Mosport No Match for DG-Spec Scions, as Team Wins Round 5 in World Challenge

Robert Stout and Tom Lepper Battle Fiercely to Drive Scion tCs Into Winner’s Circle

TORRANCE, Calif. — In the team’s first trip up to Canada, Robert Stout and Tom Lepper put both DG-Spec Scions on the podium at Mosport, just outside of Toronto.  Known as one of the fastest tracks in North America, both drivers were engaged in dogfights in the double-header weekend that saw races on both Saturday and Sunday. 

The Touring Cars managed to put on the best show for the fans, as both races had the slimmest margin of victory, with multiple lead changes during the course of the 50 minute sprints.  On Saturday it was Lepper, driving the 36 car, who put the Scion tC on the second step of the podium, finishing a scant two-tenths of a second behind Chip Herr in the turbocharged VW.  Lepper also ran the fastest lap of the race.  On Sunday, Stout, driving the 18 car, would emerge victorious, nudging Herr off the top step of the podium for the big win.

“I’m proud of the whole team for how hard we fought this weekend,” said team owner, Dan Gardner.  “If anyone had any question about this team’s ability or mettle, I think it’s been quashed.  Robert and Tom did a great job out there.  As a driver, I know what it’s like to battle hard, and give it everything you’ve got.  Victory tastes so much sweeter when you have to earn it by brining your A+ game to the show.  Every member of this team brought theirs to Mosport, and the results speak for themselves.”

The first and second practice sessions on Saturday showed that the Scions had the speed, as Stout was fastest in both sessions in a highly competitive field.  Qualifying on Saturday continued to prove the point that the Scions were the cars to beat, as Stout and Lepper put both DG-Spec cars on the front row, claiming P1 and P2. 

On the start of Saturday’s race the Scions held their position going into Turn 1, but Shaffer in one of the Jettas would bang up against Lepper on the inside, taking the position away from him, putting himself between the two Scions on the way to Turn 2.  On Lap 3, Herr’s VW would go side by side with Lepper through Turn 4, with Jetta getting the best of the Scion going into Turn 5.

With Stout consistently motoring up front, Lepper put his head down and tried to fill the Jettas’ mirrors.  Indeed on Lap 11, Shaffer went off track as Herr and Lepper shot by.  The Scions were in P1 and P3.  A few laps later, Stout would shoot wide in Turn 5, allowing both cars to push ahead as they came onto the back straight.

From there it would be close quarters combat as Lepper repeatedly pressured Herr to make a mistake, sometimes banging on his back bumper to let the Volkswagen driver know the Scion was right there.  Lepper got on the inside, but Herr would hold the position.  It went this way lap after lap with the Scion and VW nose to tail or side by side.  In the end, as the checkered flew, the two cars came onto the straightaway side by side, but it just wasn’t quite long enough, as Lepper was edged out by two-tenths of a second.  Still, a hard-fought second place finish was something to be proud of, especially considering the fact that Lepper turned the fastest lap of the race.

“I pushed him as hard as I could,” Lepper said.  “Chip drove a very defensive line, and I thought for sure he’d run the tires off the car, but it never quite happened.  If I could have gotten in front of him, I think we had a bit more speed, and we wouldn’t have looked back.  But that’s racing.  It was a good clean battle, and second place is nothing to sneeze at.”

Sunday would be challenging for all teams, as no practice session was on the schedule, and teams would have to qualify first thing in the morning.  Stout would qualify well, just two-tenths of a second behind Herr’s Jetta, as the number 18 Scion claimed P2.  Lepper was picking up speed, but then lost fourth gear and had to come into the pits.

There would be barely more than two hours before the race would start, but the talented crew of Brad Allen, Sean Morris, David Fredrickson, and John McNulty sprung into action at warp speed.  Somehow, someway, the team swapped out the transaxle, reinstalled the sub-frame and supercharger, and had the car ready to go for the race just five minutes before the start.  They would miss pre-grid and have to start from the pits, but at least Lepper had a chance to climb back up through the field.  And Stout was poised to strike from a favorable P2 spot.

Stout shot the Scion off to the great start, briefly getting in front of Herr, but the VW would hold onto the lead going into Turn 1 as Stout tucked in behind.  As the field got through the first turn, Lepper was released from the pits.

