Mark Palmer,
We can always depend on you to jump in there with a clear headed response (MG
guy, too). And if Jack Woehrle's 'reality' comments are read in the right
context, more is to be gained.
Lots of good thoughts and everyone is very nearly correct from their own
perspective.
Our TR4 is prepared nearly to the same spec that Jim Spencer's car was when
it gained the Lap Record at Road America (now owned by Larry Rossi of
Vermont) in 1963 at 2:59.
Stock components abound everywhere in our car. The differences seem to be
Crane ignition and tire technology. We run close to lap record, but not much
beyond it like some others do.
We ceased development on our 1963 TR4 about three years ago....two
constraints existed here, technical ability and cash, as all work is done "in
house". As a result we have moved further back into the pack (even though we
continue to go a bit faster) and that is OK. We have the bonus of being very
reliable with low investment in GoJo. And an enormous amount of fun factor
with our friends.... Those that continue to go faster are welcome to do
so...as it is easy to understand...talent, desire, and cubic cash. And I
enjoy seeing them do so...
However, safety becomes paramont....the only significant component failures
we have experienced has been the rear axles of the TR. A couple of years ago,
I took components of the rear axles into Lead Axle Engineer of a major
corporation (my former corporate employer) and he laughed..."designed to
fail", he said.
Perhaps no failure for a street car.....but these are "production cars" on a
race track.
The axles that will exist with our TR4 in 2001 will look like TR4 axles,
perform like a TR4 axles, and will not likely break. I hope not. Wont go any
faster, will cost some money, but I only have to worry about the next
"weakest link".
Life is too short...but not short on purpose.
Regards,
Joe Alexander
We had two mechanical failures at the Turkey Bowl this weekend, very
fortunate that neither resulted in much damage. TR Spitfire broke rear axle
& lost wheel -- stayed upright & skidded off course, no further damage.
Driver told me he had no idea when last magged. Also had a Porsche 356
crack a wheel, about 20 - 30 % of circumference I would guess, original
Porsche steel wheel. Driver felt skirmy behavior, backed off & slowly drove
into pits. This is just FYI -- is Ely Fishkin listening?
Regards,
Mark Palmer
>From: JWoesvra@aol.com
>Reply-To: JWoesvra@aol.com
>To: N197TR4@cs.com, vintage-race@autox.team.net (Vintage list)
>CC: sbracing@execpc.com, vinttr4@geneseo.net, Jim_Hill@chsra.wisc.edu,
>KHoward313@aol.com, emanteno@attglobal.net, chusmann@execpc.com,
>TR4RACER@cs.com, malexander@igsb.uiowa.edu
>Subject: Re: Mechanical Failures
>Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2000 10:08:04 EST
>
>In a message dated 11/25/00 6:57:34 PM Pacific Standard Time,
>N197TR4@cs.com
>writes:
>
><< Jack Woehrle...I like your attititude on originality vs failures in a
>modern world.
>
> After Jack Drews' car made history at Road America (with his son at the
>wheel) I am spending some money that I would not spend otherwise.
>
> Our car is substantially made up of TR4 stock parts, including the aged
>TR-666 Isky cam (per legendary Mike Belfer).
>
> After all of the TR axle failures, I am changing the rear axles to
>something
>more substantial. It wont make the car go faster, but IT DOESNT MATTER to
>me.
>I am not so important, but I'd hate to see my sons on the track with the
>current set up.
>
> Hope to see you in the spring.
>
> Joe Alexander
>
> >>
>
>
>Thanks, Joe.
>
>I don't have unusual insight or profound abilities in metallurgy, but I do
>feel strongly that Vintage Racing in the United States is no longer a place
>to display museum pieces. Not that we shouldn't welcome them. The core of
>our
>sport is now made up of enthusiasts that are more racer than
>preservationist.
>You can argue forever the merits of this situation. The cold fact is that
>it
>is true.
>
>I believe we can mantain the character, appearance, and peculiararities of
>each make and model without significantly enhancing performance relative to
>the other makes. At the same time, I think we should explore every
>opportunity to make them safer and more reliable, within a range of common
>sense any fair play. Stronger materials and better designs can open the
>door
>to this goal. Cooperation between responsible racing organizations to allow
>and encourage such things is a vital part of this concept. Only the racers
>themselves can successfully bring the message to the organizers. There will
>always be those who think this is heresy. Those folks have their own events
>and venues.
>
>This year we have seen enough mechanical failures in vital components to
>make
>us worry what we can expect down the road. Old parts that were often
>questionable when new are reaching the absolute limit of their design
>expectations. We have to allow intelligent solutions to these problems in
>order to slow the destruction of fine race cars and possibly save a
>driver's
>life.
>
>Jack Woehrle
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