Ten pounds of sh*t in a five pound bag...

#1

Dateline: Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2011

Professional race car driver Jim “IndyJim” Robinson interrupted his coaching/testing duties for Brendan Digel’s “The Sled” racing team briefly on Saturday to offer his chassis tuning expertise to the #69 Mazda Miata fielded by OPM Autosports and driven by Christine DeVinney.

Despite the obvious handicap of driving a car set up for a 5’4" 120 pound driver, Jim was able to rip off several hot laps – several seconds quicker than the housewife. “Finally I have found a race car that really says who I am!!” said Jim, holding his pinkies out as he gripped the Momo wheel.

After climbing from the car with assistance (which looked like the rewind of a cop car dash cam of a meth head being stuffed in a sheriff’s car) Jim walked around a bit. At first this reporter assumed he was looking for the usual throng of autograph seekers. Then Jim explained that he last felt his feet on Lap 2 and was pretty sure that left-foot clutching was going to be the hot move once he had time to practice.

Due to his Grand Am campaign and the exclusive photography rights sold to Maxim Magazine, we are unable to share actual images of the event. However, this is a close approximation:

#2

So, seriously speaking, how was the trip?
Was Brendan there also?
Beautiful weather?

Also, your presence is needed at the e30 speed shop in the near future.

RP

#3

The trip was great. It was the usual group of BMW street car guys (met David Harrison for the first time) plus a couple Alfas there to scatter parts, fluids, etc. And a couple race cars to keep everyone watching their mirrors. :laugh:

Brendan, Jim and Ted came down to test the sled. THAT is a real race car! Unfortunately, their day ended a little early when a valve something retainder something shim thingy went wonky. They got some decent data and seemed satisfied with the day’s efforts on Saturday.

Chris fell in love with the Miata because it behaves a lot like the Boxster we used to have. Easier to drive than the E30 too. Great weather, good folks. Original and motor-swapped E30s, E36, E46, E9X, two generations of M Coupes, 944 Turbo, 911 Turbo, a Mini… Lots of fun track day cars.

Let me know when you want me at the shop. And what I could possibly be “needed” for!! Unless you are looking for a shop sweeper, you know I am underqualified.:wink:

#4

Thanks to SteveD PR for the write up. No such thing as bad press as they say.

His description is mostly accurate. I ‘drove’ a miata for the first time, make that the first time for any non-bmw on track.

I suspect Steve’s offer came mostly for his own amusement since I don’t fit in Brendan’s car which is based on an E12 5 series (ie 4 doors), I certainly stood no chance in small convertible. The fat guy in a little coat jokes were in abundance.

The trouble started when I was roughly folded in half and stuck trying to get into the car. Steve’s persistent shoving on my head while I tried not to cry eventually paid off with me not being able to fit in the seat.

I only got 4 laps because I had to take both hands of the wheel and pull my left leg into position in order to shift. Once it started to go numb even my safety sensors started to go off (more from deep vein thrombosis danger then for concern of anyone on the track).

The poor ergonomics didn’t allow me to put my best foot forward but a few impressions:

1 - its a shame those cars are so wussy, because it was a hoot to drive
2 - for a good driver a SM is like a fine instrument you can do just about anything you can think of in it and the car will respond.
3 - the SE30 is like a 2 stringed banjo, or mouth harp in comparison. To make it sing you really have to work.
4 - the handling (as mentioned) was phenomenal, but the brakes were impressive as well.

Steve was the fastest Miata all weekend, and after Brendan and Ted left the most mechanically proficient as well.