Brooksville Oct 7th event. 
Went out to the Brooksville Oct 7th event. We had 5 runs this morning, I had 3 competitors in DSP today so that was a good test of where the RS is in it current state. Well my first run was a 48.6, second was a 47.xx +2 cones, third was a 47.9, fourth was a 47.4, and then my final run I went out and ripped off a 46.008 and with that took Fastest Time of the Day. Second fastest was 46.3 by a C Stock Miata. So the car is setup perfectly right now and the V710 tires are almost dead too. So the next event will be the Florida State Championships at Moroso Motorsport Park in Miami Nov 10-11. It was a very good day today. Very happy with the car right now.

Nilla

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Wombat suspension? 
After trying to find a set of trailing arms and lateral links that were adjustable, I decided to build my own and asked if anyone else was interested in a set. I got an overwhelming response from racers and some hard core street guys. So, I now have the components to make the prototypes and test them. The suspension system will consist of two series, WOMBAT Track Claws and if there is interest, and, if there is interest, a set with polyurithane bushings called WOMBAT Street Claws. The adjustability is amazing for what we (RS owners) have to initially work with. These will be WOMBAT designed and built with steel bearings eliminating all but one rubber bushing and I'm working on that as well. There will now be no give in the rear suspension making all of those adjustments you spend so much time measuring, stay where you set them lowering your lap times!!!!

Stay tuned for pics and pricing as well as a fully adjustable steel bearing lower control arm set (in the design stages right now)!!!! In the near future, I hope to offer complete packages to include front control arms as well as the above rear 6 links in both steel bearing and polyurithane mounts. I am very excited about these and hope they are well recieved!


The WOMBAT!

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finishing the jungle gym... 
As I said in my last entry, I have been installing a Grand Am style cage to the H6 car. The main reason was that the car was twisting real bad and the other reason was the I want this car to see open track/ Time Attack duty with a pro driver. The car has a long way to go before its ready for a real driver so, thats where I'm at.

It is also the time of year to look for sponsors for the 2008 season. We are looking to add alot more races to our calender but as you all know, that takes money. After doing the math, it's cheaper to get a Toterhome and larger trailer than it is to trailer three cars with three trucks and then get hotel rooms and go out to dinner every night. Either way it's alot of money but cheaper if we can use one vehicle. Besides, personally, I like to stay at the track as much as possible to stay in the game.

As you probably already know, Mastro Subaru Tampa will stay on board with us for another year as we will help push their newly acquired Orlando area dealership! Hopefully, we will get into more forms of racing with Mastro, we'll have to see what direction they are wanting to go in though.

Of course, Central Florida Auto Salvage will be with us again in 2008 as we try to get more Subaru business to go to them.

Ultimate Car Forum has been hosting this blog for us and I am very grateful for that. Reminds me....I need to talk to Bull.....

However, we are in need of corperate sponsorship at this point of our program. We have done this for three years out of our own pockets and I believe that we have done very well for our sponsors. I know that they can be contacted for referals if need be. If anyone has a sugestion for a sponsor or you yourself are looking for a unique advertising venue, please leave me a comment and I will contact you.

Heres to a productive off season to everyone!!!!

Also, please leave a comment to let us know your thoughts and sugestions. Is there something you'd like to see? Looking for info? let us know!!!

The WOMBAT!!!



[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 2.9 / 17 )
H6 is running..... 
Yes...it true, the W6-R is up and running. After our breakage in Gainsville, we repaired the car and tried again in Zephyrhills. Unfortunately, electrical gremlins invaded the dash! So now, we have the car REALLY torn down to troubleshoot the electrical and while we are at it, I figured this was as a good time as anny to install the new....I dont even know how many point roll cage that should be able to get SCCA Road Racing approval. To say the new cage is massive would be a huge understatement. The main reason for the cage though, is the amount of twist this car has without a cage is scarry. So, I figured, if your going to do it, do it one time and be done.

There is now a sister car to the W6-R preparing to be constructed. Parts are being sourced daily for the W6-R version II. I'm sure there will be a thread on UCF documenting this build as well. This car will get some of its influence from the W6-R of course but, will go in it's own direction in other areas like chassis. There will be more on this soon.

In addition, I am in the blueprint stages of designing a completely new car from the ground up, frame and all that will be the REAL W6-R...._____. I can't divulge what the car will be built for, but the car will be like no other Subaru anyone around here has seen. Am I just a little excited about it? You bet! I have thought about building my own car for a while now and it looks like the planets may align for me! Before that car is started however, Cindi is wanting an old school Chevy.....67-73 era...Camaor, Chevelle, Nova...something like that or a Factory Five Cobra. Once thats done, The chassis construction will begin!

