tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84443294463544420132024-03-05T04:36:33.894-06:00Team ResignationA CesaRood Racing JointUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-22469497600906163302012-10-11T09:51:00.000-05:002012-10-11T09:51:52.198-05:00Race Prep is GO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1unhw7cka6Sta5l8SiGAolkNuIBibgIvrHlKMuE6hmsG3GE3UsHb8zckl7KCw92kjBPsgB8X4rNgrqDmrod9aLu07oz0JdjmrxKz8-w8yoDl6A9b17sbDscsilWkiC4MriqHdiQo_IKJ0/s1600/crv_trailer_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1unhw7cka6Sta5l8SiGAolkNuIBibgIvrHlKMuE6hmsG3GE3UsHb8zckl7KCw92kjBPsgB8X4rNgrqDmrod9aLu07oz0JdjmrxKz8-w8yoDl6A9b17sbDscsilWkiC4MriqHdiQo_IKJ0/s320/crv_trailer_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The race prep action plan is underway. People are flying and driving in, and the gear trailer is with me at work, ready to head out to the Team Resignation garage and beer storage facility tonight. The excitement is building.Paul Zarembahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721956188179675324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-53956490270864291502012-10-10T14:17:00.000-05:002012-10-10T14:23:36.702-05:00Kicking Around NixonWell it turns out that Team Resignation, infused with fresh blood, will indeed be participating in this year's 24 Hours of LeMons.<br />
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The race, <a href="http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/irony12.aspx" target="_blank">American Irony 2012</a>, will take place this weekend, October 13-14, at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL.<br />
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Remember to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Resignation/152704761425395" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>!<br />
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Paul Zarembahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721956188179675324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-56398794298947090552012-03-30T11:00:00.021-05:002012-03-30T11:40:24.426-05:00Hibernation<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2v1TNYI7Wyn8X_BWNpHnwgHJgkXE7XIT4y0BH91i3idC03yWewfQAdGGDsomiCCEENvf5i50zSfKHbInYWbqtAfrH6ucEcfLlloo7Ym1lAQY3SYk94g8BuZboNllKqUmoAuNMFHnbPw/s1600/007_Richard-Nixon-YoYo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2v1TNYI7Wyn8X_BWNpHnwgHJgkXE7XIT4y0BH91i3idC03yWewfQAdGGDsomiCCEENvf5i50zSfKHbInYWbqtAfrH6ucEcfLlloo7Ym1lAQY3SYk94g8BuZboNllKqUmoAuNMFHnbPw/s320/007_Richard-Nixon-YoYo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725730873250840898" border="0" /></a><br />In 1962, the Great Man himself called it quits in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo9FlPeKKzA">an embittered speech</a> after a failed California gubernatorial bid. And for four years, he disappeared. Much of the world considered him a has-been, a washed-up politician who would be best remembered for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon#1960_and_1962_elections.3B_wilderness_years">his failings in 1960 and 1962</a>.<br /><br />But Nixon's legacy was not yet etched in marble. Rather, he blitzed Hubert Humphrey in the 1968 presidential campaign and went on to even <a href="http://www.history.umd.edu/Faculty/KOlson/watergate.jpg">more spectacular personal and political failures</a>.<br /><br />Team Resignation has chosen to withdraw from the 2012 season of crapcan racing, leaving behind a brief <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2010/11/rod-blagojevich-never-say-die-500.html">legacy</a> of <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2011/10/showroom-schlock-shootout-schaturday.html">failure</a>.<br /><br />And also like Nixon, Team Resignation plans to re-emerge in the near future, bound for greater and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUFoQ22HGqV81rNutbZE5_Ai4W56OqX600I-3l59lkCrdbYEFerzX4ZRbQ060o2YcMEF4oSuMixBuScQVEL-6_Qpf0Em7GSGw_XccXPsrxnbr7SXxUrTsB55GwfL76gEIaJ4MY35ALYeY/s1600/CAR_ON_FIRE.jpg">more spectacular failures</a>. While we don't want to tip our hand, we will let you know that TR is examining in-depth a (much more benign) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_strategy#Roots_of_the_Southern_strategy">Southern Strategy</a>.<br /><br />So long for now. And as we leave you, Team Resignation just want you to know: You <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> have Nixon to kick around again.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-64535713492565231282011-11-03T13:07:00.007-05:002011-11-03T13:27:55.146-05:00Happy Fun Video Times!Enjoy some video footage of the 2011 24 Hours of LeMons race at Autobahn Country Club!<br /><br />Timelapse video of Tech/BS Inspection (Shot by Murilee Martin):<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJQ1160vRjM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Racing 4 Nickels visits the Penalty Box (R4N basically has the entire race on video from their vantage point. Check out their YouTube channel):<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mMrjDwsIjrc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />The Jetta team enjoying their Class B trophy while their car's Eurotrash techno arms pump away (and Jay Lamm announces the Metro as the Class C winner):<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I0ZjQPh1u70" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />The SHObocop Taurus participates in the bikini-top car wash penalty, apparently the invention of Keith from Byte Marks Racing (who shot the video):<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OthY7-h4txs" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Video shot from the Smokey Saturn team while they chased the MetSHO/Gaguar; includes a minute or so of video of Kiko driving the Escort:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JDzs9cOcYeQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />I may post more video if I can find some, but there is quite a bit on the youtubes.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-50939661402908701782011-10-28T17:29:00.001-05:002011-10-28T17:29:58.926-05:00A LeMons BS Primer: Lessons in bribing and smugness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoQ0AL9mfIK9OmSpL4ImwFbSsxMm0MsSV7FSZXWBaEzECbTtjqWuC3Ru1s7xnJXP1dy-OkamMJxShyNhfaaZioBZDQpgFTOG4mVCMDVSRdQdton7qaxsF5ivlolUYuyMIvPt4QqMJJa4/s1600/Lead.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666348478076208658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoQ0AL9mfIK9OmSpL4ImwFbSsxMm0MsSV7FSZXWBaEzECbTtjqWuC3Ru1s7xnJXP1dy-OkamMJxShyNhfaaZioBZDQpgFTOG4mVCMDVSRdQdton7qaxsF5ivlolUYuyMIvPt4QqMJJa4/s400/Lead.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />Most who read this blog will be at least passingly familiar with the concept of the 24 Hours of LeMons: Buy [and fix] a car for $500 or less and bring it to the race. But the casual reader may question how the budget limit is enforced, so this post is intended for those inquisitive types and to explain Team Resignation's approach to the<a href="http://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/232407-L.jpg"> fuzzy math</a> of budgets.<br /><br />The budget enforcement team is better known as the <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/08/500x_BW09-Penalties-500px-17.jpg">LeMons Supreme Court</a>, which in the Midwest consists primarily of Gonzo automotive journalist and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Torment-Incorporated-Nexus-Murilee-Martin/dp/0352339438/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319764649&sr=8-1">smut writer</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmBrthurv2x2chQmSg28ayDvHljcd7PV9ETI-Ji0WjWE2VMQdSP-NHJnIAqjbntUrimV5lkoPkZ0pC3BhiSi92v9GX2YTtqrwjSqA-xWqg5LMyfTo8jCTeKpDru2N3_VtZ_m6T75A0b0/s576/DSC_1761.JPG">Murilee Martin</a> (known as Judge Phil in LeMons circles) and his cousin, <a href="http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/08/SpeedycopImpalaPhotos-73-550x412.jpg">Judge Sam</a><sup>1</sup>. They process each team's budget through a scientific process known as "BS Inspection," during which they inspect the car and sort through the obviously cooked books which will almost certainly show a budget of $500 to the penny. They then assess penalty laps to those who have obviously violated the $500 budget; 1 penalty lap is assessed for each $10 spent overbudget.<br /><br />However, there are methods to deflect the scrutiny of the Supreme Court's harsh interrogation methods. Judge Phil/Murilee Martin himself wrote the definitive guide, which can be found <a href="http://jalopnik.com/400309/what-would-smokey-do-24-hours-of-lemons-cheating-tips-from-judge-murilee">here</a>. But let's explore Team Resignation's methods:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLrKm0I2-uLDgOAw4gBvq4_hL_sjc8yTw2kjqApwIjlyBNgnLWpcevYsS-8lN7KFU5SW_mBRKcvmWauakEZjs4sHXb2hkgusjE-snfkSW8MKOgd80CY2d1P6WYoh4ZEic0yTIIbvr2Y/s1600/Point1.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666345644854336658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLrKm0I2-uLDgOAw4gBvq4_hL_sjc8yTw2kjqApwIjlyBNgnLWpcevYsS-8lN7KFU5SW_mBRKcvmWauakEZjs4sHXb2hkgusjE-snfkSW8MKOgd80CY2d1P6WYoh4ZEic0yTIIbvr2Y/s400/Point1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>1) Pick a terrible car (or at least an unassuming one). Ford Escorts aren't really known for their racing pedigree<sup>2</sup>. Or for much else besides there being a whole bunch of them anywhere. Alternately, pick a car you know and have worked on before. In our case, we killed two birds with one grille cover and chose a model that was closely related to Alan's daily driver at the time (and his two previous daily drivers).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPv-FyyvkpUv0dxh8OzGl3gDWsju7p7wPb196ZgOFnUsoK7QkyhK2SfZg0zdgh2fkZrahcWDazehxJSudOv7ZCqxolKthLB3iL-CERejLeVnwdPeldS8KCS4e__fjGrvy9u-TyDpNhlM/s1600/Point2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346023399223858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPv-FyyvkpUv0dxh8OzGl3gDWsju7p7wPb196ZgOFnUsoK7QkyhK2SfZg0zdgh2fkZrahcWDazehxJSudOv7ZCqxolKthLB3iL-CERejLeVnwdPeldS8KCS4e__fjGrvy9u-TyDpNhlM/s400/Point2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" border="0" /></a>2) Choose an awesome theme. This can be related in some ways to your car of choice, or it can be something awesome. The main point is this: Be original. Classic race car liveries (<a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/05/medium_242-Volvo-Gulf-Oil-39.jpg">Gulf</a> <a href="http://www.easypor.com/images/908_14/IMG_0363.jpg">Oil</a> <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2010/02/donetodeath-gulf-01-800px.jpg">anyone?</a>) have mostly been done, and they're boring. But if you're going to do one, make it a parody. Observe the Charnal House MetSHO:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUARMeNm32n1nZguQ5JDFULG0Y0cBmXipNatzwMfyvp-qzsa8lxnDz8q3DygNSlxpiLjCn3i6KcFyNmfd5R0Ct0KcYs_NdduIrO41f2m4CJwEX5ZRxqYieiAgpQsaw-2jOEJrNbGqO10/s1600/Point2B.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346306299079234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUARMeNm32n1nZguQ5JDFULG0Y0cBmXipNatzwMfyvp-qzsa8lxnDz8q3DygNSlxpiLjCn3i6KcFyNmfd5R0Ct0KcYs_NdduIrO41f2m4CJwEX5ZRxqYieiAgpQsaw-2jOEJrNbGqO10/s400/Point2B.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>And the car they parodied:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxqbQtSWmQdrBMVW39u4XiVPMjoTvYjcNSso3AiEjSdKVtI8XbJyuJFgFk4Estd27xMoUiIHadyD1DCK3F60aLlydxdaR39U_6gDqZGV2f7L3KrlEHMqi_lBwKTeVfgPC2rgnmQ6u6Ho/s1600/Point2C.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346779371988306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxqbQtSWmQdrBMVW39u4XiVPMjoTvYjcNSso3AiEjSdKVtI8XbJyuJFgFk4Estd27xMoUiIHadyD1DCK3F60aLlydxdaR39U_6gDqZGV2f7L3KrlEHMqi_lBwKTeVfgPC2rgnmQ6u6Ho/s400/Point2C.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />In our case, we chose our theme from a LeMons Supreme Court <a href="http://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/viewtopic.php?pid=38023">request made on the forum</a> for a Nixon/Agnew theme. The Agnew part got largely pushed to the background, but it showed up in a few places. Which leads us to...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPxefMWsT30BdyfNDxc2H0F8WlKpEs9oU733ydZ5lvQEaLUbkFeYT6IaxCMlODU20MzVk_-gjIzblORRqQZ-7P1BpQjQ3nFV0773amRDGHTYiDbUewIwc-3VScmOPfRMyxf5DWf1bCsI/s1600/Point3A.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347038183043362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPxefMWsT30BdyfNDxc2H0F8WlKpEs9oU733ydZ5lvQEaLUbkFeYT6IaxCMlODU20MzVk_-gjIzblORRqQZ-7P1BpQjQ3nFV0773amRDGHTYiDbUewIwc-3VScmOPfRMyxf5DWf1bCsI/s400/Point3A.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>3) The devil is in the details. When you're theming the car, pay attention to little things. Like a Ford emblem that says "Agnew" on it. The judges appreciate the effort. (The "Escape to Milwaukee" sticker came with the car. It's not related to the theme but is too good to remove.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1efmKS0hLOmYDwBTxvYSzwlirAcaNInhyt0uZ3lmB7aPf4mpHG2WqZrRS6dVzlLbjYwK4Ry6I0WUGJH0lRwqv_AvxWEx-gacfyxUzJ2Q3hzpBCo3-8E-fEJuwrZp_fBcKea4ozMPjO0/s1600/Point3B.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347299481421826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1efmKS0hLOmYDwBTxvYSzwlirAcaNInhyt0uZ3lmB7aPf4mpHG2WqZrRS6dVzlLbjYwK4Ry6I0WUGJH0lRwqv_AvxWEx-gacfyxUzJ2Q3hzpBCo3-8E-fEJuwrZp_fBcKea4ozMPjO0/s400/Point3B.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 329px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>4) <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0022.html">Dress</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0124.html">like</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0194.html">fools</a>. It helps deliver the theme and looks great in photos. If you're willing to humiliate yourself [further; you're already racing a crapheap, remember] for the entertainment of those at the track and the Supreme Court, the gesture may spare you a few penalty laps. We dressed like Nixon volunteers, complete with campaign pins and name tags.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhJpG9gliDTYStW4qd0Y3VGaTZqbsqWXiWdIWk0kC_uoYgKcESjjHZZVmIsXq9Sz-t1M-rO0espXiNCrQrwjpOQWnvlYfRRKkUewBZuelTTMhGPg7vPaJQW-CCAFnUxmTMnGB7Mk5pyQ/s1600/Point5.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347513180091090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhJpG9gliDTYStW4qd0Y3VGaTZqbsqWXiWdIWk0kC_uoYgKcESjjHZZVmIsXq9Sz-t1M-rO0espXiNCrQrwjpOQWnvlYfRRKkUewBZuelTTMhGPg7vPaJQW-CCAFnUxmTMnGB7Mk5pyQ/s400/Point5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 288px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>5) Bring some documentation. We at Team Resignation are terrible about keeping track of all the damn receipts for all the crap that goes into the car. But we make sure to have a closely estimated budget that is actually semi-realistic. And if we can, we print out part prices and emails in which we've bought or traded for parts. But it helps to make your paperwork part of the theme.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P0L4D1Zi5cdQWZZxhGDViRMli02bDiV8rwgJGlwSqaSTU1mbkv81Y2vU5hhB4iDkishGuJPVBFTaQh_CqgiRhqbmDQ8Jpy3tylP2sIrzYhaU_wSGaSBG5uJEXu9vcPeMHzuhOUXC06k/s1600/Point6.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347866151537378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P0L4D1Zi5cdQWZZxhGDViRMli02bDiV8rwgJGlwSqaSTU1mbkv81Y2vU5hhB4iDkishGuJPVBFTaQh_CqgiRhqbmDQ8Jpy3tylP2sIrzYhaU_wSGaSBG5uJEXu9vcPeMHzuhOUXC06k/s400/Point6.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>6) Update your theme in subsequent races. If you have a winner of a theme, make some adjustments to entertain the judges. In our case, we took our <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-033.html">full-body mannequin</a> that had been in the back of the car and mounted the torso of it to the roof. And we gave Nixon eyes. Then we had our graphics partner <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/">Phil Rood</a> design an <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0019.html">amazing stencil</a>, which is loosely based on the old <a href="http://i.b5z.net/i/u/453686/i/trush_ezr2.jpg">Thrush Mufflers bird</a>. We have plans for our next two races in the works now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZ3JyS1PgWHecRehBJzFGfsydG4Z2-AOodqWW-fj_C5I5eUW9ej8P-zEjEsHHrdl6LVgcgRbTOzj_vZMGzmXV0j98_NvpV1hPHhSBfYAPcTrNX_8sHfp9wmJT4Xpp1G22s2XzXroIXI/s1600/Point7.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666348291417392514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZ3JyS1PgWHecRehBJzFGfsydG4Z2-AOodqWW-fj_C5I5eUW9ej8P-zEjEsHHrdl6LVgcgRbTOzj_vZMGzmXV0j98_NvpV1hPHhSBfYAPcTrNX_8sHfp9wmJT4Xpp1G22s2XzXroIXI/s400/Point7.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a>7) Bribe, bribe, bribe. This is so important that we'll now discuss it at length.<br /><br />We ran our first race in 2010 at Autobahn Country Club, and our bribe and theme was good enough to get <a href="http://murileemartin.com/wordpress/?p=398">a post of its own</a> on Judge Phil's blog. The key to bribing is the same as the key to a good theme: Be original. Sure, everyone loves to bribe the judges with booze and/or food, but the judges and organizers are writers and creative types who love their bribes to be unique.<br /><br />So our 2010 bribe included:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsueZy97n-yKiMjpKg7s6Yj4fjYiKOAcR-aJ8271VCbQ3IhLy1_rhw22B9FsP_0u6hs4hPyl7Gga4LXI40PrWOrBRYvDgA-VV94zorTD8qAvjGxOP8j26m0q1LmFI5FVsWktsWtej3g/s1600/Beer.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349300287969874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsueZy97n-yKiMjpKg7s6Yj4fjYiKOAcR-aJ8271VCbQ3IhLy1_rhw22B9FsP_0u6hs4hPyl7Gga4LXI40PrWOrBRYvDgA-VV94zorTD8qAvjGxOP8j26m0q1LmFI5FVsWktsWtej3g/s400/Beer.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A homebrewed American Pale Ale. Alan and Eric made labels to dub it "Nixon/Agnew Nattering Nabob Nuclear Beer." It was brewed by Eric's brother-in-law, Dan Meyer. The team also drank it in the post-race hours and traded it for other homebrew. Additional benefit: Homebrew (and any beer, really) can be a bartering item in the pit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_MKl5M2VzGTOSnsAfSJ8heOr0slgv10H4quukyd5HZLZueVlbLfHqrR_sAmXmcZWYNvnXlsiAnr2qShMAWZE5VEg29K0cpHPNCA7XuVCNWfKkqWiG37I6jSiFcvVLcoUuYKSHxUswU/s1600/Book3.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349482671220370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_MKl5M2VzGTOSnsAfSJ8heOr0slgv10H4quukyd5HZLZueVlbLfHqrR_sAmXmcZWYNvnXlsiAnr2qShMAWZE5VEg29K0cpHPNCA7XuVCNWfKkqWiG37I6jSiFcvVLcoUuYKSHxUswU/s400/Book3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq6-TVUC6Fu_OOhvams5HnrAkefLgaDHeaFDiw4FPzTkzs_J-7WjRKni0HVkgdvHit7J8w0Su7if2FXZlH5K5now5QJsTDTEna-aqGImigGEHK6o0L87syWe8Y9C7dO0PT2hbkT6SkTM/s1600/Book2.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349451801509714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq6-TVUC6Fu_OOhvams5HnrAkefLgaDHeaFDiw4FPzTkzs_J-7WjRKni0HVkgdvHit7J8w0Su7if2FXZlH5K5now5QJsTDTEna-aqGImigGEHK6o0L87syWe8Y9C7dO0PT2hbkT6SkTM/s400/Book2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Milhous-Nixon-American-Politician/dp/0805011218">definitive Nixon biography by Roger Morris</a>. Eric hollowed it out like <a href="http://www.propstore.com/content/propstorecollection/shaw/PDVD_009.jpg">some kind of LeMony movie</a> and put a small bottle of Johnny Walker in there (well, booze is always a decent idea). The book itself was an incredible thrift-store find, having at some time been a <span style="font-style: italic;">Valentine's Day gift</span> to a man's [soon-to-be-ex-]wife. Note the underlined words, which suggest that a 500+ page biography of the only impeached president should be synonymous with "real quality" time. Yikes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgGKEL1JhTDB5rSzGu-z235lgrLKxPRYntmo6PF5ud1PamK3VNubmxz0S_tF6smMq7l1W-LpJZ-rN1de_V7XMQlng4kyMzbrsoW4kDwf3qaIQLSLj6gmrDf4axLQy7XjN9a8ZjcLurw/s1600/T-shirt.