I have always been fascinated by cars and from an early age used to go with my god father to brands hatch race track. He belonged to the Aston Martin owners club and so would accompany him to the races. We would often go into the paddock and see all the cars being tuned and tweaked- I'm sure this is where I came across for the first time a Lamborghini, and it made a lasting impression.

In 2005 I made my first wireframe car, a Subaru Impreza P1. I called it 'Modern Japanese Classic'. A Subaru was chosen for many reasons; it was at the time a joy-riders favourite, it was my preferred car when playing Gran Turismo on Playstation, but really its charm comes from the fact that despite being very, very fast, underneath the lowered alloys and fat spoilers lurks a family saloon (albeit on steroids!).

With the Lamborghini I made it because I just knew the wireframe technique would suit it and it is the most iconic supercar of all time. I had to make it to get it out of my system.

It was a fun project, I loved doing the little details like the pepper pot wheels and Pirelli P7 tyres, the Koenig side spoilers and air intakes, and of course the rear spoiler- It looks so simple but it took ages because it's all about the economy of line — too much steel and it becomes unsophisticated and not enough and it doesn't represent it sufficiently.

I chose the fluro orange because like the car it is uncompromising! It's aggressive and has attitude. It also looks great when the car is either set in the street or photographed against a white background.

The car is currently on display at the Classic Car Club UK, a genius organization with a collection of cars the members collectively drive. If you're interested the Countach is indeed for sale or, if the right opportunity comes along, a lease. We'd certainly drop this beauty into the corporate entry at Jalopnik HQ over some generic piece of post-modern corporate art.

(Hat tip to everyone who sent this in!) [via 0-60mag]

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes
Very Serious Businessmen: No
Sheiklets: No

Also Consider:
• 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
• 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
• 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS
• 2009 MINI Cooper S

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: MINI
• Model year: 2009
• Base price: $24,350
• Price as tested: $32,350
• Engine type: 1.6-liter I4
• Horsepower: 172 @ 5,500 RPM
• Torque: 177 @ 1,600-5,000 RPM
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
• Curb weight: 2,900 lbs
• LxWxH: 155.8" x 66.3" x 56.4"
• Wheelbase: 100.3"
• Tires: P205/45R17
• 0 - 60 mph: 6.7 seconds
• EPA fuel economy city/highway: 26/34 MPG
• Jalopnik fuel economy: 28 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating (Front/Driver Side/Passenger Side): ****/*****/*****

Also See:
• Mini Cooper Clubman S, Part One
• Mini Cooper Clubman S, Part Two

From the Village of Itasca:

During the Memorial Day parade, you may have noticed the newest addition to the Police Department Fleet In cooperation with Subaru of America, OCE, Lund Industries and Suburban Accents, the Itasca Police Department unveiled a sleek 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The vehicle was provided by Subaru at no cost to the Village. The emergency lights and graphics were also provided at no cost.

“Subaru’s commitment toward furthering police community partnerships and being a valued corporate citizen have been remarkable”, said Chief Scott Heher.

The vehicle is emblazoned with the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and National Night Out graphics. This 305 horsepow¬er beauty is more than a car. According to Subaru, the vehicle is “built upon a rally car heritage for those who want to be a part of a brotherhood of speed and performance.” The vehicle will be used at promotional and special events including the opening ceremonies of the Illinois Special Olympics in Bloomington, Illinois on Friday, June 13, 2008.

"We care about the safety of our customers and applaud the Itasca Police Department on their initiative to promote safe driving," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "For Subaru to be able to participate in that quest is a pleasure."

From Subaru's Drive Magazine:

The Itasca (Illinois) Police Department has been loaned a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI for use in promotional and special events. Decked out with Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and National Night Out graphics, the STI won awards at the Carol Stream Police Department Wheels of Justice car show in May and participated in the opening ceremonies of the Illinois Special Olympics in Bloomington in June. It is also involved in educating the area’s young people about driving performance cars.

