by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 04/27/2017 at 10:00
by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 04/27/2017 at 10:00
Tags: RallyMetro
; RallyCross
STARS: 18
This past Saturday was the big day. I took the RallyMetro out for its first event with Stateline Rallycross . Before I get into how things went, a brief recap of how the RallyMetro came to be. The car has 266k miles on it, lots of rust .. LOTS of rust, and (unbelievably) working air conditioning. I purchased this car from fellow Oppo XJDano for a paltry sum of money. For all intents and purposes, he gave me the car in exchange for a plane ticket back home. While he did leave with seven of my $20 bills in his wallet, he was none the richer for all his efforts.
And what efforts were those? He drove it from his home outside St. Louis to mine outside of Chicago on a Friday night, crashed on my couch, then spent all Saturday swapping the transmission to one from the junkyard which we were hoping had better syncros (it did!). That night I dropped him off at the airport, and mailed his greasy clothes and shoes to him.
Since then I’ve mended a few things and mounted one of Harbor Freight’s finest tow bars, which I affixed to a mount I fabricated with a sawzall, a vice and a hammer. I also scored some barely used snow tires off of Craigslist, and called in a favor to have them mounted on the set of 14” steel wheels that also came with the car. My friend FryGuy appointed himself my bodyman. He cleaned the car up, spray painted some rash with sort-of matching flat black paint, and spray painted my numbers on the doors. With that tremendous level of preparation, what could possibly go wrong? I mean, besides it collapsing in on itself from all the rust … other than that, what could go wrong!?!
When the time finally came, I hooked up the RallyMetro, loaded some tools and supplies, slapped some magnetic lights on the back (another Harbor Freight special), and rolled out at 6:15 am. I stopped after about 10 miles to check my hook-ups (and eat breakfast burritos, naturally), but all was well. We took the back-roads and kept it to 55mph, the RallyMetro tows like it’s not even there.
Once we arrived at Byron Motorsports Park, we parked it and started getting ready. Prep was pretty straightforward, we unloaded it and topped off the oil. We then got out some chairs, and enjoyed coffee and a beautiful morning while watching people look like they were doing important things (I have no idea what they were doing, probably things that made them faster than me). I began to recognize some people from
the last time I tried rallycross
. What really surprised me, as a guy who had been there once, nearly a year ago, in a completely different vehicle, was how many people remembered me. I heard some version of, “Hey, aren’t you the guy who brought that giant station wagon last year?” at least six or eight times throughout the day. I guess when you show up to a rallycross in a wood-paneled fullsize wagon, complete with car seats still in the back, it makes a bit of an impression.
After a brief driver’s meeting (summation: Here’s what we’re going to do today. Don’t be an idiot.), it was time to get the day started. They were trying out a bracket racing format, which I won’t bother explaining
because they did it already here
. I will say it did make for better spectating. It also meant there was a one hour long open practice in the morning, and I knew that was my real opportunity to get some reps in. I had no delusions of grandeur. I knew my car was slow, and that I was inexperienced. That wasn’t going to make me competitive in bracket racing. I staged up for the practice session towards the back, and decided I was going to keep making laps for as long as the car seemed healthy. This is where I was going to get my money’s worth for the day. How long would a $140 crapcan stay healthy tough?
When I got my chance, I dumped the clutch, spun the front wheels, and quickly shifted into second gear as I crested the first hill. FryGuy dubbed the first tight turn “Dead Man’s Curve,” and indeed it is a tricky one, but it didn’t pose a problem. After the first tight hairpin a couple turns later, that’s when the issue revealed itself. So much momentum is lost around the really tight corners, that the little three-banger just falls right on it’s face coming out of them. There were three spots on the course where the little car just craaaaawwwlllled, desperately trying to pick up some steam. Of course if I could’ve downshifted back into first, it wouldn’t have been a problem ... but I couldn’t. While the syncros in the replacement trans were better, shifting into second gear meant staying there unless I came to a complete stop. Only then could I slot it back into first.
There were 10 vehicles in the 2wd classes, so for the first couple of runs there was a lot of waiting in line for my turn. I did a couple runs in second gear, making improvements. I decided to leave it in first for a run, and see how that went. The first gear run had the engine just screaming and banging off the rev limiter during the longer parts of the track (don’t ask what the red-line is, there is no tach), but coming out of those tight sections was quicker. After the run, I felt like it was probably faster, but I was afraid of blowing up the motor and ending all my fun, so I went back to using second gear.
Other competitors started parking it after a few runs, choosing to save their more competitive equipment for the actual race later. Before long, it was just myself and a stock Ranger making laps. As frustrating as the exits of the slower corners were, I could feel a marked improvement in my driving. I was getting smoother, and I was learning to trust the RallyMetro and what it could do. I lost count of how many runs I made, but I think it was nine or ten. I was having a ball, and my racing machine hadn’t missed a beat. I had been watching it’s temp gauge closely, and while I could see it make small moves when the thermostat opened and closed, it never climbed above normal. The car didn’t break in half either, nor did it leave any parts on track. This was a damn good day.
