2019 Rallycross Season Wrap up

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
10/14/2019 at 19:04 • Filed to: None

I finished 4th out of 11 drivers at the last event of the season. I painfully screwed up my first and last runs, putting me way out of range of a podium. On the first run, I got crossed up right at the finish line and made the fatal error of slowing down before the line. Yuck. On the last run, I knew I had a lot of time between me and the driver’s ahead and behind me, so I pushed a little too hard and hit 5 cones, 4 of which where protecting a berm that we weren’t supposed to hit. Minor damage to my front bumper, but mostly to my ego. Still a fun time, and I’m honestly surprised that I’m even competitive. This last race was held at Riverdale Motorsports Park and had a mix of asphalt, loose dirt, and hard-packed dirt. Very challenging, but it’s so much fun to start out on an autocross course and just plop off of the road to keep going.

Most painful of all was losing my 1st place position for the season championship in the Stock FWD class. I’m still very happy with 2nd place for the season, especially considering this was my first full season of rallycross. The guy that ended up in 1st definitely deserves it. He started the season by rolling his car and finished with 3 or 4 consecutive 1st place finishes. It’s been a really fun season with about 5 regular attendees in the stock FWD class providing close competition.

The Neon performed wonderfully this season. It can keep up with just about anything out there in FWD. I just need to work on getting my 1st lap times down and being a little cleaner in my final runs. On pavement, the Neon likes to rotate, but on dirt it’s even better. Its garbage interior can be forgiven 20 years later since it has great handling and more power than its contemporaries.

My plan for next season is to move into the Prepared FWD class. That means rally tires. I’m also going to replace the struts and replace a few bushings in the suspension. Just for fun, I’ll probably upgrade the exhaust. Any recommendations for suspension or other upgrades are welcome.

All photos taken by !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

DISCUSSION (9)

slipperysallylikespenguins > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/14/2019 at 19:15

Congrats on the season finish. After seeing so many rallycross runs from others around the country, that has to be one of the best courses possible.

shop-teacher > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/14/2019 at 20:42

2nd place in the season is great!

If all goes according to plan, I'll be back in the saddle again next year. In another interesting, yet likely very uncompetitive, vehicle ... I can't wait!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > shop-teacher
10/14/2019 at 21:11

Fantastic! I'm excited to see what you get.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > slipperysallylikespenguins
10/14/2019 at 21:15

Well, there’s also Hannagen, which is next level.

Our courses are way more hardcore than a lot of the smooth, empty fields I’ve seen pictures of elsewhere. Downside to that is that it’s brutal for the cars. Worth it, though.

Still planning on driving next year?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/14/2019 at 22:02

You are an inspiration. I need to get my act together and actually make it to an event. I’m way to busy with life to consider being regular enough to complete tho. Doesn’t help that most events are 3-4 hours away.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/14/2019 at 22:13

Al l credit goes to my wife for that. She likes making a weekend out of it and watches our daughter during the events. Luckily the farthest I have to go is 2 hours away. Going regularly was tough, but blocking the dates in advance helped.

i86hotdogs > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/15/2019 at 12:09

Awesome performance this year. I’ve been on the fence about moving to prepared front with the van, but there is so little aftermarket for these vans to do much. There’s coilovers and that’s about it.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/15/2019 at 12:20

I’ll be back for sure. I’m debating between going fwd or staying rwd. Stock class next year for sure. Need to get a dedicated car though.

Fwd is great because it’s a large and competitive field, likely purchase would be a first gen Mini S.

RWD is great because it’s what I’m used to and sliding around every corner is a blast. Likely purchase would be a ratty 350Z or G35.

My Charger is just too big/ too powerful for those courses, and I don’t want to break it.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > slipperysallylikespenguins
10/15/2019 at 17:38

Those are all good options. Good luck with the search.