Radical West Racing News
February, 2004Introducing the New Radical SR4 Clubsport
We’ve been talking about it for months - and now the all new Radical SR4 Clubsport is ready for production. With dramatic styling, high revering engine, sequential gearbox, high standards of safety, good value for money and immense fun to drive, the all new Radical SR4 Clubsport is perfectly suited for the DSR class in the racing circuit.
The SR4 is the same size as the original popular Clubsport it replaces, but that’s when the similarity ends. The styling could not be more ‘radical’. The aggressive high down force front with top mounted cooling ducts was inspired by the Le Mans winning Bentley. Low swooping sidepods and ultra-low rear profile is reminiscent of the all-conquering Audi, while the triangular air intake, carbon areo screen, headlights and deep front-splitter are all very Radical SR3. Even the twin exhaust pipe was inspired by the Ducati 999.
The chassis is all new too, taking many of its leads from the Radical SR3 with its wider foot box, which allows room for two adults, higher side rails with crash bar for greater safety and angled roll-over bar with integral rear brace for low aerodynamic drag.
The Clubsport’s unique ‘Nik’ rising-rate suspension and anti-roll system is retained at the front while the rear now boasts the ‘Nik’ system developed for the Prosport car.
The SR4 is fitted with the latest 1200 Powertec Kawasaki motor and six-speed gearbox (a range of Powertec Suzuki engines can be fitted for non-championship use). Chain drive is retained for its efficiency and minimal weight, but this system comes with a new easy adjustable mechanism. Drive is via a Quaife limited slip differential but with an integral Radical designed reverse system, which eliminates the need for the electrical reverse of the Clubsport.
Four-pot racing calipers are standard at the front and rear along with four-bolt six and eight inch wide cast aluminium wheels. Optional centre lock ultra lightweight three-piece wheels and hubs are available. Like the SR3 the cockpit features a molded driver and passenger seat, carbon dash surround and a Radical instrument panel.
Radical West has ordered the first SR4 in the United States, with delivery expected at the beginning of February. For more information about the SR4, please contact us.
Radical Racers Dominate the Podium at SCCA Regional
Reported by Richard Fite, Director of Racing
What a weekend Team Radical West had at California Speedway! On Friday morning, January 30, 2004 Team Radical took to the track for open testing for the first SCCA Regional/National Race of the new year, with Justin LaJoie and Ken Adelberg finding their way around the 2.8 mile, 21 corner, half oval, half road course (Roval).
Richard Fite and our Hero Engineer, Todd Joyce, worked at getting Richard’s Radical ready for the National Race (a higher level of preparation is required at the National). Friday afternoon was the combined practice for the Regional and National, so everyone was out on the track, looking for the fast way around.
Team Radical West Member Ken Adelberg
Team Radical West results from practice had Ken the fastest, with a best time of; 1:46.4, Justin, a half a second back, and Richard, a couple hundredth’s behind Justin, just getting things warmed up, but giving Ken bragging rights on Friday night.
Our competition consisted of the well sorted and fast Radical Prosport of Keith Young, Jr. from Texas, an up-classed DSR Stohr from Seattle, a factory supported Merloy, and Cal Club’s Johnnie Crean in his pontoon fendered formula car.
Dawn on Saturday revealed a very wet track from an early morning storm. Set ups were changed to full wet on all the Team Radical West cars, and we all gamely hit the track for qualifying. The wet conditions reduced our number by one, when Justin hit the wall hard, sustaining damage to his SR3, giving the CalClub Emergency Crew a scare, but his SR3 provided the protection he needed to walk away un-hurt.
Richard put up a time fast enough for the CSR pole with Ken a second and a half back, starting second in class. Though Justin’s car saved him, his racing was over for the day.
For the Regional Race on Saturday, Matt Merrill started his first SCCA race, on this intimidating track, from the back of the grid, having missed qualifying (aviators have to work too). Glenn Dulaine was present to help get his SR3 teched, but was not racing yet. He got some great video of these races, that I’m sure we will be seeing in the “highlights reel”. Thanks Glenn.
