Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio - The Ford Focus Forum

**SVTBuckeye** · 06-21-2009, 03:59 PM

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

**brads03zx3** · 06-21-2009, 04:50 PM

Sweet! I've had the pleasure of working with these guys and agree, top notch for sure.

**Ted7rns** · 06-21-2009, 07:05 PM

Hey, Who's that guy driving the #4 car?

**BadIdea** · 06-22-2009, 10:42 AM

Leo, do you bring those cement blocks to the track?

**68 Touring Car** · 06-22-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadIdea

Leo, do you bring those cement blocks to the track?

Craig found them and they just ended up at our paddock?????

**guitarseth** · 06-27-2009, 09:02 PM

I wish I could have been over last weekend. GrandAm and all of the supporting races is probably one of my favorite weekends on the calendar.

06-21-2009, 03:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
SVTBuckeye TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Pataskala Ohio Posts: 792	Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio 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 __________________ LEM 2007,2008, 2009 NASA Spec Focus racer w/ LCR racing 2002 SVT, Sonic Blue, NO options, vehicle 896 of 4788 Held at the factory Apr-June 02

06-21-2009, 04:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
brads03zx3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 11,660	Re: Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio Sweet! I've had the pleasure of working with these guys and agree, top notch for sure. __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec ZX3 vs MNTN - 15-1 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 23/1 *JCM Racing #88* Back to Dual Purpose Focusing Vacuum Vulture Racing - We add stiffness

06-21-2009, 07:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,646	Re: Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio Hey, Who's that guy driving the #4 car? __________________ 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue

06-22-2009, 10:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
BadIdea Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2,415	Re: Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio Leo, do you bring those cement blocks to the track? __________________ '02 svt spec focus silver/black PCA National DE Instructor #200503 107

06-27-2009, 09:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
guitarseth Look under the curve... UNDER THE CURVE! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 3,582	Re: Mustang Challenge at Mid Ohio I wish I could have been over last weekend. GrandAm and all of the supporting races is probably one of my favorite weekends on the calendar. __________________ French Blue 2003 ZX3 Power Premium MTX Mild Naturally Aspirated build - Modded for driving enjoyment My Car

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