AMS/TRE sponsored Marty Grand wins STU at VIR

Galant VR-4 #34 · Apr 18, 2011, 09:21 PM

After winning the Runoffs in T2 I decided to try something a little different this year and attempt to race in Super touring under (STU) this season to see how I stack up. The times for STU were about 1 second a lap quicker than my T2 lap time at Road America. STU allows more freedom as far as rules with a couple hard rules such as wheel size 17x8 and restrictor to weight which turns out to be the same restrictor I use in T2 but I get to drop 50lbs.

The coolest thing about STU is it has many former pro WC and GAC cars such as the Stasis Audi, Mazda6 and Realtime Acura and many pro drivers. This weekend was the double National at VIR where I got to run against the Audi driven by Joel Wienberger(pole sitter at 2010 Runoffs), the Mazda 6 driven by Jon De Baros( 6 races with 6 wins in 2011) and a BMW driven by Irish Mike Flynn. I figured this would be the perfect test to see if I could compete in this class.

Saturdays qual went really poorly with a boost issue I was chasing and it rained for the second qual so I was gridded 5th in class and 13th in the run group. After a mad dash I was able to finish 2nd behind the very well driven Audi.

Sundays qual was a bit better and I was gridded 3rd in class and 5th in the group. I will paste the article from the scca below to explain this one. AMS/TRE thanks for a great car with now over 25k miles on it and still running strong.

Marty

In Group 5, defending Touring 2 National Champion Marty Grand changed
to STU with his AMS Performance/TRE/Hoosier/Carbotech Mitsubishi Evo IX
but had the same result as last year’s Runoffs, with an overall win. It
wasn’t easy, though, as he battled Joel Weinberger’s Continental Audi
of Naperville Audi A4 the entire way. It was a three-way battle before
John De Barros’ All Out Auto USA/Hoosier MAZDA6 retired with damage
after seven laps. De Barros’ problem brought out a full course caution,
but only for one lap.

(I was also fortunate enough to set the STU track record in the process.)

http://www.scca.com/documents/Club_E.../SunG5race.pdf

Bueller · Apr 18, 2011, 09:43 PM

Congrats Marty. So you will no longer be racing in T2? Just STU from now on? And did you get any in-car from both races?

Smike · Apr 19, 2011, 04:33 AM

Congrats Marty! Well done!

boomn29 · Apr 19, 2011, 06:37 AM

So ya did jump to STU. Sounds like a jump into stiffer competition really; should be more challenging and hopefully more fun and more rewarding this year!

17x8 rims for the entire class then? Tire size wide open? You still have that crazy high weight to carry?

JDavenport · Apr 19, 2011, 06:43 AM

Wow, way to change classes with style! Win right out of the gate.

phizzalot · Apr 19, 2011, 06:51 AM

Wow Marty you are then man!!! It must feel great going up against those pros and taking the win.. Good luck on your new races and keep it the good work !!!

Any Vids?

AutoMotoSports · Apr 19, 2011, 08:20 AM

SICK!!! Marty you are an ANIMAL!

Eric

Balrok · Apr 19, 2011, 08:27 AM

Gratz, glad to see you can open up the car a little more now.

Robevo RS · Apr 19, 2011, 12:46 PM

awesome, congrats!!!!

apex electric · Apr 19, 2011, 03:36 PM

Marty are you still on the original motor and rings? My 2003 motor blew a head gasket and piston (poor tune) Just replaced the broken piston with a used MR piston and rings. I ran that motor for 4 years until I saw smoke on the upshifts. So last year we rebuilt the motor with the same pistons and new rings. Amazing what these Mitsubishi motors can put up with!

Galant VR-4 #34 · Apr 19, 2011, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the comments!! To answer some of the questions, I will run both STU and T2 at the Runoffs this year. I don't have to qualify for the championship in T2 as the defending champ so I will concentrate this season on sorting the car for STU. In T2 my spec weight is 3480# and 3430 in STU, both require the same 60hp restrictor. Still pretty heavy for a race car but Ill take what I can get. I know the E46 BMW I was running against weighed 2700 and change. My motor is bone stock and all original to include the turbo. I did put on a new HG and belts after the Runoffs tear down

5+ full seasons on the car! Can AMS tune a car or what? Next race up is Summit Point in May, Ill keep you posted.

kyoo · Apr 19, 2011, 07:32 PM

sick, congrats

wtz · Apr 20, 2011, 02:46 AM

Way to go, Marty!
Take care of those brakes.
Cheers,
WTZ

honki24 · Apr 20, 2011, 04:59 AM

I've always loved seeing you drive. Glad to see you continuing to succeed. I can't think of a better guy for the job.

Galant VR-4 #34 · Apr 23, 2011, 07:59 PM

Thanks! here are a few pics from the race. Sorry no in car from this one.