At the green flag, Richard made a strong move from CSR pole, into third overall, but coming into the tight turn three, the carnage began with two of the S2000 cars, with which he was racing, had hard contact and crashed. Throughout this race, many other cars crashing out, but Richard, Ken, and Matt made it through without hard contact through the race.
The very fast Radical from Texas climbed up through the field and took the checkered flag, with Richard in second and, in their first SCCA race, Ken Adelberg third, and Matt Merrill fourth in their class. Great job Ken and Matt.
Best lap times were Richard, 1:44.5, Ken, 1:46.7, and Matt with a 1:48.8. There were two other CSR entries from Stohr and Merloy, but they finished only one and four laps out with mechanical failures. Radicals in the top four positions at California Speedway (Regional.)
Sunday was the National race, and things got a little more serious. Richard was joined by four other C-Sports Racers on the grid, the quick Radical of Keith Young, Jr., a re-bodied formula car fielded by Jonnie Crean, and Chad McQueen, son of legendary Steve McQueen, and fine racer himself, in an ACRL sports racer, re-classed to CSR.
Richard was able to keep pace with Crean and had McQueen handled until he waived him past just before the last full course yellow came out, thinking he was racing in S-2000. Not again Chad. None could eclipse the drive by Young, Jr. in the Radical ProSport. Two separate full course yellows slowed the action, and with a finish under yellow, Richard was kept off the podium, in fourth, following McQueen in Third, Crean in Second and at the top again was Keith Young, Jr. in the Radical.
Team Radical West established ourselves as a professional level team at this event. Five Radical SR3’s were given their first SCCA logbooks, and the nice folks running Tech Inspection complemented us on how tidy and well prepared our cars were. Thanks Todd and Marc.
We will continue to get faster, with stronger engines and the addition of the Radical SR4 to our stable. This is going to be a great year for Team Radical West Racing.
Welcome to our New Director of Racing….Richard Fite
Team Radical West is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Fite as our new Director of Racing. Richard is well known in SCCA racing circles and he will be providing training and logistical support to members of Team Radical West. Richard will help Radical racers and newer drivers prepare to compete with guidance on licensing, preparation and driving tips. This is just another way that Radical West is raising the standards of Sports Racer ownership, and helping to ensure Radical owners a memorable and exhilarating experience.
Richard says, “I was very impressed by the Radical C and D sports racers racing in SCCA and when I saw the SR-3, knew that that is what I wanted to race. I am convinced that the Radical is the most versatile sports car on the planet, able to compete successfully at any distance on any circuit. I’ll do my best to provide support, information and guidance to my Radical racing friends and to those who want to experience the thrill of moving up from driving fast to racing well.”
About Richard…
Richard has always thought of himself as a fairly typical “gentleman” Radical Racer. For his entire life, he has been around, and fascinated by, fast sports cars. Richard’s father was an SCCA Porsche Racer, Mercedes Club Officer, and shared his love of fine cars with his son. He continued to be surrounded by high performance driving through The Porsche Owners Club and Enduro Go Karts, racing at Ontario Motor Speedway, Riverside, Laguna Seca and Willow Springs.
When he was not driving, Richard volunteered as an SCCA Turn Worker. He instructed at the driving school most Saturday mornings at Malibu Grand Prix, (now Speedzone), even he had a chance to teach a famous drag racer the finer points of car handling in preparation for his participation in the Long Beach Grand Prix Pro/Am event. Richard was featured in a Motor Trend article about the school. He did the aerodynamics on a successful production based Land Speed Record Car and was the team navigator in The Baja 500 a few years ago (Richard was able to explain GPS navigation to the team manager and was brought into the team on the spot.)
Last year, in 2003, Richard was able to return to the track in a Formula Mazda, raced in every CalClub (SCCA) regional formula event that year, including the Open Wheel Enduro (90min) and ended up in an impressive second place for the season.
Richard is a knowledgeable and professional addition to Radical West Racing, and we are delighted to have him on the team.
What’s the Big Cluck about BIG CHICKEN BARSTOOLS?
