I'll cover a variety of topics:
- Autocross events and my results
- Grassroots data acquisition
- Vintage Mustang performance improvements
- Track day write-ups
- Vintage Mustang restoration projects
I'm currently focused on three different cars
First, is my autocross co-driver Dave's 2012 Mustang Boss 302. We're actively campaigning the car in E Street Prepared SCCA Solo events. We have had some initial success with the car including placing 2nd and 5th at last year's 2011 Solo Nationals. Not including a test and tune that Dave went to, Nationals was only the second event ever for the Boss.
Dave has some upgrades in the works for this year, so we're hoping to continue to improve. I'll post when Dave's ok with the topics. We don't want to give away all of our secrets!
I can't thank Dave enough for the chance to drive this car. It's by far the easiest and most capable autocross car I've driven.
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| Dave's Boss and my '65 Coupe at the 2011 Toledo National Tour |
Second, is my own autocross car, a 1999 Chevy Camaro. Carol, Dave, and I ran this car from 2008 through 2011. Our best performance was my second Solo Nationals trophy with a 7th place finish out of 27 drivers. This was especially exciting as it was my first trophy in my own car and on spring/shock package that I developed and built myself.
This year we plan to use the car as a back-up car for practice and test & tune events.
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| Me finishing a run at the Toledo ProSolo |
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| Team Kolk/Heinrich at the 2008 Solo Nationals |
Third, my '65 Mustang.
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| Stella at two months old with the car |
I can't seem to shake this car. It was my first car. I've owned it since I was 15. Over half my life this car has been part of me and my transition from high school screw off to dad/engineer/mortgage holder. This car inspired the blog's name of '95 in a 45' when I got a rather large speeding ticket at age 17. That event really pushed me towards finding a place to play with a car that's safe and free from radar detectors. Over the years I've focused mostly on the suspension, but it's finally getting close to the car I wanted it to be in high school.
The Mustang will sit for months at a time and I wonder what I'm still doing with it. Then one drive around the block, one track day, one great experience and it starts all over again. I really can't shake it!
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| The Mustang out at Waterford Hills |
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| The new front suspension from Street or Track with my spring/shock package. |
I have a few parts that have been waiting to go on for quite some time, so I'll document that work on here. Also, I'm planning on doing a few track days in the car this summer. My Waterford Hills personal best lap time (1:22.2 sec) needs to fall! Hopefully the 1:19's are in reach. A fresh set of Hoosiers should make this a realistic target.
Hopefully you find this blog interesting, if not, at least I have a good place to keep track of everything!
JK