On Lap 1 it would be Herr, Stout, and then a GTI that was hot on the heels of the number 18 Scion.  Shortly after that the GTI would get around Stout, and from there the two would swap positions repeatedly.  When Stout was running in the second spot he put pressure on Herr, but the VW would not make a mistake.  Finally on Lap 24 Stout cleverly used a GT car going into Turn 5 to take the position from the Jetta.  And he never looked back again, as Herr and the GTI driver battled amongst themselves for the remainder of the race.  When the checkered flew, Stout in the number 18 car had brought Scion home yet another big win.

Lepper, in the 36 car, drove a phenomenal race, starting in dead last from pit lane as he worked his way through half the field before the checkered flew.

“This might have been the most intense race I’ve ever had,” Stout said.  “Talk about bumping and grinding, swapping positions, a three-way battle for the lead.  This was absolute racing warfare.  I really had to earn this one, but it feels more satisfying because of it.  The team was phenomenal, giving me the best car they possibly could.  It’s awesome to be driving one of these Scions.”

After Sunday’s victory, Stout extends his lead in the season points, having accumulated 587.  That’s well over a 100-point cushion from Eric Meyer in the RX-8.  The team’s performance keeps Scion in the lead for the Manufacturers’ Points, ahead of second place VW and third place Mazda.

Standings and results can be viewed at http://www.world-challenge.com/index.php.  The race will be broadcast on the Versus Network on Saturday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.  Twenty-four hours later the program can be viewed online at www.world-challengetv.com.  Round 3 of the series can now be viewed at http://www.world-challengetv.com/2010/#/races/179. 

The team now readies for historic Watkins Glen in upstate New York.  The event will take place July 2-4.  Saturday’s race will begin at 4:15 p.m. Eastern.  Live timing and scoring can be viewed at www.world-challenge.com. 

The team’s progress throughout the season can be followed at www.scionracing.com and www.facebook.com/scionracing.

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:

• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit
• Jackson-Dawson Communications
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Nitto NT-01 tires for testing
• Enkei PF01 17x8 wheels
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks
• Vogtland springs
• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits
• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors

• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• Reflections body work
• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing
• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses
• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel
• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch
• DG-Spec Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates
• Goodridge fittings and lines
• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads
• G-Force  racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• DC Sports header
• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• NST supercharger pulley, Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• SquareSkull designs
• Sampson Racing Communications (SRC) radio systems

The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate classes (World Challenge Touring Car, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge GT), races follow a sprint format and are 50 minutes start to finish. Each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action, and top-notch drivers. Drivers pilot cars from the world's most popular manufacturers, featuring race-prepped versions of the cars we drive on the streets! The World Challenge is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

DG Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street. www.DanGardnerSpec.com

Long Beach : World Challenge Touring Car : Scion tC

In my off time, I do a little side thing. This blog is about Nissan GT-R’s , but I have been involved with cars and racing most of my life. In 2006, I did World Challenge as a crew chief on Igors – Automotive Forums R34 GT-R.  Fun, tough, expensive. Those would be the three words I would use to describe that year.

For the last couple years I have been helping Dan with his Scion tC. Dan was a Nissan guy, I actually met him though Freshalloy, when I was at Motorex.  Dan has done well, he works hard, has a routine, and he sticks to it.  This year the one car NASA team, has grown to a two car SCCA World Challenge effort.

So far this year, we have built the second car #36 for Dan Gardner in three weeks, with lots of help, and raced at St. Petersburg and Long Beach.  At St. Petersburg we had two races, the #18 car with Robert Stout driving finished in 2nd place in both. The #36 car finished in third and fourth place.  At Long Beach, the #18 car won the Touring Car class, and the #36 car found the wall at turn 8 while we were 1-2.

During the second practice session at the World Challenge race in Long Beach, we lost an oil line, that then caused us to lose an engine. Time lapse of the engine replacement. Start to finish, it took us a while. First engine or transmission I have had to deal with since I started working on the DG Spec Scions. We qualified the #18 car P4.

Some behind the scenes video and pictures from the event.

Next race is Mosport in about 14 days. I have been so swamped in regular work, that I haven’t had any time to dedicate to helping prep the cars for Mosport.  The #18 car is now carrying 75 lbs in “REWARDS” weight for the two 2nds and 1st place showing.  Robert is in 1st place in the drivers points, and Scion is leading the manufacturers championship in Touring Car. 

