Count Down to 2011’s First Rally

So, as usual, I’m running behind and getting myself together for the next rally.  We’ve been working on the rally car, cleaning it up, fixing it up, and just getting it ready in general.  We managed to get it to World of Wheels last weekend, and it looked really good.  No more body panels of different colors!  Many thanks to Jay & Mike at Domination Chassis for all the work they put in making it happen.

One of the biggest things is the new skid plates.  In particular, the
front skid plate is completely redone.  Two 18 mm bolts in the back, two quick pins up front, and the _entire_ assembly drops out.  Both the skid plate and frame drop out, giving complete access to the underside of the engine and drive line.  The frame has been constructed out of chromoly and the entire thing doesn’t way any more than the last skid plate.  We’ve also gone through and have been making sure any critical fasteners are metric.  I’m sure Eric will appreciate that… I know it helps me (considering my complete lack of SAE tools, and it’ll make service a whole lot less confusing.

So, Sandblast is next weekend, 5 Feb.  Yes Superbowl weekend.  Yes, I plan on being back in Pittsburgh in time for kickoff!  Current plan is to head out as soon after work on  Thursday, 3 Feb night as practical. It’s a 9 hour tow down, so we shouldn’t get there _too_ late.  I’ve attached a preliminary small movement schedule for more details.

Weather: Promises to be much dryer than last year.  Partly sunny Thursday through Sunday, and the high temperature looks to be in the low 50s.  Better than Pittsburgh!  I’m sure we’ll be hitting Bo Jangles (pronounced in Spanish) at least once, so that’ll be something to look forward to.  Not to mention  Oslo’s for all local bar entertainment needs! 🙂

Service rig:  The plan is to take the Excursion down, with the same trailer we had last year.  I’ll have to load up the X with the tools and parts, but we should have most of what we need in there.

Will post again if I get the chance, otherwise… check out sandblastrally.com and follow the race via the stats! Wish us luck!

Support care for affected kids and get to Rally Mexico

Give $5 to simultaneously support funding for CAMP SUNRISE (kids affected by hiv/aids) and help these hard working guys get to WRC’s Rally Mexico. Did I mention that you also get a 1″ artwork square graphic put on their race car? Upload your artwork/signature/shout-out and $5 today… 2 amazing causes. One kids camp making a difference. One amateur rally team making it to Rally Mexico…

Visit Rally Team for Dreams today and pitch in some lunch money!

Get on Yer Soap Box – we want to hear from you!

In need of Diesel logos?

Want to show those gas station boys that you take the “big boy stuff”? This diesel fuel symbol is just what you need for your TDI or other diesel sedan. Rock it in style – email us to request a no-fade-no-scratch vinyl logo for your ride – only $10 and free shipping!

Diesel Savings Calculator

Diesel Savings Calculator

Follow noSPARK on Facebook!

While noSPARK is busy getting ready for February’s Sandblast Rally, check for modification and team updates on our Facebook page! Click here or use your favorite search engine and type “nospark rally sport promotions”.

Re-Cap on 2009 and the birth of noSPARK

It’s New Years Eve, and looking back on 2009, it was quite the formative year for noSPARK racing. First, Michael tapped into my love of cars and speed, and introduced me into the world of rally co-driving. Little did I know how quickly I’d be bitten by the bug…

Catching air on "sm jmp/crst" in Canada

NASA’s Black River Stages rally in September was the first race since Mike’s Sandblast attempt the previous February, and a first for me sitting in the “stupid” seat. Hours were spent in the garage preparing the TDI with a new 6-spd transmission, diff, and other repairs.