Here is something every Serious Z Enthusiast should be a part of!

[hls30.com]

This is something we as S30 enthusiasts should get fully behind, it will be bringiing the 240Z back into the lime light and the media...some of our own community are getting John Morton back in the saddle, to repeat and beat history, this is your chance to be a part of it... I am 100% behind this, and I hope to see you there!
WIll

[Blue]

I wish him well but I'm a Greg Ira fan

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I wish him luck and safety and fun.

I only will say this. Coming back for fun is wonderful and should be encouraged and respected! Coming back to try to be as good as you use to be, only serves to tarnish who you were should you not live up to expectations.

People have the gaul to say Michael Schumacher may not have been as good as he was because he did not dominate in the Mercedes when he came back. I like to laugh in their faces.

Have fun John Morton, I will cheer for you. But be careful! Fans are a ruthless bunch.

[Diseazd]

John Morton is the reason I bought my first Z in 1970. I watched him blow the competition away at Road Atlanta.......it was awesome. Can't wait to see him again, and if Sam is building the car, it should be a heads up competition between him and Greg! This is great!

[TomoHawk]

Could someone please post the schedule, or just let us know when & where Mr. Morton will be competing? Some people may not have the wealth to give, but may be willing to support by giving some time to turn on the TV.

You could always pitch in with some support by buying a T-shirt or a commemorative bumper sticker or decal? *hint, hint*

[black gold man]

The Sports Car Club of America - 50th SCCA National Championship Runoffs

400 miles camping too maybe I can make it.

[TomoHawk]

I thought you would have to qualify to get there, like you do in golf, first by racing a few places elsewhere, with some success.

[black gold man]

"On behalf of my brother Steve Bonk:"
"Datsun/Nissan and John Morton fans this is truly remarkable news! I need your help to make this happen! SCCA is inviting past National Champions back to race for their 50th anniversary in 2013. What that means, is that as long as we have a car for John he gets to race automatically. Sam Neave from LNA enterprises is building the car. That takes money! The 240Z has been started. But Sam and I can not cover the cost of the whole project. We have been given a LSD from Riley Curtis at Lynchburg Nissan already, but we need a pedal box, seat, wheels, tires, etc. I will be working on a way to make donations for this project (probably Kickstarter). We will have $25 donation opportunities up to.... Fans that donate $200 will get their name on the car and a limited edition crew shirt signed by John. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks!"

https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordHillsVintage?filter=2


http://www.lnaenterprises.com/morton Car build

[TomoHawk]

Could you at the least buy a poster or T-shirt?

[TomoHawk]

I think I'd give $50 for a Poster like that one, or maybe even $100 fir a signed poster. I would be worth millions when he wins the big cup.

[hls30.com]

More info on how to be a part of this and make it happen! John Morton: Datsun Z Car Project 46 | Indiegogo
I hope to see everyone there!

[TomoHawk]

I would go for 2 of the $50 ones, but I'd like to get a crew shirt too, somehow.

[TomoHawk]

Do you think they have some photos of the perks, like the T-Shirt or the Jacket?

[zKars]

I think this is a great idea. I'm contributing to the cause for sure. And not just for the T-shirt....

[John Coffey]

As stated above, I've been a Greg Ira fan for years and have helped him with advice and parts for years. He's been carrying the S30 torch in FP far longer then anyone.

[Diseazd]

The first lap after the parade lap at Road Atlanta will go down as one of the biggest rushes I 've ever had in my life! I'm a big Greg Ira fan too, but I'll be pulling for the guy I first saw at the Esses at The Roadrace of Champions in 1970. I'll be contributing and pulling for John......Good Luck old boy......do it one more time!!!

[TomoHawk]

Should we get a collection to get him some vintage hair?

[zKars]

Setting up to be a battle royal. Supporters from both camps are already trash talking. Trying to think of the most appropriate movie parody where an old timer comes back to thrash the young current champion. Must be 100 likely candidates. I am also keenly aware that the John/Greg battle is real life... Just gonna live the dream along with everyone else.

SCCA runoffs at Road America Elkhart lake Wisconsin. Sept 20-22. 2013. Nice two day drive from here. Hope to be there, God and wife willing!

PS : John will indeed need his vintage hair and those dark thick rimmed glasses he wore in the Datsun commercial. Gotta make sure I bring some.

[Carl Beck]

John mentioned Greg in "FP" - but the Poster for Morton says "E" yes/no? Are they in different classes or both in one not the other? I am surprised that so few people would give $10.00 so far...

Leaving Facebook... | Facebook

FWIW,
Carl B.

[zKars]

John will be racing in the E-Production class for sure. I agree Carl, surprised there aren't more $10 contributors. Spent more than that on gum last week...

The EP final is 1:00 pm Sunday Sept 22. Consider making it a weekend of fun at the historic Elkhart Lake "Road America" circuit. I'll be there all weekend to cheer ALL the competitors on.