Scion tC at Long Beach : First Win : Youngest World Challenge Winner.

Video of DG-Spec's Touring Car win from Long Beach.

Source : ScionRacingTV on YouTube

Urban Racer Coverage of Long Beach Grand Prix

Urban Racer has been covering the “Sport Compact” segment for years, lifestyle to racing to time attack.  One of their recent articles covers the Long Beach Grand Prix, and the multitude of events that make up a Long Beach weekend.  Team Drift , ALMS, World Challenge, and Pro Celebrity race.

They seemed suprised by the World Challenge series, with its new format.  Three classes of cars, and a Formula D driver Tyler MacQuarrie winning GTS has sparked some more interest in the series.

Head over to the site to check out the massive gallery of images from the weekend.

Source: Urban Racer

DG-Spec and Scion Win Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Robert Stout Drives Number 18 Car to World Challenge Touring Car Victory

TORRANCE, Calif. — In front of one of the largest crowds at any race in the world, the DG-Spec Scion road racing team showed they have what it takes for World Challenge gold.  Robert Stout drove the number 18 Scion tC to a decisive victory through the historic streets of Long Beach.  The win brings Scion their first in the Touring Car category.
The event began with positive signs during the first practice on Friday.  Team owner and driver Dan Gardner was the fastest Touring Car, with Stout taking second position.  Neither driver had ever driven the course before, showing just how fast the two can come up to speed.  Things were looking good, despite Gardner and the 36 car getting drilled by a GT Porsche early in the session.  Most of the damage from the incident proved to be cosmetic, and the team had it fixed in a jiffy.

The second and final practice session of the event would take place on Saturday morning, so teams had little time to make any preparations.  The 18 and 36 cars took to the track, but on the first complete lap on the front straight of Shoreline, something clearly was wrong with the 36.  Gardner looked in his mirrors and saw them filled with a thick cloud of smoke.  He radioed in that he thought the car was on fire, but heard over the radio that it might be oil.  As he pulled his finger away from the fire button, Gardner tried to assess the situation.  Further down the straight, Gardner saw the oil pressure warning going off.  As he limped the car down the straight, he shut the engine off, and coasted past Turn 1 into the runoff.

The team would find a severed oil cooler line, and it was time to find out if the motor could be salvaged.  The motor shut-down had kept it from grenading, but other damage still may have occurred.  The team did their due diligence, and all signs were positive.  Unfortunately, when they finally started the motor back up, the gut-wrenching sound of rod knock dashed all hope for the engine. 

The second practice did, however, yield some good news as Stout was now the fastest Touring Car, nipping the RealTime Honda Civic Si by two-tenths of a second.

Huge logistical challenges stood in the team’s way, as their rig was a mile away, and because the track was constantly hot, they couldn’t easily get their spare motor over to their pit in the convention center.  But with the dedicated crew of Brad Allen, Sean Morris, John McNulty, David Fredrickson, and special addition Merritt Johnson, they figured out a way.  A furniture dolly and a lot of pushing took care of the motor, and the great guys at CRP Racing loaned their engine hoist.

The crew’s blood, sweat, and tears took them into 4 in the morning, but they got it done, and the 36 car would be ready for Qualifying, which would take place just four hours later.  (Time lapse video of the motor swap can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uildnwW9m7M.)

Bleary eyed and filled with caffeine, a few hours later the crew began staging the cars for Qualifying.  The entire session had been shortened, as it was to be split, with the GT cars going the first 12 minutes, and the TC and GTS cars heading out for the second 12. As they went out on track, Gardner constantly watched his gauges, radioing back to the crew the status.  Things were looking good, but the entire session was spent with an eagle eye on the dash, looking for anything that could cost the team another motor.

Gardner was working on a decent flier when he caught the Mazda RX-8 of Eric Meyer doing a cool down lap going into Turn 1.  That would put an end to the flier, but the car looked to be in good shape…frustrating, but some good news was to come.  When the results came in, Stout had barely gotten edged out by Nick Wittmer in the RealTime Civic Si.  The difference was the same two-tenths from the second practice, but this time it had gone RealTime’s way.  Still, the team now sat with the 18 and 36 cars, second and fourth on grid respectively.

The race was to take place that afternoon.  The 18 car was looking good, but the 36 showed some minor signs of detonation.  World-Class tuner Shawn Church of Church Automotive Testing sprung into action, analyzing the logs and emailing Gardner a tweaked map for the new motor.  This was to be the final step of the motor swap.

