Look for big things in Koni Challenge in 09

[matthewAPM]

Im not sure how many people fallow Koni Challenge, but for me, its huge. Koni is the next step for me so to see such a big field this season, really gets me going.

I guess we will start with GS. There are lots of rumors about the new Camaro running. Sad to say, but the car wont run until the car is released to the market. As for the BMW crowd, Kinetic is bringing one of the new E92 M3's to the table but will still be running both of the E46 M3's at daytona.
http://www.grand-am.com/images/content/story/12102008JonssonBlogPhoto.jpg
Another car to look out for is the new Dodge Challenger being run by Blackforest. The car is currently in daytona for testing and we hope to see a big finish from them.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/GARRA20/2009GrandAm/Daytona%20January%204/0263.jpg
Will we see a Genesis in 09? There are rumors about it but currently no one has come out to say for sure. Porsche teams will be returning, like TRG who was fastest on day1, along with the mustangs. Who will be fastest in 09? Last season the first four races saw 4 different winners in 3 different makes. Hopefully the same is to come.

As for ST, new teams have come, and some have gone. With the economy the way it is, some teams will be pulling out this year or at least until mid season. We will be seeing a return from the top teams in ST with some new names behind the wheels. For compass360, the new lineup should be exciting, with the team now running Honda Civic Si's over the TSX from last year. In the #74 it will be Christian Miller and Randy Pobst (who is coming from APR's GTi's), the #75 Bo Roach (Cobalt driver) and Peter Schwartzott and the #76 with Matt Pritiko and Travis Walker.
http://www.grand-am.com/images/content/story/12012008ThomsonBlogPhoto.jpg
Turner Motorsports will also be back for 09 with the E90 330i sponsored by H&R springs and Turner Motorsports. Another team that we may see big things from is the RSR motorsports team running 3 mini coopers this year. A team that really had a good showing last year, the ICY/Phoenix racing team will be returning this season but with one Subaru Legacy. Many of the big name teams like Georgian Bay Motorsports and SpeedSource will be in the hunt this year.

For Daytona, testing has started. In GS, the fastest currently is the #59 Rehagen Racing Mustang GT with a time of 2:00.918 (105.989mph). The top three times are currently held by Mustang GT's but many teams are still sorting out there cars.
http://www.grand-am.com/images/content/story/01032009KONITestPhoto.jpg

In ST the ICY/Phoenix team is fastest with a 2:11.162 (97.711 mph). Taking the second an third spot is the Freedom Autosport entry with there MX5's who are 6 tenths back. Many teams have not pushed yet and are trying for different setups for the race.

What will we see in the 09 season? Hopefully battles year round. Last season showed many teams and cars shin at certain tracks. Tracks like Mid-Ohio showed just how hard it can get, when rain struck putting the Mini Coopers in ST from first to almost last in one lap. Big wrecks also hurt many teams last year who were in the race for the championship.

The season will kick off in Daytona for the Fresh From Florida 200 on January 23 for the 24 hours of Daytona weekend. Lets hope to see a good start to the 09 season!

[SLOWR/T]

I watch it here and there but I dont keep up with it by any means. This has peaked my interest some more though so I might look for it more.

[matthewAPM]

the race should air in 2 weeks after the race...i think

[On_Her_Face]

I'll watch it just for the Challenger.

[matthewAPM]

lol^

[Revmaynard]

I'll watch it just for the Challenger.

x2:lmfao:

[EJ25RUN]

I been following the Subaru Spec B Legacy since 2007. Koni is the closest thing Subaru does to proper road racing in America.

[matthewAPM]

^ very true. I would like to see them do something with the STi, but i really think that will never happen

[claybird]

how do you get into that type of racing man i want to so bad

[Elbow]

how do you get into that type of racing man i want to so bad

lol start racing when you were 10 or have a nice fat wallet ;)

[SLOWR/T]

lol start racing when you were 10 or have a nice fat wallet ;)

QFT

[Elbow]

QFT

Then again in America even if you start early you still need a big wallet lol, because I started at that age and am not being paid to race. :(

[matthewAPM]

how do you get into that type of racing man i want to so bad

talk to the right people, DONT CRASH PEOPLES CARS, and bring the best stuff.

ohh, and a few :2cents:

[SidewayzS14]

Kinetic Motorsports allways have badass cars in front of their shop, Their Ford GT's are nasty

[matthewAPM]

heck yeah. talk about a dream shop

[Big Baller]

talk to the right people, DONT CRASH PEOPLES CARS, and bring the best stuff.

ohh, and a few :2cents:

They might forgive you for crashing the car....they will never forgive you for being slow.