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350262392639906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgGKEL1JhTDB5rSzGu-z235lgrLKxPRYntmo6PF5ud1PamK3VNubmxz0S_tF6smMq7l1W-LpJZ-rN1de_V7XMQlng4kyMzbrsoW4kDwf3qaIQLSLj6gmrDf4axLQy7XjN9a8ZjcLurw/s400/T-shirt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" border="0" /></a>- An iron-on Team Resignation T-shirt (Logo, again, designed by the great Phil Rood). These have since [<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] been supplanted by [<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] our wide variety[<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] of choices at the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">Team Resignation Cafe Press shop</a>. <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">Buy our stuff</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x_3gbiOqgM3hBHd4WmO3g09XYxzgmQczrW-RcXg_7cgIcJ28WXZDgr08xkzWOJVwLXoogNH-6qxYZhoEt97p7PpyCZPh9dzT9tPP38mF9tvADXNHvlxyXabaxbGCrp7mRv6qbL1x49U/s1600/poster.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350630142819250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x_3gbiOqgM3hBHd4WmO3g09XYxzgmQczrW-RcXg_7cgIcJ28WXZDgr08xkzWOJVwLXoogNH-6qxYZhoEt97p7PpyCZPh9dzT9tPP38mF9tvADXNHvlxyXabaxbGCrp7mRv6qbL1x49U/s400/poster.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 260px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 388px;" border="0" /></a>- A poster-sized copy of the famous Nixon-Elvis Oval Office photo. On the back, this poster had the entire handwritten manuscript (on American Airlines stationery) of Elvis' <a href="http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/nsa/elvis/docs/doc1.pdf">hippie-bustin' note to the Head Honcho</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />In 2011, Eric added in some items that he felt fit the bill after reading Judge Phil's excellent <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/1965-impala-hell-project-part-16-another-heart-transplant/">Project Impala Hell</a> series. We also decided to forego the booze bribes, since the judges have typically received more booze than they know what to do with:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAPUBf3VditjsdmwJ_VBl5IINfNOq98zAWe76YgaYLBry02VRvfyb-3UCIcvimAecO-NCeTkI13DL9X7JZoIzHjaKOPd57q0EnbPIYmGS2pIQ4_H8ifO8BC6KAvJZUO7XgOwsdLz-8zA/s1600/newsweek1.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350929088305410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAPUBf3VditjsdmwJ_VBl5IINfNOq98zAWe76YgaYLBry02VRvfyb-3UCIcvimAecO-NCeTkI13DL9X7JZoIzHjaKOPd57q0EnbPIYmGS2pIQ4_H8ifO8BC6KAvJZUO7XgOwsdLz-8zA/s400/newsweek1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFfBbvEE5pGGEWR0y1RP_P3-QNVbBKpmzWC82UCvsq014y_956wefFeQwmfTw5_Hu_YglLqkJRdIjEPzCzBoAzeuI1pRTplE5wX2aaNVzDwDm9eCvI-qUi4kpnQtjmQ1Pspp27f7hE_k/s1600/newsweek2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666351010339791874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFfBbvEE5pGGEWR0y1RP_P3-QNVbBKpmzWC82UCvsq014y_956wefFeQwmfTw5_Hu_YglLqkJRdIjEPzCzBoAzeuI1pRTplE5wX2aaNVzDwDm9eCvI-qUi4kpnQtjmQ1Pspp27f7hE_k/s400/newsweek2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb5tzeDHxLkSjPtaFdOeu9uMrGazW1JhJo_NVnXPswVIr-SF0MRFhp6WmUcn_y06rwNqNyqh_PjcvmdE9NXZMLVfu-qAi7DBZBTHLY6KlGlMkXvU1NAAKDK_NQ-q_q_5QEGVDDEfOOSY/s1600/newsweek3.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666351100944553154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb5tzeDHxLkSjPtaFdOeu9uMrGazW1JhJo_NVnXPswVIr-SF0MRFhp6WmUcn_y06rwNqNyqh_PjcvmdE9NXZMLVfu-qAi7DBZBTHLY6KlGlMkXvU1NAAKDK_NQ-q_q_5QEGVDDEfOOSY/s400/newsweek3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- Several copies of Watergate-era Newsweek magazine, which were found in the same thrift store at the same time as the above-mentioned Valentine's Day biography. These feature some amazing old car ads and a sweet picture of Gerald Ford in commencement-speech garb, smoking a stogie and probably writing about how awesome it will be to have his own presidential jet when Nixon gets skewered by <a href="http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/woodward-and-bernstein.jpg">those vengeful liberal media types</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL36jBoBK6OF_XXx6UD5CqmmeLAglUAShWa4fxokjUjRpNt2u0268EzO7p0-XDH4K49UDD5KZSVyi0Q3dVHEj4Ns-4ebNfJRcrvw7JjCGcNyuVNrD5Dj1mEKqfD3nDtBE_8eCy16ql7W4/s1600/sticker.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666360477545808482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL36jBoBK6OF_XXx6UD5CqmmeLAglUAShWa4fxokjUjRpNt2u0268EzO7p0-XDH4K49UDD5KZSVyi0Q3dVHEj4Ns-4ebNfJRcrvw7JjCGcNyuVNrD5Dj1mEKqfD3nDtBE_8eCy16ql7W4/s400/sticker.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A re-elect Nixon in '72 sticker, which Judge Phil promptly placed on his laptop. Also, a Nixon-Lodge volunteer postcard and a Nixon-Lodge campaign postcard.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Trm_02COKx1D40xELt22i5HxjL8zuLLQKgRTr80CmPVFqG1oNZvN5AB1IW6liFO146qN3VURUHHFt2DIP7i7LFUaAa74B-m6gDJdhoqdRVrfzzJIRcy3ZtB9GJaY1pm-ej-hYndHoFA/s1600/watch.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666352379924119874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Trm_02COKx1D40xELt22i5HxjL8zuLLQKgRTr80CmPVFqG1oNZvN5AB1IW6liFO146qN3VURUHHFt2DIP7i7LFUaAa74B-m6gDJdhoqdRVrfzzJIRcy3ZtB9GJaY1pm-ej-hYndHoFA/s400/watch.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a>- A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bricklin_SV-1">Bricklin SV-1</a> watch, which keeps in line with Judge Phil's <a href="http://www.highgearmedia.com/user/10018465_murilee-martin">love of terrible, terrible cars</a>. This was purchased on Ebay from a seller in Hong Kong, who has them in all manner of bizarre car brands. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_TC_by_Maserati">Chrysler TC by Maserati</a> watch that was purchased at the same time failed to arrive in time, so Eric wears it on occasion and laughs at it whenever he checks the time. If you opt to purchase a watch from the seller for these ends (or for your own), allow at least three weeks' shipping time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_w6ciS-8LVS1E62M5h2fpixkrzqFdJTGnwq-1zAPK-4pbivXg3bt2S407WulE1REbvugcYP5j-9Ojjrj3lF7Qu6ApmGBBP537XWlZ_lwcdvynYWqSglJYcHplab26RmYa6Jk9MShVg/s1600/mixtape.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666352770939017490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_w6ciS-8LVS1E62M5h2fpixkrzqFdJTGnwq-1zAPK-4pbivXg3bt2S407WulE1REbvugcYP5j-9Ojjrj3lF7Qu6ApmGBBP537XWlZ_lwcdvynYWqSglJYcHplab26RmYa6Jk9MShVg/s400/mixtape.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A mixtape of LeMons-related songs. This one stems from <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5303241/meat-bees-and-bad-craziness-old-road+trip-mix-tapes-resurrected-for-ca+to+co-drive">several</a> <a href="http://jalopnik.com/311138/around-the-country-in-22-days-the-orange-mix-tape">Murilee Martin</a> <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/09/1965-impala-hell-project-part-11-son-of-orange-county/">posts</a> about his old mixtapes. The tracklist was compiled by mixing bands listed in these posts with bands of the same ilk, which basically led to it being the strangest (but pretty decent, really) mixtape ever compiled. Also, the titles and/or band names more or less create a half-assed narrative of a typical LeMons weekend. Track list:<br /><br />SIDE A<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlyS50B-89A">My Hooptie</a>" - Sir Mix-A-Lot<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4YwbCRPQE8">Waitin' for a Train</a>" - Beck<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dtzMkfI1k">D's Car Jam/Anxious MoFo</a>" - Minutemen<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRF7WfvZAmg">Sweet Willy Rollbar</a>" - Melvins<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCDJzPRzxp8">Rodeo in Joliet</a>" - The Jesus Lizard<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOalHnQ90Hs">Trust Your Mechanic</a>" - Dead Kennedys<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIMShY9dSds">Ulcer Breakout</a>" - Butthole Surfers<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIYFFjaYV1o">Race Car Ya-Yas</a>" - Cake<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDh1NS1VArI">"Third Gear Scratch"</a> - Shiner<br />"The Good Humor Mustard Gas Truck" - <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/MA/">Murilee Arraiac</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0IzyQmDkJE&feature=related">"Everything Falls Apart"</a> - Husker Du<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxB2CisyEu0">"Corvette Bummer"</a> - Beck<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBQV9HT5auQ">"It's Gonna Be a Long Night"</a> - Ween<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MuxN9YMWY">"4,738 Regrets"</a> - Trans Am<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAfd5U7tMS4">"The Race is On Again"</a> - Yo La Tengo<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1XqdFApmPw">"BMW Man"</a> - Local H<br /><br />SIDE B<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vikwfvPBI_g">"Rubber Car"</a> - Enon<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aeHVQCuLDM">"Bump"</a> - Mucca Pazza<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPrVKDXc9Ug">"Everything Crash"</a> - The Ethiopians<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pWHuLdxbLk">"Spoke"</a> - Shellac<br />"Motor City Melanoma" - Murilee Arraiac<br />"Knucklehead" - The Bar-Kays<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQgKcv7V-g">"Behave Yourself"</a> - Booker T. & the MGs<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smplqf0FYCk">"Yakety Axe"</a> - Chet Atkins<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRshPCM9lhk">"Super-Charger Heaven"</a> - White Zombie<br />"Go To Bruises" - U.S. Maple<br />"Motion Sickness" - Eleventh Dream Day<br />"One More Mile" - Muddy Waters<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0vj40YJkA4">"Sometimes Our Dreams Float Like Anchors"</a> - William Elliott Whitmore<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXWpThaTEI">"The Easy Winners"</a> - Scott Joplin<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfS7wotAOknHpd8YwSfMQVU_WNt8P24DFwavr4PPnlGInYcqyB253nONLE0fZdk-f7gWoCZudwq2dQo8_u5t_0URacJmRbNigcLH8udzEOaz-EsnNEi1lw5u0fWavXUizWiK6K7b4goI/s1600/stencil.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666353147272072642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfS7wotAOknHpd8YwSfMQVU_WNt8P24DFwavr4PPnlGInYcqyB253nONLE0fZdk-f7gWoCZudwq2dQo8_u5t_0URacJmRbNigcLH8udzEOaz-EsnNEi1lw5u0fWavXUizWiK6K7b4goI/s400/stencil.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw5yjzIlrv3rzhQn9zoLA84oMdaquf5k5n_Y2t79Pzlk1lDs4ZY3fw4DcrZ0AkyWKcBtJAzKKPs3ggg9w6ndVcQ2QJ-jEXKPztUlVcCl8hR6up5flkoZVHgitPDlH3XxoF87kcVjE93w/s1600/stencil2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666353310860541330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw5yjzIlrv3rzhQn9zoLA84oMdaquf5k5n_Y2t79Pzlk1lDs4ZY3fw4DcrZ0AkyWKcBtJAzKKPs3ggg9w6ndVcQ2QJ-jEXKPztUlVcCl8hR6up5flkoZVHgitPDlH3XxoF87kcVjE93w/s400/stencil2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- Upon request, a copy of the Nixon stencil was provided to Judge Phil. The judges then liberally applied Nixon to "cars that needed it."<br /><br /><br />To date, our car (which is <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> within the budget constraints, we swear) has barely been sweated at BS Inspection. In two races, we've accumulated 0 penalty laps and 2 Class B placements. Which is fitting, since the car has yet to be reliable for a full race.<br /><br />So the long-winded advice is pretty much broken down like this: Don't be afraid to kiss some ass and be original.<br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> The LeMons Supreme Court varies by region. Automotive journalist Johnny Lieberman is one of the original judges who has since semi-retired though <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/JJ/JudgeJonny-049.jpg">he carries a big stick</a> at the California races still. In addition to BS judging, they also <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/IWasGoingRealGoodAndThen.jpg">dole out punishments</a> to drivers who do stupid things on track. Additionally, the title of "smut writer" was an edit by Alan. Just sayin'.<br /><br /><sup>2</sup> At least not in America. In Europe, of course, Ford Escorts of a different ilk were big in rallying and touring car racing. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Ford_Escort_RS_1600.jpg">Do</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcyFrW6Pidva-hQ32CnUD6tAf_uwrZqAFFgkLwsHi9MfSc6gO5HPSHcU2T64jqVicMUBr2yg0HospVQ2Nc-cyNjZUgkpUMi-yU7OyVx57WnymhvMZAx9a9Jp7yNj_yQyC4KXeOieXUbQi/s1600/FORD+ESCORT+RS+1600.jpg">want</a>.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-54090645591060450572011-10-26T13:47:00.021-05:002011-10-26T13:59:54.791-05:00Little MoFo FoMoCup: The Hardware<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo2czHY93RdkD-rFpQGdVN76Sv0I3MvNThsJd8A5Ra6q3rfKpBcG4Ors9pTCbpiH0qf9PGr4zTRjqgDQcgYYkaDuF-PfGMMv7WCTrO6EEuGUqQHK_p2fb_JjVcGko9L2Bj5tkil3BI2g/s1600/Trophy+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo2czHY93RdkD-rFpQGdVN76Sv0I3MvNThsJd8A5Ra6q3rfKpBcG4Ors9pTCbpiH0qf9PGr4zTRjqgDQcgYYkaDuF-PfGMMv7WCTrO6EEuGUqQHK_p2fb_JjVcGko9L2Bj5tkil3BI2g/s400/Trophy+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667874585103030402" border="0" /></a>This serious piece of hardware is the 2011 <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2011/10/little-mofo-fomocup-winners-byte-marks.html">FoMoCup</a> prize! Greg has completed the trophy and will be shipping it to the glorious and triumphant winners, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002034642479">Byte Marks (Marx?) Racing</a><sup>1</sup>.<br /><br />I'll let Greg's words speak for themselves, as he is the trophy's designer and fabricator<sup>2</sup>:<br /><br />"The base is a 40hp/1200cc VW camshaft topped off with a piston and connecting rod out of a 1098cc Morris Minor engine. The intake valves are out of a Ford Fiesta and the [Ford] emblem and car were affixed using super glue."<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM3PWiQ-cwPn1x07Lf2MT6eGLfnZQbF_sAIjHgIQoHutKBDnu7wP8PU3ShEOWrk_DDDQ0OAfRQbZhRzCcrlRU4uEtdsTpJxvp_FTgojOu1hRnV0jTw36k5Yrl2z8ZMs4KU28E76z1EgA/s1600/Trophy+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM3PWiQ-cwPn1x07Lf2MT6eGLfnZQbF_sAIjHgIQoHutKBDnu7wP8PU3ShEOWrk_DDDQ0OAfRQbZhRzCcrlRU4uEtdsTpJxvp_FTgojOu1hRnV0jTw36k5Yrl2z8ZMs4KU28E76z1EgA/s400/Trophy+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667876001714431618" border="0" /></a>The car affixed to the top is a <a href="http://www.southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/images/2003/2003_064.jpg">glittertastic</a> Hot Wheels Cosworth Escort.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lRkVK7_dslpKL577SEhMHWFUJPdGuvCWNiOmkSJ4Pq6zU7ubVCUX7MrRIbXe7JG3qN2UBik_XTfjOLbv35Nonk0avKH5AVnpHhEC8vn0RuIoKryyiOwuF8pTTfPhqzy14eZVRRpY7Qs/s1600/Trophy+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lRkVK7_dslpKL577SEhMHWFUJPdGuvCWNiOmkSJ4Pq6zU7ubVCUX7MrRIbXe7JG3qN2UBik_XTfjOLbv35Nonk0avKH5AVnpHhEC8vn0RuIoKryyiOwuF8pTTfPhqzy14eZVRRpY7Qs/s400/Trophy+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667875870112333090" border="0" /></a>Is it not a work of beauty?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> If you're in a spendin' mood, buy a <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/bytemarksracing">Byte Marks shirt</a>. It will crush your will in a most comradely way!<br /><br /><sup>2</sup> I'm glad that Greg came through, because my idea was to cut the head off a thrift-store <a href="http://www.chevroncars.com/learn/img-old/tennis-trophy.jpg">tennis trophy</a> and super-glue the Hot Wheels Escort in the head's place.</span>Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-40263784368331077512011-10-24T13:10:00.001-05:002011-10-24T13:10:27.894-05:00Little MoFo FoMoCup Winners: Byte Marks Racing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio06ZoXPeLcaPlNlVkgSDzdudl2MGBjNdDKXXu22pEfaOFGCx8KrYM05HKRPq_bRqfskmO-b1y7Cic2aUJLP3hLlqfRx10MhutFXJsxOUv23ZqhCDUS99umyiRWNNOdCMDN0D1D6K-9yM/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio06ZoXPeLcaPlNlVkgSDzdudl2MGBjNdDKXXu22pEfaOFGCx8KrYM05HKRPq_bRqfskmO-b1y7Cic2aUJLP3hLlqfRx10MhutFXJsxOUv23ZqhCDUS99umyiRWNNOdCMDN0D1D6K-9yM/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665697798212234946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Congratulations to the <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-1494.html">Byte Marks Racing Ford Escort GT</a> for winning the inaugural Little MoFo FoMoCup! Byte Marks finished 19th overall and second in class B, which was by far the best finish for four-cylinder Fords in the whole field. Enjoy your [unfinished] trophy and 12 bottles of <strike>loathsome</strike> drinkable Schlitz for your efforts!<br /><br />The origins of this [unofficial] award come from several <a href="http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbsings.html">"Sometimes-I-can't-believe-how-totally-awesome-we-are"</a> conversations between Alan and myself [Eric]. The genesis for this, specifically, was Alan and Eric mirroring Ford engineers of the late 1970s in suggesting that Ford could make a compact car competitive with anything the Japanese could build. Of course, that hasn't parsed out exactly in LeMons (or real life), so they opted to create a separate competition to help Ford Escort team owners feel better about their terrible, terrible car. The original name was proposed as the Escort Cup with the winner getting a repurposed <a href="http://dorsetfinds.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/19502-bowling3.jpg?w=400&h=302">bowling</a> trophy and <a href="http://www.ebeercans.com/images/large/OI-377.jpg">some nasty beer</a>.<br /><br />Enter Greg from the<a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0853.html"> Skid Steer Racing Mercury Bobcat</a> team, who sent Eric a message via the LeMons forum to let him know that he was building an actual trophy for the Escort Cup (which only had two known entrants at the time). Since Greg didn't drive an Escort, Eric suggested that the competition be expanded to all small-displacement , normally-aspirated<sup>1</sup> ("Little Mofos") Ford Motor Company ("FoMoCo") entries. And so was born the Little MoFo FoMoCup.<br /><br />Greg brought the unfinished trophy to Autobahn to complete, but some, uh, difficulties arose<sup>2</sup> and the trophy was unfinished due to time constraints (It will be mailed shortly, though).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe0fYxOSPzgWT7cb3ED6ZnTa8_GEGyMoGjJ6qmKi1PXV571uHeU9qxcjj97GSbn37quuPD874VHX5l0e12Oe0XocxJulffynyO08DiKojLKgqfk2eccn1sGo-VQCxm0orh4OWUgqpKAA/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe0fYxOSPzgWT7cb3ED6ZnTa8_GEGyMoGjJ6qmKi1PXV571uHeU9qxcjj97GSbn37quuPD874VHX5l0e12Oe0XocxJulffynyO08DiKojLKgqfk2eccn1sGo-VQCxm0orh4OWUgqpKAA/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665700977780929490" border="0" /></a>Byte Marks did graciously accept the case of Schlitz, labeled by the Nixon campaign as "Unfit for human consumption," but that was mostly because <a href="http://bytemarksracing.blogspot.com/">Byte Marks are a bunch of Commies</a><sup>3</sup>.