Full race schedule is posted here:

http://www.roadamerica.com/userfiles...le_1_30_13.pdf

[TomoHawk]

I put in $250. I'll dare anyone else to match that.

[bquiggle]

Come on guys n gals,......send a few bucks

[TomoHawk]

According to the website where you make your donation, they raised over $4000. I suppose they raised more funds with other fundraising directions. So I'll have some fun with my crew shirt, and be thinking of you blokes as I enjoy my dinner.

But thanks to Mr. Stokes for bringing this up to our attention.

[TomoHawk]

Setting up to be a battle royal. Supporters from both camps are already trash talking. Trying to think of the most appropriate movie parody where an old timer comes back to thrash the young current champion.

It sounds like a kind of John Wayne movie... When you refer to trash-talking, do you mean here, of somewhere else? If elsewhere, can you post a link? thxZ

[black gold man]

Part two John Morton: Datsun Z Car project 46 - Part 2 | Indiegogo

video The John Morton Project 46 - YouTube

[TomoHawk]

I think I will make a DVD out of all this John Morton runoff stuff.

[TomoHawk]

OK, so there is a week until the EP championship race starts. Then we will see if our generous donations went to good cause.

[zKars]

Right Tomo, can't hardly wait to get there and see the goings on. You coming?

What ever happens, it will all be part of history soon enough, and the stuff of endless discussions and stories for years to come.

Anybody else planning on going for the weekend or just for this one race on Sunday? See you-all there. Seems like Wisconson has a few good driving roads.

[TomoHawk]

I could never make the drive there without falling asleep.

Is there some way to put in a live streaming webcam into John's car?

[TomoHawk]

I found out that Adam Carolla is having John Morton as a guest on his CarCast show. Here is the Podcast for you to enjoy:

Listen to John Morton - CarCast Podcast online

I don't think there are any videos from the CarCast.

[zKars]

Wow. That's a must-hear. Great stuff.

[TomoHawk]

I thought CarCast was a TV programme of some kind. I'm collecting all the videos I can regarding this event, but there is none for the CarCast interview.

It's kind of boring, because they talk about all kinbds of other stuff besides the racing atthe runoffs; JOhns old race cars, 510s, other Brock cars.


BTW- if you guys know of any videos regarding John Morton at the runoffs, besides the "Project 46" stuff, I'd appreciate a link to the video.

thxZ

[TomoHawk]

Isthere any work on Mr. Morton at the runnoffs? Some pictures, maybe?

[zKars]

Spent the day at Road America with the Bonk team and John Morton. I'm still floating around, haven't come back to earth yet.

I've added a few teaser pictures of the car, and John. I'll upload more tomorrow when the race is done and the dust has settled.

The effort that went into constructing this car in the time available is nothing short of awe inspiring. Sam Neave and the Bonk team deserve our gratitude for a job well done.

Also thanks from the Bonks to all the financial contributors, each named on the hatch of the car. You all made a difference.

[black gold man]

[TomoHawk]

What isthe white thing taped to the glass above the names? More names?

[subtle_driver]

I just heard about this from Tony Adamowicz last week. I wish i could watch the race tomorrow, but I will be racing myself. Please, for the love of God, record the race and post it to youtube or send it to me! PLEASE!!!!

[zKars]

The white poster on the hatch glass is all the names that appear on the hatch stickers. Each of the contributors present will sign the poster for John.

There is a Go-Pro in the car that will record the race from that vantage point. The race is being recorded by the media, so there should be video at some point. I'll record what I can from the stands, and any pre-race stuff I grab in the paddock.

Also check racer.com for some more coverage. SCCA - Racer.com

There are links at the end of the article about John with some links to SCCA live coverage.

[Carl Beck]

E-Production Preliminary Results

1 71 Matt Reynolds Mazda Miata 34:29.691
2 2 Greg Ira Nissan 260-Z 34:29.864
3 5 Aaron Downey Mazda RX-3 34:38.226
4 02 Chris Dryden BMW Z3 34:38.427
5 34 Jesse Prather Mazda MX-5 34:39.733
6 97 Kevin Leigh BMW Z3 34:55.158
7 41 Kenneth W Shreve Mazda RX-7 35:03.529
8 95 James Simaras Mazda RX-7 35:06.995
9 83 Triumph TR6 35:28.454
10 48 John Morton Nissan 240-Z 35:35.447
11 54 Don Bunt Nissan 240-Z 35:53.892
12 20 Lance Loughman Nissan 240-Z 35:55.216


37 cars started - 28 finished the race.
Greg put the 240Z on the Podium - with a very very close Second Place finish to the winner.

FWIW,
Carl B.

[zKars]

Greg did an outstanding job. The lead changed hands several times between he and Matt. There is some controversy how ever as Matt did a fair bit of bump and grind and got ahead of Greg on the last lap via a bit of contact. There was talk of a challenge at the end. Matt won a couple of additional awards based on the win here so a successful challenge might be quite a blow...

It still makes me proud to know that Greg and that dang 260 can run with these "modern" fellas and do that well. Like we need convincing! Way to go Greg!!

