I spent three days watching the Leo Capaldi Racing team in action supporting four Miller Cup Mustang Challenge Cars at Mid Ohio this week.
They support two private racers, Pete Crosby #64 and Steve Phillips #22, the Miller Cup Media Mustang #00 driven by Karl Thompson, And LCR's Mustang #4 driven Thursday by Brian Smith and raced Saturday by Leo "his self"
There was considerable stormy weather, but before and after racing for the most part. Just hot... LCR has multiple techs, one for each car and a spare with Leo as the Crew Chief. Thursday is "Promoters day" where the racers can pay a fee and practice. They got four 30 minute sessions to wear out tires, brakes, body work, and supporting tech's. Friday saw three practices and qualifying. Sat the race. The cars were in the air, brake pads, rotors, tires, coil overs, rear bars, etc. changed, adjusted, removed and added ad nauseam. (those cars stay hot for ever) so working on them is HOT.
There was a "data dude" who is an engineer. He collected and analysed data morning noon and night with resulting set up changes...none of which made the drivers any better.!!! "raise that corner..nope lower that corner, nope mapbe go back to the beginning.
Spec Focus, well we run what rolled off the trailer. Don't we Craig..
lol
Lots of trips to the pits and back with the pit trailer, pyrometers, air gages, yada yada.
Changes of uniform shirt to Grand AM specification etc. Looks like a lot of work to me.
Qualifying saw cars 5-15 on the same 1:37....time only a tenth or less between. Race was good, but both Leo and Steve got punted by the same dude.?? He could kick for the Steelers.
LCR is a first class operation. That is why I rent a SF from them and will continue.
Check out the mug shots below.
Leo with #4 getting ready to mount his Mustang
Chris, Leo, Craig Capaldi.
LCR set up, Totter home, trailer, etc.
Euro Fiesta brought by Ford Racing engineer and displayed at Miller Cup trailer