[Subaru/Village of Itasca via Kicking Tires blog]

SUBARU BOXER DIESEL: Features & Benefits

Low vibrations and noise
- The movements of the horizontally-opposed pistons work in unison to effectively cancel out the second harmonic vibration (vibration at double the frequency of the engine’s revolution) that causes discomfort in drivers. Thanks to this structural advantage, the SUBARU BOXER DIESEL does not need balancer shafts which are commonly used in conventional in-line and V-type engines. The compactly designed crankshaft sandwiched by the highly rigid cylinder blocks helps minimizing an uncomfortable noise and vibration up to high rpm’s.

Superior engine response and good fuel economy
- No need for balancer shafts leads to low rotational inertia and friction within the engine itself. The result is exceptional accelerator response and good fuel economy.

Contribution to the handling performance
- The bore pitch has been shortened and the left and right blocks holding the crankshaft provide a highly rigid design compared to the conventional in-line engines, which has also allowed use of an aluminium alloy cylinder block for weight savings.
- In addition to the low centre of gravity provided by the structure of the Horizontally-Opposed Engine, the placement of the turbocharger unit at the lower part of the engine functions to maintain a low centre of gravity for the diesel engine, which tends to be quite heavy in weight.
- These engine features contribute to excellent handling performance.

SUBARU BOXER DIESEL: Mechanisms

1. Cylinder block
- Cylinder block
An aluminium alloy cylinder block has been used to maximise the potential of the highly rigid Horizontally-Opposed Engine layout. To obtain ideal diesel combustion, the stroke was extended by 11 mm and the bore was shortened by 6 mm compared to the SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine (EJ20). The bore pitch has been shortened to 98.4 mm, which is similar to that of SUBARU BOXER 6-cylinder petrol engine (EZ30), while the petrol engine (EJ20) has 113.0 mm. This has led to a 61.3 mm reduction in engine block length for even more compact design.

Semi-closed deck: The block design uses the semi-closed deck type that has proven its durability in the turbocharged petrol models. This increases rigidity around the head gasket mating areas.
Metal matrix composite journal: All 5 main bearings (journals) in the cylinder block incorporate metal matrix composite journals (which are inserted during the casting process), resulting in superior levels of quietness due to high rigidity and similarity in thermal expansion ratio to that of crankshaft.

Extra cooling channels: Cooling slits have been given between the cylinder bores to operate as water cooling channels, thus improving cooling performance.
- Pistons
High strength materials have been used to withstand the high combustion pressures of the diesel engine. Cooling channels within the pistons have been incorporated, with engine oil squirted via oil jets, which enhances piston cooling.

- Connecting rods
The large ends of the connecting rods feature an asymmetrical profile, which increases precision during assembly and in roundness of the surface connecting the crankpin for reduced friction. It has also contributed to minimizing the rotational path, thus allowing an extended piston stroke inside the compact cylinder block.

- Crankshaft
The high strength crankshafts have undergone surface treatment to withstand the high combustion pressures that are found in a diesel engine. Since the Horizontally-Opposed engine layout allows for shorter journal pitch, high rigidity is maintained in a diesel engine that is dramatically lighter in weight than conventional in-line engines.

2. Valve system / intake and exhaust system
- Cylinder head
High strength cylinder heads have been used to withstand the high combustion pressures.
Roller rocker arms: compact and low friction end pivot type roller rocker arms have been used in combination with the double overhead cam (DOHC) system.
Valve System: The diameter of the intake valves have been optimised for enhanced breathing performance and swirl ratios, resulting in improved combustion efficiency.
- Intake ports
The combination of an intake swirl pot system and optimised intake valve diameter results in ample swirl performance.
- Cam Drive System
A highly durable chain system has been used to drive the camshaft to handle the variations in torque produced by the diesel engine.

3. Common rail system
A common rail system has been used for fuel delivery for better performance. The fuel is pressurised to 180 MPa before being fed into the common rail.
- Solenoid injectors
Specially designed injectors have been used. A shorter overall length of the injector has contributed to maintain overall engine width as that of the regular petrol engine despite the longer piston stroke.
4. Turbocharger
A variable nozzle type turbocharger has been specially designed to deliver ample turbocharged performance across the entire engine range. The turbocharger itself has been positioned under the engine and mounted directly to the catalytic converters for increased environmental friendliness. Response has been improved while also helping to lower the centre of gravity.