[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.3 / 15 )
Subaru Challenge Results 
Well it was a packed 2 days. On friday Craig got up to the welcome party at the event hotel and got a good reception to the debut of the W6R. I made my way up, and arrived at around 9pm. on saturday we got the cars to the track and got them ready to roll. The event went pretty darn smooth (keeps getting better each year). Brayn, Craig and myself all ran in the second run group, Well Craig took his first run and the car took off like a bat outta hell. Everything seemed good until the car hopped sideways and there was a pop from the rear. Craig finished te run but he felt like the wheelwas going to come off. After some troubleshooting we came to the conclusion that the rear diff had a catastropic faliure. We had anticipated that we had a few weak links and figured they would rear their ugly heads. The damage to the car was not a big deal but as Craig said he was disappointed that Bryan did not get to make a run in the car before it was retired. The DSP RS was running sooo good. The car is getting back to her winning ways. I took DSP easily due to no competition in he class but I think I placed in the top 16 (will know when they put up the results online) and would have qualified for the Superstar Challenge had the event not been suspended due to heavy rain and lightning. All in all Mastro Subaru/WOMBAT Racing made a good showing and the H6 ws a hit. The car will have all the bugs worked out and it will be a monster.

Nilla

[ 1 comment ] ( 7 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 2.8 / 20 )
SUBARU CHALLENGE 
Well in a few hours the W6R will be heading up to Gaineville for the Subaru challenge. I will be taking the RS up there a little later. The car is painted and all tattoo'd up with the sponsor logos, and it looks good. The car is running good, and this event will be the first real shakedown of the car. It will be put through its paces to find any weak links so they may be addressed after the event. We here at WOMBAT Racing are so very excited to finally have the cars up and running and Look forward to getting the twins together. The cars look similar but then again they look nothing alike. Pictures and video will be up on Sunday so keep an eye out for that.

Talk to ya later.

Nilla

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Updated Information. 
Well it has been awhile. The RS is up and running and looks to be good to go for the Upcoming Subaru Challenge next weekend. Craig has made leaps and bounds of progress on the H6 Impreza. It is up and running and is completely insane. Craig is soo happy with the progress. We are both getting the cars ready for the Subaru challenge as that will be the shake down for the H6 and I am very excited to see this thing run wide open.

Keep an eye out for more updates. They will be coming

Nilla

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Fired the Motor today!! 
Well finally got the RS motor fired up and idling today. Talked with Phil at Element Tuning and he got me pointed in the right direction with the Hydra engine management system. I am very happy as the car even in its rough tune is showing some major potential. Thanks goes out to The Wombat himself, he put the big c/r motor together, we were both intrested to see how this one turned out ha ha ha. Another big thanks goes to Pete Mastro, Will, Bill and the rest of the guys at Mastro Subaru they have been a huge help in getting this car ready to attack the rest of the season.

I will post up some pics and vids in the next couple days of the car in its current state.

Thanks

Josh "Nilla"

[ 1 comment ] ( 7 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3 / 25 )
DSP Impreza engine done!!!!! 
The engine for Joshs, DSP car is finished and he just left with it. From what he said, he will be installing it this week and trying to fire on Wed....FIREWORKS!!!! Without saying too much, this engine is built to the letter of the rulebook and with a new EM system, it will be interesting to see what happens. I believe he has a base map to fire on. The stock ECU just isn't going to cut it.

The H6 car is still moving along. Way more slowly than I wanted it to. The engine is all hooked up but cooling continues to be an issue. There is no reaestate left in the engine bay! Like I have said before, I will have to get creative here. Josh has the new hubs ready to be installed, I just need to give him the knuckles. Other than that there isn't much left....bodywork, but I need to find someone for that......we'll see

[ 1 comment ] ( 5 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3 / 21 )
Parts IN 
Well I have picked up the few parts that were needed and as soon as time permits we can get the motor finished and back into the car. It has been a long year and there are upcoming events where she can make her new debut.

The SWC Subies will be delivered sometime this week and I will update everyone on the progress on them as well.

Also the W6R is still moving forward time is just very scarce.

