| ACTOR
Patrick Warburton takes the GB400R for a Spin |
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| by Edward Inclan |
| June 9th, Fontana, CA - Actor Patrick
Warburton got a chance to drive the new GB400R at the California
Speedway. Warburton known for his role as David Puddy (Elaine's boyfriend)
in the sitcom Seinfeld, was invited by Michael
Noval to drive this weekend. Patrick Warburton is the latest addition to
the two car racing team. He
will be co-driving the #88 car at a number of endurance events this season and all of the next. The actor first drove at the 26th
Annual Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix in the celebrity race.
Patrick seen here ready to start
the 26th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Celebrity Race.
He was unable to finish the race due to a wild confrontation
with a wall on lap six, the actor was OK!. |
The Southern California SVTOA
(Specialty Vehicle Team Owners of America) hosted the weekend event
celebrating its first 'Open Invitational' Track Event
at California Speedway. The event was sponsored by Galpin Ford who
has always catered to the performance enthusiast showcased some great
Roush Mustangs, Lightnings and even brought out a beautiful 2000 Cobra R!
The 1.5 mile infield track was full of exciting cars
all weekend. Some of these cars will be featured Hot Rod TV and Muscle
Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine who were present covering the event.
Being the first event out for car
#88 this weekend would also serve as a test and shakedown for the
car. Compared to car #87 which won the SCCA S/P championship last
season, car #88 has a very different set-up. Therefore, driving style,
power bands and handling were all new for the team.
For Research and development purposes, cars were built
differently. We need to find a good balance between performance and budget
which is a huge job. |
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The infield at California Speedway is a very tight course
and it serves as a great tool to learn about the car's ability to turn
and plant the power to the ground quickly. This car has a basic 4 link
rear suspension which although not known for its ability to corner, we
were able to make some changes on the spot in order to make the car
faster.
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Going thru tech
inspection the GB400R looks like its ready to charge! |
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| After getting the huge slicks up to temperature the car became very
fast through the corners. Although there was still noticeable wheel spin
coming out of slow corners, the GB400R was able to turn lap times of 1:22.
For comparison purposes, car #408 a Griggs Racing prepared Mustang with a stroked
408c.i engine claiming over 500 hp, turned 1:24's.
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| Edward
Inclan was the designated test pilot for the weekend. From left
to right Sam Gladney, Nick Burr and Doug Gladney. Right picture
Edward and Nick discussing how to make the car faster. |
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| This car is equipped with a full set of Wilwood brakes in
all four corners, an off the shelf item that is very popular in the
NASCAR circuit. Using an aggressive pad this car stops on a dime! All
joking aside, you have to get used to modulating the brakes because you
end up braking sooner that needed. It really builds your confidence once
you get used to the power and can be very useful when out-braking
another car into a corner. |
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| After getting as much track time as possible the team did
some bench racing and de-briefing in order to learn as much as possible.
The next event scheduled will be again at the California Speedway, this
time with the Touring Car Club and Vintage cars. For this event we will
be using the entire 3 mile road course and most of the tri-oval. |
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| As a future project for SCCA T2 category we took the '01
Cobra out for a few laps after installing our new "Green
Stuff" brake pads to get a feel for what it may be able to do
in the future. Similar heritage, different look, take your pick!
|
| Doug MacDonald
and his crew |
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