Looking for a great way to get around at the track? Members of Team Radical West were first introduced to Big Chicken Barstools last year, and were intrigued by the idea of these motorized barstools as a quick way to get from one end of the track to the other. Ordering three showroom models on the spot, we decided to become an authorized dealer for Big Chicken barstools. Come visit the showroom TODAY to make a date with a Big Chicken. Motorized Barstools are affordable, unique and FUN. Now you can own your OWN big chicken to drive around the track.
What IS a Big Chicken Barstool? The Story of Big Chicken Barstools started in the arid climate of Arizona over fifteen years ago. It all began with a group of friends, old sports car racers drinking at their shop one night. They decided it would be much easier to drive to the refrigerator than walk. Sober, they remembered their plan, borrowed some shopping cart casters, excavated a Triumph starter from the rafters, cut some tubing, and the first motorized (electric) barstool was created.
For more information about the Big Chickens, visit www.RadicalWest.com or call us today TOLL FREE: 800-391-6891
Radical West Racing Partner - Tracquest
Radical West Racing is pleased to participate in events sponsored by some of the finest track event organizations in the industry. This month we are featuring Tracquest, an event organization that is dedicated to driver education, track skills and FUN.
Todd conducting one of his driver sessions
TracQuest conducts its driver education program at virtually every race track in California (Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Thunderhill, Buttonwillow and Willow Springs), and various tracks around the country. Their program is designed to afford participants the opportunity to develop car control and other essential driving skills in an organized manner.
People of all skill levels, from complete novices to experienced racers, attend our events for a variety of reasons. The common denominator is that they have a great time and learn from their experience. Todd Serota, owner of Tracquest, reports, “The fact that this happens to be an incredible amount of fun is quite an extra bonus.”
Team Radical West members plan to participate in most or all of Tracquest’s events this year, and we are always impressed with the professional and fun atmosphere found at Todd’s events.
Visit Tracquest’s website for their 2004 Event Schedule. We’ll see you at the racetrack!
Radical West Racing Logo Apparel Now Available
Are you tired of looking frumpy at the track? Look no further - Radical West Racing now offers high quality, stylish and colorful logo apparel, including Hats, T-Shirts, high quality Dri-Fit T-Shirts and Pique Knit Polos. Feel free to browse the selections in the Radical West Racing website and call us TOLL FREE 800-391-6891 to order.
Radical West Racing Welcomes Tim Day to the Team
Radical West Racing is pleased to announce the addition our newest member of the team - Tim Day. Tim will be participating in track events and races along with the rest of his teammates this season. Welcome, Tim!
Tim Day is a business/real estate entrepreneur in Scottsdale, AZ, and a long time exotic and high performance car aficionado. After years of participating in spirited Ferrari club drives, a variety of track events and high performance driving schools, Tim decided it was time to take things to the next level. After Tim’s initial track day driving the Radical, he had this to say: “Driving a Radical is a tremendous thrill, the car is incredibly fast, and corners beautifully. The car is well balanced and forgiving, thus, easily giving you the confidence to over take more experienced drivers. My goal this year is to drive my SR3 at speed at a number of different tracks events, and to learn the car’s capabilities. Now that I have joined the Radical West Team, 2004 looks like its going to be a lot of fun.”
Upcoming Events in February 2004
Below is a list of our February events at Radical West Racing. Don’t hesitate to call us or send us an email for more information about signing up and participating in any of these
upcoming events. See you at the track!
February 6, 2004 - Speed Ventures Event
Laguna Seca Raceway
February 7, 2004 - All Time Racing Event
Willow Springs Raceway
February 11-12, 2004 - Northern California Racing Club
Laguna Seca Raceway
February 20, 2004 - Buttonwillow Test Day
February 21-22, 2004 - SCCA National/Restricted Regional
Willow Springs Raceway
February 21-22, 2004 - Viper Days
Buttonwillow Raceway
February 28-29, 2004 - Touring Car Club Event
Buttonwillow Raceway
Thank you for reading the February Issue of Radical West Racing News. We appreciate your support, and hope to see you soon at the race track!
Call TODAY! 800-391-6891