As the race approached, both cars took their starting spots and prepared for the standing start.  The light boxes extinguished and both Scions churned their front tires, boiling a bit, but launching hard forward.  Stout mostly held his line, as Gardner made a move to the inside up against the wall.  He passed a few cars and then situated on the back bumper of the 18 car, on the outside of Turn 1.  GTS and TC cars were now intermingled and it looked like the cars would go 3 or 4 wide into the first turn.  Gardner moved to the inside, and then moments later got rammed by Meyer’s Mazda, putting a hole in the Scion, and tearing off the RX-8s front bumper.

Stout stood his ground and followed Wittmer’s Civic through the mayhem, holding onto the second spot, as Gardner moved up into third.  Coming back around and entering the hairpin, the RealTime Civic got a bad exit, allowing both Stout and Gardner to make a run on the leader.  Stout motored by before start-finish, but Gardner would see Wittmer make his one move hard to the inside to thwart Gardner from getting around.  As Gardner swung to the outside, the Civic made another move down the straight to block that lane, then weaved a bit, until bailing out to go track right in preparation for Turn 1.

Gardner stayed inside, late-braked, bounced of the apex and moved track right.  On the way to the Fountain, Wittmer crashed into Gardner, causing the Scion to lose a mirror, but Gardner stood his ground and took the position.  Stout and Gardner were now 1-2.  The Civic started to slow, and the team would later learn he had flattened his tire after making contact with Gardner.  As the Civic pulled into the pits, Meyer took over third and began hunting down Gardner.  All the while, Stout started to pull away.

A call came in from the crew to the 36 car that race control thought it may again be leaking oil.  Gardner noticed some strange behavior with the oil pressure and became concerned that they may have another motor problem.  He watched the gauges relentlessly, all the while trying to keep the gap between his car and the Mazda.

Most of the rest of the race was spent keeping a close eye on GT cars as they pushed their way back up through the TC cars several times.  Gardner kept an eye on the dash, and Stout just drove smart.  Late in the race, Stout would report that the car was wandering on the straight, but he kept in all in check.

Unfortunately for Gardner, on Lap 15, as Turn 9 approached, he turned in a hair early, clipped the apex, and then felt the car go to an evil push condition. Gardner saw the wall at the exit fast approaching.  He turned the wheel harder right, but still glanced the wall.  The incident would unfortunately bend a lower control arm, forcing Gardner to retire.  Stout, however, would hold onto the lead, taking the number 18 DG-Spec Scion tC across the finish line for the big win.

“It’s quite obviously a huge win for the team,” said Gardner.  “We just won Long Beach, and that’s a major accomplishment.  My hat’s off to Robert for a good, clean drive.  I’m a bit disappointed in myself.  It just goes to prove what all racers know…small errors on a street course have major consequences.  It’s my first DNF that’s entirely my fault.  It’s hard when you know you were sailing to a 1-2 finish, but you have to get over it, move on, and go kick some butt next time.”

Stout, at just 18 years old, became the youngest driver in World Challenge history to win a race.  The win brings the team, Stout, and Scion their first TC victory.

“I’m on the top of the world,” Stout said.  “I’m not sure I dreamed of winning a World Challenge race so soon, especially not Long Beach.  Dan and the DG-Spec crew gave me a great car to drive, and I just put my head down to get the job done.  Right now I’m still filled with excitement, but soon it will be time to put the game face on and get ready for Mosport.  Anything can happen in racing, and I’m not going to take anything for granted.”

With the victory, Stout moves into first place in the season points standings with 350.  Gardner holds his fourth place standing, and is just a single point out of third and 18 out of second.  The team’s performance pushes Scion into the lead for the Manufacturers’ Points, ahead of second place VW and third place Honda.

Standings and results can be viewed at http://www.world-challenge.com/index.php.  The race will be broadcast on the Versus Network on Saturday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern.  Twenty-four hours later the program can be viewed online at www.world-challengetv.com.  Rounds 1 and 2 of the series can now be viewed at http://www.world-challengetv.com/#/races/161. 

The team now readies for a double-header at Mosport and the Victoria Day SpeedFest, in Ontario, Canada.  The event will take place May 21-23.  Saturday’s race will begin at 2:50 p.m. Eastern, and Sunday’s race will begin at 12:45 p.m.