<br /><br />In any event, here are the full Little MoFo FoMoCup results:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0598.html">#101 Byte Marks Racing</a> - Ford Escort GT - 351 Laps (19th overall)<br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0460.html">#79 Dos Limons</a> - Ford Fiesta - 314 Laps (35th overall)<br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0335.html">#29 TSI/LemonSqueezer/Barbie</a> - Mercury Capri - 291 Laps (44th overall)<br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0459.html">#78 Dos Limons</a> - Ford Fiesta - 269 Laps (50th overall)<br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-1182.html">#74 Team Resignation</a> - Ford Escort LX/ZX2 - 246 Laps (57th overall)<br /><a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0442.html">#863 Team Skid Steer Bobcat</a> - Mercury Bobcat - 235 Laps* (63rd overall)<br /><br />* Team Skid Steer ran at least part of one stint with the transponder off. They likely would have finished in fifth place if the laps had counted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fmuX-uPuGXW6EyXe3S4V2ORkzEc1-iANxt4Gw1dPDRvO8GUIb9rV83uZzt7dhde64tPlRIEFYfdyybn6j8ezbuAEBTpUHuhDUh_PYaMH-9nt_14SrcMzzkbAfVwE3nfBNWOFycqxi0/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1fmuX-uPuGXW6EyXe3S4V2ORkzEc1-iANxt4Gw1dPDRvO8GUIb9rV83uZzt7dhde64tPlRIEFYfdyybn6j8ezbuAEBTpUHuhDUh_PYaMH-9nt_14SrcMzzkbAfVwE3nfBNWOFycqxi0/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665701299474423378" border="0" /></a><br />Fastest Laps:<br /><br />#74 Team Resignation - 1:49.866<br />#78 Dos Limons - 1:50.705<br />#79 Dos Limons - 1:51.694<br />#101 Byte Marks - 1:51.898<br />#29 TSI/Barbie - 1:52.721<br />#862 Skid Steer - 2:07.803<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcMcz0WBtXu-EJid5OkvZ1nH_zrfQt4gy0nkll4IOPzMyzhBXQgumVBd9M4iQK-eyOCFcpj0KDc9-QHkfFs36to4yZEFcFmMfV3LEFoM2pfcLU00QeOfNs4LwSy3pfrbDqOm37KKyOf4/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcMcz0WBtXu-EJid5OkvZ1nH_zrfQt4gy0nkll4IOPzMyzhBXQgumVBd9M4iQK-eyOCFcpj0KDc9-QHkfFs36to4yZEFcFmMfV3LEFoM2pfcLU00QeOfNs4LwSy3pfrbDqOm37KKyOf4/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665701860574607442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Congratulations to all FoMoCo teams for being dumb enough to run Ford metal! Each Ford entry ran more than 500 miles on the track!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBWGdNDis79tT-l2qxUvJBkz69tbMalNpwx6QL1CylIUVPNkZvbzWVfnNzjfheR35_v5ym3ETGmDroS2mIoFV1Hna-BZd_iViq0W2EtKD2ptMaz8Dgx1xKVAwv-Wiisdu-3PS54v6yLo/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBWGdNDis79tT-l2qxUvJBkz69tbMalNpwx6QL1CylIUVPNkZvbzWVfnNzjfheR35_v5ym3ETGmDroS2mIoFV1Hna-BZd_iViq0W2EtKD2ptMaz8Dgx1xKVAwv-Wiisdu-3PS54v6yLo/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665701655169615474" border="0" /></a><br />We'll hopefully see all of these teams again at next year's Autobahn race(s).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> Astute car people out there will note that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Capri#Third_Generation_.281991.E2.80.931994.29">third-generation Mercury Capri</a> actually runs a turbo 1.6L motor. The car was included as an executive decision by the FoMoCup's [self-appointed] executive directors (Greg and Eric). The normally aspirated tag was designed to keep <a href="http://www.dragtimes.com/images/1102343353VAMP2a6.gif">Turbo Coupes</a>, <a href="http://www.allfordmustangs.com/photopost/data/3952/im000786.jpg">Turbostangs</a> and the occasional <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKfMkQjAa4Oasc1R0iq8tWVerRkoE858H0Tg5VK_uN2VKf7YuNlJ-zFHf9qpRH6qHhgyzzAvDRMDmsO996UFmy2aYgHkL_9lsrK72jcpPpjARFf59y7GADr-1yVbLO1u5aCRwdu98ezwT/s1600/187Merkur2.JPG">Merkur XR4Ti</a> out of the running, as they are much, much faster cars.<br /><br /><sup>2</sup> Not having a functioning engine at the start of a race weekend has a way of making people overlook trivial things like an unfinished trophy. They can clearly be forgiven, as they have an <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663588778120021298">awesome theme</a>, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663574772196376418">a sweet old car</a>, and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663568524364822002">awesome orange wheels</a> on it. Also, I forgot to get a picture of the trophy, so I don't have that. But it's awesome and made of engine parts from an old VW and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Minor">Morris Minor</a> (!).<br /><br /><sup>3</sup> They're actually incredibly awesome guys and the Team Resignation guys were enjoying the Byte Marks Escorts' success vicariously. Also, their car's graphics are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29375858@N03/6232643871/in/set-72157627741321677">fantastic</a>!Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-17705874872627757462011-10-21T11:49:00.195-05:002011-10-28T15:37:44.374-05:00A LeMons BS Primer: Lessons in bribing and smugness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoQ0AL9mfIK9OmSpL4ImwFbSsxMm0MsSV7FSZXWBaEzECbTtjqWuC3Ru1s7xnJXP1dy-OkamMJxShyNhfaaZioBZDQpgFTOG4mVCMDVSRdQdton7qaxsF5ivlolUYuyMIvPt4QqMJJa4/s1600/Lead.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666348478076208658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoQ0AL9mfIK9OmSpL4ImwFbSsxMm0MsSV7FSZXWBaEzECbTtjqWuC3Ru1s7xnJXP1dy-OkamMJxShyNhfaaZioBZDQpgFTOG4mVCMDVSRdQdton7qaxsF5ivlolUYuyMIvPt4QqMJJa4/s400/Lead.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />Most who read this blog will be at least passingly familiar with the concept of the 24 Hours of LeMons: Buy [and fix] a car for $500 or less and bring it to the race. But the casual reader may question how the budget limit is enforced, so this post is intended for those inquisitive types and to explain Team Resignation's approach to the<a href="http://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/232407-L.jpg"> fuzzy math</a> of budgets.<br /><br />The budget enforcement team is better known as the <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/08/500x_BW09-Penalties-500px-17.jpg">LeMons Supreme Court</a>, which in the Midwest consists primarily of Gonzo automotive journalist and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Torment-Incorporated-Nexus-Murilee-Martin/dp/0352339438/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319764649&sr=8-1">smut writer</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmBrthurv2x2chQmSg28ayDvHljcd7PV9ETI-Ji0WjWE2VMQdSP-NHJnIAqjbntUrimV5lkoPkZ0pC3BhiSi92v9GX2YTtqrwjSqA-xWqg5LMyfTo8jCTeKpDru2N3_VtZ_m6T75A0b0/s576/DSC_1761.JPG">Murilee Martin</a> (known as Judge Phil in LeMons circles) and his cousin, <a href="http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/08/SpeedycopImpalaPhotos-73-550x412.jpg">Judge Sam</a><sup>1</sup>. They process each team's budget through a scientific process known as "BS Inspection," during which they inspect the car and sort through the obviously cooked books which will almost certainly show a budget of $500 to the penny. They then assess penalty laps to those who have obviously violated the $500 budget; 1 penalty lap is assessed for each $10 spent overbudget.<br /><br />However, there are methods to deflect the scrutiny of the Supreme Court's harsh interrogation methods. Judge Phil/Murilee Martin himself wrote the definitive guide, which can be found <a href="http://jalopnik.com/400309/what-would-smokey-do-24-hours-of-lemons-cheating-tips-from-judge-murilee">here</a>. But let's explore Team Resignation's methods:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLrKm0I2-uLDgOAw4gBvq4_hL_sjc8yTw2kjqApwIjlyBNgnLWpcevYsS-8lN7KFU5SW_mBRKcvmWauakEZjs4sHXb2hkgusjE-snfkSW8MKOgd80CY2d1P6WYoh4ZEic0yTIIbvr2Y/s1600/Point1.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666345644854336658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZLrKm0I2-uLDgOAw4gBvq4_hL_sjc8yTw2kjqApwIjlyBNgnLWpcevYsS-8lN7KFU5SW_mBRKcvmWauakEZjs4sHXb2hkgusjE-snfkSW8MKOgd80CY2d1P6WYoh4ZEic0yTIIbvr2Y/s400/Point1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>1) Pick a terrible car (or at least an unassuming one). Ford Escorts aren't really known for their racing pedigree<sup>2</sup>. Or for much else besides there being a whole bunch of them anywhere. Alternately, pick a car you know and have worked on before. In our case, we killed two birds with one grille cover and chose a model that was closely related to Alan's daily driver at the time (and his two previous daily drivers).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPv-FyyvkpUv0dxh8OzGl3gDWsju7p7wPb196ZgOFnUsoK7QkyhK2SfZg0zdgh2fkZrahcWDazehxJSudOv7ZCqxolKthLB3iL-CERejLeVnwdPeldS8KCS4e__fjGrvy9u-TyDpNhlM/s1600/Point2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346023399223858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPv-FyyvkpUv0dxh8OzGl3gDWsju7p7wPb196ZgOFnUsoK7QkyhK2SfZg0zdgh2fkZrahcWDazehxJSudOv7ZCqxolKthLB3iL-CERejLeVnwdPeldS8KCS4e__fjGrvy9u-TyDpNhlM/s400/Point2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" border="0" /></a>2) Choose an awesome theme. This can be related in some ways to your car of choice, or it can be something awesome. The main point is this: Be original. Classic race car liveries (<a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/05/medium_242-Volvo-Gulf-Oil-39.jpg">Gulf</a> <a href="http://www.easypor.com/images/908_14/IMG_0363.jpg">Oil</a> <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2010/02/donetodeath-gulf-01-800px.jpg">anyone?</a>) have mostly been done, and they're boring. But if you're going to do one, make it a parody. Observe the Charnal House MetSHO:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUARMeNm32n1nZguQ5JDFULG0Y0cBmXipNatzwMfyvp-qzsa8lxnDz8q3DygNSlxpiLjCn3i6KcFyNmfd5R0Ct0KcYs_NdduIrO41f2m4CJwEX5ZRxqYieiAgpQsaw-2jOEJrNbGqO10/s1600/Point2B.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346306299079234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUARMeNm32n1nZguQ5JDFULG0Y0cBmXipNatzwMfyvp-qzsa8lxnDz8q3DygNSlxpiLjCn3i6KcFyNmfd5R0Ct0KcYs_NdduIrO41f2m4CJwEX5ZRxqYieiAgpQsaw-2jOEJrNbGqO10/s400/Point2B.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>And the car they parodied:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxqbQtSWmQdrBMVW39u4XiVPMjoTvYjcNSso3AiEjSdKVtI8XbJyuJFgFk4Estd27xMoUiIHadyD1DCK3F60aLlydxdaR39U_6gDqZGV2f7L3KrlEHMqi_lBwKTeVfgPC2rgnmQ6u6Ho/s1600/Point2C.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666346779371988306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxqbQtSWmQdrBMVW39u4XiVPMjoTvYjcNSso3AiEjSdKVtI8XbJyuJFgFk4Estd27xMoUiIHadyD1DCK3F60aLlydxdaR39U_6gDqZGV2f7L3KrlEHMqi_lBwKTeVfgPC2rgnmQ6u6Ho/s400/Point2C.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />In our case, we chose our theme from a LeMons Supreme Court <a href="http://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/viewtopic.php?pid=38023">request made on the forum</a> for a Nixon/Agnew theme. The Agnew part got largely pushed to the background, but it showed up in a few places. Which leads us to...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPxefMWsT30BdyfNDxc2H0F8WlKpEs9oU733ydZ5lvQEaLUbkFeYT6IaxCMlODU20MzVk_-gjIzblORRqQZ-7P1BpQjQ3nFV0773amRDGHTYiDbUewIwc-3VScmOPfRMyxf5DWf1bCsI/s1600/Point3A.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347038183043362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPxefMWsT30BdyfNDxc2H0F8WlKpEs9oU733ydZ5lvQEaLUbkFeYT6IaxCMlODU20MzVk_-gjIzblORRqQZ-7P1BpQjQ3nFV0773amRDGHTYiDbUewIwc-3VScmOPfRMyxf5DWf1bCsI/s400/Point3A.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>3) The devil is in the details. When you're theming the car, pay attention to little things. Like a Ford emblem that says "Agnew" on it. The judges appreciate the effort. (The "Escape to Milwaukee" sticker came with the car. It's not related to the theme but is too good to remove.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1efmKS0hLOmYDwBTxvYSzwlirAcaNInhyt0uZ3lmB7aPf4mpHG2WqZrRS6dVzlLbjYwK4Ry6I0WUGJH0lRwqv_AvxWEx-gacfyxUzJ2Q3hzpBCo3-8E-fEJuwrZp_fBcKea4ozMPjO0/s1600/Point3B.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347299481421826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1efmKS0hLOmYDwBTxvYSzwlirAcaNInhyt0uZ3lmB7aPf4mpHG2WqZrRS6dVzlLbjYwK4Ry6I0WUGJH0lRwqv_AvxWEx-gacfyxUzJ2Q3hzpBCo3-8E-fEJuwrZp_fBcKea4ozMPjO0/s400/Point3B.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 329px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>4) <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0022.html">Dress</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0124.html">like</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0194.html">fools</a>. It helps deliver the theme and looks great in photos. If you're willing to humiliate yourself [further; you're already racing a crapheap, remember] for the entertainment of those at the track and the Supreme Court, the gesture may spare you a few penalty laps. We dressed like Nixon volunteers, complete with campaign pins and name tags.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhJpG9gliDTYStW4qd0Y3VGaTZqbsqWXiWdIWk0kC_uoYgKcESjjHZZVmIsXq9Sz-t1M-rO0espXiNCrQrwjpOQWnvlYfRRKkUewBZuelTTMhGPg7vPaJQW-CCAFnUxmTMnGB7Mk5pyQ/s1600/Point5.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347513180091090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhJpG9gliDTYStW4qd0Y3VGaTZqbsqWXiWdIWk0kC_uoYgKcESjjHZZVmIsXq9Sz-t1M-rO0espXiNCrQrwjpOQWnvlYfRRKkUewBZuelTTMhGPg7vPaJQW-CCAFnUxmTMnGB7Mk5pyQ/s400/Point5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 288px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>5) Bring some documentation. We at Team Resignation are terrible about keeping track of all the damn receipts for all the crap that goes into the car. But we make sure to have a closely estimated budget that is actually semi-realistic. And if we can, we print out part prices and emails in which we've bought or traded for parts. But it helps to make your paperwork part of the theme.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P0L4D1Zi5cdQWZZxhGDViRMli02bDiV8rwgJGlwSqaSTU1mbkv81Y2vU5hhB4iDkishGuJPVBFTaQh_CqgiRhqbmDQ8Jpy3tylP2sIrzYhaU_wSGaSBG5uJEXu9vcPeMHzuhOUXC06k/s1600/Point6.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666347866151537378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P0L4D1Zi5cdQWZZxhGDViRMli02bDiV8rwgJGlwSqaSTU1mbkv81Y2vU5hhB4iDkishGuJPVBFTaQh_CqgiRhqbmDQ8Jpy3tylP2sIrzYhaU_wSGaSBG5uJEXu9vcPeMHzuhOUXC06k/s400/Point6.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="display: block;"></span></a>6) Update your theme in subsequent races. If you have a winner of a theme, make some adjustments to entertain the judges. In our case, we took our <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-033.html">full-body mannequin</a> that had been in the back of the car and mounted the torso of it to the roof. And we gave Nixon eyes. Then we had our graphics partner <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/">Phil Rood</a> design an <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0019.html">amazing stencil</a>, which is loosely based on the old <a href="http://i.b5z.net/i/u/453686/i/trush_ezr2.jpg">Thrush Mufflers bird</a>. We have plans for our next two races in the works now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZ3JyS1PgWHecRehBJzFGfsydG4Z2-AOodqWW-fj_C5I5eUW9ej8P-zEjEsHHrdl6LVgcgRbTOzj_vZMGzmXV0j98_NvpV1hPHhSBfYAPcTrNX_8sHfp9wmJT4Xpp1G22s2XzXroIXI/s1600/Point7.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666348291417392514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZ3JyS1PgWHecRehBJzFGfsydG4Z2-AOodqWW-fj_C5I5eUW9ej8P-zEjEsHHrdl6LVgcgRbTOzj_vZMGzmXV0j98_NvpV1hPHhSBfYAPcTrNX_8sHfp9wmJT4Xpp1G22s2XzXroIXI/s400/Point7.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a>7) Bribe, bribe, bribe. This is so important that we'll now discuss it at length.<br /><br />We ran our first race in 2010 at Autobahn Country Club, and our bribe and theme was good enough to get <a href="http://murileemartin.com/wordpress/?p=398">a post of its own</a> on Judge Phil's blog. The key to bribing is the same as the key to a good theme: Be original. Sure, everyone loves to bribe the judges with booze and/or food, but the judges and organizers are writers and creative types who love their bribes to be unique.<br /><br />So our 2010 bribe included:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsueZy97n-yKiMjpKg7s6Yj4fjYiKOAcR-aJ8271VCbQ3IhLy1_rhw22B9FsP_0u6hs4hPyl7Gga4LXI40PrWOrBRYvDgA-VV94zorTD8qAvjGxOP8j26m0q1LmFI5FVsWktsWtej3g/s1600/Beer.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349300287969874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsueZy97n-yKiMjpKg7s6Yj4fjYiKOAcR-aJ8271VCbQ3IhLy1_rhw22B9FsP_0u6hs4hPyl7Gga4LXI40PrWOrBRYvDgA-VV94zorTD8qAvjGxOP8j26m0q1LmFI5FVsWktsWtej3g/s400/Beer.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A homebrewed American Pale Ale. Alan and Eric made labels to dub it "Nixon/Agnew Nattering Nabob Nuclear Beer." It was brewed by Eric's brother-in-law, Dan Meyer. The team also drank it in the post-race hours and traded it for other homebrew. Additional benefit: Homebrew (and any beer, really) can be a bartering item in the pit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_MKl5M2VzGTOSnsAfSJ8heOr0slgv10H4quukyd5HZLZueVlbLfHqrR_sAmXmcZWYNvnXlsiAnr2qShMAWZE5VEg29K0cpHPNCA7XuVCNWfKkqWiG37I6jSiFcvVLcoUuYKSHxUswU/s1600/Book3.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349482671220370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_MKl5M2VzGTOSnsAfSJ8heOr0slgv10H4quukyd5HZLZueVlbLfHqrR_sAmXmcZWYNvnXlsiAnr2qShMAWZE5VEg29K0cpHPNCA7XuVCNWfKkqWiG37I6jSiFcvVLcoUuYKSHxUswU/s400/Book3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq6-TVUC6Fu_OOhvams5HnrAkefLgaDHeaFDiw4FPzTkzs_J-7WjRKni0HVkgdvHit7J8w0Su7if2FXZlH5K5now5QJsTDTEna-aqGImigGEHK6o0L87syWe8Y9C7dO0PT2hbkT6SkTM/s1600/Book2.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666349451801509714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq6-TVUC6Fu_OOhvams5HnrAkefLgaDHeaFDiw4FPzTkzs_J-7WjRKni0HVkgdvHit7J8w0Su7if2FXZlH5K5now5QJsTDTEna-aqGImigGEHK6o0L87syWe8Y9C7dO0PT2hbkT6SkTM/s400/Book2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Milhous-Nixon-American-Politician/dp/0805011218">definitive Nixon biography by Roger Morris</a>. Eric hollowed it out like <a href="http://www.propstore.com/content/propstorecollection/shaw/PDVD_009.jpg">some kind of LeMony movie</a> and put a small bottle of Johnny Walker in there (well, booze is always a decent idea). The book itself was an incredible thrift-store find, having at some time been a <span style="font-style: italic;">Valentine's Day gift</span> to a man's [soon-to-be-ex-]wife. Note the underlined words, which suggest that a 500+ page biography of the only impeached president should be synonymous with "real quality" time. Yikes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgGKEL1JhTDB5rSzGu-z235lgrLKxPRYntmo6PF5ud1PamK3VNubmxz0S_tF6smMq7l1W-LpJZ-rN1de_V7XMQlng4kyMzbrsoW4kDwf3qaIQLSLj6gmrDf4axLQy7XjN9a8ZjcLurw/s1600/T-shirt.