5. Exhaust
The exhaust system has been fine tuned for use with the diesel engine.

6. Exhaust Emission Control System
A closed-type of diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been adopted for the exhaust emission control system of the Impreza in order to further enhance environmental friendliness.
The DPF has been positioned together with the turbo charger at the lower part of the engine. This not only improves exhaust gas purification performance, but also helps keeping the centre of gravity low, thus further enhancing the superb handling performance of the symmetrical AWD. This system complies with European EURO 4 exhaust gas regulations.
- Oxidation catalytic converter
The catalytic converter separates un-burnt fuel into water and carbon dioxide. The unit has been made compact enough to be activated soon after the engine has been started. If the temperature rises to 300°C under certain driving conditions, the oxidation catalytic converter generates NO2, which oxidises collected diesel particulates inside the DPF.
- Closed Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
The adoption of a closed DPF functions to improve engine combustion efficiency and reduce particulate matter (PM) in the exhaust in order to further enhance environmental friendliness.
The closed DPF features a honeycomb shaped filter made of silicon carbide. The filter channels are blocked on alternating ends of each side and there are also microscopic pores on the inner filter wall, thereby functioning to effectively collect the PM as the exhaust gas passes through these microscopic pores.
The collected PM is combusted inside of the filter, which reaches 600°C and higher depending on operating conditions, and repeatedly regenerated, processed, and emitted as exhaust. Conversely, if the internal filter temperature is low with a continuous load operation, the temperature within the layers is controlled to cause combustion of the PM, which is then repeatedly generated, processed, and emitted as exhaust.
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system
An EGR system has been used to comply with European EURO 4 exhaust gas regulations. The cooled exhaust gas is fed back into the combustion chamber to lower the combustion temperature and reduce NOx emissions.

7. Engine mounting system
A liquid-filled engine mounting system has been employed for even less vibration and better handling performance.

10. Honda Ridgeline

Ideal for your casual tailgater, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline almost perfectly fits the bill. The spacious interior comfortably fits five normal-sized passengers and the bed is just large enough to hold a few seats with the tailgate fully extended. Though the Ridgeline isn't massively powerful, it has a massive storage area below the truck's bed, which is big enough to hold a cooler, beverages, ice and whatever else you need for a good day of tailgating with 80Honda and three of your friends.

9. Barby Ute

One of the few purpose-built tailgating vehicles in existence, Ford of Australia took one of their liquid gas-powered Falcon Utes and added a giant cylinder on the back that looks like an LPG tank to create the Barby Ute. The doors of that cylinder open up to reveal a fully-functioning, gas-powered BBQ pit. Though they may grill shrimp and watch Australian rules football, we tip our hat first to the Aussies for creating such an ideal tailgating vehicle and second to LTDScott for finding it.

8. 18-Wheels Of Meat Justice

You'd have to have a serious stake in steak to build a gigantic grille onto the bed of an 18-wheeler, so it is no surprise that the crew behind the "Big Taste Grill" is employed by Johnsonville Brats. The self-proclaimed World's Largest Grill, the BTG's grill lid alone weighs 6,000 pounds and requires hydraulics to open it. Capable of producing 440,000 BTUs of power, this meat machine is capable of cooking 2,500 brats an hour. If you have the means, and own a meat company, Bpapa9013 highly recommends it. [Photo: Flickr]

7. 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Having been part of the first ever tailgate in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, we can say for sure that this truck is built for tailgating. The new Ram features the "Ram Box" storage system in each sidewall, which has enough space to hold more than three dozen 12-oz beverages. It's so large that the editor of PickupTrucks.com nearly fits inside of it. Does that mean it holds seven passengers? [Photo: AutoBlog]

6. Recreational Vehicle

This is sort of a no-brainer when it comes to camping outside of the stadium. The recreational vehicle, like UDMAN's ride pictured here, has a number of distinct advantages. The RV typically comes complete with a small kitchen, space is almost unparalleled, it is much easier to setup a television inside and it has a water closet for when you realize you need somewhere to put what's left of all that Coors Light you drank. It also ensures you have a comfortable place to sleep if you want to show up a few days early to get the best grilling location.