The team’s progress throughout the season can be followed at www.scionracing.com and www.facebook.com/scionracing.

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:

• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit
• Jackson-Dawson Communications
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Nitto NT-01 tires for testing
• Enkei PF01 17x8 wheels
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks
• Vogtland springs
• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits
• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors
• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• Reflections body work
• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing
• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses

• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel
• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch
• DG-Spec Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates
• Goodridge fittings and lines
• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads
• G-Force  racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• DC Sports header
• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• NST supercharger pulley, Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• SquareSkull designs
• Sampson Racing Communications (SRC) radio systems

The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate classes (World Challenge Touring Car, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge GT) races follow a sprint format and are 50 minutes start to finish. Each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action, and top-notch drivers. Drivers pilot cars from the world's most popular manufacturers. Race prepped versions of the cars we drive on the streets! The World Challenge is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

DG Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street. www.DanGardnerSpec.com

Thunder on Pine Avenue: World Challenge Weekend

We had a chance to participate in the Thunder on Pine Avenue event during the World Challenge Weekend .  Pine Avenue is closed down, and the race cars are displayed, along with Indycar pitstops, and motorcycle jumping.  We got to drive the cars up Pine Avenue to Ocean, Pacific, to Broadway with a police escort.  That was fun.

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Stout Youngest World Challenge Winner, Gives Scion First TC Win

LONG BEACH, Calif. -  Robert Stout, of Brownsburg, Ind., won the Touring Car class race at the Toyo Tires World Challenge at Long Beach Presented by Long Beach. Eric Meyer, of Indianapolis, finished second.

Stout scored a big win for Scion in front of a "home" crowd. Mark Weber Image
Stout’s Touring Car win made him, at 18 years old, one month and 16 days, the youngest winner in World Challenge. The youngster started second in class in the No. 18 DG-Spec/Scion/TRD/Lucas Oil/Scion tC, but had grabbed the lead from polesitter Nick Wittmer by the first time past the line.
By lap seven, Stout’s lead was stretched to over 10 seconds and he raced to a 19.666-second margin of victory.
“I felt like I got off to a decent start,” Stout said. “I worked my way around Nick [Wittmer] a lap or so after the start. I heard he had some problems over the radio. I knew I had a pretty good gap over second place at that point and I tried to take it as easy as I could.”
Even with the big lead, the end of the race had a couple of nervous moments for Stout.
“With about 10 laps to go, I started to have some problems with the left rear,” he said. “I didn’t even know if I was going to make it, so I really tried to take it easy through the right handers. But the car came through and we made it through with a first place finish.
“There are so many Toyota representatives here at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and the support for Team Scion has been amazing. This is one of the biggest races in the world. I couldn’t ask for anything more than to win at Long Beach.”
Stout was followed across the stripe by Eric Meyer, of Indianapolis, Ind., in the No. 32 XOWii/Samaritan’s Feet/Delvira Mazda RX-8. Meyer battled with Stout’s teammate, Dan Gardner, in the No. 36 DG Spec/Scion/TRD/Lepper&Associates Scioon tC for the first half of the race, but inherited the second position for good on lap 15 when Gardner’s day ended after a brush of the wall.
Montreal’s Nick Wittmer, the younger brother of GT race-winner Kuno, recovered from an early flat tire after contact with another car to finish third.
Stout’s win allows him to inherit the Touring Car Drivers’ Championship lead with 350 points. Meyer (281), Todd Buras (264), and Gardner (263) trail Stout after three of 12 races.
The race from Long Beach will be broadcast May 1 at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) on Versus.
The World Challenge Championships return to action with a doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway, May 21-23.
For more information, please visit www.world-challenge.com
Follow World Challenge on Twitter @WCRacing.
Source : World Challenge.com

DG-Spec Scions Take St. Pete by Storm, Racking up Awards at World Challenge Season Opener

Drivers Gardner and Stout Put Scions on Podium and Secure Five Awards Along the Way

TORRANCE, Calif. — This past weekend, at the World Challenge season opener in front of an estimated 150,000 fans, the DG-Spec Scion road racing team proved again that Scion is the real deal, even at the top of the pro ladder.  Three podiums, and five awards of distinction were racked up by drivers Robert Stout and Dan Gardner, driving the number 18 and 36 DG-Spec Scion tC Touring Cars, respectively.
The event was a double-header, with a race on Saturday and another on Sunday, both for season championship points.  Stout qualified well, putting the number 18 car third on grid, with Gardner a couple rows back.  The Qualifying session would determine starting order for both races.