Look for me in a Koni Challenge car for at least one race this year

[Elbow]

They might forgive you for crashing the car....they will never forgive you for being slow.

Look for me in a Koni Challenge car for at least one race this year

If you have money they will treat you like a god when you crash and baby you all the way.

[Big Baller]

Yeah the damage waiver they make you sign is pretty crazy. Test days are expensive as well. If you want to buy your way in you better have lots of money.

[matthewAPM]

They might forgive you for crashing the car....they will never forgive you for being slow.

Look for me in a Koni Challenge car for at least one race this year

This is true, if you have the budget. I've been talking to many teams about running a race or two this season as well. If I dont run the VIR 13hour, I'll run the 6 hour in Koni ST for sure.

Are you going to run ST or GS?

[SandM]

matt, you still planning on running a skittle?

[Elbow]

Yeah the damage waiver they make you sign is pretty crazy. Test days are expensive as well. If you want to buy your way in you better have lots of money.

True, but good luck not paying a dime. If you have a sponsor that's still paying your way in, but in America nobody is like hey want to come drive my car for free? lol. At least it's not as common as the Koni Challenge level.

I'd like to run one this year. I plan on running some amateur enduros with SCCA and the big December NASA enduro @ Road Atlanta.

[matthewAPM]

matt, you still planning on running a skittle?

Nope. I was asking around to see what kind of interest people had in renting the ride with me but didnt get anything. I'm just going to run the BMW and rent a ride in KC.

[Big Baller]

I've talked to both GS and ST teams the problem is coming up with the money to run in a car that is capable of running up front(even if my skills arent).

I would really like to run with the big boys in a Porsche but I havent had enough seat time in one that I feel like I would be comfortable.

Edit, its funny most people have no idea how much money it takes to run in even a ST car.

[matthewAPM]

I've talked to both GS and ST teams the problem is coming up with the money to run in a car that is capable of running up front(even if my skills arent).

I would really like to run with the big boys in a Porsche but I havent had enough seat time in one that I feel like I would be comfortable.

Edit, its funny most people have no idea how much money it takes to run in even a ST car.

Oh I know. I havent had enough time in a Porsche either. I would love to go GS but just dont have the budget. I talked to Eversley about it and he said dont waste your money running in a bad GS car when you can run a top notch ST car and win, soooo thats what I will do. Have you talked to TRG or Farnbacher? They arent toooo bad. PM me about it.

As for the ST thing, trust me, I know. I have people ask me, why dont you just rent a pro ride for a year? lol. Thats more than double my ITR budget.

[dazn]

good luck to you guys trying to run in Koni Challenge.

oh and can I borrow some money? :D or how about buying a racecar from us?

[matthewAPM]

good luck to you guys trying to run in Koni Challenge.

oh and can I borrow some money? :D or how about buying a racecar from us?

Thanks! I hope it all works and and I get a race or two in for ST.

about the borrow money...i need it too. ha.

How is West doing this year? Still running IMSA lites or moving up?

[Big Baller]

Oh I know. I havent had enough time in a Porsche either. I would love to go GS but just dont have the budget. I talked to Eversley about it and he said dont waste your money running in a bad GS car when you can run a top notch ST car and win, soooo thats what I will do. Have you talked to TRG or Farnbacher? They arent toooo bad. PM me about it.

As for the ST thing, trust me, I know. I have people ask me, why dont you just rent a pro ride for a year? lol. Thats more than double my ITR budget.

I know Dino Loles, I spoke with him briefly about it last year when I ran Lemons with him and Leh Keen. I probably need to take him to dinner again and pick his brain.

[Big Baller]

good luck to you guys trying to run in Koni Challenge.

oh and can I borrow some money? :D or how about buying a racecar from us?