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350262392639906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgGKEL1JhTDB5rSzGu-z235lgrLKxPRYntmo6PF5ud1PamK3VNubmxz0S_tF6smMq7l1W-LpJZ-rN1de_V7XMQlng4kyMzbrsoW4kDwf3qaIQLSLj6gmrDf4axLQy7XjN9a8ZjcLurw/s400/T-shirt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" border="0" /></a>- An iron-on Team Resignation T-shirt (Logo, again, designed by the great Phil Rood). These have since [<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] been supplanted by [<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] our wide variety[<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">BUY OUR STUFF</a>] of choices at the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">Team Resignation Cafe Press shop</a>. <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation">Buy our stuff</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x_3gbiOqgM3hBHd4WmO3g09XYxzgmQczrW-RcXg_7cgIcJ28WXZDgr08xkzWOJVwLXoogNH-6qxYZhoEt97p7PpyCZPh9dzT9tPP38mF9tvADXNHvlxyXabaxbGCrp7mRv6qbL1x49U/s1600/poster.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350630142819250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x_3gbiOqgM3hBHd4WmO3g09XYxzgmQczrW-RcXg_7cgIcJ28WXZDgr08xkzWOJVwLXoogNH-6qxYZhoEt97p7PpyCZPh9dzT9tPP38mF9tvADXNHvlxyXabaxbGCrp7mRv6qbL1x49U/s400/poster.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 260px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 388px;" border="0" /></a>- A poster-sized copy of the famous Nixon-Elvis Oval Office photo. On the back, this poster had the entire handwritten manuscript (on American Airlines stationery) of Elvis' <a href="http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/nsa/elvis/docs/doc1.pdf">hippie-bustin' note to the Head Honcho</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />In 2011, Eric added in some items that he felt fit the bill after reading Judge Phil's excellent <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/1965-impala-hell-project-part-16-another-heart-transplant/">Project Impala Hell</a> series. We also decided to forego the booze bribes, since the judges have typically received more booze than they know what to do with:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAPUBf3VditjsdmwJ_VBl5IINfNOq98zAWe76YgaYLBry02VRvfyb-3UCIcvimAecO-NCeTkI13DL9X7JZoIzHjaKOPd57q0EnbPIYmGS2pIQ4_H8ifO8BC6KAvJZUO7XgOwsdLz-8zA/s1600/newsweek1.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666350929088305410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAPUBf3VditjsdmwJ_VBl5IINfNOq98zAWe76YgaYLBry02VRvfyb-3UCIcvimAecO-NCeTkI13DL9X7JZoIzHjaKOPd57q0EnbPIYmGS2pIQ4_H8ifO8BC6KAvJZUO7XgOwsdLz-8zA/s400/newsweek1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFfBbvEE5pGGEWR0y1RP_P3-QNVbBKpmzWC82UCvsq014y_956wefFeQwmfTw5_Hu_YglLqkJRdIjEPzCzBoAzeuI1pRTplE5wX2aaNVzDwDm9eCvI-qUi4kpnQtjmQ1Pspp27f7hE_k/s1600/newsweek2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666351010339791874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFfBbvEE5pGGEWR0y1RP_P3-QNVbBKpmzWC82UCvsq014y_956wefFeQwmfTw5_Hu_YglLqkJRdIjEPzCzBoAzeuI1pRTplE5wX2aaNVzDwDm9eCvI-qUi4kpnQtjmQ1Pspp27f7hE_k/s400/newsweek2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb5tzeDHxLkSjPtaFdOeu9uMrGazW1JhJo_NVnXPswVIr-SF0MRFhp6WmUcn_y06rwNqNyqh_PjcvmdE9NXZMLVfu-qAi7DBZBTHLY6KlGlMkXvU1NAAKDK_NQ-q_q_5QEGVDDEfOOSY/s1600/newsweek3.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666351100944553154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb5tzeDHxLkSjPtaFdOeu9uMrGazW1JhJo_NVnXPswVIr-SF0MRFhp6WmUcn_y06rwNqNyqh_PjcvmdE9NXZMLVfu-qAi7DBZBTHLY6KlGlMkXvU1NAAKDK_NQ-q_q_5QEGVDDEfOOSY/s400/newsweek3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- Several copies of Watergate-era Newsweek magazine, which were found in the same thrift store at the same time as the above-mentioned Valentine's Day biography. These feature some amazing old car ads and a sweet picture of Gerald Ford in commencement-speech garb, smoking a stogie and probably writing about how awesome it will be to have his own presidential jet when Nixon gets skewered by <a href="http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/woodward-and-bernstein.jpg">those vengeful liberal media types</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL36jBoBK6OF_XXx6UD5CqmmeLAglUAShWa4fxokjUjRpNt2u0268EzO7p0-XDH4K49UDD5KZSVyi0Q3dVHEj4Ns-4ebNfJRcrvw7JjCGcNyuVNrD5Dj1mEKqfD3nDtBE_8eCy16ql7W4/s1600/sticker.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666360477545808482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL36jBoBK6OF_XXx6UD5CqmmeLAglUAShWa4fxokjUjRpNt2u0268EzO7p0-XDH4K49UDD5KZSVyi0Q3dVHEj4Ns-4ebNfJRcrvw7JjCGcNyuVNrD5Dj1mEKqfD3nDtBE_8eCy16ql7W4/s400/sticker.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A re-elect Nixon in '72 sticker, which Judge Phil promptly placed on his laptop. Also, a Nixon-Lodge volunteer postcard and a Nixon-Lodge campaign postcard.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Trm_02COKx1D40xELt22i5HxjL8zuLLQKgRTr80CmPVFqG1oNZvN5AB1IW6liFO146qN3VURUHHFt2DIP7i7LFUaAa74B-m6gDJdhoqdRVrfzzJIRcy3ZtB9GJaY1pm-ej-hYndHoFA/s1600/watch.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666352379924119874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Trm_02COKx1D40xELt22i5HxjL8zuLLQKgRTr80CmPVFqG1oNZvN5AB1IW6liFO146qN3VURUHHFt2DIP7i7LFUaAa74B-m6gDJdhoqdRVrfzzJIRcy3ZtB9GJaY1pm-ej-hYndHoFA/s400/watch.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" border="0" /></a>- A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bricklin_SV-1">Bricklin SV-1</a> watch, which keeps in line with Judge Phil's <a href="http://www.highgearmedia.com/user/10018465_murilee-martin">love of terrible, terrible cars</a>. This was purchased on Ebay from a seller in Hong Kong, who has them in all manner of bizarre car brands. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_TC_by_Maserati">Chrysler TC by Maserati</a> watch that was purchased at the same time failed to arrive in time, so Eric wears it on occasion and laughs at it whenever he checks the time. If you opt to purchase a watch from the seller for these ends (or for your own), allow at least three weeks' shipping time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_w6ciS-8LVS1E62M5h2fpixkrzqFdJTGnwq-1zAPK-4pbivXg3bt2S407WulE1REbvugcYP5j-9Ojjrj3lF7Qu6ApmGBBP537XWlZ_lwcdvynYWqSglJYcHplab26RmYa6Jk9MShVg/s1600/mixtape.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666352770939017490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF_w6ciS-8LVS1E62M5h2fpixkrzqFdJTGnwq-1zAPK-4pbivXg3bt2S407WulE1REbvugcYP5j-9Ojjrj3lF7Qu6ApmGBBP537XWlZ_lwcdvynYWqSglJYcHplab26RmYa6Jk9MShVg/s400/mixtape.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- A mixtape of LeMons-related songs. This one stems from <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5303241/meat-bees-and-bad-craziness-old-road+trip-mix-tapes-resurrected-for-ca+to+co-drive">several</a> <a href="http://jalopnik.com/311138/around-the-country-in-22-days-the-orange-mix-tape">Murilee Martin</a> <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/09/1965-impala-hell-project-part-11-son-of-orange-county/">posts</a> about his old mixtapes. The tracklist was compiled by mixing bands listed in these posts with bands of the same ilk, which basically led to it being the strangest (but pretty decent, really) mixtape ever compiled. Also, the titles and/or band names more or less create a half-assed narrative of a typical LeMons weekend. Track list:<br /><br />SIDE A<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlyS50B-89A">My Hooptie</a>" - Sir Mix-A-Lot<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4YwbCRPQE8">Waitin' for a Train</a>" - Beck<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dtzMkfI1k">D's Car Jam/Anxious MoFo</a>" - Minutemen<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRF7WfvZAmg">Sweet Willy Rollbar</a>" - Melvins<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCDJzPRzxp8">Rodeo in Joliet</a>" - The Jesus Lizard<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOalHnQ90Hs">Trust Your Mechanic</a>" - Dead Kennedys<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIMShY9dSds">Ulcer Breakout</a>" - Butthole Surfers<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIYFFjaYV1o">Race Car Ya-Yas</a>" - Cake<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDh1NS1VArI">"Third Gear Scratch"</a> - Shiner<br />"The Good Humor Mustard Gas Truck" - <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/MA/">Murilee Arraiac</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0IzyQmDkJE&feature=related">"Everything Falls Apart"</a> - Husker Du<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxB2CisyEu0">"Corvette Bummer"</a> - Beck<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBQV9HT5auQ">"It's Gonna Be a Long Night"</a> - Ween<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MuxN9YMWY">"4,738 Regrets"</a> - Trans Am<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAfd5U7tMS4">"The Race is On Again"</a> - Yo La Tengo<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1XqdFApmPw">"BMW Man"</a> - Local H<br /><br />SIDE B<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vikwfvPBI_g">"Rubber Car"</a> - Enon<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aeHVQCuLDM">"Bump"</a> - Mucca Pazza<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPrVKDXc9Ug">"Everything Crash"</a> - The Ethiopians<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pWHuLdxbLk">"Spoke"</a> - Shellac<br />"Motor City Melanoma" - Murilee Arraiac<br />"Knucklehead" - The Bar-Kays<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQgKcv7V-g">"Behave Yourself"</a> - Booker T. & the MGs<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smplqf0FYCk">"Yakety Axe"</a> - Chet Atkins<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRshPCM9lhk">"Super-Charger Heaven"</a> - White Zombie<br />"Go To Bruises" - U.S. Maple<br />"Motion Sickness" - Eleventh Dream Day<br />"One More Mile" - Muddy Waters<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0vj40YJkA4">"Sometimes Our Dreams Float Like Anchors"</a> - William Elliott Whitmore<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXWpThaTEI">"The Easy Winners"</a> - Scott Joplin<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfS7wotAOknHpd8YwSfMQVU_WNt8P24DFwavr4PPnlGInYcqyB253nONLE0fZdk-f7gWoCZudwq2dQo8_u5t_0URacJmRbNigcLH8udzEOaz-EsnNEi1lw5u0fWavXUizWiK6K7b4goI/s1600/stencil.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666353147272072642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfS7wotAOknHpd8YwSfMQVU_WNt8P24DFwavr4PPnlGInYcqyB253nONLE0fZdk-f7gWoCZudwq2dQo8_u5t_0URacJmRbNigcLH8udzEOaz-EsnNEi1lw5u0fWavXUizWiK6K7b4goI/s400/stencil.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw5yjzIlrv3rzhQn9zoLA84oMdaquf5k5n_Y2t79Pzlk1lDs4ZY3fw4DcrZ0AkyWKcBtJAzKKPs3ggg9w6ndVcQ2QJ-jEXKPztUlVcCl8hR6up5flkoZVHgitPDlH3XxoF87kcVjE93w/s1600/stencil2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666353310860541330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw5yjzIlrv3rzhQn9zoLA84oMdaquf5k5n_Y2t79Pzlk1lDs4ZY3fw4DcrZ0AkyWKcBtJAzKKPs3ggg9w6ndVcQ2QJ-jEXKPztUlVcCl8hR6up5flkoZVHgitPDlH3XxoF87kcVjE93w/s400/stencil2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>- Upon request, a copy of the Nixon stencil was provided to Judge Phil. The judges then liberally applied Nixon to "cars that needed it."<br /><br /><br />To date, our car (which is <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> within the budget constraints, we swear) has barely been sweated at BS Inspection. In two races, we've accumulated 0 penalty laps and 2 Class B placements. Which is fitting, since the car has yet to be reliable for a full race.<br /><br />So the long-winded advice is pretty much broken down like this: Don't be afraid to kiss some ass and be original.<br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> The LeMons Supreme Court varies by region. Automotive journalist Johnny Lieberman is one of the original judges who has since semi-retired though <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/JJ/JudgeJonny-049.jpg">he carries a big stick</a> at the California races still. In addition to BS judging, they also <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/IWasGoingRealGoodAndThen.jpg">dole out punishments</a> to drivers who do stupid things on track. Additionally, the title of "smut writer" was an edit by Alan. Just sayin'.<br /><br /><sup>2</sup> At least not in America. In Europe, of course, Ford Escorts of a different ilk were big in rallying and touring car racing. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Ford_Escort_RS_1600.jpg">Do</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcyFrW6Pidva-hQ32CnUD6tAf_uwrZqAFFgkLwsHi9MfSc6gO5HPSHcU2T64jqVicMUBr2yg0HospVQ2Nc-cyNjZUgkpUMi-yU7OyVx57WnymhvMZAx9a9Jp7yNj_yQyC4KXeOieXUbQi/s1600/FORD+ESCORT+RS+1600.jpg">want</a>.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-41175929922350171302011-10-21T11:07:00.004-05:002011-10-21T11:42:03.359-05:00Showroom-Schlock Shootout: Schunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjyiZc2Yt0PgXl0mK9361qTDNIp7xaqqiPYmy0c02fla96B7MNK6j9zexr7kpVBb6ifXJCNZLiL-SG0G8verHwM44gHwKVkXWcuZQ3tHmErRkZ5c-UIOxyypRo_yWxLZRryJymoE6C14/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjyiZc2Yt0PgXl0mK9361qTDNIp7xaqqiPYmy0c02fla96B7MNK6j9zexr7kpVBb6ifXJCNZLiL-SG0G8verHwM44gHwKVkXWcuZQ3tHmErRkZ5c-UIOxyypRo_yWxLZRryJymoE6C14/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665971880353200594" border="0" /></a><br />This is a recollection of Team Resignation's experiences at the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., from October 7-9. It will be published in three parts and probably be very boring. But pictures!<br /><br />SUNDAY<br /><br />As with <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2010/11/rod-blagojevich-never-say-die-500_03.html">last year's race</a>, Sunday was probably the least-exciting day, which was actually a good thing. There were no major issues that kept the car off the track, driver changes came quicker (thanks to not also having to fix things), and the car pretty much ran like clockwork for the majority of the day.<br /><br />The team started the day off correctly with a <a href="http://lasnark.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dunkin-donuts-california.jpg">LeMons racer breakfast</a> and a very brief drivers meeting at the tech shed. Kiko took the first stint in the car because his only stint Saturday had been cut short by a broken half-shaft and he'd spent only about 20 minutes in the car. He racked up a solid 30 laps in 75 minutes, though he brought the car back in missing a headlight and with a large dent in the driver's side front fender.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqTb68wumwtogD5rWSRNFbWuYN4qBHGhv6RSRUi6NV7Y52vbi5avPNqyPmcnf2PCDfwVMe-EkUqJL8PKmFdt5vxiemmSIbKXTxIsV9h4cRL0BItEtMmsPEyQLrWnIedJxT2t1FJg9Zxs/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqTb68wumwtogD5rWSRNFbWuYN4qBHGhv6RSRUi6NV7Y52vbi5avPNqyPmcnf2PCDfwVMe-EkUqJL8PKmFdt5vxiemmSIbKXTxIsV9h4cRL0BItEtMmsPEyQLrWnIedJxT2t1FJg9Zxs/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665971938719826770" border="0" /></a>While he couldn't recall who'd tagged him, Kiko said he'd been broadsided entering Turn 11 by an aggressive driver who apparently thought his (or her) car was about four feet shorter than it actually was. The damage was insignificant (and mostly limited to the driver's door being slightly more difficult to open), though Kiko told anyone remotely affiliated with the track or the race that there was a headlight on track. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663562432467710450">Judge Phil</a> shrugged it off with something to the effect of "I'm sure your car is hardly the only one that's left pieces out on the track."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzebcqX204L6gH-dBiPEJLZPBXGclWzizRHUT70n39LJWXfXEszgBfVqtArcl6LhjpGn_JQb3YApzu32jhrJ9eg40z7q-ClWPztFQj3WsjTqxQNgetY_sP0tImbFkvlIjhA01RbZqY5tU/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzebcqX204L6gH-dBiPEJLZPBXGclWzizRHUT70n39LJWXfXEszgBfVqtArcl6LhjpGn_JQb3YApzu32jhrJ9eg40z7q-ClWPztFQj3WsjTqxQNgetY_sP0tImbFkvlIjhA01RbZqY5tU/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972143991242674" border="0" /></a>Dave hopped in the car for the day's second stint and gradually worked his lap times down until he became the second TR driver to break the 2:00 barrier. Dave's pushing came at a cost, as he got the car's back end loose exiting turn 10. This would normally be correctable, but he found himself on the curbing and unable to correct it. He spun out and the car stalled and wouldn't start again.<br /><br />The team met him and the non-running car at the pit entrance, and the team was baffled by the car not starting again. The tow truck was just about to hook up to take the car to Team Resignation Track Headquarters when Eric noticed that the <a href="http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI%7EG%7EC41407%7ER0%7EOB0%7EP3R0H%7EN/0/80851247/83204708/83204719/110671822/34853741/34857029/34858641/34859372/34859378/89196826/89189107">inertial fuel pump shutoff switch </a>(the thing that cuts your fuel supply in an accident) had been tripped. He reset the switch and the car started right up. Luckily, the judges were lenient for the team's first flag of the day, and Dave, a little nervous perhaps, returned to the track to put in another 30 minutes or so of careful driving and fuel conservation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTu3NO_dRUwOWzcNgC3dweg-P4YsJIqScddcYvN_LpyxEwHxKAjtyvg88sDfx4j4bIldqG5x-0TQiG6DTuxMmslvPXhjw7BjP-q7LClozXNjyw8pcfixyFYu1OupvWaPPgDzVec75W-k/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTu3NO_dRUwOWzcNgC3dweg-P4YsJIqScddcYvN_LpyxEwHxKAjtyvg88sDfx4j4bIldqG5x-0TQiG6DTuxMmslvPXhjw7BjP-q7LClozXNjyw8pcfixyFYu1OupvWaPPgDzVec75W-k/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972237320682594" border="0" /></a>Johnny hopped in the car for the middle stint and racked up several sub-2:00 laps while knocking a half second off the weekend's fastest lap (set by Norbert on Saturday). The rest of the stint was largely uneventful, and Johnny brought it in with Team Resignation having worked up seven places in the standings to 65th place. Eric took the next stint and grannied the car around the track for an hour (through a lot of yellow flags, including one that involved a Ford Fiesta with three wheels) while the rest of the team ran to the gas station to pick up enough fuel to finish the race. Eric returned to the pit at literally the same moment as Johnny and Andrea, who had gone out for the fuel. His very-sl0w-and-kind-of-steady driving had picked up another spot in the standings as other teams desperately thrashed on their broken rides.<br /><br />Norbert then took the wheel with 150 minutes of race time remaining. He proceeded to clock dozens of extremely fast laps, knocking almost 6 (!) seconds off Johnny's fastest lap. His lap times were consistent as long as the flag stayed green, and he had worked up another few spots in the standings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKQwS5sJglxV2omqk9h4abLdNHQcq3mxDnKzTbjT31HdL1DB6u95ZJETdiiOYdCles-4_USJpvSv6rdvqQ8rWAM0kx59MVMSGN40a5nXSkGUvKT70p7mbGNYmTYcnwM309p9Fpxt8d4U/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKQwS5sJglxV2omqk9h4abLdNHQcq3mxDnKzTbjT31HdL1DB6u95ZJETdiiOYdCles-4_USJpvSv6rdvqQ8rWAM0kx59MVMSGN40a5nXSkGUvKT70p7mbGNYmTYcnwM309p9Fpxt8d4U/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972347724417938" border="0" /></a>Eric selected Johnny to take the next short (about 45 minutes) so that Kiko could take the checkered flag. But Johnny only completed three laps before getting black flagged and having to undergo the "embarrass yourself" penalty of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJQA4dW5Fo">Mime Your Crime</a>." Frustrated, he reported that the car was hard to get going and that it seemed like a clutch issue. With about 50 minutes of race time left, Kiko hopped in the car to take it home to the checkered flag.