Topic: How Cool Where We?

[BenelliSEI]

Montreal F1 Grand Prix in 1980. My racing team mate Terry D. (cowboy hat in the middle), me on the right (in the red hat) and Jeff B., far right. We were racing in the Honda Challenge Series at the time and we were very cool.....

[Mark K]

Very cool! 

Did you race that day? And what model Honda was that?

[BenelliSEI]

Very cool! 

Did you race that day? And what model Honda was that?

Yes. Ran the Series for five years, 1979-83. Terry and I had identical, current year cars, each year. I think the group photo was 1980 and the car was my last one, a 1982. I won the Championship 1980-83.

[Mark K]

Very nice. Was that an early Civic?  What size engine did it have?

[grcamna2]

The car looks like a Civic hatchback CVCC.

[CB750R]

Very cool. First car I remember the family owning was a 4door civic, my parents had a 2door before they had to get a “practical” 4 door! Nice to see one being driven in “anger” bet that was a heck of a fun series to race in!

[ekpent]

Just recently started driving my first ever Japanese engine 4 wheel thing. 1993 Nissan 3.0 in a Mercury van. Have nicknamed it so far the gutless wonder.    Won't be winning any stop light races in my soccer mom car  Just recently took my first mpg quesstimate and its looking like around 18mpg so far. Little better then my F250 V8.
  I know a couple of racers around here and its a very good brotherhood for them and their friendly competitors. Keep the shiny side up !!

[BenelliSEI]

Very nice. Was that an early Civic?  What size engine did it have?

Series cars were always the base model. 1200 then 1320cc with a four speed box. Only modifications were some additional sway bars, straight through exhaust, roll cage, belts and a window net. Often had more than 50 cars on the starting grid at Mosport, St. Jovite, Shannonville, Trois Rivière, Deux Montaigne, St, Felician, Sanair, and the GP track in Montreal. 17 weekends in 1984!

[grcamna2]

John,did your 1982 Civic Series car have the 1335cc cvcc engine? Those had a little more juice..

[BenelliSEI]

John,did your 1982 Civic Series car have the 1335cc cvcc engine? Those had a little more juice..

Nope.... Basic model, just under 1300cc, 4 speed box. About 52 hp.

[grcamna2]

John,did your 1982 Civic Series car have the 1335cc cvcc engine? Those had a little more juice..

Nope.... Basic model, just under 1300cc, 4 speed box. About 52 hp.

I imagine if that type of racing isn't about how you can pump-up the machine,then it's all about driver skill only?

[BenelliSEI]

John,did your 1982 Civic Series car have the 1335cc cvcc engine? Those had a little more juice..

Nope.... Basic model, just under 1300cc, 4 speed box. About 52 hp.

I imagine if that type of racing isn't about how you can pump-up the machine,then it's all about driver skill only?

Yes. The engines and gearboxes were sealed by the factory. Every car was checked and weighed at all vents. We all had little tweaks we did, but essentially the cars were very even.

We always ran two cars. “Bump drafting” and having a “tail gunner”during the races was important.

[Kevin D]

Looks like a lot of fun John. But you’re still competing with cars, yes? The motorcycles for restoring and pleasure riding?

[BenelliSEI]

Looks like a lot of fun John. But you’re still competing with cars, yes? The motorcycles for restoring and pleasure riding?

Yes..... this year was season 53 in a Lexus!

[jlh3rd]

eh..I'm liking the girl next to ya..😉

[BenelliSEI]

eh..I'm liking the girl next to ya..😉

Ha! She did marry the guy that took the picture (‘till about 15 years ago!).

[Don R]

 I was this cool once. The Camaro had a B&M blower I was determined to beat him and didn't. I did manage to rip the motor mounts out of my 40 by dumping the clutch at 6K. The yellow 33 Plymouth grudge raced the 34 Ford all day and didn't beat him once.   
 Car club day at the track.

[BenelliSEI]

I was this cool once. The Camaro had a B&M blower I was determined to beat him and didn't. I did manage to rip the motor mounts out of my 40 by dumping the clutch at 6K. The yellow 33 Plymouth grudge raced the 34 Ford all day and didn't beat him once.   
 Car club day at the track.

Don….. fantastic! What year was this?

[Don R]

 I'm guessing late 80's. The 40 got that paint job in 83. It's been a Hot Rod since 1958. I'm the only one in the pic. that still has the same car. The yellow 33 got sold and the owner built a 32 Plymouth four door for his kids to ride in. Problem was, they grew up and moved out before it was running.  Now he's knee deep in a 41 Willys coupe project. The red 33 ford was street driven and bracket raced for a few years. I didn't know him, but the car was sort of a legend.  The Camaro driver builds 1/16 scale models now, he had a couple cool trucks and cars off and on.
 There are only two of the founding members of the car club that still come to meetings. Me and the guy whose house we go to. He's still building the same model A sedan he had in 1980 but he did recently buy a 32 roadster.

[BenelliSEI]

I'm guessing late 80's. The 40 got that paint job in 83. It's been a Hot Rod since 1958. I'm the only one in the pic. that still has the same car. The yellow 33 got sold and the owner built a 32 Plymouth four door for his kids to ride in. Problem was, they grew up and moved out before it was running.  Now he's knee deep in a 41 Willys coupe project. The red 33 ford was street driven and bracket raced for a few years. I didn't know him, but the car was sort of a legend.  The Camaro driver builds 1/16 scale models now, he had a couple cool trucks and cars off and on.
 There are only two of the founding members of the car club that still come to meetings. Me and the guy whose house we go to. He's still building the same model A sedan he had in 1980 but he did recently buy a 32 roadster.

Keep at it! I figure it will keep us running a bit longer and keeps your brain engaged too!