Dan I'm going to shoot you a PM, I lost your number when I lost my last phone, I'm considering renting a Miata to run a couple of races this year and I wanted to get your opinion.

[dazn]

Thanks! I hope it all works and and I get a race or two in for ST.

about the borrow money...i need it too. ha.

How is West doing this year? Still running IMSA lites or moving up?

We are still the supplier for the L2 category. We will field a couple of factory supported cars in the 09 season, but nothing is set in stone. We will also be running the brand new WX10 in several series including a bid for the Runoffs at Road America. So things are definitely busy here.

[dazn]

Dan I'm going to shoot you a PM, I lost your number when I lost my last phone, I'm considering renting a Miata to run a couple of races this year and I wanted to get your opinion.


how competitive do you want to be? how many races do you plan on doing? Your pretty handy with the wrenches matt, im sure you could build yourself a competitive spec miata and shave some money in the long run. Spec Miata is fun, im sure you'll get hooked.

[RedEj8]

I love it. I work for a Koni Challenge ST team Riley Racing #66 Rx8. We will be missing a few of the first races of the season but will hopefully start in mid season or sooner. Hopefully our Rx8 will have a the '09 transmission that will last a whole race this time too.. It is a family owned team and the two drivers are brothers.

I also helped out with the JBS Motorsports / Seafuse #37 GS mustang last season a little as well.I believe they finished 2nd in the series last season. They will also be running this year.

Heres a vid of the car at VIR before the clutch broke..and then the trans..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDBTGdGtd8A&feature=channel

[OhMyGodfather]

my friends ex boyfriend drives the VW GTI thats black and grey and orange

or is he her ex boyfriends buddy.. i cant remember

but yeah, he races koni

[Big Baller]

how competitive do you want to be? how many races do you plan on doing? Your pretty handy with the wrenches matt, im sure you could build yourself a competitive spec miata and shave some money in the long run. Spec Miata is fun, im sure you'll get hooked.

You know how it is Dan....if I can't win I won't play.

I was thinking of running two to three events but I'm not sure yet.

[Elbow]

You know how it is Dan....if I can't win I won't play.

I was thinking of running two to three events but I'm not sure yet.

Well that's not a very good way to look at things.

[matthewAPM]

You know how it is Dan....if I can't win I won't play.

I was thinking of running two to three events but I'm not sure yet.

Then your probably going to want to rent a car from OPM....

Or just run IT. haha

[matthewAPM]

I love it. I work for a Koni Challenge ST team Riley Racing #66 Rx8. We will be missing a few of the first races of the season but will hopefully start in mid season or sooner. Hopefully our Rx8 will have a the '09 transmission that will last a whole race this time too.. It is a family owned team and the two drivers are brothers.

I also helped out with the JBS Motorsports / Seafuse #37 GS mustang last season a little as well.I believe they finished 2nd in the series last season. They will also be running this year.

Heres a vid of the car at VIR before the clutch broke..and then the trans..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDBTGdGtd8A&feature=channel

yeah, I was talking to speedsource last season when i was at testing in Daytona and they were talking about how bad the trans was in those cars. Rebuild once or twice a weekend. no good

[RedEj8]

Yeap we carry 3 extras. Practice and qualify with one and install a new one before the race. We also carry an extra engine now since we were 6 laps into a race in at Miller MSP and blew the motor.

Apparently Mazda fixed the gearbox in the '09 models but everyone has scooped them all up so we can't get our hands on one. Oh yea and speedsource built our car.

[dazn]

You know how it is Dan....if I can't win I won't play.

I was thinking of running two to three events but I'm not sure yet.


if your only running two or three events, then yeah, go rent from OPM. they will give you one of the best cars out there. If you decide you want to run any more then it will be cheaper to build one. They really do not cost that much if you do the work yourself and dont go crazy with add-ons. I think racing in spec miata would be great for you. fine tune some skills. learn to really carry momentum and be smooth. will help you tons as you progress through KC.

[dazn]

Yeap we carry 3 extras. Practice and qualify with one and install a new one before the race. We also carry an extra engine now since we were 6 laps into a race in at Miller MSP and blew the motor.