<br /><br />Over the radio, Eric warned him about the clutch issue and to put it in 4th gear and leave it there to limp to the finish. But Kiko quickly found out that the clutch wasn't the problem, but there was an odd throttle issue that did indeed make it hard to get going from a stop. On track, this wasn't much of an issue, as whatever the issue was basically rendered the gas pedal an On/Off switch (Full throttle or no throttle, no real in-between). So Kiko took advantage of the still-good clutch and flogged the car, becoming the fourth TR driver to break 2:00.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_KuxwTuUHDe-mtRyZV6IMzKSeZgcFa5VYqlic635j9XI0ZHN8WwdVyktm1GKUDrnDr0TApbjLG0ozXJYgPJCf2nLRRZc3jxCHmDM4LBLhj6TzmUm_4NnSgzy50G7vkUwzAedNm8IKhQ/s1600/6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_KuxwTuUHDe-mtRyZV6IMzKSeZgcFa5VYqlic635j9XI0ZHN8WwdVyktm1GKUDrnDr0TApbjLG0ozXJYgPJCf2nLRRZc3jxCHmDM4LBLhj6TzmUm_4NnSgzy50G7vkUwzAedNm8IKhQ/s400/6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972443621628930" border="0" /></a>He brought the car around at 4:00 p.m. to the checkered flag with his fist pumping all the way down the main straight, and Team Resignation's race was over with 246 laps completed, good for 57th place and less than a lap behind the 56th place <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0472.html">#9 Geo Metro</a>. On pit road, Kiko got a much-deserved high-five from the LeMons judges and parked the car.<br /><br /><br /><br />The team cracked open some much-deserved <a href="http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail39.html">Cold Ones</a> and headed to the awards ceremony. The total awards results can be found <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/and-the-winner-is-23/">here</a> and <a href="http://murileemartin.com/wordpress/?p=1630">here</a> with the full stories, but it's worth mentioning that Team Resignation's good friends <a href="http://racing4nickels.blogspot.com/">Racing 4 Nickels</a> (see photo below of the R4N guys in their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81qbyTgNcmI">monkey suits</a>) took home the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Effluency">Index of Effluency</a> trophy (LeMons' highest honor) for their 48th place finish in a truly terrible Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, which had also finished mid-pack in the 2010 Rod Blagojevich Never-Say-Die 500.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVH989AusK53S8Hrzu3j4GwS-eEVfGttEaeUsVsliFSiKGJlVWFGpyjLMLGeTRm6qtTdBDvwJDx8IqsdAvvbhSY9Rwnq1lmwj5M_nRTpcVcKJ6_4MbKWV8V9LKBrlxk58ewqt9Rl1FEg/s1600/7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVH989AusK53S8Hrzu3j4GwS-eEVfGttEaeUsVsliFSiKGJlVWFGpyjLMLGeTRm6qtTdBDvwJDx8IqsdAvvbhSY9Rwnq1lmwj5M_nRTpcVcKJ6_4MbKWV8V9LKBrlxk58ewqt9Rl1FEg/s400/7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972589640527010" border="0" /></a>After the awards ceremony, Team Resignation captain designee Eric handed out the honorary case of Schlitz (the trophy wasn't done due to <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663561790745895218">unforeseen engine swappage)</a> to Byte Marks Racing, the winner of the inaugural Little MoFo FoMoCup (more on this in a later post).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEy7fhTwG1-sEiRETEE3XORk5DDFSusl78DALtxxAEfeSGfcmc20lcG7oAQh_EIFfDfd29EQWAI-9PHuDyYlPkfF_Xnbex79yqOM_ewKbp9STC-MmEOyoVcII2sEfmlyO1CV50ufAHgk/s1600/8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEy7fhTwG1-sEiRETEE3XORk5DDFSusl78DALtxxAEfeSGfcmc20lcG7oAQh_EIFfDfd29EQWAI-9PHuDyYlPkfF_Xnbex79yqOM_ewKbp9STC-MmEOyoVcII2sEfmlyO1CV50ufAHgk/s400/8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972863224520562" border="0" /></a>Team Resignation then packed it in for a team photo and a handshake with Nixon before throwing everything in the rented trailer. And as the sun set and the trailer returned to Team Resignation World Headquarters in [<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Aclu-v-ashcroft-redacted.jpg">LOCATION REDACTED</a>], the co-conspirators noticed that the volume appeared turned down on life. At least until next spring...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19EDvLazFtX8Q0kM_OqW-bP4JsnCm0Vb88Yfz5ild1zBK1JPWQ0obiV0Ah4uoeRMkjR-HBagsVdpVZ1QfZPjuZYzqfiNIlXtHvm3LEhxxvqfxlxnV9uxhfeUL0r4c2SZeYaxSWSYh7xg/s1600/9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19EDvLazFtX8Q0kM_OqW-bP4JsnCm0Vb88Yfz5ild1zBK1JPWQ0obiV0Ah4uoeRMkjR-HBagsVdpVZ1QfZPjuZYzqfiNIlXtHvm3LEhxxvqfxlxnV9uxhfeUL0r4c2SZeYaxSWSYh7xg/s400/9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665972997196127954" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyvJl7tbObAfJ-oEqTHFKsntRrLZlKhJ_-S84FhQieGK0K4qsfT_khMe_jlcu6it21hdR3gAMTmrGPeRr2jub9aWreiAd0Q_sjojfE8Gv-azEaK_fn-NEpZW2AXh6EGK_bcUMe1Xkh6U/s1600/10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyvJl7tbObAfJ-oEqTHFKsntRrLZlKhJ_-S84FhQieGK0K4qsfT_khMe_jlcu6it21hdR3gAMTmrGPeRr2jub9aWreiAd0Q_sjojfE8Gv-azEaK_fn-NEpZW2AXh6EGK_bcUMe1Xkh6U/s400/10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665973069204517938" border="0" /></a><br />See all of Team Resignation's photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#">here</a> (Eric's photos) and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlmityDave/ShowroomSchlockShootout#">here</a> (Dave's photos).Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-9466878833763691192011-10-20T13:45:00.001-05:002011-10-20T13:46:08.794-05:00Showroom Schlock Shootout: Schaturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDP-gdB9czcd7PeUWe27mUx1q0YVQRjIf80MTZpzaKMnLkJjrDliEo9RRq8-JDsbfehvIB9vLngv94ASAyicEXoas7puw8NoiFP9adPW8j_oCUWzneS7RtnDFLaKXMxOkm4bG4Qdm_vk/s1600/1.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664904998686459490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDP-gdB9czcd7PeUWe27mUx1q0YVQRjIf80MTZpzaKMnLkJjrDliEo9RRq8-JDsbfehvIB9vLngv94ASAyicEXoas7puw8NoiFP9adPW8j_oCUWzneS7RtnDFLaKXMxOkm4bG4Qdm_vk/s400/1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />This is a recollection of Team Resignation's experiences at the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., from October 7-9. It will be published in three parts and probably be very boring. But pictures!<br /><br />SATURDAY<br /><br />Saturday morning brought a wicked chill that persisted for a couple of hours but burned off shortly after sunrise. As the team warmed up, they held an informal meeting (where Eric basically said "Bring the car and yourself back in as few pieces as possible") and a quick <a href="http://www.autobahncc.com/PDFs/southmap.pdf">track overview</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Zy7kJ6hyphenhyphenBjMfLpHsj7I20aEW8ZzQe1eM8hqFbrQN_GJ9PHy1hM6NNPtLA_0nv5OQVuNF6AVDWoqtPPz246VLa8Fxdz9oG_Vj2TWVpovjMGgwAWXosb7A5XmdecZIL88B62qR4JbLOY/s1600/2.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905120396825794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Zy7kJ6hyphenhyphenBjMfLpHsj7I20aEW8ZzQe1eM8hqFbrQN_GJ9PHy1hM6NNPtLA_0nv5OQVuNF6AVDWoqtPPz246VLa8Fxdz9oG_Vj2TWVpovjMGgwAWXosb7A5XmdecZIL88B62qR4JbLOY/s400/2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />The obligatory LeMons driver's meeting followed, which was standard stuff: guys wearing <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0194.html">underwear as shirts</a>, Jay Lamm calling an obnoxious driver at the meeting an asswipe, and the track manager mentioning that they wanted to do more than one race at Autobahn in 2012. (Wait, what? Well, the schedule is not yet released for 2012, but it should be soon.)<br /><br />Johnny suited up to take the green flag and got on track with only a few major hassles. The green flag was delayed by about 10 minutes when multiple cars died on the parade laps. But within about 40 minutes of the green flag, Johnny was black flagged for bumping the <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0336.html">Latch Key Kids' Neon</a>. The honorable judges did not hand out a penalty, but they did make us alter our should harness mounting to accommodate Johnny's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HANS_device">HANS device</a> before he could return to the track.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4XikURawq1cYWobzAI7UCTz54x3ZHwgKL4vdBFb3Gbf-KxJNIZdHPiGFXFSgJW7paSnrfL2t62Kexm1dgC-ejgFIv32tavKMa3v02IR2LnyQLvzGh-IdIF5SsWucoKcSr0-a8OiyV-Q/s1600/6.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905298135089090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4XikURawq1cYWobzAI7UCTz54x3ZHwgKL4vdBFb3Gbf-KxJNIZdHPiGFXFSgJW7paSnrfL2t62Kexm1dgC-ejgFIv32tavKMa3v02IR2LnyQLvzGh-IdIF5SsWucoKcSr0-a8OiyV-Q/s400/6.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>With the harness mount altered, Johnny returned to the track but came back after a handful of laps. The motor was misfiring at and above 4500 RPM and he thought it might have to with inadequate airflow through our exposed K&N air filter. Eric threw the air box on it to concentrate the air flow and Johnny headed out again. However, he only turned a few laps before coming back in. The problem remained and he felt it was electrical in nature. Out of ideas, they contacted their <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwciatC5-WARwDObzgW5ePd93yec6l6voTLF3wMXnqrCgyApUvLNYKW5PvvA8cdmrCWGHjXdtIR6XhZJjFpkyzHxd1I32oX2XhGMFDjkBGn5PGfkdKbT-Rk-gam4uwdu9YdTQGYqYw58k/s720/DSC_0499.JPG">offsite technical advisor</a>, who said it could be: spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, or fuel pump.<br /><br />With that in mind, Eric headed out for new plugs, wires, and a fuel filter while Johnny headed back to the track to nurse it around a bit. While Eric was stuck at a railroad crossing and in the parts' stores glacially moving line, the rest of the team made a driver change and put Dave in the car. Halfway through the stint, Eric returned but Dave stayed out to keep turning laps while the rest of the team prepared to change parts.<br /><br />As Dave pulled into the pit space, Kiko and Eric discussed that the problem could very well be the swapped-in OEM computer from a later-model year ZX2. In the end, the team opted to switch back to the ZX2's original computer and change the plugs and wires. They were done in short order and had Kiko in the car and on track in less than 30 minutes. Whatever they'd done had worked; the engine ran beautifully up and down the powerband and didn't misfire.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PcFDToMWg5QWi5SygDO0VxLrQWG20nOXxHKfrxdk7vd6G4fhJSe2zZLu7a0-ZQitY3-QJbxHX6x-n8ZbtjuBo7DDaBuCT9fFRRmuYDQKFioRj4cb7y8bjJqLN_Ft3Y9fw7w-QnwF_zM/s1600/3.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905488677884706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PcFDToMWg5QWi5SygDO0VxLrQWG20nOXxHKfrxdk7vd6G4fhJSe2zZLu7a0-ZQitY3-QJbxHX6x-n8ZbtjuBo7DDaBuCT9fFRRmuYDQKFioRj4cb7y8bjJqLN_Ft3Y9fw7w-QnwF_zM/s400/3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Naturally, it wouldn't last. While pushing the car hard, Kiko heard a thump followed by loud clicking noise. He brought the car in to investigate, and the team puzzled over it for a bit before eventually noticing that the driver's side halfshaft had broken. Luckily, they had brought a spare transmission and shafts, which they swapped in probably about 20 minutes (no one was looking at a watch). After adding fuel and strapping Norbert in the car, the total time lost was just short of an hour.<br /><br />But with the car at its best for the weekend, Norbert took the wheel and set the team's fastest lap of the day with a 1:55.716 when no one else on the team had broken 2:00. Norbert continued his hot-shoeing, ticking off 5 sub-two minute laps. But in Turn 13 on the car's 72nd lap of the day, the exhaust mounting bracket snapped. The pipe dragged momentarily, then snagged on the right-rear tire, puncturing it. Norbert managed to get the car into the pits and about 100 feet from the TR paddock space. Eric grabbed a spare wheel and, after several minutes of finagling with the red-hot lugnuts and wheel (Thanks to the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlmityDave/ShowroomSchlockShootout#5665205525830819330">Dos Limons Fiesta</a> guys for their help!), they swapped on a spare race tire just to push it back to their space.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBRxDYDezaJVOuC_9k5f5TRSiE_ULEXJP1DCPFQEX_OjJa6jBt8rcowTkq1Fu-LNmR5pCMU7uF0LcjZAwo6fzpy2TDXSt0LV_ac3wRLi2vsjQeYybB4tqA6yE9Uqv079hb2kaW2do6xQ/s1600/10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBRxDYDezaJVOuC_9k5f5TRSiE_ULEXJP1DCPFQEX_OjJa6jBt8rcowTkq1Fu-LNmR5pCMU7uF0LcjZAwo6fzpy2TDXSt0LV_ac3wRLi2vsjQeYybB4tqA6yE9Uqv079hb2kaW2do6xQ/s400/10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665644262827391394" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyElx8oEyRbooxMRge77WO9DAJaelRw5jGIY5-VsNFtzJZzff8cxk8Z2XHifYTUlv5U0jS0B1BNpQhI1CdSQvE6VL-NRl6J5ocOgAVpleBJ4A1yl20tfgGV0CS-ytGSvLGpM2yebZysY/s1600/11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyElx8oEyRbooxMRge77WO9DAJaelRw5jGIY5-VsNFtzJZzff8cxk8Z2XHifYTUlv5U0jS0B1BNpQhI1CdSQvE6VL-NRl6J5ocOgAVpleBJ4A1yl20tfgGV0CS-ytGSvLGpM2yebZysY/s400/11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665644412250532002" border="0" /></a>Johnny quickly set to work welding [with a welder borrowed from Team Flaming Fiero. Thanks again you guys are awesome pit neighbors] the exhaust back in place. In about 30 minutes, the exhaust was good as...well...not new, but it was OK. Kiko tied it up with braided steel wire so that if it broke again, it wouldn't snap back and puncture another tire. Eric and Norbert threw the spare tires on the rear. Unfortunately, they were a slightly different compound from the fronts, meaning the car became more tail-happy.<br /><br />With about an hour left of race time, Eric hopped in the car for his first stint, which started under caution from the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlmityDave/ShowroomSchlockShootout#5665204890682307122">Alfa that found the tire barrier</a> on the outside of turn 1. After a couple of green laps, he started to push and find his limits, knocking a few seconds off his green-flag laps. But then something went terribly wrong, and he overcooked it into Turn 1, spinning out. Luckily, the car was alone and no contact came of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmLmBQSeOajTJUjGBvibnJ1CFX0_e2pczmlMT0OkAEONs1j7sPFJs7CA1OOhCO9vdSaqvLM0jl__P1yWDMbC14MGymrVeQrOXzfv82WN4teY6p1pxWHbo-2NrzMwmfSa8aKPqQ9hC25I/s1600/7.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905743336636706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmLmBQSeOajTJUjGBvibnJ1CFX0_e2pczmlMT0OkAEONs1j7sPFJs7CA1OOhCO9vdSaqvLM0jl__P1yWDMbC14MGymrVeQrOXzfv82WN4teY6p1pxWHbo-2NrzMwmfSa8aKPqQ9hC25I/s400/7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Barb Trzop Novereini</span><br /></span></div><br />He headed to the Penalty Box for his inevitable black flag discussion:<br /><br />Judge Phil: "What happened out there?"<br /><br />Eric: "Well, I went into Turn 1, then I went out of Turn 1. Somewhere in between, I ran out of talent."<br /><br />Phil: "Wait, what? Isn't the Nixon team supposed to deny, deny, deny?!"<br /><br />Jay Lamm: "Hold on, hold on. They're admitting to being terrible; we don't want to send the wrong message here."<br /><br />Phil: "OK."<br /><br />Jay: "Why don't you turn your driving down from about 3/10 to 2/10?"<br /><br />Eric: "Well, I would, but I think I've only got 1.5/10 in me."<br /><br />Jay: "That'll do."<br /><br />The judges let Eric off without a penalty, provided he could make it the remaining 40 minutes without returning on another black flag. Meanwhile, the car had developed an extremely rough idle, which was quickly attributed to a vacuum leak. Eric returned the car to the pit, where the PCV valve was identified as the culprit and quickly fixed. The remainder of the day went without incident, as Eric regained the masterful point-by that had served him so well in the 2010 race.<br /><br />The checkered flag at 5:30 on Saturday marked Team Resignation's 93rd lap of the weekend, leaving them far from the leader in 72nd place.<br /><br />Sometime during the day, the LeMons judges had begun applying the Nixon stencil to cars passing through the penalty box that "looked like they needed Nixon on the car."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXFuSe0JfV1TXxVd8WihJCLFf2WfDmPNJydL3aF8U1vl0xRdmbJy1WK6Ags9pxrOa5qG3f7uS0x19jR3OpJA6xGPpknB36EAPyvtn3Vlcb1g3rLh6w3RQhpPoCtN7QnP1FhOfpYoap6A/s1600/5.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905885176995554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXFuSe0JfV1TXxVd8WihJCLFf2WfDmPNJydL3aF8U1vl0xRdmbJy1WK6Ags9pxrOa5qG3f7uS0x19jR3OpJA6xGPpknB36EAPyvtn3Vlcb1g3rLh6w3RQhpPoCtN7QnP1FhOfpYoap6A/s400/5.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>The team put the car up for the night and focused on food, which included steaks and hot dogs. A few dozen people from different teams streamed in and out of the pits, retelling their day's experiences, discussing previous failures at LeMons, and talking of all things racing and otherwise. The company was fantastic<sup>1</sup>, and the team went to bed tired but looking forward to Sunday.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXZ6XyeEuCfDygHsKwt-4EOQuAUXyXKd1XyVA13ZXfOpoOHPZAT3f5gxRIY54iMvghL0TYVKfQsXG26jzgQXFyQ1ySyFlw2R0mSBTHi8LigBwFN-Ky5fyNCmGDX7_y_ReQVX0R0z6I2A/s1600/8.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664906303802077218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXZ6XyeEuCfDygHsKwt-4EOQuAUXyXKd1XyVA13ZXfOpoOHPZAT3f5gxRIY54iMvghL0TYVKfQsXG26jzgQXFyQ1ySyFlw2R0mSBTHi8LigBwFN-Ky5fyNCmGDX7_y_ReQVX0R0z6I2A/s400/8.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br />See all of Team Resignation's photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#">here</a> (Eric's photos) and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/AlmityDave/ShowroomSchlockShootout#">here</a> (Dave's photos).<br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> A million thanks to Team Flaming Fiero, Smokey Saturn and the Bandits, the #22 Saab guys, Greg from Skid Steer Racing and, of course, Racing 4 Nickels for the homebrew and cookies. There were probably a dozen or so other people who came and went, but we didn't catch which car you were driving.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-74125493875261195102011-10-18T13:33:00.001-05:002011-10-18T13:33:47.103-05:00Showroom-Schlock Shootout 2011: Thursday and Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOvrP39gw-OqitEeLlTURJTd8kEXgifJtkQf5SsLOpfW3xS8bD8fRHsLpwVJKrZGFESUOhhOpTt0D6UvVRtt6W_HEtPIKAs9qs4sq1XbK7jlCr2wboIfXzPasQRFHCxDf-pZPwPhe30k/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOvrP39gw-OqitEeLlTURJTd8kEXgifJtkQf5SsLOpfW3xS8bD8fRHsLpwVJKrZGFESUOhhOpTt0D6UvVRtt6W_HEtPIKAs9qs4sq1XbK7jlCr2wboIfXzPasQRFHCxDf-pZPwPhe30k/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664532699107225906" border="0" /></a><br />This is a recollection of Team Resignation's experiences at the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., from October 7-9. It will be published in three parts and probably be very boring. But pictures!<br /><br /><br />THURSDAY & FRIDAY<br /><br />After months of thrashing on <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/July25201102?authkey=Gv1sRgCKivrqbnr-yC2AE#5633466571673984034">their Ford Escor</a>t (albeit with less flailing on it than last year), Team Resignation found themselves ready to put the car on a [rented] trailer and tow it [with a borrowed truck] to Autobahn for another grimy weekend of self-loathing, humiliation, fear, speed, good company, more humiliation, on-the-spot repairs, thrills, and all-around awesomeness.