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10-01-2010, 17:35
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Road America track day weekend, April 17-18
Hi guys,
The Midwest F-Body Association (F-Body is GM-speak for Camaros and Firebirds) is once again putting on its traditional spring event at Road America this April 17-18. This event is open to drivers of any make/model cars. My dad and I have been attending this event for over 7 years; it is a very informal, relaxed and fun atmosphere with good people. Instructors are also available. The cost for the event $455 for two days, or $255 for one of the two days. Road America is located about one hour north of Milwaukee, three hours north of Chicago, and is one of the premier road courses in North America. At 4 miles in length with three long straightaways, it is a chance to really let your performance car stretch its legs. Now here's the rub: Last year was a rough one for the club. Their autumn weekend fell short of breaking even, and Road America has told the club that if they cannot provide 80 registered participants by February 14, the event will be cancelled and the date given to another group. Unfortunately at this time we only have about 26 registrations, so the situation is dire. If you would like to attend, or know someone who would, please check out this site MFBA at Road America and use the registration links to sign up. I was hesistant to post this here because I know we all frown upon "spam", but I think all of us here are enthusiasts, and this is a great event that many have enjoyed for a number of years, particuarly myself, and it would be a shame to have it go away. Please note that I am not connected to the MFBA administration in any way, and will not benefit financially from this event. I am merely a paid participant, who is hoping to drum up a few more registrations in the hopes of keeping this event going. If the event is cancelled, full refunds will be given to those who have already registered. Again, this event is open to all driver skill levels and all makes of cars. This is traditionally the first active weekend for Road America. Yes, sometimes it is still a bit cool that time of year up there, but we have always had a great time. Please pass this along to others of interest. Thanks guys, Matt Last edited by Mattjs33; 10-01-2010 at 17:53. 
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10-01-2010, 20:33
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Not spam coming from you Mattjs...wish I could join because it sounds like a great event all around but a bit too far from me. Hope it all turns out well for you and the group.
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19-04-2010, 16:43
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So the event went on as a success for the organizers; 109 drivers showed up for the weekend!
For us, however... not so much. My engine had a terminal failure on only the second lap (in NASCAR-speak, "She done blowed up real good"). Had five years on that engine, and decided to try another year on it, against the recommendation of my engine builder. Going to need a neew block, and as far as I can tell, the crankshaft is no longer in one piece. Don't know when I'll be able to get a new one put together. For my uncle Rich the day was worse. He'll run our backup car when one of us is not using it. He went wide off Turn 13 and came across and impacted the wall on driver's left between 13 and 14. Big damage. We do actually have another spare shell, so we may see if we can make one good car out of the two. This happened in the morning also. Combined with Dad's car having some drivability issues, we just decided to call it a day. Bummer. But, a bad day at the track is always better than a good day at work! Also of interest, we were pitted next to some guys who have somehow managed to shoehorn a GM Duramax 6.6 liter diesel truck engine into a Panoz GTS race car! Not the fastest car out there, but this was it's first outing, and it's a work in progress. Very intriguing though. Funny to watch it belching black smoke up the hill from 5 to 6! Also we had a twin turbo Ultima GTR (on Illinois plates!). Hopefully we will be back on track before too long. This group has another event in October, I will post on that when the time comes.
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21-04-2010, 21:14
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That's a lot of bad luck in one weekend
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04-05-2010, 14:04
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First inspection photos
Quote:
 Last night my mechanic and I removed the damaged engine from my 1980 Firebird, and it isn't pretty. The block is cracked in numerous places, including all the way up to the cylinder head deck, and the rear main bearing area. There is also a piece which has come completely loose, offering a view of the inside. The crankshaft is in at least two pieces, and who knows what else has happened in there!
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07-05-2010, 22:56
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That looks like severe damage
Was it the original engine that ceased?
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07-05-2010, 23:13
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Oh no, this engine is probably the fourth different block I've had in it over the years. If I had had any sense when I was younger I would have left the original 4.9 liter in it and left it stock. But once you head down the road of modification, there's no turning back! This engine was my stroker engine, a 400 Pontiac block with aftermarket crankshaft, 7.6 liters and 480hp.
I just happen to have gotten word from my engine builder that the crankshaft is in FOUR pieces! I may have more pictures soon.
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