Nilla


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Still waiting.... 
I know we havent mentioned the 2.5RS DSP car on here lately. The main reason being, we are still waiting on parts to complete the engine. You would think that parts for a NA 4 cyl engine would be easy to come by but, as you up the power, parts become scarce. The short block is assembled and ready to go. New pistons, rings, rods....all done nice. We really want to get this engine installed and get back out on the course. Knowing that cars chassis is well sorted, it makes it hard to look at knowing she is needing that heart to show us what its capable of. I don't believe that we have yet to see what the cumulation of all of the new parts do together. If what the car did with the "Patches" engine (down on power BIG time and no tuning) is any indication, the competition should have their hands full.

Speaking of still waiting, the H6 Impreza is waiting for me to find time to finish her. Cooling is the bain of this project as of this writing. I have seen other Impreza H6 swaps that are now running but what they did for cooling just plain looks unfinished. I think I have a way to get a larger radiator in there and look like factory (ish). I was also hoping to get the car caged before the Mastro meet in August, but it doesnt look as though that will happen. The brake system will require alot of my attention as well due to the size of the rotors we are running. Bracket need to be made to stand off the caliper, hoses, probably new rotors.

This car has gotten completely out of hand as a project.

Originally, the idea was to have a nice little commuter for a while, then swap in an engine and have some fun. Due to the insane amount of damage to this car, We were forced to replace every body panel except the roof, trunk and rear bumper! Not to mention the entire suspension system, fuel, brakes, wiring, ECU, cooling.....not one single system in ths car is untouched......I just want to finish the car enough to test drive it right now and get her done and painted for its debut in August. But the 2.5RS needs to be done as well ....Oooo and the new WRX.......I need a time machine!

[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3 / 28 )
Next Challenge event....Canada 
As this week winds down, I am getting ready to spend the next two weeks in Quebec. Our first stop will be Montreal as the Challenge is one of the support races for F1. Because of this being the Montreal Gran Prix, our normal schedule is incredibly tight. We will be getting one and only one practice on Friday afternoon, then have to qualify first thing Sat morning. What makes this even more difficult, is that the current forecast calls for a dry partly sunny Fri and a rainy Sat morning. And on Sunday, we get no warm up....straight to the race. I tell you, SPEED and Set-Up writers couldn't write a more cifficult and interesting script! On the up side though, our team has the best drivers coaches and management staff in the paddock hands down! If you saw their combined racing resumes' you would see my point. I'm sure these guys have been here before and excelled. In addition, this stop on the circuit is a double points race making this one even more special.......and who doesn't want a great finish at an F1 weekend? I am very excited for all of the drivers as well. Some have been here before and some for the first time in front of an expected 100,000+ attendance each day. The feeling I'm sure they will all feel sitting on that grid......ahhhhh unreal.

This will be the first time I, myself will see current F1 cars in a race. I am such a big fan of F1 and this will definately be a highlight for me.

After that weekend is finished, we will be heading to Mont-Tremblant on the other side of Quebec. This track is the North American Ferrari driving experience home track. Also, the driver currently in second place for the championship, owns Mont-Tremblant track. This weekend, I suspect, will be back to our normal schedule and will be a two race standard point event. We'll keep you posted...

[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3 / 27 )
New Additions 
Today I just completed the transaction and now have added 2 former Speed World Challenge Subaru Chassis's to theWombat family. They will be delivered to a storage unit as soon as I can find one.



Nilla

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pics from VIR 
Like Josh said, it was an eventful weekend indeed. All of the ASF/Shelton Sports Cars drivers did very well. Here are two pics for now. I have many more but have to get them downloaded.......





[ 3 comments ] ( 12 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 2.7 / 22 )
WOMBAT in VIR results 
Whats up everyone Well our week is over and it was a pretty good one. Lots of good competitive driving, lots of banged up cars during practice. We lost one of ours on the team most likely a total loss. Pics will follow later.

Craigs Driver Mike ZOI- started 6th on saturday and fought all the way to the front with a destroyed rear diffuser/bumper to take the win in the first race. Then today, ZOI fought off an early challenge to open a commanding lead to finish 1st. Resulting in back to back wins this weekend.

My driver Ty- Today was doing very well battling for 7th when the 7th place car got sideways and as Ty trying to avoid the sliding car, goes to pass behind him but it sides in front of him causing him to T-bone the drivers fender/door area resulting in massive damage thus ending our day. Was totally unavoidable, what can ya do?

Plus our flight got cancelled and we are staying at the Marriot (which is very nice) on Uniteds dime tonight.