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCxPH8aPsqkG3SKyqUWzM6CixB-Dho4Gx9_u8fcl1yf6LlnBXbI8gjNkKZtTc1VGTgP7rGTC8_itpJFmcU3p6N6GL5SnfhSD3aryJI1C4Pf6Trq1jQXydw5vEpe_TZdUMo04lDOLQzu4/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCxPH8aPsqkG3SKyqUWzM6CixB-Dho4Gx9_u8fcl1yf6LlnBXbI8gjNkKZtTc1VGTgP7rGTC8_itpJFmcU3p6N6GL5SnfhSD3aryJI1C4Pf6Trq1jQXydw5vEpe_TZdUMo04lDOLQzu4/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664532982784869186" border="0" /></a><br />Eric arrived at Team Resignation World Headquarters in the afternoon the day before the race. Kiko and Johnny had previously taken the borrowed truck to pick up our enclosed trailer and borrowed generator. At this point, the car had only made three very short test drives and another where Kiko had nearly driven the wheels right off, so they weren't really sure how intact the car really was. While Kiko ran to collect some extra tie straps, Eric took the car for a spin. The car felt good and loud, but he didn't ratchet the motor up too high for fear of terrifying the locals with the loud, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV1vw19RGz0">booming-fart voice</a> of the Nixonmobile. They were already on edge from seeing a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2kDrBrIomBmCQT4hh95CwDQNGhfvrxTeVAEHzske9yPXlLuPByIvjIHhV3Bt1h4rz70_Hqr_2z9eclHrg5m8mrW62gEPN7DShNu1WI9VhHCY-JzWjqebhTXt99BS0wUBsCcuWvNsdSQ/s720/DSC_1615.JPG">rhinoceros-Escort with a mannequin strapped to the roof</a>, so any attempts to blast down the road in broad daylight on a weekday were surely ill-advised.<br /><br />With at least a little confidence in the car, Eric and Kiko put the car and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663557905701743522">most of Kiko's garage into the trailer</a>, which was tall enough to bear Nixon at his full height. The packing came and went smoothly, so they locked up the trailer around 5 and retired early for the next day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCxPH8aPsqkG3SKyqUWzM6CixB-Dho4Gx9_u8fcl1yf6LlnBXbI8gjNkKZtTc1VGTgP7rGTC8_itpJFmcU3p6N6GL5SnfhSD3aryJI1C4Pf6Trq1jQXydw5vEpe_TZdUMo04lDOLQzu4/s1600/2.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7IrtyHXUId8kj-4ny2rEK8rFJWZs5K-GYIOrnOcdg0EQWWqP8RUxDOADFtvi7o49bRBIthhnLL3edLTxBGSPb51Tdv4UbmRUBAEP2xvzwiZIF623zjwtMZ36dlVf0ur9ye-CXgPX6Hk/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7IrtyHXUId8kj-4ny2rEK8rFJWZs5K-GYIOrnOcdg0EQWWqP8RUxDOADFtvi7o49bRBIthhnLL3edLTxBGSPb51Tdv4UbmRUBAEP2xvzwiZIF623zjwtMZ36dlVf0ur9ye-CXgPX6Hk/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533047397609058" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqQwUCtM0LxOg2uoW6E9rBaPWpWb5JEPNbPvA16jyEt1AArVWZWqJXoZhW-L5bYZMfMZbszojeNfao4hDvshcGSWD-kPxpnYZOjLCHNQN1G5XNGYo21wWFeC4L3b3ayM_q7Q-0VYaw2I/s1600/9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqQwUCtM0LxOg2uoW6E9rBaPWpWb5JEPNbPvA16jyEt1AArVWZWqJXoZhW-L5bYZMfMZbszojeNfao4hDvshcGSWD-kPxpnYZOjLCHNQN1G5XNGYo21wWFeC4L3b3ayM_q7Q-0VYaw2I/s400/9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664534876121454434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />FRIDAY<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2FU74bJaOAlTLGqICnP-TSKjxcRHT9ssPDlmOSXrfCugEdoloHcGHADBw8vRuJFp3dl8L1uq-9s-6xBZ9OwJC85Qwl_nwq8WNzcTVL08nAlDwVKsVHQi_Ysi94ci7Y2LlRl5EE9NF6I/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2FU74bJaOAlTLGqICnP-TSKjxcRHT9ssPDlmOSXrfCugEdoloHcGHADBw8vRuJFp3dl8L1uq-9s-6xBZ9OwJC85Qwl_nwq8WNzcTVL08nAlDwVKsVHQi_Ysi94ci7Y2LlRl5EE9NF6I/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533237092893122" border="0" /></a><br />Friday morning found Kiko and Eric at the gates about 15 minutes before they were supposed to open. However, a brief 105-minute delay kept Team Resignation and several other teams in the parking lot while the teams signed up for test-and-tune were allowed to trickle through the gates. They killed time by catching up with a some teams they hadn't seen since last year's race and talking with some teams they had seen last year but hadn't met. When the gates opened, Eric and Kiko staked out a spot on the paved part of the paddock near the North Course while they waited for Johnny to show up with the trailer.<br /><br />The time in between was spent eating food, scowling at other teams who looked envious of their sweet paddock space, and gawking at the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663559008191552114">Star Mazdas</a> and old Le Mans prototypes running on the North Course's open track day. They also helped next-door team Team Flaming Fiero, who turned out to be excellent pit neighbors, set up their paddock space a bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dfdpVX7gmkUwn4DGs46To1ZCSXXCJ7OK51qP7C8bFfbhEPJYVDoqDGw-weSwzsgV-Xz8UTLHuItVi59M4GovNP_hl3S9IFpSyxn5jPF7zDObnUgbSOzAGBJZ3NE4bv4cz9L42OjO_MY/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dfdpVX7gmkUwn4DGs46To1ZCSXXCJ7OK51qP7C8bFfbhEPJYVDoqDGw-weSwzsgV-Xz8UTLHuItVi59M4GovNP_hl3S9IFpSyxn5jPF7zDObnUgbSOzAGBJZ3NE4bv4cz9L42OjO_MY/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533518832744066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Johnny showed up with the car around 11:00, and the team quickly unloaded the trailer and finished preparing it for Tech and BS inspections. When they had pulled out the car and all of the necessary paperwork, they dressed up like <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0015.html">Nixon volunteers</a> and threw the bribe together. They rolled up to pit inspection behind the Eurotrash Jetta, which was blasting terrible techno music while <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_3dwNVEcbg">arms rigged up on wiper motors pumped to the beat out the passenger windows</a>. <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0901.html">Team Free Candy</a> pulled up behind the Nixon car and much swapping of laughter occurred between teams as they admired each others' liveries.<br /><br />When an inspection lane opened up, the co-conspirators pushed Nixon into the tech shed. After a pretty thorough lookover of the car, the inspector pointed out two small problem areas: some sharp edges where they'd cut out the inside of the driver's door to fit the cage and the exposed positive terminal on the battery. Each just required a spot of tape and the Escort would be ready for racing.<br /><br />BS Inspection with the skeptical and honorable LeMons Supreme Court followed. As with last year, Judge Phil was enamored with the Nixon theme and scarcely glanced at the car. It probably could have been a <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2668179837_61c200394e.jpg">Sierra Cosworth touring car</a> and he would have waved it through. He <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0013.html">took</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0014.html">a</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0017.html">few</a> <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0018.html">pictures</a> and asked for a copy of <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11-UG-0019.html">the Nixon stencil</a> that Eric's talented brother <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/">Phil Rood</a> had designed. Eric, lacking a copy with him, promised to bring one back later. Eric made the gracious judges take a cursory glance at their budget, which Judge Phil photographed for posterity. After handing Judge Sam this year's bribes, he sprayed the "Justice" stencil on Nixon's back. It didn't turn out particularly well, but it looks good when the light hits it just right.<br /><br />The end result of BS Inspection was the same as last year: Class B, zero penalty laps.<br /><br />Johnny, Kiko and Eric got their safety gear tech'd with no major issues and headed back to the pit space. The Fiero team, having failed tech for a minor cage detail, asked to borrow the [borrowed] generator to run their welder. Team Resignation graciously agreed and would end up trading tools, insults, beer, stories, and food for the rest of the weekend.<br /><br />The rest of the afternoon was mostly spent finishing the small tasks left to do on the car: Tape over the sharp edges and battery terminals, mount the radios, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663563163910500306">finish mounting Nixon to the roof so he wouldn't fly off and crush someone's radiator</a>, align the car with a bit of toe out, and change the tires to our "A" set.<br /><br />The team wrapped that all up by about 4 p.m., when Eric returned to the tech shed with a copy of the Nixon stencil he'd found. When Judge Phil showed LeMons Chief Perpetrator Jay Lamm, Jay wondered why in the hell the Nixon team had given out a stencil of Bob Hope.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Bra66FzgEr1EBPLTLPkWIjGPoKumbxxz9N9gdj6SwwOECYhyphenhyphenPXPVEJfzfVaVoTno11pznoij2u2y1ZkSN6coEyYErwPpYE0E7qlko3jsjlXD23os_juy3XsV3mDiV_QqQ2sdtHLKwok/s1600/7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Bra66FzgEr1EBPLTLPkWIjGPoKumbxxz9N9gdj6SwwOECYhyphenhyphenPXPVEJfzfVaVoTno11pznoij2u2y1ZkSN6coEyYErwPpYE0E7qlko3jsjlXD23os_juy3XsV3mDiV_QqQ2sdtHLKwok/s400/7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533819878451186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With nothing much left to do, the team hung out in front of our pit space and socialized with any teams that happened by, most notably the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#5663566476210413378">Racing 4 Nickels</a> guys, with whom TR had become friendly last year. Johnny headed back to Woodstock for the night, while Norbert arrived after dark, when he got his first glimpses of the car by flashlight. Dave showed up later still, and the team caught some sleep in the trailer, which turned out to be as cold and uncomfortable as it looks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz4Do_8Rv1weGZWJ5fPoqlFBfaXVMUTjdV8OyE2BtM3DiZ8H59oudsqa65Yh5ez19iDKWhgF-3eP-maw88VRclRlV6vESzezBNCH_S-XyGfBO4TURIrE3lwfhFEDzFFFd_E-VSYUhi1w/s1600/6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz4Do_8Rv1weGZWJ5fPoqlFBfaXVMUTjdV8OyE2BtM3DiZ8H59oudsqa65Yh5ez19iDKWhgF-3eP-maw88VRclRlV6vESzezBNCH_S-XyGfBO4TURIrE3lwfhFEDzFFFd_E-VSYUhi1w/s400/6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533902890209522" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaPjBrNFpRqI4UKcDFc8TLB3emAHj2hKGZaoJbMmrQuY50r5EZeue32HN6QyT5czfD2CgwIaIk2h3tfF9VfsWQOABgYJNotXslntWLnjY_cUBRHKEHy6ivi9V_YrxDOGkWe_FM7XN7cU/s1600/8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaPjBrNFpRqI4UKcDFc8TLB3emAHj2hKGZaoJbMmrQuY50r5EZeue32HN6QyT5czfD2CgwIaIk2h3tfF9VfsWQOABgYJNotXslntWLnjY_cUBRHKEHy6ivi9V_YrxDOGkWe_FM7XN7cU/s400/8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664533978641745346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />See all of Team Resignation's photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105796922087425990700/LeMons201102#">here</a>.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-85925537038152994312011-10-11T09:23:00.034-05:002011-10-18T09:14:44.913-05:00Showroom-Schlock Shootout ResultsTeam Resignation overcame several mechanical problems and a few black flags to finish 57th overall (out of 98 entries) at the 24 Hours of LeMons at Autobahn Country Club. TR driver Norbert threw down a 1:49.866 on Sunday, which made ours the 23rd fastest car around the circuit that weekend.<br /><br />Expect some photos and more detailed day-by-day write-ups later this week.<br /><br />Until then, we got picked up again in Judge Phil's coverage of the race.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.specialtytiming.com/Autobahn-11.html">here</a> for the full results.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/nixon-muppets-and-an-intrepid-bs-inspections-of-the-showroom-schlock-shootout-24-hours-of-lemons/">here</a> for the BS Inspection story.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/showroom-schlock-shootout-lemons-day-one-honda-uber-alles/">here</a> for a shot of Nixon after a few hours of racing.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.klikk.no/motor/bil/article705516.ece">here</a> for a story in Norse (!) from last year that recently surfaced. Team Resignation has gone international!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/UG/LIL11/LIL11.html">here</a> for several hundred photos from the race, including several of Team Resignation.<br /><br /><br />Team Resignation also would like to take this time to thank everyone who helped us in any way or just showed up at our paddock to BS or laugh at our futility. This includes (but is not limited to): Team Flaming Fiero (You guys are awesome pit neighbors and your car is mega-sweet), the #22 Saab team, Sean and Vic and the #8 Gray Poopon Civic, Phil and the #100 Swiss Racing E30, Greg and the #863 Skid Steer Bobcat (The chili dogs! My god, the chili dogs!!!), Keith and the #101 Byte Marks Escort, Ron and the #45 Smokey Saturn and the Bandit, Bob and Peter and Jonathan and the #4 <a href="http://racing4nickels.blogspot.com/">Racing 4 Nickels</a> Cutlass Ciera (Congrats on Index of Effluency!!!), the Charnal House MetSHrO, anybody who ate some of our massive food cache, <a href="http://ninelivesracing.com/">Nine Lives Racing</a>, Phil Rood and <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/">Phil Rood Illustration</a>, Grassroots Motorsports (unofficially), Team Resignation Head Chef Amy Cesar, and probably 500 other people who we are unable to recall at the moment.<br /><br />Team Resignation sends a very special thanks to Team Captain Emeritus <a href="http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/staff/AlanCesar/">Alan Cesar</a>, who really founded the team in 2010 but was unable to make the race this year. We missed him and hope he'll make it for a race or three during the 2012 season.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-73839066663161123012011-10-03T12:26:00.001-05:002011-10-03T12:26:54.652-05:00An invitation to LeMons Chicago 2011Clear your schedules, folks, for Team Resignation is taking it to the track again! That's right, we're just stupid enough to try our collective hand at the 24 Hours of LeMons again. We'll be rolling our tastelessly modified 1991 Ford Escort on the tarmac of the grandiose and fine Autobahn Country Club for the Showroom-Schlock Shootout. In attendance, among other find dignitaries, will be our mascot, master, and mannequin Richard Nixon.<br /><br />At LeMons, you will come to truly expect the unexpected:<br /><br />- Watch as Nixon's hands become un-epoxied and fittingly lodge themselves in the radiator of the Grateful Dead-themed Honda Civic behind our car.<br /><br />- Laugh as Team Resignation is chained together in penance and forced to dance to The Village People's "In the Navy."<br /><br />- Marvel as dozens of truly terrible cars refuse to die on the track.<br /><br />- Cry as our incompetent drivers run over your feet in the paddock (to which you'll have full access).<br /><br /><br />Here are the real details:<br /><br />Who? Team Resignation, along with several dozen other teams. Team Resignation is: Dave, Eric, Johnny, Kiko and Norbert. The "who" should also include you, as spectators are welcome. Pit passes for spectators run $20 per day or $30 for the weekend.<br /><br /><br />What? Ah, such a question. The 24 Hours of LeMons is an endurance race for cars that have been purchased and "fixed" or modified for less than $500. The overall winner takes home $1500 in nickels for completing the most laps in the alotted time. The Index of Effluency is also handed out, with the worst car that does the best (judged through an entirely subjective system) taking home $1501 in nickels.<br /><br />Our entry is the #74 1991 Ford Escort that has had its engine, transmission, wiring, and suspension all replaced from those parts on a 1999 Ford Escort ZX2. Richard<br />Nixon will be mounted on the car's roof to "improve downforce." Other entrants may include a flaming (figuratively and literally) <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-205.html" target="_blank">Pontiac Fiero</a>, a <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-215.html" target="_blank">Dodge Neon</a> decorated as the Dumb & Dumber Mutt Cutts van, and a hacked-and-modified <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-068.html" target="_blank">Geo Metro with a Ford Taurus SHO drivetrain</a>.<br /><br />Additionally, Team Resignation will co-sponsor the inaugural "Little MoFo FoMocup," which will award a trophy and an additional super-secret prize to the highest finishing Ford Motor Company compact car.<br /><br /><br />Where? This nonsense will take place at Autobahn Country Club south of Joliet, IL. The 24 Hours of Lemons will run on the longer and faster South Course, while stuffy club members hurl their Porsche 911s and open-wheeled racers around the North Course. The track's address:<br /><br />3795 South Patterson Rd.<br />Joliet, IL 60436<br /><br /><br />When? The race is October 8 and 9, with one race session each day:<br /><br />Saturday session: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.<br />Sunday session: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.<br /><br />The awards ceremony will occur directly after Sunday's checkered flag.<br /><br /><br />Why? I don't understand the question. The real answer is, 'Why not?' I mean, look at <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-580.html" target="_blank">this</a>. And <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-576.html" target="_blank">this</a>. And <a href="http://www.murileemartin.com/LC10/UG/LeMons-Chicago10-021.html" target="_blank">this</a>. I think my point is clear.<br /><br /><br />Some additional helpful information:<br /><br />- To reiterate: The cost to get in is $20 for one day, $30 for Saturday AND Sunday. This gives spectators access to all spectator areas, the penalty box (You can see stuff like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye04em6tuJc" target="_blank">this</a>), and the paddock area, where you can watch real teams put out real fires in their real race cars' engine bays. Please note that you will have to sign a waiver when you arrive that says that any injuries and/or deaths caused by renegade wheels or flaming pieces of a Richard Nixon mannequin are not the race organizers' fault. Pretty standard stuff.<br /><br />- The race continues, regardless of weather. Last year's race was held in torrential downpour in 45-degree temperatures for several hours. If you plan on coming out, check the weather forecast so you know what to expect. It is the Midwest in autumn, so who knows what will happen?<br /><br />- If you're coming to race, what better way to show your support for the morons of Team Resignation than by purchasing a TR T-shirt <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/teamresignation.574854811" target="_blank">here</a>. It was designed by honorary Team Resignation member Phil Rood. Go <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to see and buy all of his other work.