Friends of the Challenge
Three 'big deals' have recently occurred regarding this years racing in the 36hp Challenge that I will list below:
1st---RK Smith from HOT VW's has just announced in the April issue of the magazine that he has scheduled a visit to Bonneville this year to cover the 36hp Challenge and other VW's racing at the World of Speed event in September. Be sure to have your VW's looking great as they may get caught on film(O.K., on a digital card, but you know what I mean). In the past I have provided Bonneville coverage to HOT VW's and the 2010 year event's story should soon be included in a summer issue of the magazine. Having HVW's on site in 2011will mean better photography and more timely publication of your efforts and their interest is truly appreciated.
2nd---Weber 48 IDA(and IDM) Carburetors are now legal in the DSS36 categories of the 36hp Challenge. We have recently received confirmation by way of published reports showing these carburetors were available in 1964 on Shelby Cobra's making them pre-65 and legal to run in DSS. This should open up more carburetor possibilities for many DSS Challenge participants that have been unable to locate good performing components in the used market.
3rd--- Wolfsburg West has offered a $1000.00 contingency award to 36hp Challengers racing in the Bug, Ghia and Bus DSS (pre 65 dual carb) categories. To win this award, it is not necessary to use the complete Okrasa replica kit they now manufacture. You only have to run the WW dual port heads supplied in the kits and also sold separately. These heads can be modified and used with the aforementioned Weber 48 IDA carbs if you choose.
Many folks have already acquired the new Wolfsburg West 'Okrasa' style heads and/or head and dual carb kits for their 36hp Challenge engine. Many new racers however may not be aware of the parts numbers available for the variations on the heads and kits that Wolfsburg West makes available and so I thought I would share the part numbers and descriptions with you in case this information would make ordering easier for your next 36hp engine project. I have also included Shauns email address at WW so you can contact him directly regarding any questions you may have about the items described below.
Shaun contact info: stunstill@wolfsburgwest.com
111 101 351OK Dual port cylinder head, no valves with seats and guides.
111 101 351OR Dual port cylinder head, no seats or guides
111 198 351OK Dual port cylinder head, complete with valves
111 198 700 Complete dual port kit with original style linkage
111 198 700A Complete dual port kit with CSP style bolt on linkage
Since many of you will be modifying the stock WW dual port heads, being able to purchase them with and without certain components may be better for your project.
4th---The Australian version of Bonneville kicks off this years 36hp Challenge with as many as five or six 36hp entries participating. The DLRA Speedweek starts this week with Steve Muller and his Team Ratmuller Racing leading the charge with both big block and 36hp racers being assembled as we speak. In addition, Mark Holyoak will again return with his big block Super Beetle to make their Speedweek the biggest down under VW land speed event ever and coverage will be provided by VolksWagen Magazine Australia (VWMA). These mates from OZ will be great competitors to us above the equator folks so do not be surprised if some 36hp Challenge records get bumped up before the Maxton, Mojave, Texas, Maine and Bonneville events.
This year is already shaping up to be even better than 2010 when we had over 13 36hp Challengers on the salt along with another 11 VW air and water cooled racers. If you think you will be racing your 36hp Challenger at Bonneville in September or at any other venue around the world this year, please get in contact with me and supply both photos and details of your effort. As you know, I maintain a history of VW land speed racers and want to make sure your efforts are included.
I would like to take this moment to personally thank both HOT VW's and Wolfsburg West for their support and encouragement in our 36hp efforts. Be sure we return the support to their repective efforts.
Take care till next visit and may the Speed be with you.....................
Burly