Thats it for now

Nilla

[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.1 / 28 )
Progress on the RS front 
Hey well on the RS side of the Hopuse we are still waiting for Mastro Subaru to recieve the Cosworth Head Studs so we can finish up the RS motor. Other than that the Car is ready to recieve its new heart and get some tuning and get back out on the track. I still need to source some new race rubber before the National Championships in Sept too.
Also I will be picking up the Subaru Race Chassis after we get back from VIR. We will be at Virginia International Raceway this Wed-Sun. So come out and say hi if your in the area. We will be in the Pit area next to the ASF and Shelton Ferrari Trailers.


Josh "Nilla"



[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.2 / 25 )
Finally got a few pics 
As promised, here are a few pics of the rims on the W6-R project. Yes, they are very close, but they will clear evrything just fine. Pics aren't the best but..........






[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.3 / 21 )
And yet more..... 
Saturday, Brad and I went up to Central Florida Auto Salvage (one of our sponsors that is allowing us to build the WRX there) to get some much needed work done on the chassis. Only after Brad got the nose off of the car, did I notice the damage to the RF of the car. The story I got, was that the car was street racing and got out of hand on the driver. I don't know what they hit exactly, but it must have been pretty substantial. The RF JIC srtut had the top sheered off....that much I knew as well as the bent lower control arm. What I didn't know, was that the wheel and strut tried to occupy the passenger seat. We removed the dash panel and the shape of the pass side floor board looked strange. I removed the firewall insulation and there was the majority of the damage. Luckily, the lower mounting point for the control arm SEEMS to be untouched but only after measuring the nose will we know for sure. We spent the next few hours trying to hammer the floorboard into submition getting it atleast close. I'm sure we will have to tweak the nose to get it straight again then we will weld in some new metal to strengthen the firewall.

We then began sand blasting all of the seams in the engine bay as well as the mounting points for the radiator core support that someone had tried to repair and left loose with no welds. I still am not sure if we will replace the core support or just fix the one we have.

It also appears that this car is wanting an engine swap. I was hoping to keep the car stock and running a less expensive class, but without a complete wiring harness that includes the ECU plug.....we may have no other choice.



[ add comment ]   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3 / 24 )
More WRX progress..... 
Got the WRX wiring harness today ahich was a great find however................... the harness is missing the plug for the ECU. I guess when they pulled the harness, it was beyond the techs comprehension to opperate a simple plug tab to disconnect the plug from the ECU. Un real. Like all of our other projects though, why I thought this would go smoothely is beyond me.


But there is hope!

Since the ECU plug is gone.....this car is a great candidate for another H-6 swap! Like the W6-R, this car will be a dedicated track car (it seems, unless a miricle happens). Swapping the H-6 should go alot smother than the W6-R due to the longer engine compartment. So... looks like this may be the plan but, like so many times before, fate it seems, is not without a sense of humor. At least we have options.....so many others aren't so lucky so we have to acknowledge that.

While picking up the harness, we were able to score some more parts. As silly as it may sound, carpet was a big deal. I really wanted this car to have a complete car feel to it and it seems as though we will have that. Assorted trim items were also sourced as well as a rack and pinion, lower control arm, Guage cluster and the option to go back for whatever else we may be able to use from that car!

I got the carpet a little clean just to see if we'll have to dye it, it looks like we don't have to. also, the rear bumper is on the car. So, the car atleast is looking like a complete car. We do however have to remove the front clip to make some repairs and run the wiring.

More soon...........

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Project WRX underway! 
After trying to decide what to do with the WRX and letting the car and fate have its hand, the car now has direction. Thankfully, its the direction I was hoping for deep down. Today, Bryan found a rear deck lid, rear bumper and the biggest find of all for this project....the complete nose to tail wiring harness!!! The electrical is by far the hardest thing to locate and when you do find them, they go for all of the money.

I spent a small portion of the afternoon pressurewashing the car inside and out. Since there is absolutely NOTHING in the car, you can't hurt a damn thing with water which is nice. The exterior will need to be stripped, sealed and painted. As far as color goes, I don't know yet. If some of the companies step up, they may dictate the paint scheme for us (cross your fingers)! Bryan also found lower control arms and some other assorted parts to complete the car. As we start to assemble the car, MY biggest thing will be cleaning all of the parts and getting them painted. There is nothing more annoying than trying to build a new car and getting filthy.

The other new addition for Josh MAY be getting very close. We will post more info as soon as a deal is completed...I REALLY want to say more, but.....don't want to ruin the deal...............

[ 1 comment ] ( 2 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.1 / 31 )
Back from a great weekend at Sebring! 
Josh and I spent Saturday and Sunday in Sebring with GT1club.com working on some of the members cars. All of the drivers were great to be around, did very well and seemed like they had a great time doing it. No incidents at all....just a great weekend at the track.

I also uploaded a few pics from the first races in Homestead Florida. We learned alot that weekend and continue to improve as a team with each passing race IMO. Enjoy the pics!

Next up for us is the 5th and 6th races of the Ferrari Challenge at VIRginia International Speedway in Richmond. Its my understanding that the races will be televised on SPEED although, I don't know the air dates yet. I'll post them when I know. If your in the area, come on out and stop by our pits...big red (go figure right?) Shelton Ferrari trailer. Josh is with car #66 and Craig is with #8. Hope to see you there!

Some people asked for a few pics of the Challenge cars. Here are the few that I have. Maybe Josh has a few more. I'll try to get some better ones at the next event.

car Carlos Conte's F430 getting some service




Car #8 Mike Zoi on pole in Homestead




[ 1 comment ] ( 2 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.1 / 31 )
5/4/07 
Well, from the looks of things, we have some regular viewers of this blog. Thank you to all of you! Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know or see and I'll see what I can do. I just want to make it better for everyone.

I have been looking around for different parts for the new car as well as whats needed for the W6-R. Tires and cooling are the biggest issues plaguing that car right now. The WRX? what ISN'T needed is the bigger question. I'm sure Bryan is starting to try to find parts he knows is needed as well. To be completely hones, We haven't even pulled the car out of the trailer yet! We really need to get it cleaned and sand blast all of the body seams and start to weld the car more solid while we decide what we are going to do.

Tomorrow, Josh and I will be joining our other team mates in Sebring Florida for a www.GT1club.com track day. I have noooo idea what cars will be there. I can only assume some of the cars that got damaged in Infineon will be there to shake things down a bit......who knows. But I will say that these are the best people to go to the track with hands down! Go to their website for more information as to what they can do for you and your race car!

Again, thank you to all of the viewers and I'll post again soon......

Craig

[ 6 comments ] ( 22 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.2 / 31 )
New addition to the stable! 


Here she is! We acquired this 2002 WRX Impreza just yesterday and as you can imagine, everyone is already talking about what to build out of it.....street car? Track car? Who knows but, one thing is for sure, we are now an all Subaru team. Bryan will be driving this car and relegating his 240SX back to street duty although, I'm sure it will still see the track on occasion. I personally would like to see this car done and painted before August so that we can bring it along to Mastro Subaru for their yearly meet. Mastro has done so much for us and it would really feel good to step up our presentation for them.

So as it stands right now, we need to finish three Imprezas, all in different classes and with different needs. I guess its time to clean up the new car, seam weld it and make a list of what is needed...I'm sure it will be a hell of one!

WOMBAT!

[ 2 comments ] ( 7 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.1 / 26 )
More progress on the H6 Impreza 
This past weekend, I had enough time to spend a few hours on the car. The engine is in and in it's final place. The new oil pump, timing belt and assorted internals are installed. I got the intake manifold all sealed up and mounted as well. The P/S pump we are using, is from the SVX which has created a new issue with the P/S lines as the H6 is @ 5" longer than the H4. The pump also hits the hood, so that will need to be clearanced as well. All of the wiring in the engine bay is completed but, there are a few rubber lines that still need to find their homes.

Cooling continues to be an issue. I really want to get the cooling taken care of so that I can close the front of the car up and start moving my way back to finish it. In the interior, the wiring is a real mess to say the least. Out of all of the wires in there, we only need a few from the ECU to the car and hardly any from the car to the ecu as we are running aftermarket guages. The new switch panel is finished and installed as well but needs to come out again as wel as the dash (all of the wiring is behind there and that is where the new ECU will reside) I want to keep the pass side floorboard clear of any electronics in case of water infiltration.

I have been getting alot of comments on the wheels and their widths by people passing by and other car people in the neighborhood. Most dont understand why anyone would put that wide of a wheel on an Import and others say that it looks great. I really don't care either way...it makes sense to me....and its my car right....ummmmm yeah, thats my name on the title. I know I need to post pics....I'll see what I can do...........

[ 1 comment ] ( 5 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.3 / 30 )
Progress has resumed! 
Yesterday, Josh and Leigh stopped by and we got Joshs new shortblock built. We spent alot of time checking then re-checking every clearance and spec just to be completely sure everything was perfect. That was a big project to get off of our plate. Now we are only waiting on the new Cosworth headstuds to complete the long block. Once thats done, we are only about 2 hrs away from firing! We waited a loooong time for all of the correct parts and machining to get done.

The W6-R got another step closer to completion as well. We got the new hubs, bearings and seals installed on the right side of the car with a 5 x 114 bolt pattern! We didn't go the conventional STi swap route. Instead, we built our own kit from pieces of other cars. Now the front rotors fill a 17" wheel nicely....to be honest, the caliper may be so close to the rim, that we will need to run scrappers on the calipers to help with rim clearance!....Kind of like another car we know.......

Now, we can bolt up a set of transport wheels and move the car to either expose the left side of the car to finish the hubs, finish wiring, pull the engine (for the last time) finish the cooling system and complete the bodywork (at least as far as I can get it. I really want a bodyshop to smoothe it out) August is the deadline for this car and we will be losing 2 weeks in June so I would say that realistically we have 30 days to finish....shouldn't be a big issue but remember, I wanted the car done by April 1st and we all know how that has gone.

We have also contacted another team that has Speed World Challenge WRX caged rolling chassis to see about getting one for Chinn Motorsports and possibly SCCA T-2 competition. We'll let you know.

I have also yet to go to more than 1 SOLO II events this year. So far, every event is on a weekend that we are with American Speed Factory. Now I'm not complaining one bit.....full track is the direction I want to go. I would like to spend a weekend with Bryan and his car to help him get the car better planted. We also have to run all three cars at the Florida State Championships, Southeast Subaru Challenge, and it looks as though we will have to buy our way in to have a spot in SCCA Solo II National run offs in Topeka, Ks. as we were unabl to make it to a qualifying event ( I think it was in Ga. or something)

I'll post more soon!

Craig

[ 1 comment ] ( 7 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.2 / 37 )
Parts have arrived 
Well the day before we leave for Infinion Mastro Subaru here in Tampa Florida finished delivering the parts we desperately needed to complete the RS and the W6R. We will go over all the parts tomorrow and get some pics up. I want to give a big THANK YOU to Pete, Kyle, Bill, Will and the rest of the great guys over there. They never cease to amaze me by the amount of help and info they keep giving to our budding program. I will say with help like this we will go far. Well we leave tomorrow for Infinion Raceway to work with the Ferrari 430 Challenge cars. So again i hope anyone in the Sonoma area comes out and says hi. When we get back we will get back to work on the Suby's.

Josh "Nilla"

[ 1 comment ] ( 5 views )   |  permalink  |  related link  |   ( 3.2 / 28 )
Wombat Update 
Hello Everyone sorry we have not been updating regularly. First off the Wombat Cars are slowly moving along. My motor is at the machine shop and Mastro Subaru helping us out again this year. Thank you so much to them. Craigs car is moving along nicely the body work is basically done and the car is now heading in the direction of a fully built track car now, with the focus going to be on open track racing. Craig and I are working every month with the American Speed Factory crewing the Ferrari 430 challenge cars. In the march race Craigs Driver Mike ZOI took the sat pole and the Sat win with a Sunday finish of 4th. You can check out the Ferrari info on the ASF website at www.americanspeedfactory.com.

Craig is out at an undisclosed location this week testing for April's race. We will be out at Infinion Raceway April 13-15 so if your local to there check us out.

Thats about it for now.

Josh "Nilla"

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Team update......3/27/07 
Well, its been a while since we have posted here. There has been so much happening. Like I said in our last entry, Craig and Josh are working with American Speed Factory instead . Craig is working with Mike Zoi and the # 8 Ferrari F430 Challenge and Josh is with Ty Hubbard in the # 66 Ferrari F430 Challenge. After an eventful first two races finding Mike Zoi the winner of race one and 4th in race two we are off to Infineon Raceway for races 3-4. Josh was kept very busy by an off track excursion by Ty but was able to not only make the show, but advance! Congrats to the entire ASF team!

In Team Wombat news, the W6-R is coming along nicely although we are now waiting on parts. We are also changing directions a bit and building the car for Time Attack to be driven by Craig and Brad. Joshs car is awaiting parts as well to recieve its new heart and will be ready for State and National Championships as well as the Subaru Challenge.

We would also like to welcome Melisas newly acquired Impreza as well. We wish her the best with the new car. In addition, Craigs son Brad has just recievd his learners permit and will begin in auto-x at the next event! Start them young right?

I'll try to update more often, but time is a valuable comodity lately!

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Team Wombat going Italian!!! 
Well, it looks as though Team Wombat members Craig and Josh, will be working with American Speed Factory out of Miami with their Ferrari Challenge 430 Modenas! This series will se several venues in the US as well as Canada....possibly Italy! As more information becomes available and a final schedule is posted, we'll let you all know




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More issues 
Well there are some new issues that have come up.....and it does not involve the car. I fractured my left ring finger working on an aircraft component. So my hand is done for the next 4 weeks.
On a better note the pistons should be done soon and I have my rods and crank issues all squared away sooooo all I have to do is get the block bored out and the heads surfaced. Then we can get the long block done. Thats about it from my end right now.

Josh "Nilla"

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PCA event today Jan. 21st 
Well the event was fun today. I did not run the RS today due to there being something wrong that I could not diagnose on Sat. Rubba Dub let me rock his VW GTI. It was a very unique experience. The car had no LSD and some very well worn tires. I managed to pull off a 48.90 as my best on the day. Hollywood I think got a 48.002+1 cone so 50.002 and Rock Subastar got a 49.9. Rubba Dub got a 49.xx aswell. Over all I think it was a good day. Its good to see alot of newbies out there learning the joys of auto-x. I also rocked LD's WRX wagon in the fun runs but did not do too well. I got a 46.xx in the fun runs.

Well thats about it for now. I am soooo tired.

Josh "Nilla"

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The RS is not cooperating 
Well the RS is still down. I put in the new clutch slave cyl and that did not work. Soooo I have to pull the motor to see if the throwout bearing or clutch fork is messed up. So the car will be down for a few weeks now. Hey thats the way it goes right? Well i will keep everyone updated as the new motor goes together.

Josh "Nilla"

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Porsche Club Auto-x this Sunday 
Well I have gotten a new clutch slave cylinder and will be installing it this sat. We are going up to the PCA event in Zephryhills this Sunday. So this event is not for points its mostly a get alot of seat time event. Craig will be running the WOMBAT/Mastro RS and I believe he will take a few runs in Hollywoods 240. So we are looking for a fun event just get the cars out and keep them running. I will post up results and times when we get back. Take care have a good day.

JOsh "Nilla"

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Welcome to Team WOMBAT 
I would like to take a min. to let you all know who I am.
My name is Josh I drive the #80,800 D Street Prepared
WOMBAT Racing/Mastro Subaru Impreza RS. I am currently employed with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Aviation Maintence Technicion and C-130 Loadmaster/Dropmaster. I am 27 yrs old this year and have been involved with Autocross for going on 3 years now. Last year was a good year of SoloII, it had its ups and downs as Craig can attest to. But with the help of Craig(The Wombat), Bryan(Hollywood) and the rest of our great sponsors we got through it. Just to bring everyone who may not know about WOMBAT Racing up to speed, in regards to me and the WOMBAT Racing/Mastro Subaru RS. Last year saw us doing very well throughout the year taking a few FTD's (fastest time of the day) at a couple local SCCA and Porsche club events, placing 13th out of 130 at the 2006 Subaru challenge, and also placing 11th out of 16 in the Superstar challenge at the Subaru challenge as well. I was the only N/A subaru in the top 16. We then got the car ready for the State Championships where despite a weak engine we gave the DSP class a good showing. We missed the SCCA National Championships last year but have the Big event squarely in out sights this year.

So far in 2007
We are off to a good start with the opening event of the season this past weekend and the car was very good. The final results are not up yet but I believe I got our first DSP 1st place of the year. I also accidently disabled the car while trying to make some repairs after my runs and destroyed the Clutch slave cyl, thus ending the day a little early. Oh well just have to get a new one.

Well thats a little info on me Josh (Nilla)
If you have any questions or want to know something feel free to ask.

Josh (Nilla)

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January 7th SCCA event Results 
Well I just wanted to update everyone that Despite not running the afternoon session my Morning Time held up, as the 85 Supra could not get his times down enough to take me out. So we have taken our first 1st place in the Central Florida Region SCCA season. I ran a 62.397 and the FTD (not including the karts) was a CSP Datsun 2000 with a 57.292.I also managed to PAX 16th out of 57, so with the car being way down on power we did pretty well I think. Well theres a little update. Take car for now. Back to work I go.

Nilla

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Hollywood who?? 
Let me take a few to introduce myself. I am Bryan Farmer A.K.A Hollywood. I drive the Wombat Racing Nissan 240sx ( S14). I am currently employed at Central Florida Auto Salvage ( CFAS) by my father. I have been last seanon was my first full season of autocross, and what a year it was. Teamed up with Josh " Nilla" Sandel I learned al lot about the sport and met a lot of great people. Last was a huge learning experience and I plan to come out in '07 and be competive in the STS class of SCCA Solo 2 compettion. Please any and all questions and I will gladly answer them.

Thanx,
Hollywood



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First SCCA race weekend 
2007 is already in full swing. This past weekend was the first event of the new year in Brooksville Fla. Saturday was a practice day and although we could use as much seat time as we can get, we decided to work on the new Impreza Brighton H6 widebody instead. We are getting closer and closer to firing and driving the new machine and are very anxious to see what it can do. If Josh's 2.5L N/A car is any indication, we should have quite a little monster on our hands!

Later in the day, we get the DSP car loaded and ready to leave first thing in the morning. Just before heading off to sleep, I decide that where the truck was parked could be an issue with my neighbors. Problem is...cant find the keys! After searching for a little bit, we look in the truck and there they are, on the drivers seat...locked. After trying to use the old coat hanger deal to try and press the door switch with no avail, we decide to see if we can just push the button on the key fob. Long story short, two hours later, we got it by flipping the key fob over and pressing the unlock button (that thing is tiny BTW) and head off to sleep @ 12:30am.

Sunday, we head out nice and early. We make a few stops and it still amazing to me, how many people want to see the car and talk about it. Get to the track. Get set up and ready to go. Josh is signed up in his respective DSP class and we make a quick decision to enter myself in FP as we really dont know where the new car will be placed yet so we thought we'd play it safe and go for FP instead of SM. Josh is up first and does a great job despite running our extreme back up engine that is down on power.....big time. He posts a time that was good enough for first in class as of the morning session and is in a solid 10th overall in PAX. After his last run, josh tries to adjust the clutch for more travel before I get in the car. That is when tragedy strikes.

In trying to insert another shim into the clutch fork, the prybar slips and the clutch slave cyl. destroys its self. I tried to fix it quick as my group was gridding...no resolve. Josh comes back and tries to help and the conclusion is made that our day is done. Results have not yet been posted, so we don't know if Josh's time stood up in the afternoon however I am confident that they did. I won't claim that victory quite yet obviously. On a good note though, had we had our good engine in the car, I have no doubt that the 2.5 Impreza would have been in great contention for another FTD. His new engine should be getting close to assembly as I write this. Parts are still being made.

Craig

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Welcome! 



Welcome to the Official Team WOMBAT blog!

I would like to take this first opportunity to thank Jason Bull , Owner of Ultimatecarforum.com for the help and space provided for us to share our expieriences. In case you came here from somewhere else, there is a link to the Ultimatecarforum on the right. Be sure to check out the forum and sign up!

I would also like to thank the sponsors that made our 2006 season our best ever:

Central Florida Auto Salvage, Zephyrhills, Fla.
CFAS has provided us with parts, leads on new vehicles to build, interchange information and season long support. CFAS is the ONLY reason the new W6-R is even a possibility. In addition, Ken and Bryan Farmer never cease to amaze me at how they can find parts that no one else can......and at great prices! Ken and Bryan (both no stranger to auto racing) know what to look for to ensure that you get a quality used part, and they stand behind that. Their knowledge and attention to details sets them apart in a very competitive business. Try them and see for yourself!

www.mastro-wrx.com
Or the more common, Mastro Subaru, Hillsborough, Tampa, Florida. Mastro Subaru was a key player for us at the end of 2006 helping us podium at the State Championships as well as win our class for the second consecutive season at the Florida leg of the Subaru Challenge. We look forward to another great year with Mastro and many more podium finishes. Mastros parts dept run by Bill and Kyle, along with Will (service Manager) are second to none when it comes to knowledge and speedy parts delivery. Always the right part, always on time!

Todays Graphics, Zephyrhills, Fl.
Brian continues to provide our graphics in 2007 after helping to create our WOMBAT logo. He himself has competed in auto racing and has contributed to the evolution of our suspension and chassis set up.

This blog has been created for us to share with you our ups and downs throughout our season. We hope this will help shed some light on what a team in its infancy goes through in trying to continually best our last performance. It is also an area for our sponsors to come and "check-in" on us to see how our season is progressing. That said, I prefer that you keep your comments, critcism, and question related to Team WOMBAT only. We are on Ultimatecarform (of course) and will chat with you there on unrelated topics.

Again, thank you for visiting, leave some feedback and enjoy!

Craig
The WOMBAT!!

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