AE86 Update: AE86 vs Jamwest Speedway *(Part 1)

During the AE86 build-phase, there were times when it appeared as if the build would never end, but as I had explained before, I was prepared for those moments and as such, I lost sight of the target at no stage. All that was accomplished would not have been possible without the dedicated team of friends, that I am fortunate to have as a part of my project and to them I am eternally grateful.

It was March 2013, we were approaching the finish line. The circuit racing season at Dover Raceway would begin in a few weeks, but an event being held at Jamwest Speedway, early in March, was the perfect Test and Tune for the Dover- Attack!

What you are about to read was written in my ‘journal’ amid the chaos of the AE86 2013 Story. So, without any significant modification to what was written then – the lights are on, the cameras are ready, the only thing remaining is – ACTION!

AE86 at Jamwest (from the journal)

Got machine ready for Transporter. Victor Brown assisted with the preparation. AE86 was the first machine on the Transporter – which had to wait overnight for other cars to arrive.

The Transporter -  awaiting a cargo that would take a few days to arrive!

AE – the early machine!

Drove the Type R (Integra) to Jamwest. Got there early. Did a few recce laps with the R and took a few pics.

Integra Type R and a race-track – perfect marriage!

Doug (Gore ) and crew were present doing their prep work – so had that to occupy my time.

Machine!

The Transporter eventually came in the evening and when it arrived it sparked a lot of interest – fans came closer to inspect the machines.

AE led the race to Jamwest!

AE86 guru, Patrick Gore, confirming AE’s ‘diff-status’.

When AE (our name for the machine) was released I did a brief familiarization run. I went out again, in the night, just to get more seat-time. It was dark and few persons were still at the track, so, with the lights (headlamps) in the up-position, I went on the track.

Don’t know how many laps I did before I detected an intrusive scent while heading to corner 1. I continued, but the scent gained momentum. I decided to to stop. Lights still on. When I raised the bonnet, the pale beam from my ‘flashlight phone’ told a sad tale – there was oil everywhere! The engine was silent (off) by this time. I had a single thought – the engine was damaged!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer