Al Taylor's convertible racing in the SE

#1

Most of you know Al Taylor. He lives near VIR, is a terrific source of parts and e30 knowledge and is one of the very early SpecE30 racers. Most of the best SE and Mid-Atl Saturday night stories have Al Taylor in them.

Despite a history of weak engines and hand-me-down tires, he can place well.

This last year Al has been racing with NASA-SE occasional in GTS in a convertible. I would like to hear opinions on allowing him to race in SpecE30 in the SE. This would mean eligible for all awards, contingencies, and adoration.

His car would, of course, need to be SpecE30 compliant just like any other car. He’d be missing his roof, of course.

I vote to let him race with us. He’s probably the most hilarious characters in
SpecE30, I was never convinced by the anti-vert crowd, and if Al can beat me with the ratty old equip he shows up with, he deserves to win.

What say you, SE types?

#2

I’m also ok with him racing with us.

#3

Al is my boy so I am all for letting him race with the vert.

#4

Let Al race! Convertibles were legal at one point correct? I wouldn’t mind the option to use a vert shell if/when its needed. Lots of verts still out there and the other Spec models are drying up.

Al loves to race and I enjoyed racing with him! If Al beats you he does so with great driving and consistency, not by some fancy motor and fresh tires! I can’t remember the last time he was involved in an incident… on the track at least. :silly:

#5

I’ll let the audience determine if this is a yes or no answer.

First, you’ve got to know who you are racing. As Paul said, Al is the best. Gotta love him and what he has done to grow the spec e30 field. He’s paid his dues.

Second, he does put a lid on his car so it is close to a spec e30. Verts were once okay…

Third, I don’t know the suspension components.

Forth, I like the Pantas fire chief car. Have you seen it? I’m kinda half owner, it has my suspension goodies on it. Is it okay, too?

Fifth, the fire chief has a firm (and really stiff) J Stock suspension with a 25mm sway bar up front.

Sixth, A R Hosmondy has a really cool chump car that is faaaast.

See how this could be a big can of worms?

Back in the 2004-2006 timeframe, as people were building their cars, we operated with lots more run-what-you-brung latitude as the series was building. We knew every newbie well. Not so much any more.

Your call,

RP

#6

These are personal opinions.
I’d be good any currently log booked convertibles, but everything but the roof would need to be SpecE30 compliant.

I would not want to encourage the build of new convertibles because it would lead to strife. Different suspension would be out too, although I always wanted to try J Stock.

#7

Robert I think you missed that the car will be Spec e30 legal in all aspects except it will be a vert

#8

I would agree with RP. I have met Al and heard the stories and even communicated via email with him and I know how highly respected he is and that he has an E30 that is almost an Spec E30 and that he sells parts and helps everybody and that we all really want to see him race and all these other wonderful things in this run-on sentence and I don’t see any rule that currently a) allows convertibles or b) allows exemptions for cool dudes, or any dudes for that matter. Proper method would be to tackle the convertible issue properly and that would answer the question. Not my region but is my 2 cents.

p.s. does anybody else feel like Al is in the room saying “I’m standing right here. I can hear you talking about me.”

#9

Duplicate post.

#10

Damion, thanks for the suspension clarification. That clears it up…somewhat.

Scott, and others, you would love the J Stock stuff. In Hunt’s original outline of the series that was a the direction it was going. Guess I purchased my components too soon.

Yep, Al’s in the room and he is the BEST.

My vote, I don’t have one, I don’t have to administer the outcome.

Standing starts, anyone ?

RP

#11

IMHO, +1 for Al, +1 for standing starts.

#12

Im cool with him racing with us!

#13

Big +1 for Al in SE30

#14

Thanks guys…

Car has always had spec e30 suspension until I changed it for last weekend at RA, will change it back for Daytona, also have to change the decklid.

What is sad is I built the car before it was outlawed, just did not get a logbook issued, if I had it would be a very valuable nationally legal spec e30…I ran the car with a diesel as a gimmick for a while…I also got the car titled so I could drive it on the street some.

Al

#15

I think Al and the car should be allowed.

Well deserved.

#16

With a face like that (avatar) who can deny?!?!

Viva Alonzo! Let him Race!

#17

Al and any other convertible should be allowed. PS I’ve had a petition in for a rule change to allow the vert’ again, and its crickets on my petition…Haven’t heard anything.

#18

:woohoo: Let Al race!