The last long weekend was a spectacular success of Alan Balinsky / Scarboro Mazda Racing team.

Al's car, "Christine", after a few minor problems in the first half of the racing season (aka, blow up apex seal, transmission, etc etc), is in good shape and man does she kick some ***.

On Sunday, 31 August, 2008, ABRacing entered the GTB class of Ontario Regional races.

We started from the last position since we skipped qualifying, and from 39th position, Al did a full frontal attack.

20 minutes later, Al sliced through the traffic like hot knife over butter, and managed to get into 9th position for race 2 in the afternoon. The whole team continued to work hard in the afternoon to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible.

In race 2, Al started from 9th position and proceed to hunt down cars in front of him. With safety in mind (go figure...), Al was being conservative in his overtaking. Hence, when faced with overtaking opportunity in speed over 170km/h, Al decided to hang on and watch before overtaking.

Even with his "conservative" driving, he was consistently getting close to his all time best track record, and proceed to broke the record as well.

With race 2 cut short, Al managed to get into 3rd position without touching anyone. After the race, fellow race car driver went to thank him for not hitting their car and being gentleman on some of the corners that Al definitely can go after. Al responded by saying that now that they knew each other and trust each other, no more Mr. nice guy next time...and that’s all good!

At the end of the day, ABRacing has a successful race and would like to thank all parties that contribute to its success.

For more information, please visit http://abrracing.com.

Please feel free to contact us for possible sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you.



P.S:
typical turn 1 with fire...

 

Dirtiest Hand Ever..

Way to Go Guys!

 

Thats the hand of a great crew chief (Chris James) and thanks everyone for helping us and your support! The car ran great all weekend with no problems (just driver issues lol) and the MazMark peripheral port was making huge power. We were able to pass almost everyone in our class up the back straight (and its a steep hill for those who have been there) probably hitting close to 135 mph entering turn 8. We are in the process of getting the incar video posted to youtube! We set a new fast lap for the car 1.36.894 seconds, previous best was a 1.37.658, and most of our race laps were under this previous mark!

 

In car videos are now on youtube, will try and post links!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTKGBVcVeVw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkFFLcnW1f8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlQ--LokCMM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5u-DBhbrxs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq_tBJdQpfk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh3Lz3PO_mU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwR9-nCTvYo

 

Can you update us with information on those lap times?

Like when you did fastest, when you nearly crashed etc...anyone trying to drive like an assssshole...etc etc

 

Damn!! Awesome!

 

congrats on finishing 3rd and beating your record..when is the next race?

 

Next race is Sept 14th but..............................I have been asked to co-drive in the 3 hour endurance race on the Saturday Sept 13 in a ..................hate to say it................Porsche.

 

cool i will try and come down for the 14th to cheer/help lol

 

Wow, I watched all those videos. Al, I gotta say, it looks like if you were given more laps, you would have won the entire race. You were just a few corners away from overpassing that yellow car in front of you (easily on the back straight), and then one more lap, and you would pass the 1st car and take pole position. If only you hadn't started back at 39th position, I think you would have won the race.

Your car seems to be faster than everyone else on the straight line too!!!

 

Thanks Andrew! In reality we needed to be about .75 of a second quicker per lap to win. Its amazing how much pull the little n/a 13B has up the back straight. All the V8 cars we passed came by after the race to see what kind of turbo we had in it (lol) and they are always surprised by seeing the tiny engine with the 2BBL carb. The biggest change was the gear box, even though its only a 4spd, the ratios are what makes it pull. When you listen to it going up the back straight you can tell its always in the power band. MazMark power all the way!

 

oh where will the race be on the 14th?

 

Al,

I'm wondering if putting a closer-ratio 5 speed transmission would make any difference? Might gain a little more top speed on the backstraight?

 

Its 8k for the one I want...

Saenz Transmission Europe 840 Series

 

So a closer-ratio 5 speed is on your shopping list eh?
I figure a 6-speed won't benefit enough because the track isn't fast enough to use that extra gear? Then you'll just end up wasting time doing too many shifts up and down around the corners...?

Just a thought... what do you think?

 

A six speed would be great that would allow me to have a "pit gear" so the car could get rolling easier, but then your dollar amount would go to about 12-15K

 

Mosport in Bowmanville.

 

I'm still working my way through the video's, but congratulations to the team. I know how hard it is, and how frustrating it can be when you have mechanical issues. A great payoff like this makes it worth while.
Also, great driving Al!

(and that SAENZ transmission you linked to makes me all tingly... I want that...)