08/29/2024
Recent events make this post a tough one to write. My Last post about the build of the Prototype MNR EcoBoost VortX was April 10.
I did not take the time to post updates of the build as Gary and I were working diligently to get the car completed in time for testing, dyno sessions, track time and our first race. Facebook posting was not top of my list. Will try to do better with updates. All was going great with the build, better than expected.
Along the way I decided why not make the next post the competed car’s debut at PITT RACE in July? ideally with a podium finish in Super Touring 1 Class! Sadly, instead of the thrill of victory and debut of the EcoBoost VortX, we experienced the agony of defeat during a test session at Mid OH in Mid-July, our final shakedown run before PITT RACE. After exiting the keyhole on the back straight Gary reported the car drifted slightly right after shifting into 4th gear at 117 MPH then turned abruptly left into a concrete wall at a 45-degree angle. Hard, hard impact. Stopped at about 40 ft. Gary reported he had no control of the steering. Gary did not come around always a worry, hoped he was off in a gravel trap. But was much worse. When I caught up with Gary he said “have you seen the Car, I am sure it is totaled”.
Then joked his blood pressure reading was perfect, better than usual so they released him from the medical center. So good to see his sense of humor was intact. However, it was obvious he was in discomfort. Next day Gary went to hospital and found out he has 4 broken ribs (that hurts) and a back sprain. So minimal activity, and no lifting is doctor’s orders for about 6 weeks.
Needless to say, we both felt gutted, but since ribs will heal it could be so much worse.
One reason we felt so gutted is the MNR EcoBoost VortX is FAST, testing was exceeding our expectations and we strongly felt we had a competitive car that may actually get on the podium in it’s debut race.
Next day we unloaded the prototype EcoBoost VortX off the trailer and after a couple of days crying in my beer, I started the post-crash examination to determine the cause of incident and evaluate the extent of damage. During dismantle I found parts of Mid OH concrete wall for souvenir.
We positively found the issue. The good news is that it was not a design, part, or structural failure. But what makes this so disheartening is that the cause was a maintenance failure when Gary replaced a steering universal joint with another style.
He did not use thread adhesive on the retaining grub screw, and it just vibrated loose allowing loss of steering integrity. Too bad it did not happen sooner. But better than being in traffic and causing an accident. A harsh reminder racing is dangerous and how important your preparation can be for yourself and others.
I had already planned a trip to Florida after Pitt Race with intent to be back to prep for Mid OH in August. Basically, we did completely dismantle the VortX with exception of pedal box and removal of rear diff before my vacation days. Upon return will more carefully evaluate chassis. But I can say this. The MNR VortX chassis is tough. The all round tube well triangulated structure did it’s job. Now to figure out if it can be repaired.
Some pictures of the before and after. Keep you updated hopefully with timely post.