5. Jeep Wagoneer

Older SUVs represent a great, relatively inexpensive choice for a single-purpose tailgating vehicle. Though an old Land Cruiser or Suburban is an admirable choice, there's something classic about the Jeep Wagoneer. Maybe it's just the wood paneling, but the Wagoneer feels more like a portable living room than a truck. The most important feature is that the Wagoneer, unlike other SUVs, has a dropping tailgate that significantly extends the cabin space within the Jeep for pres and company to setup an inflatable couch and a portable TV.

4. Pontiac Aztec

While we agree with the conventional wisdom that says the Pontiac Aztec was a Hindenbergesque vehicle that would only appeal to blind drivers, Foo2rama makes a good point about the vehicle's usefulness as a tailgating rig. There's a built-in air compressor for blowing up inflatable chairs, a 10-speaker stereo system with rear controls, a two-piece tailgate with molded cupholders and seating grooves, and a removable cargo tray that holds up to 400 pounds of stuff. It may be ugly, but it is hard worker.

3. Used School Bus

When local school districts auction off their old buses it's time for the serious tailgater to strike. As Cognitive_Friction knows, a school bus is basically a long, covered space in which a true artist can craft their ultimate tailgating ride. Outfitted with tables, chairs, televisions, grilling gear, beanbag toss, refrigerators and other essentials, the school bus has most of the utility of the RV with the novelty of... a giant school bus. Paint it in your team's favorite colors and there will be no mistaking who you support. [Photo: Flickr]

2. Classic Station Wagon

Commenter Slantsick hit the nail on the head with his suggestion of the classic, tailgated station wagon. Before fancy hatches were popular, you couldn't sell a station wagon without a keen tailgate. For those who want to look stylish when not tailgating but have the utility for Saturdays and Sundays, the 1950s-era wagon is hard to top. It's also significantly cheaper than retrofitting an 18-wheeler. Loyter's University of Utah red vintage Chevy II wagon is a classic example of why this may be the ultimate Jalopnik tailgating vehicle.

1. Used Ambulance

Striking the best balance between utility, cost and insane conviction is the ambulance converted into the supreme tailgating vehicle. It has storage. It has power. It has space. They're easy to pick up at auctions. They look cool. They have sirens. They're freaking ambulances! The University of Toledo Jambulence has more features than we can possibly list, but let's just say a super-quiet generator, LCD televisions and touchscreen computers all equal good times. Husker fans have the Big Red Meat Wagon, which comes with a "wiener slinger" and other strange devices that we are sure makes tailgating all that much more fun. We wouldn't be surprised to hear that PeteJayhawk is looking for one pre-painted in KU colors.

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• 2008 Dodge Charger SRT8, Part One
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BOXER DIESEL FORESTER AND IMPREZA UNVEILED AT PARIS MOTOR SHOW

Subaru’s highly-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine will appear for the first time in both the new Forester and Impreza at the 2008 Paris Motor Show (October 4-19).

Meanwhile, other highlights include a Subaru Impreza WRX2008 replica plus the Subaru R1e and G4e electric cars. There will also be a 50th Anniversary Display showcasing the original Subaru 360 minicar.

Subaru’s press conference takes place on the Subaru stand at 17.00 hours on Thursday, October 2, 2008.

New Boxer Diesel Forester And Impreza
Both the new Forester SUV and Impreza five-door will be unveiled featuring Subaru’s highly-acclaimed new 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel engine.

The world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine for a passenger car has won widespread praise for its refinement, smoothness, sharp throttle-response and outstanding fuel economy. It first appeared in the Legacy and Outback earlier this year.
Both the Forester and Impreza Boxer Diesels feature new six-speed manual gearboxes while the engine itself benefits from a new closed-type diesel particulate filter.

Such is the efficiency of the new engine that the Forester 2.0D boasts class-leading fuel economy and emissions.

