New Spec E30 car builders introduce yourselves

#1

It seems like there are a lot of people building Spec E30 cars at this time or that are planning to build. It would be interesting to know who you are, where you are, and when you hope to be on the track. Its great to see the series growing!

#2

step 1 is to update your Member Profile with region and build status - that can be helpful to find like minded folks around you.

Wow - there are 331 members on this board now!
cheers,
bruce

#3

Okay, you asked…
Dwight Varnes, near Harrisburg, PA. Building a 4dr 325i because it was cheap, and I like to be different. :lol:
Right now I have a gutted shell with no front suspension attached. Lots of boxes in the garage. I hope to be getting the front end back together this weekend.
The goal is to have the car at Summit in Oct for HPDE use, sans cage. Over the winter I’ll (hopefully) get the cage and seat in, and button up some things I won’t get done prior, like the exhaust. Another few HPDE’s to make sure it doesn’t explode or drop parts on the track and I’ll go for my license, assuming my instructors feel I’m ready. Since I was a Gr3 driver before, I don’t think that will be an issue.
I’ve got prior experience doing restoration type work and modifying a couple cars, notably a Fiesta and my recently departed Audi Coupe. I also helped build the winning GRM Challenge car for $2002; my biggest contribution was the paint and some outer bodywork. I did Solo 1 hill climbs with my Audi along with HPDE’s. Having used a street car for those should explain why I am now building a dedicated track car! :unsure:
My brother-in-law wscottl is also on here and is constructing a car also. Having a buddy doing one with you is a great motivator. Hopefully, we can remember to stick to ‘team orders’ and not race each other until it’s the final few laps. :stuck_out_tongue:
My stable of oddball cars and project updates can be found here:
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead.com

#4

Just updated my profile. 331 members is awesome. I live in Carthage, NC which is near Pinehurst, about 45 miles south of Raleigh. My car is a gold '89 325i. I’m not sure how long it will take me to get on the track with the rest of you. I’ve only been to 2 driving schools, but I’m hooked. The car is about $4000 away from being ready, near as I can guess. It’s bone stock except for the wheels, 15x7 Borbet 4 spokes. I think they comply.

#5

Dwight and Bob:

It’s good to have you guys in the group.

If you ever come hang out at the track with us, when you’re driving or not, we’re always nice to our future Spec E30 drivers, regardless of your build schedule.

Carter

#6

I am in York, PA and I am building a car to run in the NE. I’ve completed 3 HPDE’s in my Mazda, but figured it was time to build something with safety equipment as my speed increases.

The few times I’ve been on track with my B-I-L (ddavidv), we found the close ‘racing’ between our different cars made for a very exciting event. He wasn’t getting any love in his non-turbo Audi, and my Miata’s were a bit small for track duty, we decided to build Spec E30’s.

All three events I’ve run were at BeaveRun in Pittsburgh, the October event will be my first time on track at Summit Point.

I’ve spent the first 2 months replacing all maintenance items on my 257k mile '87is. My car was also the recipient of a motor swap, so I’ve been trying to retro fit all the little parts that didn’t make it back in the car (relay covers, headlight panels, ect.).

The spec suspension is going in. Camber plates, brake lines, oil pan tray, and track pads are lined up ready to go. Tires are ordered, and I’m still waiting for the IE sways. Cage and paint is scheduled to be done over the winter.

I look forward to meeting everyone and getting the car on the track.

-Scott

#7

Let me attest to the truth in Carter’s statement. My first race was at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago. I didn’t have any idea what to expect from my fellow competitors as I am a relative newbe to racing. I had to leave the track to check in to the hotel, when I got back, my car was covered with someone elses car cover. It had started to rain and Chuck and his son realized my car did not have door glass and used their cover to cover my car. Also, I had no earthly idea what tools might be needed or if I would need to change tires while at the track. Everyone pitched in to loan tools, impact wrenches, jacks, whatever. This group of guys…and girl is pretty darn cool IMO. Happy to be a part of it.

#8

Simon Hunter
Indianapolis
Building for next year
Raced J-Stock with BMWCCA for 5 years

#9

Simon, paint the Hunter car in hunter colors,. Camo all around… I’ll see (and meet) you at Mid Ohio. You can’t miss me, I’ll be driving a four-door Checker Cab. Comming next year, the Patton tank. See ya, Robert Patton

#10

Mike Skeen
North Carolina
Hopefully on track next year for the whole season.

