The V8s had an enjoyable day at the "retired" Chanute Air Force Base on
Thursday.
The Champaign County Sports Car Club set up a rather "fast" autocross where
most cars ran in the 31 to 33 second range. (Barney Gaylord, autocrosser
supreme, came down to help out...and ran the course...in his MGA...in the low
30s.) He was bested by only 0.001 second by the BV8 of Bill Yobi.
The Illinois State Police then set up laser and doppler radar on a
quarter-mile run on one a 5000 foot runway closed for our use. Most V8s ran
the 1/4 at 93 to 94 mph. Best speed of the day was 102. (The lone MGB 4
cylinder and a TR6 ran the 1/4 at about 65 mph....the MGA hitting 66mph.)
The only "fatality" of the day was the BV8 of Tim D. of Massachusetts, who
twisted off the driveshaft about four inches ahead of the rear universal at
the starting line. Silver Machine Shop of Champaign, IL should have a new
shaft made for him by noon on Friday.
Fridays activities involve tech sessions.
Those of you in the midwest USA should make the trek to Urbana-Champaign to
enjoy the rest of the festivities of the 8th annual Champane British Car
Festival!
Pieces of Eight!
Arrrgh!
rick ingram
78 MGB - 69 MGC
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