Benoit Theetge interview

[cojones]

Originally posted by sjs:
$7500/race for a seat. I wonder if he’d throw in a small space on the car for a sponsor?

I believe the spec restrictions on allowable modifications is pretty tight on this series. I believe there are constraints on suspension and brake upgrades. PDs SWC-GT car would not be allowed.

The above rate is pretty reasonable. I believe RTR charges about double that for an ITR ride in Speed Channel Touring Car.

 

[NeoNSX]

That was really interesting Lud... the 3.0L to 3.2L was an good point, as was the "stock NSX can take 350 to 400 hp without a problem".

Too bad the "What is the average rainfall per year in Zimbabwe?" got missed... LOL... but i understand why.

Only $7,500 per weekend to be a driver? COOL! sign me up...

..and best of all, lots and lots of nice piccies.... *drool* THANX LUD AND MR.THEETGE!!!

 

[Lud]

I think the series rules will answer many of the car configuration questions. The series is pretty restrictive on what can be modified, and many things that can be modified require approval: http://www.grandamerican.com/competition/2003_Cup_Rules.html

To answer a couple specific questions, he runs Hoosier tires, stock brake components with Hawk pads, SSR Integral 17 X 8 front and 17 X 9 rear with Hoosier 225/45-17 and 275/40-17.

If you are seriously interested in racing with him or want to know more about sponsorship options, I suggest you contact him directly. His English is good (better than my French!) and there is an e-mail link on his website.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by NeoNSX:
Too bad the "What is the average rainfall per year in Zimbabwe?" got missed...

That was already answered in this topic, above.

 

[sjs]

Hey, the same model and size wheels I run on the TT. I knew he had good taste!

$7500/race weekend isn't bad, but I wasn't seriously anticipating doing it so I won't waste his time. If I could find a sponsor for at least a few races I certainly would like to, but the odds of that are slim to none and besides I'd just slow the team down too much without at least that much seat time first. But I can dream while I campaign my 510!

I'm very curious about the oversteer thing. I wonder if the 275 rears allow them to get on the power earlier coming out of a corner but don't grip as well into and through a corner. I've often wondered about a point of diminishing returns, or worse yet negative impact, when stretching the contact patch shape with wider tires (weight issues aside), and whether you are trading grip used to accelerate and brake in a straight line for lateral grip as used in corners. I guess I need to dig through that site…

 

[NeoNSX]

thanx nsxtasy... but he might have been able to tell us the average rainfall of each month. I guess i'll never know.

This is just a wild idea, but wouldn't it be ULTRA COOL if he had a 'www.nsxprime.com' sponser sign on the side?! Unlikely, but so cool...

 

[grippgoat]

I noticed they're not running a wing on the car. I'm wondering if that has anything to do with the oversteer problems.

-Mike

 

[sjs]

Originally posted by grippgoat:
I noticed they're not running a wing on the car. I'm wondering if that has anything to do with the oversteer problems.

-Mike

No more than any NSX unless he has something to add front downforce. I suspect that the rules don't allow either. But even a well designed and properly mounted wing creates significant drag to produce downforce. As with anything it's a balancing act and there is no guarantee that you'll get a net gain running a big wing on the track.