#11

Skeener, How is the Petty life? Come see us at Roebling at the end of this month. By then I should have the Tank track worthy (this weekend) and a cage installed (following weeks). Get busy on your car! Regards., Robert Patton

#12

Scott McMennamy, Greensboro, NC (about an hour south of VIR). I’m building an '88 325is. I’ve had it on track twice. Before the E30, I tracked my sweet @ss M Coupe (which I sold to fund my addiction) and a not so sweet but it also wasn’t my car (thanks JP) 1990 325is.

The car is close to being finished. Hopefully over the winter I will do the cage, fire suppression, eccentric bushings, sub frame bushings and un-tuck my bumper:huh:. In February my fellow BeerTech brethren and I plan to get our comp licenses a hope to be joining the field in '07

When I’m not at the track… I’m thinking about being at the track or I’m shopping for parts. Unfortunately I don’t have a trust fund and my wife is unwilling to support my habits. So to pay for track time and parts, I work in advertising. If anyone needs logos, ads or better yet, a slow driver they’d like to sponsor… I’d be more than happy to discuss working out some kind of deal. However, you should know… I’m currently sponsored by BeerTech. But I am willing to entertain other offers and/or cosponsorships.:whistle:

Post edited by: scottmc, at: 2006/09/01 17:15

#13

AJ Goldsmith (aka Goldfish), 87 325iS.
I’m in Danville, CA about 2 hours from Thunderhill or Laguna Seca, and 1 hr from Infineon.

Newbie - I’ve been AX with the BMW club this summer and did one track school at Thill, with plans to do the CCA school at Infineon in Nov and as many more as I can squeeze in. If all goes well, I’ll do comp school in the spring and be on track next year. I’m probably 1/3 of the way to having my car ready, and probably have 1/2 of the parts already bought a/o installed.

Props to Walter Ford of Valley Motorwerks for his support of the series and helping me at every step, and to Erik and the guys at Edge Motorworks for being cool guys with a great shop close to my house - thanks for your help. The community of racers on SE30 and in Norcal has been awesome. B)

Cheers,
-AJ

Post edited by: goldfish, at: 2006/09/04 14:45

#14

Aside from showing up a couple of times at VIR to spectate and providing a few miscelanious items from the 87 iS I drove to the track I’m a newb to road racing. All my racing experience was dragbikes. My e30 needs the safety equipment installed to be track-ready. I need schools. From the current picture below you can see I don’t have much time for that right now. Note the Uber cool steering wheel roundel on my cranial. My car will be red/gold with Marine logos.

Post edited by: teufelauto, at: 2006/09/03 13:40

#15

To the above poster, thank you for your service. Your work keeps this country free so that I may persue silly pasttimes such as racing. :slight_smile:

My front suspension is finished. Will have the rear done this week. Tires should be in and mounted this week. All I have to do then is figure out how to keep the sunroof panel in the big hole in the roof and it will be road-ready for HPDE next month. Roll cage this winter, begin persuing my license next summer.

#16

Robert,
Petty life is great so far. I’ll keep an eye on Roebling; I’m flying to Homestead the day after, but it could work out. I gotta see the Patton Tank!
-Michael

#17

Newb and Newb girl here. We are a couple from Tampa FL area searching for an affordable race class to satisfy our fix for speed and fun.We purchased a Solo 2 Prepped MGB but found it too modified to race in anything but the fastest and most expensive classes. It will be a great (and FAST) street car for us though. I have owned a modified E30 eta as well as a 525i and find them bullet proof and fun to drive. I am looking for a 325 now with the intention of joining the spec e30 class. I found a great 318i today but will prob spend some more $$ to avoid the engine swap. I still have to delve into the specs but know this is the class for us from a fun and $$ perspective.
More later!

#18

Teufelauto wrote:

Thanks for serving, Marine. Stay safe over there and let us know when you get back to the states.

I got back home from Iraq in Nov 05. I’m a "week-end warrior" UH-60 helo mechanic with the Army National Guard. Aviation - in any branch - is the way to go!!!

I think it would be cool to have a race car with a USMC paintjob. I’ve seen pics of a ‘Fly Navy’ Spec E30 race car and an Army CMC Mustang.

Take care,

Mike

#19

uh60fixer wrote:

Weekend Warrior? No such thing. Not anymore. We have lots of army medic -60s here at Al Asad.

I have all the graphics for my car in a big tupperware to apply once I return in the spring. It should look entirely decent. B)

Semper Fi, and keep on Soldiering

#20

Jamie,

As I said at VIR, keep your head down, Marine. (And thanks for the "spare parts" and all the help.)

If there’s anything I can do to help, either while you’re deployed, or once you’re back at CPMCAS, let me know.

BTW, you may want to update you sig to reflect your "TDY".

  • Dan