Celicas of 24 Hours of Lemons

[silverliftback]

I misspent some time and money this morning to go watch the 24 Hours of Lemons race at Sonoma Raceway (Sears Point).  There were a few Celicas in the field:

#177, Uncle Joe's Racing.  They have a 1UZ-FE dropped into an 83 GTS.  Even I could notice "hey, that Celica is passing...just about everybody."  UJR is sorta semi-pro? sponsored by a DJ (Uncle Joe) in the LA area. 

As of the last results sheet I saw posted, they had the 2nd fastest lap time for the day among all competitors.  They weren't in first place (4th place in B class at that time), but V8 goodness, whoosh.

Previous mention for their Celica (DNF'd) in this race report from last year: http://www.roadkill.com/lemons-arse-sweat-a-palooza-winners/

Hot lap by their Celica from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAl6pfJq_yE

[silverliftback]

#160, NSR / Nut Sack Racing, another 83 Celica.  They had about half the lap count of the leaders...Gotta love the oversized radiator (for racing reliability!).

[silverliftback]

#182, The Black Flags. 1983 Celica Supra.  OK, it's a Supra not a Celica, close enough.  Obviously a lot slower than #177, it might've still been running 6 cylinders?  Also, car's nickname is "Kama Supra"...

[silverliftback]

Aaand a couple of "newer" Celicas:

#140, Carp Diem, with their 1990 Celica dressed as Cookie Monster.

#96, "Toyoda", 86? Celica, not on the results sheet because I don't think they had completed a lap yet...

[swan song]

Dude, these are rad! Time well spent! Thanks for the pics.

[Sigma Projects]

How much body contact is allowed?

[corax]

live feed: https://live.racecast.me/event/585d9526331731840179bb4c

[Sigma Projects]

ah bummer, must have missed it. Does that mean bumping/rubbing is ok?

[silverliftback]

With modded $500 cars and amateur drivers, body contact...happens, accidentally.  If it's an accident, everyone understands, though there can be small penalties.  Overly aggressive driving (judge's discretion) can result and violent contact will result in a black flag (car must leave track for series of escalating penalties, up to disqualification).  Tires are not permitted to leave ground in 24HoL events (i.e. no jumping).  Rollover = red flag (immediate disqualification and driver suspended for 12 months from 24HoL events).

A lot of the body damage can be left over from the car becoming a $500 car in the first place...

[Sigma Projects]

So say you're coming into a corner and you force your way through and happen to make some minor contact? No one loses control, but body is scraped? I got curious because of the Celica Supra with tire treads attached to the sides of it.

[silverliftback]

"Forcing" is going to get raised eyebrows from the judges, too much of that horseplay and they'll pull you off the track for a chat.  The number (100+) and range of cars and their capabilities on track means drivers need to show good judgement.  It ain't bumper cars, and I don't think a "rubbing is racing" attitude is welcome.  So yeah, chill, race where it's safe, enjoy your 10-12 hours on track (if you don't kill your car) and don't mess up other people's weekend.

A little internet digging shows that the Supra was once dressed for the apocalypse--thus the tacked-on tire treads.  And the team has just left them on.

via: http://www.therustyhub.com/2013/06/lemons-button-terrible-13-rusty-hubs.html

[Sigma Projects]

Ah ok, yea was just curious. To me either way is fine, whatever the group expectations are that's what I would follow.

[1933beer]

Love it. I even saw a 944. I would do this I a heart beat if it was in the Midwest.

[CELEXUS84]

RESURRECTION!!!!!

Figured I would add our celica to the page as well. Button turrible is this weekend so wish us luck!!


20180910_184608 by RJ S, on Flickr


20180910_184640 by RJ S, on Flickr

[Sigma Projects]

You're obviously going to get banned for being too fast.