No other SUV can better the 44.8 mpg Combined and 167 g/km of the Forester 2.0D X.

The Forester 2.0D produces 147 PS and 258 lb ft torque and the Impreza 150 PS and 258 lb ft – both at 3,600 rpm and 1,800 rpm respectively.

The engine’s benefits include exceptional compactness, light weight and a low centre-of-gravity which benefits handling agility and makes best use of the standard all-wheel drive system.

The new Forester Boxer Diesel goes on sale in the UK in late September and the Impreza Boxer Diesel in January 2009.

10.) Circle!

Official Meaning of Sign: There is a traffic circle up ahead.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: OMG, circles are awesome and everywhere. Let's do a circle right now!
Where it's Located: Allaire Circle on Route 34, New Jersey
[Photo Credit: Wiki]

9.) You Should Probably Just Turn Off The Car And Walk

Official Meaning of Sign: Drivers in the left lane can only make a sharp left; drivers in the lane second from the left turn either a secondmost sharp or a slightly less sharp left; drivers in the center lane make a fourthmost sharp left; drivers in the right-of-center lane turn the fifthmost sharp left or go straight; drivers in the far right lane go straight or right.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: Just follow along with the general pattern of traffic and hope you don't die.
Where it's Located: San Francisco, California
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

8.) Yield To Bikes

Official Meaning of Sign: Yield to bikes when approaching the new lane.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: Yield to people doing wheelies, backwards, into traffic.
Where it's Located: Seattle, Washington
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

7.) Stop Don't Stop

Official Meaning of Sign: Stop and then, as you proceed, do not stop. If you are a commercial vehicle you can actually stop, though it says you can't, on the right side for 30 minutes.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: Just slowly roll through, trying to load or unload for no longer than 30 minutes.
Where it's Located: Fresno, California
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

6.) Define "Very Light"

Official Meaning of Sign: You can only turn left if there isn't much traffic on a street called "Aviation."
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: As this photo is near the airport, if you don't know "Aviation St." is a thoroughfare, the sign means "look up to see how many planes are landing or taking off before attempting a left." If you know "Aviation" is a road try explaining to the police officer what your definition of "very light" is.
Where it's Located: Los Angeles, California
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

5.) The Michigan Left

Official Meaning of Sign: Take a Michigan Left by going down the street and then making a U-turn to go left.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: As opposed to the typical Michigan Left sign, this one seems to indicate that the State of Michigan is trying to trick you into not taking the obvious left turn in front of you.
Where it's Located: Marquette, Michigan
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

4.) Take A Right At Montreal

Official Meaning of Sign: Go straight for Montreal Avenue, the other direction for Montreal Way and take a left for Montreal Circle.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: People in St. Paul, Minnesota are not exceptionally creative.
Where it's Located: St. Paul, Minnesota
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

3.) So That's How You Merge

Official Meaning of Sign: Merge from the left lane to the center lane or turn left.
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: The government of Dekalb doesn't think its citizens understand how a merge works and require overly complex drawings to explain very common driving situations.
Where it's Located: Dekalb, Illinois
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

2.) All Other Times

Official Meaning of Sign: The right three lanes are open during rush hour, the right line is only open from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm except for that period between 6:30 in the morning and 9:30 at night. The right two lanes are open from 9:30 pm to 6:30 am. The far left lane is lava (we think).
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: City planners in the District of Columbia either do not understand the difference between am and pm or it's up to drivers to guess which lanes are open when. The far left lane is lava (yeah, we're sticking to this).
Where it's Located: Washington, D.C.
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

1.) Driving A Truck With Higher Than A 10,000 lb. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Is Not Fun

Official Meaning of Sign: Trucks over 10,000 pounds are not permitted to turn around — maybe?
Unofficial Meaning of Sign to Us: Big trucks are not allowed to drive on their roofs. Big trucks are not allowed to flip over. Everyone else is either allowed to drive on their roofs or flip over.
Where it's Located: Seattle, WA
[Photo Credit: Flickr]

Now that you've read our ten worst, tell us what traffic sign we need the most here!

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Of course it's another kind of ugly people are concerned about today. Heading southwest down a remote road on Vancouver Island in an American-plated WRX, I'm not exactly behaving like an ambassador for my country. These are some of the most challenging roads in North America, winding their way through the coastal mountains along ancient logging trails, the road bears the ravages of harsh winters; its two lanes rippled, rutted and patched beyond repair, concrete barricades serving as buffers when the going gets too rough.

Unlike the firmer, louder and more focused 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the new 265 HP WRX eats all this up. As untroubled by the bumps as it is by the limited passing opportunities afforded by the few straights — after all, double yellows are just lines painted in the road — it leaves law abiding traffic in the wake of its new, louder exhaust.

A year ago this wouldn't have been the story we would have written. A competent but uninspiring drive, the 2008 model forsook performance for practicality in an attempt to broaden the brand's performance appeal. It didn't work, the WRX's traditional focus and involvement were mistakenly left out, resulting in a car that alienated its core audience while retaining enough awkwardness to miss the mass market, too. That car lives on in the form of the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT, a car the company expects to make up only a small fraction of Impreza sales. Meanwhile, the WRX has been rethought from head to toe. Gaining better judged, firmer suspension all-round, thicker anti-roll bars, STI seats and most important of all, an STI-spec turbo. The WRX now hits 60 in 5.4 seconds before reaching 140mph (limited) and will retail for "under $25,000."

All of this works to create a faster, better handling, more controlled car that encourages the kind of three-figure, "sure, we can make it" passing that's proving so unpopular with the locals. Stopping for a quick opportunity to mark my territory behind a tree, the 10 cars that were just passed all at once get a chance to catch up and let me know just what they think of my bad behavior. I probably shouldn't have passed them all again within the next mile, but then America's honor was at stake; we do have a reputation to maintain.

But it wasn't just passing for passing's sake. My assholery had a purpose: to find corners unencumbered with traffic. Where the STI's suspension only really works on reasonable surfaces and requires a huge amount of belief in the ultimate ability of its vague chassis, the WRX revels in reassurance, never feeling like it'd be possible to run out of grip, even on the worst surfaces Canada could throw at it. You can thank Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for this. Sure, it's nothing new, but unlike both the STI and 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR, here it's tuned for the road, not the track. In that environment, it means more speed, more involvement, more fun and an increased propensity to seek out corners with enough room to exploit it. While this on-road ability does lead to decreased on-the-limit track performance when compared to the other cars, it makes the WRX faster, more involving and more rewarding in the environment where it will be driven most. Or here in Canada, where we probably shouldn't drive again for a while.

Any of you LeMons South racers who want the uncropped, full-resolution photos of your team's car should email me with a request and I'll hook you up. If you feel like punishing the Gawker server hamsters some more still haven't gotten your LeMons Über Fix after checking out these shots, take a look at the LeMons SF '08 Über Gallery, the Arse Freeze-A-Pa-Looza LeMons '08 Über Gallery, and the LeMons SF '07 Über Gallery.

The next day the car ran great. We started up again at 8:30 AM and were running laps 1-2 seconds faster than the leader all morning. But our transponder had stopped working and Scoring didn't black flag us to let us know of the problem until over an hour into the day. We were able to negotiate with the gracious scoring officials for them to give us 50 laps, but the leader had run 58 by then and we were faster than them all morning. Still - it was way better than nothing. By the 11:00 -12:00 "church break", we had made up 8 laps and things were looking good for a top 10 finish. But right after the break we cut a brake line from some track debris. We replaced the line but lost 15 more laps while we fixed the car. Then around 12:30 the transmission stopped shifting into 3rd gear - we think a simple $5 shift solenoid died. I guess that stock motor (yes, it really was bone stock) just didn't like 3 hours of being run up to the rev limiter in 2nd gear on the 2 long straights, so with 2 minutes left, it threw 2 rods through the oil pan in protest. It probably didn't help that we had bumped the rev limiter up 400 RPM from stock. Maybe I should have mentioned that to my team mates... :)