John did the best he could coming in 10th with a largely un-tested and un-shook-out Z. Got faster every lap, and claims it could be much faster with some work. We are happy he and the car came back unscathed. There is always next year!!!

[Carl Beck]

Scratch the "Preliminary Results".

Looks like Greg Ira is the Official Winner of the E - Production Championship.

It seems that Matt Reynolds bumped one too many racers, causing them to loose track positions - on his way to the front. Accidental bumps between cars are part of racing, but it seems that when it becomes a pattern looking like a "Pit Maneuver" - some of the Officials Take Note. Matt was thus pushed down to 4th Place.

Official Results - E-Production

Pos Car # Name Make Model Total Time
1 2 Greg Ira Nissan 260-Z 34:29.864
2 5 Aaron Downey Mazda RX-3 34:38.226
3 02 Chris Dryden BMW Z3 34:38.427
4 71 Matt Reynolds Mazda Miata 34:39.733
5 34 Jesse Prather Mazda MX-5 34:39.733
6 97 Kevin Leigh BMW Z3 34:55.158
7 41 Kenneth W Shreve Mazda RX-7 35:03.529
8 95 James Simaras Mazda RX-7 35:06.995
9 83 Sam Halkias Triumph TR6 35:28.454
10 48 John Morton Nissan 240-Z 35:35.447
11 54 Don Bunt Nissan Nissan 240-Z 35:53.892
12 20 Lance Loughman Nissan 240-Z 35:55.216


Jim - thanks for the pictures!!

FWIW,
Carl B.

[Carl Beck]

I wish him luck and safety and fun.

I only will say this. Coming back for fun is wonderful and should be encouraged and respected! Coming back to try to be as good as you use to be, only serves to tarnish who you were should you not live up to expectations.

Good points - and I couldn't agree more. I did not get the impression that John expected to be anywhere near as good as he was 40+ years ago.

I can only speak for myself. I am tickled pink with the fact that John took the invitation to join in the Celebration of 50 Years of SCCA Championship Racing.

I'm also very impressed that he, or anyone for matter - could enter a National Level Championship Race, jump in a car he had very few hours to get used to - - and compete with 36 other SCCA Championship Drivers. All of whom were driving cars they have spent at least the last entire season honing their skills in.

I think it speaks volumes that at over 70 years old - John could finish in the top 1/3 of that group. Indeed there was only one other 240Z {260Z} driver that finished ahead of John.

I was also very happy that John and the Z finished the race without any incidents.

Hats Off to both Greg and John - for keeping the Dream Alive.

FWIW,
Carl B.

[TomoHawk]

Don't forget to thank Mr. Stokes for starting this thread in the first place, and letting us know that we cold all be a part of this important event.

Speaking of Mr. Stokes, I'd like to hear how he came to know about the whole idea that Mr. Morton was invited to race and the Bonks were going to build John a car, and that we could get involved with the whole thing.

I wonder if John signed the car? I suppose they could give him a 1 inch paint brush instead of the usual Sharpie.

[subtle_driver]

Is there anywhere I can download or watch this race?

[black gold man]

They only have 0ver 8 hr replay here. SpeedcastTV It starts 3.18 in. Enjoy

I am sure we will soon see a film such a this great work by the BONKS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMpi6GFcPlE

[guaro]

Thanks for the link, this made my morning coffee

[TomoHawk]

Is there a way to download that stuff?

[zKars]

I uploaded a video of John passing by during the race on the home stretch.

John Morton with #46 at SCCA 50 Run offs Sept 2013 - YouTube

[TomoHawk]

Awesome. The grass was in perfect focus! Hahaha

[black gold man]

27 min in

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Great work John and Greg!

I just want to echo the words of Mr. Beck. To come into a one off race with a just finished car and finish 10th is stellar and speaks volumes to the quality of driver Mr. Morton is. HUZZAH!!!

[Diseazd]

Sue Bonk said he only had a total of 10 rain soaked practice laps. Amazing!

[TomoHawk]

I forgot the number, but I think it was that you need at least 50 GOOD laps to get the feel of a car, or to get most of the really big kinks out. Then another 100 good laps for the first stage of fine-tuning, etc.

[TomoHawk]

I got my first return from making my donation to the Bonk team; it was a Bonk Brothers Racing/Datsun team shirt.



It'll look cool when I go on drives or to Mid Ohio next year. A matching duffel bag would be a great accessory.

Now I'm waiting on my second package with some photos and a signed poster or Mr. Morton.

[TomoHawk]

I got my signed poster today. I looks like the one in the OP, but with a Datsun logo, which is where it was signed.

[TomoHawk]

There is a Go-Pro in the car that will record the race from that vantage point.

Do we have access to the video that it recorded, if there is any?

BTW- there are only a few pictures of the car's build. That's disappointing. It's probably as important to people like us as an in-car race video.

[black gold man]

Chirs I think will put together a nice film soon . looks like he has been on road trip to watch the temple burn.