Saturday’s race saw Stout battle with the pole sitter, big-motor Honda Civic, eventually getting the best of the Civic and finishing second place, along the way collecting the MTM Special Ops Best Move of the Race award for avoiding the spinning Civic.  Gardner blasted through the field, gaining 9 positions overall, which netted him the third spot on the podium along with the Sunoco Hard Charger award.

Sunday began with a bang, as Gardner laid the rubber down on the start, zipping through the field, earning the Optima Batteries Best Standing Start of the Race award.  He also repeated, again collecting the Sunoco Hard Charger award, en route to a fourth place finish.  Stout’s 18 car partially collected a spinning GT Porsche three turns after the start.  Even with the damage to the body and suspension, Stout pushed his way back up, battling the Honda Civic, and eventually getting the best of him.  The pass on lap 24 earned him the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race award, en route to another second place finish.

“Aweome, awesome, awesome,” said team owner and driver, Gardner.  “First place would have been nice, but it’s hard to have expected more at the season opener.  This is great for the team, the drivers, our sponsors, and especially Scion, who just showed the world that even at this level, we’re still the real deal.”

Stout, at just 18 years old, is the youngest driver in the series.  That made no matter, as he piloted the number 18 DG-Spec Scion to the second step on the podium both days, proving that he knows how to get the job done.  Both drivers are rookies in the series, but showed their mettle all weekend long.

“What a great run,” Stout Said.  “My hat’s off to Dan and the entire team.  I had a great car the whole weekend.  It’s hard to be more pleased with my first pro race starts.  A podium both races…it doesn’t get much better than that!”

Credit the crew of Sean Morris, Brad Allen, John McNulty, David Fredrickson, and Jayson Altmiller with keeping the cars 100-percent bulletproof, as the cars didn’t blink all weekend.  Tom and Robyn Lepper supported everyone all along the way.

Stout ends the event second in the championship points race, with Gardner in fourth.  The two also netted Scion 14 manufacturer points, instantly launching the brand to second in the manufacturers’ championship standings.  Scion trails VW by just 4 points.

Standings and results can be viewed at http://www.world-challenge.com/index.php.  The race will be broadcast on the Versus Network on Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

The team now readies for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the only race of the season in the team’s backyard.  The event will take place through the historic streets on April 16-18.  The World Challenge race starts that Sunday at 4:15 p.m.

The team’s progress throughout the season can be followed at www.scionracing.com and www.facebook.com/scionracing.

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:

• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit
• Jackson-Dawson Communications
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Nitto NT-01 tires for testing
• Enkei PF01 17x8 wheels
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks
• Vogtland springs
• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits
• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors

• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• Reflections body work
• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing
• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses
• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel
• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch
• DG-Spec Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates
• Goodridge fittings and lines
• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads
• G-Force  racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• DC Sports header
• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• NST supercharger pulley, Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• SquareSkull designs
• Sampson Racing Communications (SRC) radio systems

The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate classes (World Challenge Touring Car, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge GT) races follow a sprint format and are 50 minutes start to finish. Each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action, and top-notch drivers. Drivers pilot cars from the world's most popular manufacturers. Race prepped versions of the cars we drive on the streets! The World Challenge is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

DG Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street. www.DanGardnerSpec.com

World Challenge St. Petersburg Pictures

All pictures copyright SCCA Pro Racing,Inc

http://www.world-challenge.com/event/gallery.php?ID=95

Robert Stout in the #18 Scion tC

Robert and Dan.

Robert and Dan on the podium

Dan gets the “Best Standing Start” award.

Robert posing for some photos

Ken Stout working on Roberts helmet.

Time Lapse Video : World Challenge Race 2 From the Pits

I mounted the video camera to the golf cart, and did a time lapse from the staging area to the pits, and back to impound for the 2nd TC race of the St. Petersburg weekend. Robert Stout in the #18 Scion tC finished both races in 2nd place. Dan(Don) Gardner #36 Scion tC finished 3rd on Saturday, and 4th on Sunday.

