Rally around 2014

Phil Ball here, to give you a preview of an exciting year for Rally enthusiasts.
This last week or two has seen some interesting announcements from both the FIA and GRC, as well a TV deal for Rally America.  Hit the jump for info on an area of motorsport that is still growing.
 
Check it out after the JUMP (pun intended)

Project: Red Rocket - A Little Mud on the Tires

The Atlanta Region SCCA put together their first rallycross event last month, so I was finally able to take the Eclipse out for some fun!  The track consisted of some sections on a dirt oval with a couple of detours through the grass infield.

Photo Credit: John Schellenberg
The Red Rocket in its new playground.

Read on after the jump to see how the GSX fared in its first outing.

Get Involved - Rallycross

The series continues with an option for those who like to play in the dirt:  Rallycross.


Get Involved is a series of posts detailing a forms of grassroots motorsports on a weekly basis.  I write these posts with one goal:  To get you to bring your car to an entry level motorsport event.  I want you to stop buying parts, stop planning for 'some day,' stop building the perfect car, and register for an event.  It is ridiculously easy to have fun with your car right now, as you're currently driving it.  You don't need a racing license.  You don't need a roll cage, a fire suit, or expensive modifications.  You do need $40, a valid state issued drivers license, and a car in safe driving condition.  It doesn't matter if its a stock Camry, a tuned Civic, or a $75k Corvette, there's a place for you.  There are a number of ways to get started - whether you want to drive on asphalt, dirt, or a race track.

You can see the full list of event types here: Get Involved.  This page will be updated as each installment is posted.

Global Rallycross @ Atlanta Motor Speedway!

The GRC circus finally came to A-town and we got some cheap tickets to go and see how much fun we could have.  GRC had already been to Brazil, Barcelona, Munich X games, New Hampshire, Bristol Motor speedway and the LA X games.  Barcelona had been rained out but I had watched most of the racing from the other events.  Of course I am rooting for the Subaru Puma team who have not had a good start to the season. Their cars still look like mine even if under the skin they have been radically modified.  Their Youtube series called launch control is also highly recommended.  So how did they do?  How about Tanner Foust and Ken Block? Read on for the Saucy details

Project: Red Rocket - Judgement Day

The GSX spent a long 2 weeks at the mechanic.  It turns out the oil leak was due to the cam shaft seals that I never installed...woops.  The oil drip was from a hole in the turbo oil drain line.  Both of these were fixed in pretty short order, leaving a week to troubleshoot the reason behind not being able to get into 2nd gear.

Notice how its not in my garage!

Read on to follow the final week of the Eclipse build.

Now for Something Different - Rallycross!

Every now and then we mention our tame racing driver Christian, sometimes we even let him post an article on here.  Christian is an avid autocrosser as well as SCCA member, corner worker and occasional instructor.  We've been bugging him for years about how there is no rallycross program in Georgia, and each time he assures us that Atlanta and middle Georgia SCCA are trying their best to make it happen.  This past weekend, for the first time we got to play in the dirt, it was awesome, we want more, and If we don't get any more we're going to start killing the hostages.

Hit the jump to find out just how awesome it was.