Invade One Lap of America 2017?, LOOKING FOR A GOOD . . . 914s Options

[stevegm]

My son and I are thinking about doing the One Lap of America next May? Anybody else considering it or interested? Wouldn't it be cool to show up with a half dozen or more 914s entered.


We have been talking about doing the race since he was old enough to watch the movie Cannonball Run (I think I showed it to him when he was 1). But, it is the first week of May, and when he turned 18 (old enough to enter) he went to college which has finals the first week of May. Since he decided to take the year off of college this year (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) we might as well do something constructive.

_______

9/28/16 - Just an update. We are waiting to see the announced courses for 2017. I spoke with Brock today and they will be announced soon. Once we see the courses we can decide whether we think the type IV might be able to do it.

Another idea has come up - if we don't do the official One Lap event, we could get some 914s together to create our own one lap of America-style drive. Or do the One Lap event without the full track days. I am looking into that now.

[GregAmy]

Read up on this 2016 effort, and add yourself to their Facebook page:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=278089

[tomeric914]

Oh sure, now EVERYBODY wants to do it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) LOL

Would we do it again in a 914? Maybe, but with heat this time... or in a Cayman S.

Running a 914 set up for the track 2800+ miles for 8 days straight with all of your stuff jam packed into and onto the car is not a comfortable experience. It's loud for one. If one of your front tires isn't balanced well, it's annoying. You also need to pack and unpack your car roughly 16 times. Once at each hotel and once at each track.

What you will find though is the outpouring of support everywhere you go. From those on 914World who show up in the pouring rain just to meet and chat (Porschef and GregAmy meeting us at Palmer comes to mind, that alone was enough to lift our spirits on a cold and wet day) and nearly every competitor we met was willing to offer a hand to anyone in need.

Best bit of advice I can offer is to prepare your car so that it survives One Lap.

[Cracker]

Steve - Although it is admirable to want to do the OneLap in a 914 I too agree you'd be better off in a car suited for the program. I personally wouldn't want to subject that stress to my car - or my body. I DO think the idea of experiencing that with your son is fantastic...I get THAT. My son turns 18 in October. Good luck whatever you'all do.

Tony

[rick 918-S]

We have regularly run cross country is a 914 to events all over the US. I actually like Blasting across the US in a 914. Sandy and I drove from MN to Hershey P.A., stayed for the swap meet, got up early and hit the road for home. Same deal with Medford OR. event. That was a loooong haul... We would regularly drive over 1000 miles a day. Steve, We may have to think about this event.

[Cupomeat]

Tom and I are talking about next year already. The event is fantastic and most gear heads fantasies.
There were a few Father/Child teams who looked like they were having a great time.

I hope someday I can convince one of my daughters to do it with me.

Tom, did a great job outlining the thoughts about how to prep and how it is in a 914, but it is an experience you will never forget.

https://vimeo.com/182496686

I always say that if you say Yes, you may not have a good time, but if you say no, you'll never know if you will.

GOod luck and see you in South Bend Indiana, next year!

[stevegm]

The dates for next year's event are May 6th through the 13th.

Doing it in a 914 would be challenging. But, why not? You only live once. It would be great if we could get 2, 3, 4 or even more 914s together to do it. If a few 914s did it I would go for it. Otherwise, maybe we will take the Mini Cooper.

Over the past year or so I have had too much on my plate to do much well. I have started to clear things that don't really matter out to get my head back above water. And to make room to add this event. Also, we signed my son up for a driving school in November. To compete at the tracks a driver has to have 2 one-day driving schools under their belt, or 1 two-day school will work (we verified that with Brock Yates, Jr.). I may just let him drive at the tracks. I am more interested in the rest of the experience.

[ClayPerrine]

We have regularly run cross country is a 914 to events all over the US. I actually like Blasting across the US in a 914. Sandy and I drove from MN to Hershey P.A., stayed for the swap meet, got up early and hit the road for home. Same deal with Medford OR. event. That was a loooong haul... We would regularly drive over 1000 miles a day. Steve, We may have to think about this event.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

We drive to events all the time... This year is Okteenerfest. 1014 miles one way. We will be doing it in 2 days. Normally we take both 914s, but mine is laid up getting the new engine.

If I were going to do this, I would consider a small trailer (unless they are against the rules ) to hold the tools and spares. Just unhitch and lock it up while on the track.

[stevegm]

We have regularly run cross country is a 914 to events all over the US. I actually like Blasting across the US in a 914. Sandy and I drove from MN to Hershey P.A., stayed for the swap meet, got up early and hit the road for home. Same deal with Medford OR. event. That was a loooong haul... We would regularly drive over 1000 miles a day. Steve, We may have to think about this event.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

We drive to events all the time... This year is Okteenerfest. 1014 miles one way. We will be doing it in 2 days. Normally we take both 914s, but mine is laid up getting the new engine.