Apparently Mazda fixed the gearbox in the '09 models but everyone has scooped them all up so we can't get our hands on one. Oh yea and speedsource built our car.

apparently Mazda hasnt gotten gearboxes right in a while. the protege boxes in swc were shitty.

[RedEj8]

They seemed to have gotten the Mx5 gearbox right..Those guys never have problems. Even the Skippy cars don't have problems I don't think.

[Thighs]

yeah, I was talking to speedsource last season when i was at testing in Daytona and they were talking about how bad the trans was in those cars. Rebuild once or twice a weekend. no good

what were you testing in?

[matthewAPM]

yeah, I was talking to speedsource last season when i was at testing in Daytona and they were talking about how bad the trans was in those cars. Rebuild once or twice a weekend. no good


what were you testing in?

never said I was testing in anything. learn to fucking read.

[dazn]

They seemed to have gotten the Mx5 gearbox right..Those guys never have problems. Even the Skippy cars don't have problems I don't think.

the miatas never made much power though. They only broke from people misshifting or being really hard on them. They were overkill for that car in close to stock trim. The diffs do go out in them though. Im really really good at changing Miata diffs. hahaha.

[RedEj8]

Haha..Im pretty good at changing rx8 gearboxes now too. Really they see the same abuse as our gearboxes in the Rx8. The problem seems to be mainly with the 4th gear syncro. That'll go out and then shortly after that the rest of the gears fuck up as well.

Im so ready to go to some races! Maybe we'll actually get in the top 20 in some of these races so we can get some cash. haha.

[Big Baller]

Well that's not a very good way to look at things. LOL never found anything I couldn't win at....lol I kid I kid

I'm not going to go racing in a back of the pack car, if I wanted to do that I could build a back of the pack car cheaper than I could rent one.

[Big Baller]

I think racing in spec miata would be great for you. fine tune some skills. learn to really carry momentum and be smooth. will help you tons as you progress through KC.

I've actually driven quite a few momentum cars on track and I can be very smooth when its called for. Most of the cars I drive though aren't really like that though.

[Elbow]

LOL never found anything I couldn't win at....lol I kid I kid

I'm not going to go racing in a back of the pack car, if I wanted to do that I could build a back of the pack car cheaper than I could rent one.

LOL @ the first part I was like :eek:

But I understand what you are saying now.

[matthewAPM]

Haha..Im pretty good at changing rx8 gearboxes now too. Really they see the same abuse as our gearboxes in the Rx8. The problem seems to be mainly with the 4th gear syncro. That'll go out and then shortly after that the rest of the gears fuck up as well.

Im so ready to go to some races! Maybe we'll actually get in the top 20 in some of these races so we can get some cash. haha.

has anyone got there hands on an 09 trans yet? I've heard great things about them.

Does mazdaspeed have payout? Can't remember...


LOL never found anything I couldn't win at....lol I kid I kid

I'm not going to go racing in a back of the pack car, if I wanted to do that I could build a back of the pack car cheaper than I could rent one.

"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." -Ferdinand Porsche

...one of my favorite sayings

But this is very true. Im telling you, build a ITR BMW or something equal and come run. I need the competition!

[Big Baller]

has anyone got there hands on an 09 trans yet? I've heard great things about them.

Does mazdaspeed have payout? Can't remember...



"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." -Ferdinand Porsche

...one of my favorite sayings

But this is very true. Im telling you, build a ITR BMW or something equal and come run. I need the competition!

Renting a back of the pack car is setting ones self up to fail. I don't think Ferdinand would want to be in the back of the pack when he had the ability to be in the front. I know a couple of guys that race BMWs I might see if any of them want to rent me their cars some this year but I'm not building another car.

Priority one right now is my STI and its still in parts. Hopefully Ill get the cage in the car in the next two weeks.

[RedEj8]

has anyone got there hands on an 09 trans yet? I've heard great things about them.

Does mazdaspeed have payout? Can't remember...


Yea almost every Rx8 team has except us lol.

Im not sure if mazdaspeed does.I don't think so. I know Koni does and it's doubled if you run Koni's.

[matthewAPM]

Renting a back of the pack car is setting ones self up to fail. I don't think Ferdinand would want to be in the back of the pack when he had the ability to be in the front. I know a couple of guys that race BMWs I might see if any of them want to rent me their cars some this year but I'm not building another car.

