Mercedes is all of the speak in F1, however the extra noble amongst us can take a Mercedes racing, too. Within the 24 Hours of LeMons!
We’re all sports activities automobile followers right here. The AMG title is stuff of legends, in any case. However relating to really taking automobiles on observe, Mercedes and AMG does fall a bit in need of the competitors. Not on efficiency, however on attendance numbers. The opposite German automobile manufacturers – particularly that one with a blue and white brand – are prolific at observe occasions. However that simply makes monitoring a Mercedes far more attention-grabbing.
To show {that a} Benz may very well be a powerful runner, we went to Autobahn Nation Membership in Joliet, Illinois and noticed two of our favourite automobiles holding their very own in the course of the “Doing Time in Joliet” race hosted by the 24 Hours of LeMons of us. So as of ending place, in twenty first place, there’s the #89 1995 Mercedes C280 of “Oops Logistics” a play on UPS, and in thirty third is the #934 1998 SLK230 Kompressor of “7/10ths Racing”. Total, the sphere had a powerful 66 starters.
Of the 2, we discovered the crew of the #89, and dove into what makes their automobile good for LeMons racing. This C280 is operating the venerable M104. Engine, transmission elements and just about every thing associated to the driveline is generally inventory. Although some additional coolers had been added right here and there, understandably. The inside is gutted, however nonetheless makes use of the important thing to start out, and the manufacturing facility gauges, too. Eager eyes will see it’s registered for the street, so it’s emissions compliant, too.
With a strong base to start out from, probably the most quantity of consideration was spent on the suspension and brakes. The W202‘s aren’t identified for lots of aftermarket assist, however KMAC bushings gave vital camber adjustment up entrance to cease chewing by tires, and the brakes are upgraded AMG 4-piston items. All collectively, this package deal was operating up and close to the highest 10 for many of the race.
Sadly, sheared lug {hardware} ended the day of the #89 with about two hours to go, sending them right down to about twenty first place. However that sort of a failure is fixable, and upgradable, too. Lug-to-stud conversions are easy on these automobiles, and permit a greater variety of wheels and spacers for use whereas retaining the identical {hardware}. Whereas the W202 completed increased, the R170 really completed the race. We’re undecided what issues they encountered, however the SLK was nearly 100 miles downstream by way of laps accomplished.
Now, right here’s an attention-grabbing manner to take a look at endurance racing. Quickest laps aren’t at all times the most effective. As a result of reliability is paramount. The quickest laps of every automobile had been 1.8 seconds aside, with the SLK230 having the sting. However the C280 completed increased as a result of it accomplished 54 extra laps, regardless of dropping out two hours early. So in case you’re going to do observe days together with your Benz, you’ll need to put a give attention to dealing with and braking initially. As a result of the remainder of the automobile? That’s as much as the problem.
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