BimmerWorld Racing

Today is our first round of reader submitted questions. Keep checking back since we'll be posting more of these during our down time and as the guy's schedule's permit. Special thanks to everyone that has submitted a question for the team so far. Please keep them coming! Lots of good stuff we'll be addressing in weeks to come.

You can submit your questions to:
[email protected]

Also take a look at our media page for selected photos from each event. This isn't the podium shot the BimmerWorld team wanted, see what they had to say about the race below.

(James) You had a strong race until the car broke. Half shafts have been a problem before, typically these break on starts due to the shock. Any speculation on what caused this one to go?

[James Clay] Absolutely! Unfortunately, this is the first time we have broken one of these race-spec shafts. We have broken stock shafts, two versions of diff flange, one diff pinion gear, and one stock and one race version of CV cages (ed. - pretty much evey driveline part). We are balancing a huge amount of stress in the driveline and this is the next weakest part. Anyway, I broke it in what was to be my passing move for the lead – I was on the leaders bumper hard into turn 5a, took a good line and got on the gas (in torque 3rd gear) with authority, and tracked out farther than normal on the exit curbing to maintain my extra speed. The front-wheel cars break axles with the added stress of bouncing and slipping on curbing, and this was the first time for us. When we say our parts our "Race Proven" this is what we mean!!

(James) You had a strong start and were in second place before the incident with the car, was it a matter of deja vu? Give us a prediction for the outcome if things had gone a little differently with the car.

[James Clay] You bet – just like Road America 2 weeks earlier – same qualifying position, better track position during the race, but the same feeling that the race was mine and it was a matter of time until I decided to make a real move for position. We had good cars and should have won this one. Next prediction – a repeat without the mechanical issues at the finale (Road Atlanta) in a few weeks.

****Reader submission****
(James) viewing the in-car video from Road America, it appears that there is quite a bit of deflection in the steering column. Can you tell us what modifications have been made in that area, and why the deflection may be present? Submitted by: Scott Lang

[James Clay] The steering columns in our cars are lightweight replacements. We use a collapsible shaft for safety, then extend it to fit the driver, and support it with a bearing in the firewall and one close to the wheel instead of the heavier stock configuration with a full length housing. The tubing has a little give to it and as far back as we sit in the cars (plus I like my wheel closer to me for better control), my extension is longer and probably deflects more.

(Nick) Do you feel that drivers repress some of their personality for fear of offending potential sponsors? And if so how do you think this ultimately impacts their marketability. Some of the biggest names in NASCAR are pretty outspoken at times.

[Nick Esayian] I do and it is unfortunate. The F1, Indycar, and NASCAR interviews are so predictable it is almost painful to watch. Look at Boris Said... He runs a handful of races per year and people love him because he doesn’t script everything and talks like a real person. John Force, same thing... You don’t need to be obnoxious or rude but all these guys sound the same. You need to simply be yourself, have fun, and realize people at home watching on television want to know what you are feeling - not to hear about how the Widget Winding car was running great...

(Nick) Your fast race lap wasn't even a second off the fastest time for the day. What needs to happen to improve your finishing order? The speed appears to be there, is it a matter of luck, timing, car setup, competition, or all of the above?

[Nick Esayian] I’m pretty comfortable with the car now. It has been silly going from the front at Sebring to struggling. Every weekend we have been close but half a tick off and I’ve been unable to break through which is frustrating. I’ve been a little slow on my set up changes in the practices and will usually notice a single area I need to improve on when reviewing data. The three of us all review data and learn from each other. There is no question I can win... It is on me at this point.

****Reader submission****
(Nick) The best part of a race weekend is no doubt the racing itself, but what would you say your least favorite part of a race weekend is? Talking to the press? Pre race butterflies? Submitted by: Peter Tyson

[Nick Esayian] The worst part of the weekend is certainly the travel to and from the events. The airlines frankly stink. Every company in the US with a big union influence is a disaster... Airlines, public education, auto industry.... There is nothing worse than flying across the country with a late departure, on a dirty plane, served by rude people, only to land and then have to wait to get my now damaged luggage. Last weekend I flew on Mike Davis’ new 747 (ACS Microsystems and GT driver) and I’m sold that is the way to go. Adoption papers are on the way to him as we speak.

(Seth) The race won't be broadcast until Wed. Can you give us a play by play on the final lap?

[Seth Thomas] I don't know if Speed will allow that!! It was basically a 4-5 lap ordeal of me trying to work on getting around Chip. His car was a little bit better than mine coming out of a couple of the turns but mine was significantly better through 8,9, and 10. I had been working getting the pass through there but couldn't make it happen. On the last lap I thought to myself, "if he leaves the door open in T10 I will try to get in there since it would be for a 2nd place". He left the door open and I went for the pass. I had the position but bounced off his car. This caused the rear to step out into the dirt coming out of T10 and that was all she wrote. It was a tough move that I know I could have pulled off but I didn't plan on making contact.

(Seth) Does the fact that you already had a podium finish (at VIR) change how aggressive you were going into the last lap, or does that even play a factor in how you apporach a race?

[Seth Thomas] No, that doesn't change it. I knew spraying some champagne with the guys at the end would have been awesome but I also knew I had a better car than Chip's. So I wanted to prove it. It is late in the season with no championship hopes in sight so it was a move you have to go for. I settled at VIR and I didn't want to settle at this race.

