Messenger Tatuus FC/GSXr SR announced
Well, many of you know I have been up to something for a while.We are finally far enough along to make an announcement. While not a F1000 the build process is the same except for the bodywork and I know our learning pains will help others with F1000 projects. I plan to compete with the car in DSR and possibly CSR for the 2008 season and take the car to the runoffs.
For those of you who don't know me, I am a 25++ year member of SCCA living in a place called Muleshoe, Texas (yes that really is the name and yes it is pronounced like the animal "Mule") . I have spent the last 13 years in Sports 2000, primarily in the Pro Series from 1996 to 2001 where I was rookie of the year in 1997 and overall winner driving the Paul and Margie Smith Haas Falcon FX Cosworth powered car at the final pro race in 2002 at Daytona. Most recently I have come back to Club Racing where I enjoyed a 6th place finish at last years Runoffs in the unique Shannon JM06.
So, about the car:
The Messenger SR is starting out with a 1998 Tatuus FC car.
This particular car is highly developed and modified from its original state. It ran at the 2006 runoffs and had a fastest lap of the week at 1.40.479 in qualifying. For comparison, that lap time was 17th out of 33 on the DSR grid and 8th on the CSR grid. The car has Mirl Swan prepped triple Ohlins shocks and a full Stack data system. We are adding 40+ hp plus downforce so we hope for more speed of course. But, as you can see it is a capable platform.
The next part of the equation? How about a George Dean built 2007 GSXr? George is hot on this project and has been pleasantly surprised with what he has learning. My motor made its first baseline runs on his dyno this week. Now, we start the upgrades.
As far as final drive/engine bay mods I am teaming up with Mike Alexander of PDG Racing Technologies in Austin, Texas (512)431-7400. Mike is a Professional Engineer with 30+ years experience in SCCA with an emphasis in CSR/DSR. Mike will be testing the torsional rigidity of the Tatuus chassis and the related computer modeling as he adapts his chain drive design to the unique Tatuus chassis. Here is a photo of one of his designs in his own CSR:
And finally, the bodywork. While not final, I am currently working with Rennie Clayton to develop a unique version of the Dauntless bodywork that will incorporate the Tatuus nose, cockpit and low rise tail section.
That is it in a nutshell. I hope to have a Blog up and running soon and will post updates. Feel free to contact me directly with your questions/comments/suggestions. I look forward to joining the XSR community!
Jay Messenger
www.messengerracing.com
806-946-7252 cell
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