918 has been prepared and given some racing stripes. Not that the car needs it. Porsche of Colorado Springs let their hair down and have used their creativity.

I am very lucky. This ultra cool, ultra rare 918 Spyder is so special that only a handful of select journalists have sat in one, or even driven one. Only 918 of these hybrids were ever produced from 2014-2015. Many consider to be superior to the La Ferrari or Mc Laren P1. We shall find out not only how the car fares as an every day long distance car, through potholes and traffic but also flat out on race tracks.