Priority one right now is my STI and its still in parts. Hopefully Ill get the cage in the car in the next two weeks.

I know, but if your not going to race in a series with competition, then whats the point?

I'm looking at another car for a 2 car team this year. PM me if interested...


Yea almost every Rx8 team has except us lol.

Im not sure if mazdaspeed does.I don't think so. I know Koni does and it's doubled if you run Koni's.

Well sounds like yall need to jump on one of those. ha

yeah, spend a lot to make a little...

[Big Baller]

I know, but if your not going to race in a series with competition, then whats the point?

I'm looking at another car for a 2 car team this year. PM me if interested...



Well sounds like yall need to jump on one of those. ha

yeah, spend a lot to make a little...

LOL....how much TV coverage and exposure do you think I would get racing with you guys...none.

Ill get coverage at every race in the Redline series.

I'm not trying to be a dick but exposure is currently very important to me.

[Thighs]

LOL....how much TV coverage and exposure do you think I would get racing with you guys...none.

Ill get coverage at every race in the Redline series.

I'm not trying to be a dick but exposure is currently very important to me.

lol i was gonna say the same thing...

[matthewAPM]

LOL....how much TV coverage and exposure do you think I would get racing with you guys...none.

Ill get coverage at every race in the Redline series.

I'm not trying to be a dick but exposure is currently very important to me.

Oh, I know. thats why im going to run a few ST races. I wish there was tv exposure for IT. haha. But like you said, you wanted to run a SM...not to much coverage there.

If you get a good deal on a SM or IT car, id do it. Its cheap and its track time. and the more the better.

[OneSlow5pt0]

its gonan be awesome to watch the camaro,challenger and mustang racing each other.

[matthewAPM]

good race at daytona. Sucks to see what happen to the kenetic E92...

[Big Baller]

The only reason I really want to run SM is because the racing is so close and theres a lot of banging going on, I really need to get a better feel for that than what I currently have.

[dazn]

The only reason I really want to run SM is because the racing is so close and theres a lot of banging going on, I really need to get a better feel for that than what I currently have.


hahahaha, well if you plan on banging, then you should probably build your own car. Most rental places make you return the car to its original condition including any cosmetic damages. and that can get really expensive if you get into the quarter panel or trunk.

[matthewAPM]

hahahaha, well if you plan on banging, then you should probably build your own car. Most rental places make you return the car to its original condition including any cosmetic damages. and that can get really expensive if you get into the quarter panel or trunk.

+1. If you want to go banging, bring LOTS of cash.

[RedEj8]

Im bored..so I figured i'd post a pic of the team I work fors car..
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h192/redej8/n1215577506.jpg

We might not go fast but at least we look good lol.

Haven't heard back yet when our first race will be..
They own a car dealership so I know it's hard times for them in the car business.

[dazn]

look familiar?

[RedEj8]

Haha indeed it does! You work for West? Just IMSA?

[Thighs]

+1. If you want to go banging, bring LOTS of cash.

i think this applies to all racing. crashing is the most expensive part of racing, and to be at the front, its not easy to always keep the car in one peice.

[dazn]

that pic was from my time at Downing.
and yeah, we build the sports racers that run IMSA Lites 2. We also do trackside service for IMSA races and also SCCA, Porsche Club and whatever events our customers want to run, even trackdays.
I used to do a lot of flyout work too. I will probably still do some, but not near as much.

[matthewAPM]

i think this applies to all racing. crashing is the most expensive part of racing, and to be at the front, its not easy to always keep the car in one peice.

:screwy:

[dazn]

i think this applies to all racing. crashing is the most expensive part of racing, and to be at the front, its not easy to always keep the car in one peice.

um, yea it is, if your good. There are plenty of racers out there that keep it clean and run at the front.
and crashing is not the most expensive part of racing. in fact, sometimes, the actual price of the car(not including the costs of R&D, just the worth of the sum of all the parts) is hardly a consideration when you think about how much it costs to run a true professional team correctly. logistics, crew, equipment.
what you are saying only holds true to amateur level racing with a entry level car, or if you have a shitty driver.