We then got a break while the AWD class had their open practice sessions. We watched a bit of that, kicked back and enjoyed some water and some trail mix, and did a little diecast photography. After the AWD practice, it was time for the 2wd brackets.
They did their best to keep things fair, but that’s not easy to do when a 10 car field features everything from the RallyMetro to an LS-swapped E46. Luckily everybody is just there to have fun, so it didn’t cause any drama. I ended up facing off against a rally-prepped MKII Jetta. I made the run in second gear, and predictably got stomped. Into the loser’s bracket I went to wait my turn again. I discussed my first gear/second gear dilemma with some fellow competitors, when one plainly said, “Dude, it’s double elimination here, leave it in first gear.” He was right, so I did when I faced off against a Sentra. That little hamster wheel was crankin’ and bangin’ and screamin’. I still lost, but at least I made a show of it this time.
With that, I was done. I stayed on top of the staging hill to watch some more runs, and then I made my way back to the paddock to start hooking the RallyMetro back up to my truck. Tyler, the same guy who had advised leaving it in first gear, came over and said don’t pack up yet, we might get more runs later. A few of us went over to consult the powers that be, and got an answer of definitely maybe, if we have time ... unless you did really bad, then probably not. I had done very badly, and since I had gotten so many runs in during the practice, I elected to head home early to surprise my wife and daughters. It appears I made the right call, because the
results posted
only have one 2wd bracket. I tied for last with #47, which I believe was the stock Ranger (we had predicted, just like last year, that we would be fighting for last place … we were right again).
Satisfied with the results, we pointed east and cruised home. It was a beautiful day, the people at the event were all fantastic, and the RallyMetro was none the worse for wear. I made sure to stop at Starbucks near home and get my wife a decaf coffee with cream, to make up for her inevitable disappointment that the Metro came back home with me. That’s the kind of stuff that earns a married guy a continued hall pass to do stupid things with crappy cars.
The RallyMetro exceeded my wildest expectations. As much as I wish I could freely shift between first and second gears, that little beast took every single bit of pounding I could give it, and didn’t falter once. I was afraid the car might not make it through even one event. There are four more events at Byron this year, and now I think the little crapcan that could might just make it through the whole season. Thanks again to XJDano for basically giving me this car. I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but it’s going to die the death of a warrior on a rallycross course.
If you’re anywhere near the area, I strongly encourage you to come check out the action . Whether you come to participate, or just to watch, it’s a great way to spend a day doing dumb stuff with cars. If you decide to participate, I don’t recommend you do so with your daily driver. I went home on a tow truck last year, shit does happen sometimes. I plan to bring the RallyMetro out to all of the Byron events this year. If any of you bring a helmet, I’d be happy to give you a ride during practice.
"uofime-2" (uofime-2)
04/27/2017 at 10:21, STARS: 1
Nice, glad to hear you made it to an event and it went smoothly!
"vondon302" (vondon302)
04/27/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 1
Wow a rally cross story with a happy ending. I’m shocked!
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
04/27/2017 at 10:38, STARS: 1
i definitely think if im off june 10th ill drive up to spectate and cheer you on and take some pictures
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
04/27/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 1
I’ve gotta get into this...
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0
I definitely recommend it. I can’t think of a better way to have cheap fun.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
That would be awesome! If you’ve got a helmet, I’ll give you a ride :)
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 1
Thanks! It went smoother that I ever dreamed.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 1
I was too a bit, to be honest :)
"XJDano" (xjdano)
04/27/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 1
All is well that ends well.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
04/27/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 0
Our local rallycross site is an hour both ways, so whatever I might buy for such an ignoble pursuit would need to be fairly reliable and comfortable/stable on the highway.
Wait - could I use my ‘03 Pathfinder? I’d be slow, for sure, but it’d still be fun! No rules against running SUVs?
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
In ended very well indeed. Any chance you’ll make it up to an event this year? They do allow using one car for two drivers.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
04/27/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 1
hell if i get a helmet im asking my dad for his blessing to run the ridgeline hahaah vtec yo
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 1
Ours is about an hour and a half each way for me. That’s why I elected to flat-tow the Metro there and back. I didn’t even register or insure this car, I have no interest in driving it on the road. You can run pretty much anything here, so I think you could run your Pathfinder. Check with your local organization to be sure. MontegoMan said there was a guy who ran an F-150 at the last event he did.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 0
That would be fun to see!
"XJDano" (xjdano)
04/27/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 0
June or August. The other 2 are close to deer season & prep. Did you try double clutching or granny shifting 1-2 on course? That may be your problem.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
04/27/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
i know spectators are 10 bucks but how much does it cost to register as a driver? i think i may have missed that
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:46, STARS: 0
It’s $80 if you do it ahead of time online, or $90 day of.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 11:50, STARS: 0
Let me know if you can make either of those happen.