<br /><br />- See below for a list of helpful Web sites that have more information. Also, feel free to email/comment/send a carrier pigeon for more information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/chicago2011.aspx" target="_blank">Showroom-Schlock Shootout offical page</a><br /> <a href="http://www.autobahncc.com/" target="_blank">Autobahn Country Club official page</a><br /><a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Team Resignation Blog</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Resignation/152704761425395" target="_blank">Team Resignation Facebook Page</a><br /><br /><br />Thanks for your support and please feel free to send us any mental health referrals.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Alan, Eric, Kiko, Dave, Johnny, and Norbert<br />Team ResignationEric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-54979234799046896152011-09-26T14:57:00.035-05:002011-09-26T15:40:06.567-05:00Chopped Livery<span style="font-size:78%;">(Author's Note: Apologies in advance for poor picture quality; Eric's actual camera had a dead battery, so he had to resort to using his lo-res camera phone.)</span><br /><br /><br />With some most generous help from <a href="http://philrood.blogspot.com/">Phil Rood</a>, Friend of Nixon and Brother of Proxy Captain<sup>1</sup> <a href="http://greatnamesinbaseball.blogspot.com/">Eric</a>, Team Resignation will sport a really sweet stenciled image for the October race that is loosely based on the <a href="http://www.rodneysperformanceexhaust.com/images/280_thrush_mufflers_69-1.jpg">Thrush Mufflers logo</a>.<br /><br />So after a quick test, Kiko and Eric sprayed it on the car. Observe:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5-XTnAYQUiUl7DbGXkAmm8wzP98SypIzyCfd-2LriY87yyYL6_pj4iSKQ9bBbVbY3jlAOAPYX-TyaRWV0-3o_Faf2hyphenhyphen8kZO9zDPcUhGNhxT68QR2Tn0McIqbalis99BAhFDoDfyb3A4/s1600/Stencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5-XTnAYQUiUl7DbGXkAmm8wzP98SypIzyCfd-2LriY87yyYL6_pj4iSKQ9bBbVbY3jlAOAPYX-TyaRWV0-3o_Faf2hyphenhyphen8kZO9zDPcUhGNhxT68QR2Tn0McIqbalis99BAhFDoDfyb3A4/s400/Stencil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656761019068457842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since this is the car's second running, Eric thought some stenciled writing might fit the bill, also. A word will probably be added under "RE-ELECT." Anyone have thoughts? "Dick?" "Nixon?" "Checkers?" There is probably not enough room for more than one word or so.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5IzHZGt4aBr1gSy7JPBm4XRi0vMzOUHVRJKAK25egRh20CHngQbAVgKCw8HHmnqZnwuTHkA3po15YNq8uMEdFACDixexPCOeZiQAnaXfaX9WmeVjR-7i6E0QEblDvuw-jl-TmPYNUM0/s1600/re-elect.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5IzHZGt4aBr1gSy7JPBm4XRi0vMzOUHVRJKAK25egRh20CHngQbAVgKCw8HHmnqZnwuTHkA3po15YNq8uMEdFACDixexPCOeZiQAnaXfaX9WmeVjR-7i6E0QEblDvuw-jl-TmPYNUM0/s400/re-elect.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656761214140269250" border="0" /></a><br />Additionally, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5vm3tmIVyB00Gvfc5TkNaKpWBqSfpSRsRW5l6s0Zv_IkmlaA9YpGI8_ab7_GADShg9YPO7uDYV3DNiBHWFAR2Qp1Nt-glmnPM5MLQNkcl6U9KMWJMGpTh_8jkDvxSBjuRuxcwGSUPew/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG">Nixon's eyeless stare</a> last year was not nearly disturbing enough for our purposes. But a permanent marker and two ping pong balls created a hairpin turn toward <a href="http://luna.typepad.com/weblog/2008/05/i-think-im-gett.html">The Fear</a>. Take heed, ye, for Nixon is come.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S6-8oQqYFsJ01v8lNPPSOHkMvl0U9OnmrU4BRfy9NHps1qeoQ8WNsvzcrVKDRJUWBKSSotpjPJcDcu2AGBxoBSpoZbIztMaZswS3rJMavceM_v7wrKsrvbH297kcU7lcGZSiCoOufwo/s1600/Nixon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S6-8oQqYFsJ01v8lNPPSOHkMvl0U9OnmrU4BRfy9NHps1qeoQ8WNsvzcrVKDRJUWBKSSotpjPJcDcu2AGBxoBSpoZbIztMaZswS3rJMavceM_v7wrKsrvbH297kcU7lcGZSiCoOufwo/s400/Nixon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656761740437701698" border="0" /></a><br />But it wasn't all livery work yesterday. Kiko and Eric also completed the exhaust system. The car still has no actual muffler and it may actually be a touch louder. Team member Dave showed up a bit later to help tie up some more of the wiring and add roll bar padding.<br /><br />Kiko added some high-tech panache by installing the OBDII-reading computer in the passenger side footwell. It should be visible to the driver there and will give real-time feedback and confirmation of the instrument cluster gauges. Having run once without functioning gauges to a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHROdbcc23-qN53DwQMaAbQS55ev4euSqAf-XloHgr-zo0dTZfdXVmoBZ6WvEf6BBzbhdd6fkmawULrYiYr-a4J-bY5fpVf8fHuHICN41Y2H_9BTzro_lTWMHXXeOuV_BRM7IM5TTi3tE/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG">disastrous end</a>, the Team's Old Fart decided that redundancy is a wiser characteristic than recklessness.<br /><br />Having completed all of our mechanical tasks, we finally took Nixon for a spin down to the cul-de-sac.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxICMAMOpnPJj-Ttq6ZZ2fu00vAO-NXSDDQQIZUTYQA27vklMgC0twZuCBgUClbGUBmEqIxplo-i267c4BFdTYYgoP2KZ2qa2cvJ3XreDSa0yaM-vHaWbbMWdIiBexVjOY77B-NObKwvQ/s1600/testdrive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxICMAMOpnPJj-Ttq6ZZ2fu00vAO-NXSDDQQIZUTYQA27vklMgC0twZuCBgUClbGUBmEqIxplo-i267c4BFdTYYgoP2KZ2qa2cvJ3XreDSa0yaM-vHaWbbMWdIiBexVjOY77B-NObKwvQ/s400/testdrive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656764327019500546" border="0" /></a><br />Breathtaking, isn't it?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><sup>1</sup> Our official captain remains <a href="http://www.sentimentalmechanic.com/">Alan</a>, intrepid and important <a href="http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/staff/AlanCesar/">automotive journalist</a>. Alan was recently up for Eric's wedding and spent some time working on the Escort as well. What a captain.</span>Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-21181368728573267322011-09-02T11:11:00.006-05:002011-09-02T11:25:51.349-05:00Updates and suchWell, I've been exceedingly busy with life and some such nonsense, but I've worked on the car a couple times in the last month. Accomplished:
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<br />- The clutch was bled but didn't disengage properly. Kiko and I worked to replace the slave with one from the donor transmission. It worked like a charm, and the clutch functions as it should.
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<br />- The tachometer and temperature gauges both work.
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<br />- Windshield wipers work (without any ridiculous devices even).
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<br />- Steering wheel put back on. We've opted not to use the aftermarket wheel, which will require us to buy a hub adapter. In the interest of time and simplicity, we've decided to use the current one.
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<br />- Nixon is prepared for a new mounting method on the car. It should be interesting, and it looks pretty amazing.
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<br />- New dark-matter power source installed.
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<br />- Instrument cluster is mounted, though I haven't seen it. Kiko removed the plastic covers and just mounted the black box somewhere near the dash bar.
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<br />- 2 spare Falken Azenis RT-615Ks obtained for about $135 all-in, including gas to get them from a long and arduous journey. I call this a victory, though some disagree. Since they retail for $120 each (or so) and these have good tread depth yet, I think I win.
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<br />- Preparations made for competition-within-a-competition.
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<br />TO DO (from memory, because the actual to-do list is in the garage an hour from here):
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<br />- Replace exhaust system/install new header
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<br />- Fix fuel gauge, which doesn't appear to work. Not sure what the problem is, but this would sure be helpful.
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<br />- Add brake ducting. This will be dryer hose, likely.
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<br />- Replace timing belt pulley (maybe).
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<br />- Check water pump (with pulley off). Check radiator overflow.
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<br />- Finish mounting Nixon to roof.
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<br />- Possibly add additional tubing over driver's head.
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<br />- Finish roll-bar padding.
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<br />- Work on two-way comms for car.
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<br />- Obtain bribe(s).
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<br />- Find a tow vehicle. This one's kind of important.
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<br />Naturally, I'll be gone for the next 3+ weeks, as I'm getting hitched and then honeymooning in the big country. Alan will be around for a week with plans to at least attend to the exhaust system.
<br />Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-76525280798430364672011-08-02T08:19:00.004-05:002011-08-03T10:17:01.256-05:00Address to Kickoff the Campaign to Re-Embarrass the President<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VwISsS6LCfyxql6-BDI9Mft6wO7YChfw_FNL2Q3fjiv2rt_eEp9kiCIeiIfrioJAvBq10ekdDFDPL3uE1xwqeqg9Si8gOrCoQ2IOrJJPa16lx2Fp8QE-Qp5QTyyXRciA5AdCoIJ7dIw/s1600/R1-03032-0005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636248206779326130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VwISsS6LCfyxql6-BDI9Mft6wO7YChfw_FNL2Q3fjiv2rt_eEp9kiCIeiIfrioJAvBq10ekdDFDPL3uE1xwqeqg9Si8gOrCoQ2IOrJJPa16lx2Fp8QE-Qp5QTyyXRciA5AdCoIJ7dIw/s400/R1-03032-0005.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
2010 saw the rise, fall and second coming of the Richard Nixon propaganda machine. With the campaigners soaring on the high praise of the LeMons Supreme Court, the Nixonmobile took to a rainy track to win the hearts and minds of the LeMons electorate. For 75 strong minutes, the Ford Escort chugged on like champion, hanging with LeMons veterans and staying in the good graces of the LeMons gods.<br />
<br />
Until Nixon blew a gasket. And the great Dick fell to earth, surrounded by a cloud of smoke, soot and shame. All appeared lost. But one brave member of the Nixon campaign threw caution to the wind and gave the propaganda machine new life: the heart of his sketchy daily driver. After the transplant was complete, Nixon made his triumphant return to the track. The rain cleared off, and Dick's Escort tricks were kept under wraps [though a few minutes are curiously missing from the official version of the events]. And while Nixon didn't earn top honors, he did not return home empty-handed.<br />
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2011 finds the Nixon machine running for re-election. This year's entry in the great race will no longer be preoccupied with the past and looking back (literally). Instead, he will be twice as efficient, trimmed at the waist (again, literally) and constantly looking forward (also literal) to the next challenge.<br />
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With the permission of the great and wise LeMons Supreme Court and the LeMons House of Citrus, Richard Nixon will return to Joliet to campaign in October 2011. Nixon stands for the common driver. For the cessation of hostilities when talent runs out. For the resolute and deserved punishment of cheaters of all makes and models. For a return to American-manufactured values. And for the righteous and eternal crushing of hippie skulls.<br />
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God Bless America's Crapcans.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0rTWOtsSLjzRRiG08Vko5mZpxydzSdNqy5MayiSVhOK3IxfJaKbVqxJrHy3bp2jUzvjb00dAXW7vS_gxf3nyte59xdC5GXdvB_secmr1kyWM4yptWAwhbmlZb30ZOjfUSjPn08ZkQG4/s1600/R1-03032-0007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636248402583981474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0rTWOtsSLjzRRiG08Vko5mZpxydzSdNqy5MayiSVhOK3IxfJaKbVqxJrHy3bp2jUzvjb00dAXW7vS_gxf3nyte59xdC5GXdvB_secmr1kyWM4yptWAwhbmlZb30ZOjfUSjPn08ZkQG4/s400/R1-03032-0007.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-59355421310245419472011-07-25T20:37:00.016-05:002011-07-26T09:04:29.221-05:00Things that are being fixed (with pictures!!!)Dave and I worked on the car for a bit this weekend. We did some minor work, such as plugging firewalls and filling the radiator. We also changed the broken front strut mount.<br /><br /><br />Here's what an intact strut mount would look like.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o6cMGMb2iS9kutYTAw6cgw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nE66LvlI3PY/Ti4Wt9DE9sI/AAAAAAAAAUg/W3eZLbxOdfE/s400/Strutmount7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's what ours looked like:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MkDflSpm0LH69jj8qB47xA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hguP_xlUpJ8/Ti4WpS5HDkI/AAAAAAAAAUc/IWvzDVgpl8M/s400/Strutmount6.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />So we trucked on over to Auto Zone to rent a spring compressor. An hour or so later, we'd replaced the strut mount on the strut and thrown it back on the car.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dQe3uszM1Q2LCi6ajRMrJA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1iI6bJRnfRg/Ti4WOdUaG-I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/pa0uJyMUoAs/s400/Strutmount3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GKDfNxm4JdYaOjHCBqewrQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-82MVLyjwEd8/Ti4Wc87XrSI/AAAAAAAAAUY/u29fu37k1gk/s400/Strutmount5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Since I haven't posted actual images in forever, here's a brief overview of what else we've done this year (in part):<br /><br />Dave and I plugged the firewalls with 3/8" bolts and 1-1/2"-2" washers.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fTBKC0Lc4JmF1ZTLLVdKig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qpELy_Hc6bQ/Ti4UybZwN7I/AAAAAAAAATo/vMvUt471qX0/s400/Firewall.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />However, two of the holes in the firewall were behind our pedal assembly and unreachable from inside the car. So I had to improvise.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zHrYu0haDajDZlmdVIn4Gg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xxr4SCBJC2E/Ti4VHbxap0I/AAAAAAAAAT0/D2l3uYR4kfw/s400/Firewall5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also installed the ZX2 radiator and the motor mount from last year's Autobahn donor car:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G87fa_KklI_Fpj_5R-e3Ug?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DUs7tXPlhNs/Ti4VeLQ9glI/AAAAAAAAAT4/1F4BaaepEjE/s400/Radiator2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br />The ZX2 radiator had an extra out for heater hose, so I had to plug that.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9ImUuxnDaKXApEonIMfjcg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hz01_bDHR58/Ti4VjZ6O2aI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ET15lHwxf_0/s400/Radiator3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Johnny and I also put the seat back in and mounted the harness.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jMmXpta5taSmbUqV_gb5DQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZrEa6E64Rj4/Ti4V2XaVQvI/AAAAAAAAAUE/vo_NN_0bfVY/s400/Seat3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, one of the problems we've run into when swapping harnesses is the difference between the light assemblies and the related connectors. The solution? Sheet metal screws and ZX2 taillights. I'm pretty sure these are JDM, right<sup>1</sup>?<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uzH7a8FzFWGRD94757J_kg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uh1IytqHa68/Ti4XCLrttvI/AAAAAAAAAUs/oJBbmiB_rjE/s400/Taillight3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally finally, I finished painting the rollcage. It looks pretty great from at least 10 feet away.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jRH2creuo8yWAXgERF8ZLQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y0fhUgjTDVE/Ti4TXz_f-iI/AAAAAAAAASw/QdyTYOLcSI8/s400/Cage.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here's a picture of the car I like looking at:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SVXCjdZTr7vgaLWonxqsPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-awXqbbrVDYw/Ti4X_-KqXCI/AAAAAAAAAVU/ravfGZ4ix2U/s400/TR3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_domestic_market">Is joke, yes?</a>Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-79888485702706530662011-07-19T13:22:00.015-05:002011-07-20T11:31:05.654-05:00Blah blah blah fixed stuff blah blah blahSince I didn't take any pictures while working, here's a summary of the last two weekends working on the car:<br /><br />- Finished painting the roll cage with a coat of white paint. Looks great from 30+ feet.<br /><br />- Replaced the <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-have-pretty-excellent-brakes.html">destroyed front motor mount</a> with one from last year's donor car (a.k.a. Alan's old daily driver)<br /><br />- Swapped LX radiator/fan out with ZX2 radiator and fan to accommodate ZX2 wiring harness easily. The quicker fix would have been to just swap fans, but the bolts that hold the ZX2 fan on are stripped or something.<br /><br />- Tied up the wiring some more inside the cabin. This is clearly a never-ending process.<br /><br />- Put rotors and mounted pads on the car. Super stopping power again!<br /><br />- Mounted seat and harness<br /><br />- Mounted wink mirror higher than last year, improving visibility by probably 10% or so.<br /><br />- Swapped in new ECU to make a couple more <a href="http://www.infashionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/scuderia-ferrari-logo.jpg">horses</a> at the crank.<br /><br />- Wired up main brake lights and rear turn signals.<br /><br /><br />Naturally, in doing these things, we found more things to do/more broken things:<br /><br />- The ZX2 radiator has an outlet for the heater core that the LX radiator did not have. This hose outlet will have to be stopped up and clamped. We'll have to flush the system of antifreeze and check the water pump before we can fill it with H20 for testing and racing.<br /><br />- The wiring could be a little tidier, and we still need to find some way to mount the instrument cluster. A 5-inch tachometer and shift light may be in the works.<br /><br />- We will want to flush the brake system and use DOT 3 & 4 fluid. We'll need to bleed the brakes anyway, so this shouldn't be much more additional work.<br /><br />- We'll still have to wire up the high-mount brake light. And the brake lights currently stay on when the battery is hooked up. And there's the gauges, which don't work. But hey, who needs them anyway? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqq1wsSx4JMXGx5Pol-2NMfe5rtFAaAU3l5pefTf4DLV9bwtKFKMaU8XlzAYSarMeOsJgzHS-iYABaT_InEU2TW1VjukuYOXw4YUojfMYkDIfX4Vp7wmjEIHQXG1GdisBanuGTH-JN9k/s1600/IMG_9722.jpg">Oh, right</a>. We're pretty confident these electrical quirks are the product of poorly or completely ungrounded wires.<br /><br />- What we initially thought might have been a bad front left wheel bearing appears to actually be a blown left front strut mount. We bought a replacement for $32, which is considerably cheaper than a new bearing. Still have to put it on, though, which should be exciting.