In response to Jarrid Gross's message re: mortality rate etc., in the last 10 years and over 1,400,000 total miles of competition, there has only been one fatality and that was a Mexican co-driver in 1994.
He was running a 1954 Studebaker (on a late model Ford chassis as permitted in the Open Competition Class). The previous day he twisted the rear axle which separated itself and the wheel from the car. They fixed it that night and the next day running at speeds over 100 mph crested a hill and "got some air." When they landed, it broke again and they started rolling. His co-pilot head hit the ground during one of their many barrel rolls. It was determined that he suffered a broken neck and died as a result of it. We have since mandated window nets for Competition class cars.
There have been no incidents with spectators ever.
Having owned a Porsche beating Harrington LeMans, I suggest that you spend your efforts on setting up the chassis, i.e., handling, rather than building a racing motor per se. Build a bullet proof Stage II type of motor that requires no special attention. The gas is either 87 octane Magna or the new 92 proof Magna Extra. A bottle of 104 with each tank will satisfy your fuel concerns. As Jarrid said, you have to finish to win.
I am very excited that you are entering. This is your luck day. Since I am the organizer and a Sunbeam guy too, you have my word that I'll personally be watching out for you and that we uphold the racing tradition with honor. In other words, "the fix is in."
In respect to the roll bar etc., I have all that info for you. I'll walk you through it.
Looking forward to talking to you and best to all the rest of the Sunbeam guys following this post.
Adios amigos,
Loyal Truesdale
-----Original Message----- From: Jarrid Gross (Yorba Linda, CA) <GROSS(at)UNIT.COM> To: alpines(at)autox.team.net <alpines(at)autox.team.net>; Christopher A. Stephenson <step105(at)accessatlanta.com> Date: Monday, May 04, 1998 8:30 AM Subject: RE: La Carrera
> ----------
>From: Christopher A. Stephenson
>
>>I have made the decision to enter 1999's La Carrera de Pan America -
>the
>SNIP....
>
>Wow, you've got some nads!
>You do know about the mortality rate at this event (to driver and
>spectator)?
>
>
>>1. Regarding the engine. I would like to have mine built for speed and
>>endurance. Previously discussions talked about cam grinds. Can someone
>>recommend one for me or point me in a direction where I can learn more
>>about cam properties. Also, I want the engine blueprinted. Is there a
>>recommended Sunbeam source for this? I have been to several garages in
>>the Southeast and do not fully trust any. Mainly for the fact that no
>>one knows anything about Sunbeams. Also, is it usually acceptable to
>>port and polish? The race rules state I can change cam grinds and
>>balance/blueprint without destroying the originality of the engine.
>
>I wouldnt go to much beyond stock, the 3 main engine wont last long
>being pushed, so putting a RPM cam in it is out of the question.
>
>Compression is out, because of the terrible gasoline available.
>Many cars that enter this race have very detuned engines
>typically with only 8/1 CR.
>
>I'd build a somewhat sock engine, with balanced rods, pistons and
>crank. Mild port and polish. 3 core radiator.
>
>Nothing radical, you need to finish the race, in order to win.
>
>
>
>>3. Does anyone know of a source for rebuilding and replacing bushings
>in
>>my twin Zeniths? Also, where can I find different jet sizes? In my
>>various parts at home, I have two jet sizes, but I do not know how to
>>categorize them.
>
>You'll likely need new shafts too, they wear much faster than the steel
>bushes do.
>
>
>>5. Where can I find a 4 point harness?
>
>Get a 5 point,"don know if you can get a 4 pt anymore, anyhow, you
>really ought to have a submarine belt too.
>
>Youll need a pair of racing seats too. For rallying buy the best,
>most comfortable seat you can by.
>
>If a 30 minute roadrace wears me out in a cheepie seat, a 7 day
>rally will be murder on your body.
>
>Get a Pegasus catalog (1 800 688-6946)
>
>
>Jarrid Gross
>Envious but too scared to race with you.