****Reader submission****
(Seth) – You’ve had a great season so far with some near wins, you seem to be consistently in the hunt for a win, and Road Atlanta is obviously a strong track for you. If you do what we all know you can and you pass the checkered flag at Road Atlanta in front of the pack, do you have any plans to upstage Clay’s smoky burnout at Road America? Submitted by: Ryan Staub

[Seth Thomas] I have a few thoughts on that (which are top secret). I think the best answer is Clay set the early example for how this type of celebration should be done. As we all know Clay and I generally try to one up each other. I would say it is safe to say when this does happen I will definitely leave my marks at Road Atlanta! Stay tuned!!

Labels: Mosport, Q and A

The World Challenge Touring Car guys face a hectic race schedule with Mosport hot on the heels of Road America. Before the team heads back up north they took some time to answer our questions.

Check out their comments below, and be sure to send us any questions you might have. We’ll get the guy’s thoughts, and give you credit!
[email protected]

(James) TV and Movies would have us believe that when you're ready to pass the car in front of you, it simply requires a downshift and stepping on the gas. In reality it probably isn't that easy. Can you tell us a little bit about getting past a car in World Challenge? Is it a matter of being aggressive enough to make the move? What does it take to get past and make it stick?

[James Clay] Not quite that easy... The cars are so evenly matched in World Challenge that your position is given to you when another driver makes an error or you spend several laps evaluating the car in front, deciding where you have the most advantage, then execute. It is a real chess game and it isn't about being aggressive - certainly you need to be to a degree, but you can't pass just because you want to. If we were any more aggressive I think any car in the field would go flying off the track - they are being driven to the limits every turn, braking zone, and straight.

(James) Put your team owner hat on for a second. World Challenge is all over the map with its schedule. What type of logistics does it take to get the team, spares, and cars up to an event? Has the high price of diesel made any difference this year?

[James Clay] Well this has actually been an easy year with 9 of 10 races east of the Mississippi. This year the transporter costs us about $0.75 per mile for fuel alone to run! Plane tickets aren't getting any cheaper either and with 15 people to shuttle around the country it adds up. To support a team at the level needed for this series takes good guys and a lot of them - one of the biggest expenses for any race weekend for us.

(Nick) Since James is crediting you with the Junior Engineer title, can you tell us some of the keys to making a car handle in the rain? Will rain at Mosport negate any advantages the BMW's might enjoy?

[Nick Esayian] I am certainly no engineer but softer seems to be the ticket in the rain. The key is to balance softer with transition and how quickly the car takes a set... Wayne’s got a plan so I’m confident we will be ok unless it snows. Even with last years super stiff setup in the E90 Clay was all over the bumper of my front drive TSX. That’s proof the BMW is a great platform to start with. Certainly rain negates (a bit) our ability to start feeding throttle as early as we usually do, but these rain races have so many variables it’s difficult to predict what is going to happen.

(Nick) You're part of the WC Vision LLC, which is looking to improve the overall marketing of the World Challenge series. If you could wave your magic wand what changes would you make to the series?

[Nick Esayian] There is no question the first three things we would change...

1.) A more attractive TV deal – Better production (more resources), better on air times, better format... Whether that be a reality type show, live TV, etc. I can’t tell you the answer yet. The economics will make that determination.

2.) Boosting the TC field – TC is great racing... Boosting the field is really the result of building confidence in the series with those potential teams that may be considering building cars, a tight and consistent rules package, and the series profile attractive enough to make it worth stepping up from Grand Am to WC.

3.) A title sponsor. Video game producer, energy drink, electronics retailer, or an auto association like SEMA.... It makes no difference to me who it is. We have a great demo and can provide a package that makes business sense in terms of ROI. We just need to get in front of some of these folks and get a deal done. Right now WC is like a blue chip stock in a down market. We are undervalued. If someone buys in now, as the series matures, they are going to get a huge value for their money. I can guarantee that.

Now get me that wand so we can get onto the rest of our list.

(Seth) You've had some great starts this year with a few holeshot and hardcharger awards. What are some of the keys to getting a good start in WC? Or is it simply your cat-like reflexes and reaction time?

[Seth Thomas] That is a simple answer, RWD BMW. The fact that our cars have a great 1st gear along with the great drivetrain of the BMW's help out tremendously. Every time I am lined up for the start of the race it is time to focus. Staying focused on the lights and getting a quick drag launch from the car is the key. I have been known to attempt a few of these starts on the streets from time to time when the local law enforcement isn’t around. The only problem there is usually a little bit more tire smoke. ;-)

(Seth) Mosport is a high speed track with some pretty scary corners. How does this track stack up on your favorite's list? Do you prefer faster tracks, or something that is maybe more technical?

[Seth Thomas] My preference would be the fast tracks. It seems that most drivers are g-force junkies. The faster tracks give us the g-force fix we are all looking for. The feeling I get when I top the hill at T2 in Mosport at over 100 MPH with the rear sliding out... of course you need to do this to get a good run through the turn all while going down a hill can’t be beat. Same with Road Atlanta and T12. There is nothing like it!!!

Labels: Mosport, Q and A

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