October 2010 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe, but the 2010 season is almost over with just a couple of endurance races left! In this newsletter you’ll find out:

• What’s happening in our Service Center
• How to get your butt into the seat of a race car one last time this year
• A list of items to inspect on your track and race cars before and after each event.

If you are contemplating a new car build or major rebuild for the 2011 racing season, now is the time to start planning. Call us at 253-887-0500 or email us today to discuss a complete new build or refurbish your existing car.

Plus, we are hiring! If you, or someone you know, is a great person, and also happens to be an automotive technician with high performance car and road racing experience, please contact us at employment@tcmotorsports.net.

Drive smarter, not harder!

Sincerely,
Carlo Sparacio
TC Motorsports, LLC
253-887-0500

What’s Happening
We have been rebuilding a client’s PTG-built BMW M3 that used to race in the GRAND-AM Rolex series, and getting it ready to go for the 12 Hours of the Cascades. The car needed some systems rebuilt and sorted as well as a host of electronics updates.

One of the systems we are sorting out is the MoTeC data system. We are configuring things like the pit speed limiter from the GRAND-AM limit of 45 mph to the Conference limit of 35 mph. We are also configuring the shift light module (SLM) to not only indicate shift points, but to also indicate to the driver when he is pressing on the brake pedal hard enough (e.g., push the brake pedal hard until the lights on the dash go from green to yellow to red).

The car’s first shake down run at Pacific Raceways in September was a great success and we are looking forward to seeing it run at the 12 Hours of the Cascades endurance race at Portland International Raceway next weekend!

The Boss 302R Mustang is back and getting refreshed for the 2011 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series. We are hanging fresh bumpers and lights on it, updating the exhaust and also continuing to work out some of the other bugs that cropped up in the last couple of races. We are looking forward to getting it back on track next season!

Get Your Butt in the Seat of a BMW PRO3
Your last chance to drive the TC Motorsports PRO3 race car is fast approaching! ProFormance Racing School is having a One Day High Performance Driving Clinic with Afternoon Lapping on Monday, October 18 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA. The PRO3 is available to drive for as little as $200! No race license is required, so get your butt into the seat of a real race car this month! Call us today at 253-887-0500 or email us to reserve your spot.

Track and Race Car Inspections
The driving season is winding down, so now is the time to start thinking about getting your race or track car ready for the off season. One of the first things we recommend is to inspect your race or track car. In fact, we recommend this before and after every event.

Get your car in the air, shine some lights on it, and take a good, hard look. Here’s a general list of what we inspect on our own race cars and our clients’ race cars:

• Engine: seals, belts, hoses, fuel lines, throttle cable, engine mounts, battery, headers, exhaust, etc.
• Drivetrain: transmission and differential fluids and mounts, driveshaft, axle shafts, clutch system, etc.
• Suspension: tie rods and ball joints, bushings, control arms, shocks, springs/dampers, sway bars, wheel bearings, tires, wheels, etc.
• Brakes: rotors, pads, fluid, lines, ducting, etc.
• Interior: gauges, fire system, roll cage/harness bar, seat(s), seat belts, window net, etc.
• Body: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, warning flashers, marker lights, mirrors, windshield wipers, windshield glass, body damage, etc.

Timely post season inspections are critical for next season’s performance. Having your car inspected now and planning ahead for the next season will pay dividends when the first race or track day comes around. No all-nighters, no overnight shipping of needed repair or performance parts, no testing delays, no unexpected expenses. Just roll the car off the trailer and prepare for new found speed. Plan and prepare for success!

We offer FREE track and race car inspections. So, if you want a fresh pair of eyes to take a look at your car, give us a call at 253-887-0500 or drop us an email to make an appointment for your FREE track or race car inspection.