If I were going to do this, I would consider a small trailer (unless they are against the rules ) to hold the tools and spares. Just unhitch and lock it up while on the track.

I believe trailers are allowed. We are just now starting to explore the rules. But, based on my reading you can do anything to your car along the way, as long as you are carrying whatever parts and tools you need. If I understand correctly, you can't stop and buy parts. So a small trailer carrying everything you might need(extra engine? :-) would be helpful. I would hate to go through all the trouble and expense of the thing, and then break down during the first few days.

[ThePaintedMan]

I would never trust my car, but I'd be happy/interested to ride/codrivr/wrench for someone if they needed it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

[Cracker]

Your examples of mileage coverage is like comparing a hot rod to a race car - worlds apart. Unless you are simply going through the motions at the competitions, the long-haul stories are not applicable. If not trying...then whats the point. Anyone can drive from point A to B - so long as they have a drivers license, vacation time and gas money.

I'd be interested in getting behind a car that is near the pointy in of a class...not a back-marker.

Tony

[stevegm]

Your examples of mileage coverage is like comparing a hot rod to a race car - worlds apart. Unless you are simply going through the motions at the competitions, the long-haul stories are not applicable. If not trying...then whats the point. Anyone can drive from point A to B - so long as they have a drivers license, vacation time and gas money.

I'd be interested in getting behind a car that is near the pointy in of a class...not a back-marker.

Tony

I guess it depends on what your goals are. Mine is to do One Lap. I don't have a six figure car, and that is ok with me. I would have fun in a geo at the event. Doing it in our 4-cylinder 914 (a car I have been restoring with my son) would be icing on the cake, regardless of how we placed. I am sure other people on the forum could prep a car that would compete with the heavy hitters, and that is great. The more 914s, whether bone stock or full-on tube frame, the merrier, from my perspective.

[Cracker]

I can't disagree with you...I justcan't get excited either. Competition runs in my veins...changing the idea seeing a 914 = "seeing a slow car", is something I'm trying to change. All highly subjective - not really a wrong answer, just different.

I am contemplating the idea myself...

Tony

Your examples of mileage coverage is like comparing a hot rod to a race car - worlds apart. Unless you are simply going through the motions at the competitions, the long-haul stories are not applicable. If not trying...then whats the point. Anyone can drive from point A to B - so long as they have a drivers license, vacation time and gas money.

I'd be interested in getting behind a car that is near the pointy in of a class...not a back-marker.

Tony

I guess it depends on what your goals are. Mine is to do One Lap. I don't have a six figure car, and that is ok with me. I would have fun in a geo at the event. Doing it in our 4-cylinder 914 (a car I have been restoring with my son) would be icing on the cake, regardless of how we placed. I am sure other people on the forum could prep a car that would compete with the heavy hitters, and that is great. The more 914s, whether bone stock or full-on tube frame, the merrier, from my perspective.

[stevegm]

I get it. And I see your point about the 914. Our goal is to complete the event. Maybe win our class? This year, I will leave it to others to field the overall winning car. Maybe that will be you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

I can't disagree with you...I justcan't get excited either. Competition runs in my veins...changing the idea seeing a 914 = "seeing a slow car", is something I'm trying to change. All highly subjective - not really a wrong answer, just different.

I am contemplating the idea myself...

Tony

Your examples of mileage coverage is like comparing a hot rod to a race car - worlds apart. Unless you are simply going through the motions at the competitions, the long-haul stories are not applicable. If not trying...then whats the point. Anyone can drive from point A to B - so long as they have a drivers license, vacation time and gas money.

I'd be interested in getting behind a car that is near the pointy in of a class...not a back-marker.

Tony

I guess it depends on what your goals are. Mine is to do One Lap. I don't have a six figure car, and that is ok with me. I would have fun in a geo at the event. Doing it in our 4-cylinder 914 (a car I have been restoring with my son) would be icing on the cake, regardless of how we placed. I am sure other people on the forum could prep a car that would compete with the heavy hitters, and that is great. The more 914s, whether bone stock or full-on tube frame, the merrier, from my perspective.

[Cracker]

Highly unlikely...I'm looking forward to meeting you next week.

Tony

I get it. And I see your point about the 914. Our goal is to complete the event. Maybe win our class? This year, I will leave it to others to field the overall winning car. Maybe that will be you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

I can't disagree with you...I justcan't get excited either. Competition runs in my veins...changing the idea seeing a 914 = "seeing a slow car", is something I'm trying to change. All highly subjective - not really a wrong answer, just different.

I am contemplating the idea myself...

Tony

Your examples of mileage coverage is like comparing a hot rod to a race car - worlds apart. Unless you are simply going through the motions at the competitions, the long-haul stories are not applicable. If not trying...then whats the point. Anyone can drive from point A to B - so long as they have a drivers license, vacation time and gas money.