Brass Monkey GT-R Runs Over Porsche During World Challenge Race

One way to take a Porsche 911 out on the track, run over it.  Just after the start of the 2nd World Challenge race at St. Petersburg, going though the first set of corners, the #96 Nissan GT-R of Steve Ott, and the #57 Truspeed Porsche of Patrick Lindsay got together with the GT-R launching/driving over the front of the Porsche .  The nose of the GT-R was pointed up enough to get 3 wheels off the ground.   Both cars made it back to the pits with some damage.

 

 
World Challenge St. Petersburg Race 2 Results
I will have to look for some pictures and video, as it was pretty spectacular.  The accident affected our #18 car, as it could not avoid the #57 Porsche , now occupying most of the middle of the track, and the left rear of the car came into contact with the stopped Porsche.  From the pits, we could only see the right side of the car. We asked the spotters to look, and then I ran down to take a peak at a close corner.  The left rear tire had about 5 degrees of negative camber. 5 degrees is a little excessive for us. The hella flush guys, and the demon camber drift guys might disagree. We made the decision to keep him on the track. It turned out to be the right decision, as Robert was able to move up to 2nd place, and finish 2nd in both of the weekends races.

19 days in Long Beach, our backyard. I will be getting some more info, and some video of the Brass Monkey cars at that event.

Couple more pictures from the event:

One More Time Lapse: World Challenge Scion tC Preparation. 3 Hours 38 minutes

The last time lapse for at least this week. The final prep work for the first World Challenge race. http://www.gtrusablog.com. Aligning the cars. Checking out the truck. Starting to load the truck, and eating dinner. http://dangardnerspec.com

World Challenge Preparation: Cars Loaded and On Their Way

The #18 and #36 DG Spec Scions were loaded on their way to Florida for the first World Challenge race in St. Petersburg. Jayson the driver helped load up, and we will see him there.

Its not over, its just the start.  We just have enough time to catch up on life, catch up on work now.  Next week we fly out and meet up with the cars for the first race of the season. Technically the first two races, as we race on Saturday and Sunday.

We are anxious to see how this new format will work. Three classes of cars, standing starts, and the walls of a street circuit. 

Buttonwillow March 12, 2010 : Scion tC Test Day for World Challenge

A few photos from the Buttonwillow test day.  Press Release
Video from the test day

Dan getting suited up. Brad turning on the radio, Dave watching.

Robert Stout on the track

JohnnyMac riding in the #36

Robert getting suited up and strapped in the #18 car

Going over the check list. Dan, Johnny, Brad, and Dave

Post session checks

#18 and #36

Dan Gardner Spec and Scion to Field Two-Car, Three-Driver World Challenge Effort

Dan Gardner Spec and Scion to Field Two-Car, Three-Driver World Challenge Effort
Two Scion tC Touring Cars to Charge Ahead for Full-Season of World Challenge
TORRANCE, Calif. — After three extraordinary seasons spent clawing through the road racing ranks, the Scion team fielded by owner/driver Dan Gardner will launch a new two-car, three-driver program to take on the World Challenge Touring Car series, arguably the highest level of production-based sedan racing in North America.
The team, known as Dan Gardner Spec (DG-Spec), is built upon the new line of high performance parts Gardner has developed over the last three and a half years racing a Scion.  DG-Spec logos will adorn both cars.

“This is a huge step forward for Scion and the team,” said Gardner.  “I’m excited to launch the DG-Spec line and go both feet (and cars) into the World Challenge series.  Huge thanks to all our sponsors and supporters that made this happen.  We pushed everyone hard, and everyone stepped up their game to make this possible.”
The number-18 Scion tC Touring Car will be driven by MavTV-sponsored driver Robert Stout, 2009 NASA PTA National Champion.  Stout’s adaptable nature makes him a great fit to drive the car, and also a perfect fit for the Scion brand at just 18 years old.

“Before I drove the Scion tC, I had no idea what to expect from a front-wheel-drive racecar like the Scion,” Stout Said.  “My first time behind the wheel blew me away.  The car is seriously fast and it’s going to be awesome to race it in World Challenge!”

The number-36 car will be co-driven by veteran club and Grand-Am driver, Tom Lepper, and Gardner himself.  The two will be competing for the team championship, as they accrue points together for the car.  Both Lepper and Gardner also have 2009 championships under their belts with Lepper having won the crown in the US Touring Car Championship series, and Gardner having won both the NASA PTC and WERC Endurance E1 titles.