<br /><br /><br />There are a handful of other tasks to take care of, but the engine runs and the car could probably move on its own, though we won't try too hard to do that until the radiator is hooked up and fully functional. As a point of reference, the car didn't drive on its own <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2010/09/team-resignations-first-drive.html">until mid-September</a> last year. Yay us!Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-55646417498685534802011-06-16T20:57:00.014-05:002011-06-17T12:50:00.985-05:00The Escort Strikes BackHmm...it seems the blog has gathered some dust, which is natural, as the car has largely been doing the same. Since we've been away, Team Resignation co-founder <a href="http://www.sentimentalmechanic.com/">Alan</a> has moved to the Sunshine State to take a writing and editing gig at <a href="http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/">some magazine</a> or <a href="http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/staff/AlanCesar/">something</a>. Which means that the team has been left in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnsizkVjGm8">(in)capable hands</a> of co-founder Eric with massive help from (actually capable) team members Kiko and <a href="http://www.johnnycichowski.com/">Johnny</a>.<br /><br />With the gorgeous weather last weekend, Eric headed to Team Resignation team headquarters to pick up where the team <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2011/04/suspenders.html">left off in April</a>. The wiring harness was largely in the car but just needed to be plugged into the proper places. As it had been sitting two months, Eric and Kiko had completely forgotten what most of the notes on the connectors meant. After much trial and error and a few accidentally hacked wires, the important plugs had found their equally important homes and the car seemed ready to start:<br /><br /><object width="940" height="529"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=25218060&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=25218060&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="940" height="529"></embed></object><br /><br />Almost.<br /><br /><br />After a bit of troubleshooting, Eric and Kiko figured out that the engine wasn't getting any fuel. A bit of backtracking led them to figure out that some integral parts weren't grounded, including the Fuel Pump Driver Module (the little bastard pictured below), which one might figure helps drive the fuel pump.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSTeiIB8hgJyLkMQNSK6YtYRhRGHkJicndeX1hC2J50XEXEUnEG0_1y712wsYsTn885-JiaHlLsV4iRu6kTKuga9kgLi9XUnfRnz4rh_YjotGwPk_XXtn_EZQoy8kRHbxWtQvPZFen6A/s1600/DSCN0222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSTeiIB8hgJyLkMQNSK6YtYRhRGHkJicndeX1hC2J50XEXEUnEG0_1y712wsYsTn885-JiaHlLsV4iRu6kTKuga9kgLi9XUnfRnz4rh_YjotGwPk_XXtn_EZQoy8kRHbxWtQvPZFen6A/s400/DSCN0222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619008007611389602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Alas, the problem was solved<sup>1</sup>:<br /><br /><object width="940" height="529"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=25217856&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=25217856&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="940" height="529"></embed></object><br /><br />Johnny showed up a bit later, and he and Eric schemed some secret plans for the car. Expect more on this soon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> It's important to note that the differences between a 99 ZX2 and a 91 LX are significant enough that the car doesn't have a working radiator fan or a low brake level indicator at the moment. But those should be easy enough to splice. Also the headlights, taillights, and turn signals will probably be one huge <a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/05/21/white-trash-repairs-excessive-you-bet/">kludge</a>. Meh.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-26251804825601958292011-04-21T23:55:00.001-05:002011-04-21T23:56:24.964-05:00Suspenders!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mv5lDuiLJbRANsVFVkehpf6YkNbui1g-Kf8lv_F439PI2OzE-2m0nLvC9y7a3hyphenhyphennsE3XVhOfK-5DeEXpIPd2Yf7ab51S43p3QuDzfn7CNV4QoIW2jsZAdiRuzBYddFLm2zTe51AYyw/s1600/DSC_0245a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mv5lDuiLJbRANsVFVkehpf6YkNbui1g-Kf8lv_F439PI2OzE-2m0nLvC9y7a3hyphenhyphennsE3XVhOfK-5DeEXpIPd2Yf7ab51S43p3QuDzfn7CNV4QoIW2jsZAdiRuzBYddFLm2zTe51AYyw/s320/DSC_0245a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little bastard is all that was keeping us from completing our spring swap. It's what was left of a bolt that had seized inside the rear upright. It's the one that holds the strut on. We broke no less than 4 drill bits in it over many hours of work. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaT-I-mIMQgRdAJA61Qiod0ADMDDnN6oTsDZKrfJCH3T40hd5ZbKmW6jPM7SP7miQ2YdV6IU-FJJjFyXjmyu6YyJqNdj92tc7JK5bBWUuf5ESm2mTvZnWbLk0V7QpRJcXvbPkeVLHyg/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaT-I-mIMQgRdAJA61Qiod0ADMDDnN6oTsDZKrfJCH3T40hd5ZbKmW6jPM7SP7miQ2YdV6IU-FJJjFyXjmyu6YyJqNdj92tc7JK5bBWUuf5ESm2mTvZnWbLk0V7QpRJcXvbPkeVLHyg/s320/DSC_0243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our last wrench day a couple of weekends ago, the team's most experienced (read: oldest) member cursed and hammered and drilled at it for a few more hours and finally got it out. Then we drank beer.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zUhsyQzgxWvoO_VfCLF4vuwS7iDk9lYeFS52APYN6IvL8fj_EkSVPLO1ecnfSygAyoP3U5M_opUBGkHHPjVUCQ8KTk3G_IrqIkfUlT2A4iPfN0dsy4jV3Tdp03vm5UlFxalvF9DzDw/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zUhsyQzgxWvoO_VfCLF4vuwS7iDk9lYeFS52APYN6IvL8fj_EkSVPLO1ecnfSygAyoP3U5M_opUBGkHHPjVUCQ8KTk3G_IrqIkfUlT2A4iPfN0dsy4jV3Tdp03vm5UlFxalvF9DzDw/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" width="212" /></a></div> Now we have complete suspension! The brakes? We still haven't found the leak. add another item to the "projects for another day" list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuKJ7B-Rf_XBOJz15jzncs422sXRL0GnXX72rgpwewqLHD-bM-ArqU9H76IYcUKpiN7mkbuJLLI5wT6ZSlmJxysT8yPr95mgYJjRcBdAeGpVvxhcZGf6XVjOz8trBtWUTmIUJrFc-Hw/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuKJ7B-Rf_XBOJz15jzncs422sXRL0GnXX72rgpwewqLHD-bM-ArqU9H76IYcUKpiN7mkbuJLLI5wT6ZSlmJxysT8yPr95mgYJjRcBdAeGpVvxhcZGf6XVjOz8trBtWUTmIUJrFc-Hw/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">One of our other projects that weekend was to swap the Escort LX's clutch and brake pedal assembly for the one from the ZX2. This was so we could properly mount the steering wheel at a decent angle. Before this, it was mounted at an angle worthy of a school bus. There were some compatibility issues between the different Escort generations, but we made it work.</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxITN0utQ-di3eFgTSuS_z-phH0foanqze8pq89Nw0PU6SWbaRWTgqcG4xa2RHLAp7jbfG4XUVghBWHhJ-jtwb2vh3WW4nDUnz1MXTy6fAwRRrYbYOOJk-MU448xJKQKULidwk1W57Mw/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxITN0utQ-di3eFgTSuS_z-phH0foanqze8pq89Nw0PU6SWbaRWTgqcG4xa2RHLAp7jbfG4XUVghBWHhJ-jtwb2vh3WW4nDUnz1MXTy6fAwRRrYbYOOJk-MU448xJKQKULidwk1W57Mw/s320/DSC_0250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We also finished pulling the wiring harness from my old car (the donor of the Lemon's current engine).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-Xvsiul5UoVHktNIS6Us6_8YugCTV_tbjjHS4LKAhP_ikRGhjFfrNvdH5zpBFVgvyhVfOBGNujQUifWucasQf2VMEFhDoa7L1FHxaU22KtaoEjOmtHS4TCTskdZGXVp_M9_fTOCUjA/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-Xvsiul5UoVHktNIS6Us6_8YugCTV_tbjjHS4LKAhP_ikRGhjFfrNvdH5zpBFVgvyhVfOBGNujQUifWucasQf2VMEFhDoa7L1FHxaU22KtaoEjOmtHS4TCTskdZGXVp_M9_fTOCUjA/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So Eric and Dave got to work putting it in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCdvIC7Vw9cCi116wns5xeWxHEe8Bi06kN-wBG35m-V9TFHB_PjmPjZgeGBdYA8MpYyYXDMVGeeb7CgEOv83Y2C90GTwDPyoxrdqZd3MI-4smkvPYkQwGjE6Nu7IXpgjPVz5Hgtr8Ww/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCdvIC7Vw9cCi116wns5xeWxHEe8Bi06kN-wBG35m-V9TFHB_PjmPjZgeGBdYA8MpYyYXDMVGeeb7CgEOv83Y2C90GTwDPyoxrdqZd3MI-4smkvPYkQwGjE6Nu7IXpgjPVz5Hgtr8Ww/s320/DSC_0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Here you can also see the half-painted roll cage. We still haven't finished that job.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R80T02yySc0hqXhJFFzH00cvOQs9dl5zPOwLHzvWN1KL6voy3TBoqbTGXS2yGKRqlAfCHfJ8GNeu9gx7L8uMVJMtvxjuoixryUZ8rlxztQh-I2j5bw4bNHMCWGJ3ltsR2SnPOD-P8w/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R80T02yySc0hqXhJFFzH00cvOQs9dl5zPOwLHzvWN1KL6voy3TBoqbTGXS2yGKRqlAfCHfJ8GNeu9gx7L8uMVJMtvxjuoixryUZ8rlxztQh-I2j5bw4bNHMCWGJ3ltsR2SnPOD-P8w/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> There they go!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4UmwwZ9U_un7uAD4Ce6aJs3KKNdcl-Phg47Ms_p6p7CJrBazo0DVZZ35R3INyLfEQ8p_6BpeEfxLVCL8AWWDRxXzPv1jP1JeW_ZARWiNMzNB4vrBqCGacqlqNx_uL9ycZjo-Ld1URQ/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4UmwwZ9U_un7uAD4Ce6aJs3KKNdcl-Phg47Ms_p6p7CJrBazo0DVZZ35R3INyLfEQ8p_6BpeEfxLVCL8AWWDRxXzPv1jP1JeW_ZARWiNMzNB4vrBqCGacqlqNx_uL9ycZjo-Ld1URQ/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw41bpjI2IPV6IwOOO_3BT1dDSocroaYGYA3WrdNKSD9LSSfyCGr-FkZFRShgU4vRTa0O9S1N9RNARQWxG12K2AlVXjM-8n6rheqI0njAZ_8h4jSE7J_XuUwncM7rXVooHWECUCYH1Q/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw41bpjI2IPV6IwOOO_3BT1dDSocroaYGYA3WrdNKSD9LSSfyCGr-FkZFRShgU4vRTa0O9S1N9RNARQWxG12K2AlVXjM-8n6rheqI0njAZ_8h4jSE7J_XuUwncM7rXVooHWECUCYH1Q/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJreOpIu05EH2wAGzht70t6lnTm5DXlsDyhQQ6v5BplS2WbN_x-OQur6zYQkXujsTTdPatwN8N-_xtTBAc3rEkZVfGpgWsLF3B79veASjkVrKi-N6t4At1UtkcLPCgUCtTsknPqDqcw/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJreOpIu05EH2wAGzht70t6lnTm5DXlsDyhQQ6v5BplS2WbN_x-OQur6zYQkXujsTTdPatwN8N-_xtTBAc3rEkZVfGpgWsLF3B79veASjkVrKi-N6t4At1UtkcLPCgUCtTsknPqDqcw/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I helped too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8_XMnNOhis7Z5u6GtcpVi1p7etINHTpTK7nOybyg0944Did0nvVYO4x5ZzfcSTHxqKcSLwtyEg0HtVykFaf8j3-AVQaUly81NsNpQdlT5Bz8fg5NgOs14qn8Mw4St2bzKtMXNaI-gA/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8_XMnNOhis7Z5u6GtcpVi1p7etINHTpTK7nOybyg0944Did0nvVYO4x5ZzfcSTHxqKcSLwtyEg0HtVykFaf8j3-AVQaUly81NsNpQdlT5Bz8fg5NgOs14qn8Mw4St2bzKtMXNaI-gA/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My dad and I worked on the engine bay and fender side while Dave and Eric took care of the interior. That's not all done either, so the car is still not in running condition. But hey, when it's done, we'll have fully functional turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and most importantly, instruments! We can't wait!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-49984433800219647412011-04-07T21:49:00.005-05:002011-04-07T22:11:14.286-05:00We HAD pretty excellent brakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSVAXP5iQVnVUnHe5R37UkgLOyYplqP_tOMkqsdoQdVO4aVmHh17Ep-ir95y51PEYIadE8il2JQfOyA8qLw0LBC6jdU8bPPSlwoQamR7TRrbcGFF7B9HdqAYAH_86obaMHsm0E_NB9w/s1600/IMG_20110403_141002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSVAXP5iQVnVUnHe5R37UkgLOyYplqP_tOMkqsdoQdVO4aVmHh17Ep-ir95y51PEYIadE8il2JQfOyA8qLw0LBC6jdU8bPPSlwoQamR7TRrbcGFF7B9HdqAYAH_86obaMHsm0E_NB9w/s320/IMG_20110403_141002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It might be hard for the uninitiated to tell, but that engine is pretty far forward. Look how close that exhaust manifold is to the radiator.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsueKAGCj87OwWJ3zewr_WxLsDbVWFyXzNtWRTYgK7SemqryosUh0X_dlTLd1VfyOxAtKUgw0STIhzJRtdvPFXhc13MCpej6-XkZpMU39I-Jnlli5Kb_MPpv3jogdxfeQJYFGbBW2KQ/s1600/IMG_20110403_141017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsueKAGCj87OwWJ3zewr_WxLsDbVWFyXzNtWRTYgK7SemqryosUh0X_dlTLd1VfyOxAtKUgw0STIhzJRtdvPFXhc13MCpej6-XkZpMU39I-Jnlli5Kb_MPpv3jogdxfeQJYFGbBW2KQ/s320/IMG_20110403_141017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Notice that the manifold is actually melting the fan shroud. It turns out that our front engine mount completely collapsed under the heroic forces our brakes put on it. I can't fault Ford for this. Rubber that's 10-20 years old really shouldn't be asked to handle race duty. We'll have to come up with a solution for the next race.<br />
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Also, we somehow lost ALL our brake fluid while the car was parked this winter. That's bad. We'll have to track that down, or the only heroic part about our brakes will be how we sail it (heroically) into an embankment and burst (heroically) into flames.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6Nc9560xBRdH1szmA6UtxO5HCtWmD9TGIWOETGTr5IVk4xKRjp0hF8eQukI_jOwX2_38nn-YZdOa6UobxzlGxIwueIIPKkIWqJNTIeyJs4y88rfaSHLmPQTyPJj-BQJtJpLLPIs6Ag/s1600/IMG_20110403_144155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6Nc9560xBRdH1szmA6UtxO5HCtWmD9TGIWOETGTr5IVk4xKRjp0hF8eQukI_jOwX2_38nn-YZdOa6UobxzlGxIwueIIPKkIWqJNTIeyJs4y88rfaSHLmPQTyPJj-BQJtJpLLPIs6Ag/s320/IMG_20110403_144155.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
In other news, we're fighting with this stubborn bolt in one of the rear struts. We got a good better set of springs to put in, but this bottom bolt here was 100% seized in place. We tried all kinds of things, eventually breaking off a drill bit inside it. The team's self-proclaimed Old Fart got out a grinder and ground off what was still sticking out so we could at least finish the spring swap, but this piece still remains. After last weekend's work we put the strut back on with just one spindle bolt (the upper one you see here), and had so much negative camber as we rolled the car to its parking spot that the tire was rubbing on the strut body.<br />
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These are just two of many, many things we have still to tackle before the next race: <a href="http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/irony2011.aspx">American Irony</a> at Gingerman this July!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-20417607596367720542011-03-13T22:35:00.000-05:002011-03-13T22:35:48.255-05:00More engine surprise!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5k7n_kW3Y6I" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
We took the cylinder head off today to have a look at the engine. The cylinder bores are near pristine (for an engine with this many miles). The head gasket, of course, was damaged, and there was burn-through on the aluminum head. We'll either have to mill the head or figure out some appropriate Lemony repair involving JB Weld, but the bottom end is certainly still usable. Picture of the head damage below. Look between cylinders 1 and 2.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5Gnj0bMLIIve7Wh3UT6MmAKGwH0Nf0CMZHJPgglvOw1JWKjs0QJUu2AWlH_QQ3XVj0U0CCLZs4CYGoBa59S6azB2TFXSAIGqoGs7XT04w3h8eVFj9HDmJHSAoZzhBwPAHEqo2Rr8bQ/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5Gnj0bMLIIve7Wh3UT6MmAKGwH0Nf0CMZHJPgglvOw1JWKjs0QJUu2AWlH_QQ3XVj0U0CCLZs4CYGoBa59S6azB2TFXSAIGqoGs7XT04w3h8eVFj9HDmJHSAoZzhBwPAHEqo2Rr8bQ/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-4194513251817774412011-03-06T23:03:00.000-06:002011-03-06T23:03:48.298-06:00Wait, he says he's not dead!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GIv1JiQicFg" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The engine that died such an <a href="http://teamresignation.blogspot.com/2010/11/rod-blagojevich-never-say-die-500.html">awful, horrible death</a> in October of last year may not be entirely dead after all! It's been sitting in the trunk of my former <a href="http://sentimentalmechanic.blogspot.com/2010/10/eulogy.html">daily driver</a> since the race, and it had definitely seized on race day. But it seems to have come free! The bearings aren't in great shape, but they might serve, according to the team's resident old fart. We hope to install this back in the former DD and see if it fires up sometime next weekend. With some fresh oil in it, of course. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-14924226655525306262011-02-23T13:07:00.002-06:002011-02-23T13:10:41.458-06:00^^^ Hey, Look Up There!!!That's a fancy new header for the blog, eh<sup>1</sup>? That photo was taken by the esteemed <a href="http://murileemartin.com/">Murilee</a> <a href="http://www.greden.com/">Martin</a>, Chief Justice of the LeMons Supreme Court.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> Please disregard once this blog post is <a href="http://www.tilecleaning.org/img/recaulkshower1.jpg">old and moldy</a>.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444329446354442013.post-59754944800076091102011-01-25T11:03:00.015-06:002011-01-25T11:33:55.782-06:00Team Resignation nabs (kind of) coveted Ununhexium Medal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9uczaNhf2T5uKlAAkcB7a_nZvcqold2qyEGS0x_HfnDUGeeVFfFjvdcvJo83iGj6TTXkSSPPFpi1lCzs-e1aUqnMZeOx9cytjHsiZqwciTYHkCLgEk_FlEW57v5hw50h6fLw-Yj-X4w/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9uczaNhf2T5uKlAAkcB7a_nZvcqold2qyEGS0x_HfnDUGeeVFfFjvdcvJo83iGj6TTXkSSPPFpi1lCzs-e1aUqnMZeOx9cytjHsiZqwciTYHkCLgEk_FlEW57v5hw50h6fLw-Yj-X4w/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566176162934246162" /></a><br /><br /><br />Judge Phil released his award winners from the 2010 24 Hours of LeMons season. We are in some esteemed company, which includes the POS Racing/F'ed Up Express E30, the Corsa Nostra Alfa GTV6, the Double Jeopardy Fiero, the one-lap wonder Hoonatic Racing guy, the epic Team Schnitzel Merkur XR4Ti, a guy who exposed himself to Judge Phil's camera on the back of a car, and a number of other amazing teams.<br /><br />Read about it <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/01/the-2010-legends-of-lemons-ununhexium-medal-winners/">here</a>!<br /><br />If you're wondering what an Ununhexium Medal<sup>1</sup> is, it's like winning a bronze medal in <a href="http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Olympics+Day+12+Handball+9oMUu_TQlOPl.jpg">Olympic handball</a>. Judge Phil also nominated Unununium ("Gold") and Ununquadium ("Silver") medals. You can read about those teams <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/01/the-2010-legends-of-lemons-unununium-medal-winners/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/01/the-2010-legends-of-lemons-ununquadium-medal-winners/">here</a>, respectively.<br /><br />Eric and Alan are already making arrangements for an <a href="http://i22.tinypic.com/5nq0si.jpg">improved</a>, <a href="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3635/3881/21586940001_large.jpg">faster</a>, and <a href="http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/CBS_Production_News/701/678/noco_explosion0508_320x240.jpg">explodier</a> <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HKSMT056L._SL500_AA300_.jpg">Escort</a> for 2011. <br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> We enjoyed having our medal, but the 60 millisecond half-life of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ununhexium">Ununhexium</a> kind of precluded placing it on the mantle for more than about 300 milliseconds. Maybe we'll aim for an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unununium">Unununium</a> award next year, so we can have it for a full minute or two.Eric Roodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11702501963346688397noreply@blogger.com1