I'd be interested in getting behind a car that is near the pointy in of a class...not a back-marker.

Tony

I guess it depends on what your goals are. Mine is to do One Lap. I don't have a six figure car, and that is ok with me. I would have fun in a geo at the event. Doing it in our 4-cylinder 914 (a car I have been restoring with my son) would be icing on the cake, regardless of how we placed. I am sure other people on the forum could prep a car that would compete with the heavy hitters, and that is great. The more 914s, whether bone stock or full-on tube frame, the merrier, from my perspective.

[914forme]

It is on my radar but not for 2017 running. More than likely it will be the 2018 running IF if feel like I still want to do it. Been on the list for me for a long time. Many other cars more suited for the event, unless you are doing it for the shear enjoyment of doing the event.

this is part of the reason, my car has a trailer hitch. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Cupomeat]

Ok, so a couple things about one lap of america.

Even in Vintage foreign class, which is where you'd be. two of the three had 400hp V8s retro fit into older cars. Tom's 914-6 is pretty fast by normal standard, but we only got second because the 944 (with v8) had so many issues.

A goal of finishing is the right one to have for a 914.

Now, if you want to win, get a GTR or a 997/991 Turbo, GT3, GT4, Corvette Z06 etc. and leave it stock. The top three were a GTR, an ariel Atom (with a 300+hp motor) and a Mitsubishi Evo with a highly modified engine.

These three won because all the other faster entries didn't make it.

It is a great time. Trailer are allowed and you can fix anything along the way (but you need to run on the tires you started with).

DO it, but winning in a 914 is a big commitment as you better get 400hp in it, and learn all the tracks first.

See you there in 2017!!

Eric

[stevegm]

Ok, so a couple things about one lap of america.

Even in Vintage foreign class, which is where you'd be. two of the three had 400hp V8s retro fit into older cars. Tom's 914-6 is pretty fast by normal standard, but we only got second because the 944 (with v8) had so many issues.

A goal of finishing is the right one to have for a 914.

Now, if you want to win, get a GTR or a 997/991 Turbo, GT3, GT4, Corvette Z06 etc. and leave it stock. The top three were a GTR, an ariel Atom (with a 300+hp motor) and a Mitsubishi Evo with a highly modified engine.

These three won because all the other faster entries didn't make it.

It is a great time. Trailer are allowed and you can fix anything along the way (but you need to run on the tires you started with).

DO it, but winning in a 914 is a big commitment as you better get 400hp in it, and learn all the tracks first.

See you there in 2017!!

Eric

I agree. Our goal is to finish. I had a brief conversation with Jake Raby about doing it in a 4-cylinder 914. He pointed out that we would need toughness more than power. Especially for the valve train.

Based you experience this year, do you think a 4-cylinder could do the tracks? The drive from track to track doesn't worry me much. It is the competition days that seem like they would take a toll on the car/engine.

[tomeric914]

Sure, you'll make it around the tracks with a 4 cylinder, but you'll likely be last unless someone else DNFs.

I think we surprised the crap out of everyone with the 914, but Eric's right. Unless you've got 400+ horsepower, don't expect to win your class. Vintage foreign wasn't vintage at all. The rules are, there are no rules, though you do need to run on the same set of tires you started with.

If you want to win your class, get a diesel.

You've got 3 laps to show everyone what you've got which isn't much for the car. Going from track to track WILL take a toll on you and the car. You won't have time to fix the car. Count on the weather being against you.

We appeared to have fun because we planned ahead. If you're going to do this, plan on finishing, not winning.

Based you experience this year, do you think a 4-cylinder could do the tracks? The drive from track to track doesn't worry me much. It is the competition days that seem like they would take a toll on the car/engine.

[stevegm]

Thanks for all of your feedback. It is very helpful. Finishing the event is our goal. I am a little concerned about the durability of the 4, though. I am going to look into whether a type IV (or any air-cooled VW has ever done the OLOA.

Sure, you'll make it around the tracks with a 4 cylinder, but you'll likely be last unless someone else DNFs.

I think we surprised the crap out of everyone with the 914, but Eric's right. Unless you've got 400+ horsepower, don't expect to win your class. Vintage foreign wasn't vintage at all. The rules are, there are no rules, though you do need to run on the same set of tires you started with.

If you want to win your class, get a diesel.

You've got 3 laps to show everyone what you've got which isn't much for the car. Going from track to track WILL take a toll on you and the car. You won't have time to fix the car. Count on the weather being against you.

We appeared to have fun because we planned ahead. If you're going to do this, plan on finishing, not winning.

Based you experience this year, do you think a 4-cylinder could do the tracks? The drive from track to track doesn't worry me much. It is the competition days that seem like they would take a toll on the car/engine.