I’ve never tried double clutching, but I was thinking earlier about the Metro my friend’s dad had when I was in high school. I remember he double clutched, and I wonder if the reason is because his syncros were lunched as well. If I get a chance, I’m going to bring it to a big parking lot and practice that. 1-2 wasn’t a problem, but going from 2-1 wasn’t happening.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
04/27/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 0
Nice - I think I’ll have to do it at least once, just for the laughs.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
04/27/2017 at 11:58, STARS: 0
good to know, thanks
"XJDano" (xjdano)
04/27/2017 at 12:07, STARS: 0
I think it only helped for traffic type speeds.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
It’s worth a shot. If I can get it to work, it’ll make my times much faster.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 1
You definitely do. You’ll probably be hooked after that :)
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
04/27/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 0
No problem. Hope to see you there.
"fryguy" (jbird94)
05/13/2017 at 20:09, STARS: 1
Morfe fun than.....
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/25/2017 at 11:47, STARS: 0
So happy it went well for you this time, good news if you come out to a Michigan event we don’t charge as much and spectators are free!
I’m trying to scratch together some more cash to get the Capri up and running, I’m going NUTS with it sitting there in the garage. I just got my vinyl numbers for it too! Maybe I’ll sticker it up this weekend to make me feel better about it. I gotta get the winter tires mounted to the mustang 10 hole wheels too on top of the charging issues.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/25/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 0
I can’t imagine flat-towing the Metro at 55mph all the way to Michigan, but maybe one of these days :)
I’m sure just seeing it sit there is driving you nuts. I feel the same way about the Metro, and I’ve managed to run it once. You can do it! Just chip away at it.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/25/2017 at 12:11, STARS: 1
Yep, 2nd kid in daycare really hamstrung my budget for...anything.
You could rent a uhaul car dolly of car trailer for a one off trip! Or maybe borrow a fork lift and slide it into the bed of the pickup lol.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/25/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 0
Yeah, I know the feels. We used to spend more on daycare than our mortgage ... then our mortgage went up (well, technically our property taxes, but the monthly check I have to write got bigger, so whatevs.)
Renting a dolly kind of negates the lower price of racing. Time is the real enemy for me. I’m managing to get five entire weekend days to truck out to Byron for the day. I doubt I’ll be able to get anymore time away.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/25/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 0
No I hear ya, I was looking to see if I could make it to any of the ones out by you. The one location in illinois would be the closest but still a hell of a ride for a day of racing.
And daycare cost more than our mortgage, we moved to a bigger house and our mortgage was higher. Then we put a second one in daycare and now that’s higher again.
15 more months before it gets cheaper when 1 of them goes into kindergarten.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/25/2017 at 16:29, STARS: 0
Yeah, that’d be a long haul for you for sure. We’re close enough to each other that it’s feasible for one of us to come race by the other, but far enough apart to be a loooooooong day.
We’ve got 15 more months until kindergarten for the oldest as well, but our school district only has half day kindergarten, so I’m still over two years out from having only one in daycare. It’s killin’ me!
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/25/2017 at 16:34, STARS: 0
ouch, we’ll have full day kindergarten and our neighbor has offered to take him off the bus with her daughter and son and he can hang out there for a couple hours until we get home to save us money. We’re like we’ll give you whatever you need. Toys, Snacks, Anything. Hahaha
also, that looks like a great course with the elevation changes, most of ours are flat...because Michigan.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/25/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0
That’s awesome! No such luck for us. We’ll get through it. Made it this far!
It is a really fun course. Illinois is mostly flat too, but that particular area has some elevation to it.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/26/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 0
The most elevation the Detroit region sees is down in ohio we run at a dirt oval track...and basically hop the embankment at one end lol.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/26/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 0
Yeah, the Byron track is a lot more interesting than that. It’s part motocross track, and part water-truck lanes for the motocross track. There’s a big flat section behind a tree line that they sometimes use and sometimes don’t. They didn’t use it when I brought the RallyMetro, but they did last year when I thrashed the Roadmaster.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/26/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 1
I’ve only raced at 1 of our locations, I’ve seen in car and out of car video of all of them though.
I jokingly showed the wife a roadmaster the other day and was like - Tow Rig! She suspiciously said....what are you towing?
My response was, with how things are going...probably the Capri.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/26/2017 at 11:08, STARS: 0
That would be awesome! I desperately miss the Roadmaster. It’s really the only car of all the ones I’ve owned that I regret selling. Stupid rust!
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/26/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 0
Rust is the worst. It’s why my very first vehicle my 88 Blazer S10 2 door that I built the motor by hand for was sold. Patch panel after patch panel and it was finally time.
I’ve just recently got a surface rust spot showing on the Milan. This does not make me happy.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/26/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0
The driver’s side rocker panel on my truck is popping some rust. I about shit myself when I got a quote for fixing it. I love my truck, but I’m not spending $3240 on bodywork.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/26/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
whoa
Yeah mine is real small and all surface so i I expect I’ll get a quote of a couple hundred bucks if I decide to even fix it.
It’ll help a lot when selling it in a year or two.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/26/2017 at 14:52, STARS: 1
Yeah, apparently the correct way to fix it, is to cut the whole side of the cab structure off from the lower body line down. It’s a ton of work to do the right way. I’m just going to have to let it go. I need a minimum of three more years out of this truck, preferably four or five.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/29/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 1
I hear you, I need at least 15 months out of the Milan.