“I’d had some good exposure to Dan and the Scion team over the last few years, and I was impressed at the entire effort,” said Lepper.  “I’m standing in my seat with excitement to be a part of it all.  I know the cars are well-developed, and this is a team that has a shot at the championship if we play our cards right.“
The season already has a highlight reel, and the team hasn’t even run the first race yet.  The number-36 car, just three weeks ago, was Gardner’s commuter car.  Today, it’s a full-fledged World Challenge Touring Car racecar.

“I honestly don’t know how they did it,” said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and special events manager.  “This might be the fastest a pro road racing car has ever come together.  It’s truly a testament to the team.  I can only imagine the sacrifice and commitment.  Scion is pumped to be a part of this, as Gardner and the DG-Spec team ready for war in the World Challenge series.”

The team has chronicled the build-up of the number-36 car in both still and time-lapse format.  The process, as well as some testing with Stout, can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8ZZ_ElJDY4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyoj6yhqHM
http://gtrusa.blogspot.com/2010/03/world-challenge-prepartion-after-paint.html
http://gtrusa.blogspot.com/2010/03/world-challenge-preparation-scion-tc-16.html
http://gtrusa.blogspot.com/2010/03/world-challenge-preparation-11-days.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9udd07RgVu4

“It’s been a great ride for us with Gardner and this team,” said Gary Boler, TRD business operations manager.  “It’s fantastic for us to be able to promote and prove the performance and durability of our TRD parts at an extraordinarily high level of competition. World Challenge sits at the pinnacle of road racing, and it’s with great pride that we continue to support the effort.”

The team leaves this week for St. Petersburg, Florida for the first race of the season.  The Grand Prix event takes place March 26-28. The event is a double-header with races through the streets of St. Pete on both Saturday and Sunday.  Live timing and scoring can be found at www.world-challenge.com.  The race will be broadcast on the Versus Network on Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

The 2010 schedule will find the team racing 12 races at 8 venues across the US and Canada, with all races being nationally broadcast on Versus, home of IndyCar and other popular sports series.

"We are excited to have DG Spec running two Scion tCs this year in World Challenge Touring Car," said Dave Drimmie, VP, Marketing & Communications, WC Vision. "The competition is going to be fierce in that class with Mazdas, Acuras, Hondas, VWs, Chevys and Scions running."
The team’s progress throughout the season can be followed at www.scionracing.com and www.facebook.com/scionracing.

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:
• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit
• Jackson-Dawson Communications
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Nitto NT-01 tires for testing
• Enkei PF01 17x8 wheels
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks
• Vogtland springs
• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits
• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors
• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• Reflections body work
• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing
• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses
• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel
• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch
• DG-Spec Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates
• Goodridge fittings and lines
• Carbotech XP10 and XP8 brake pads
• G-Force  racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• DC Sports header
• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• NST supercharger pulley, Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• Sampson Racing Communications (SRC) radio systems

The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate classes (World Challenge Touring Car, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge GT) races follow a sprint format and are 50 minutes start to finish. Each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action, and top-notch drivers. Drivers pilot cars from the world's most popular manufacturers. Race prepped versions of the cars we drive on the streets! The World Challenge is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

DG Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street.

Entry List

More World Challenge Scion tC Prep: Stickering

The posts got a little few and far between as last week we prepared for a test day at Buttonwillow.  Friday we had both cars out at Buttonwillow for a test. We had a few teething issues with the #36 car that we figured out.  Brad, Dave, Johnny,Dan, Ken,Robert and myself spent the day working on the cars, and putting them on the track.  I have some pictures and videos from both test days to post. 

The cars go into the trailer on Thursday night.  March 26-28,2010 is our first race of the year in World Challenge TC.

World Challenge Preparation: 11 Days Left

Getting closer every day.  Lots of work. Lots of hours.  Ted has been helping to fabricate some of the parts and brackets we need. 

Dan test fitting the belts. The crotch strap is a pain to adjust.

Dave adjusting the crotch strap. Notice the surprised look on Dan’s face.

Rear glass on. Roof being test fit. Side glass in.

#18

Bonding the roof to the car. A little bit of weight to hold it down.

Engine. Top oil cooler brackets are on.  The blue tape is notes. I like blue tape and sharpies.