2010 New York Winter Rally - The Ford Focus Forum

**HTPerformance** · 01-13-2010, 06:14 PM

January 23-24, 2010
More info: http://www.rallynewyork.net/nywr2010.html
Current Entries: http://newyorkwinter2010.rallies.inf...ies.php?type=u

HTPerformance is fielding a team running in a 2002 SVT Focus

Featuring -
Driver: Michael Reilly, US
Co-Driver: Josh Benthien, US

Anybody else heading that way?

**HTPerformance** · 01-25-2010, 01:55 PM

The team led by Mike Reilly (Driver) and Josh Benthien (Co-driver) took home 2nd place in 2wd open class behind visiting veteran rally racer Claudiu David (Driver) and Mihaela Beldie (Co-driver) from Romania. Placing 2nd out of 7 2wd entries and among the top including the AWD entries.

Edit: Some discrepancy - Will have to update upon final ruling, but there is some uncertainty of the placing due to a prolonged service when we were swapping in a ball joint during a 15 min service. Crew had to drive 20miles to the nearest Autozone for spare balljoints to replace one that didn't pass tech. Hopefully the penalty isn't too harsh.

"Lil' Red" SVT

Stock SVT Motor
HTPerformance Zetec/SVT MAF Setup as Short Ram intake
HTPerformance prototype Braille Battery Box (Shed 30 lbs. off the front end)
HTPerformance Rear Toe Arms
High flow cat and 2.5" Stainless Exhaust
Performance Tune

Pro-flex coilover suspension with remote reservoirs
Stock SVT Swaybars

HTP drove out in our shop car "Ugly Betty," which was the best idea since the SVT ended up busting a wheel bearing towards the end of the first day of racing. We grabbed the spare SVT Knuckle/Hub setup from the shop car and got it onto Lil' Red during the final 45min Tech Service on Saturday before Parc Ferme at the Villa Roma. Without it the team would have been unable to compete in Sunday's race.

Sunday morning came and was a blistery 19 degrees Farenheit! Roads were icing over and studded ice tires became a necessity. A new set of Hankooks mounted to the 15" Compomotives proved to be a winning combination, upsetting the visiting team from Romania's race in the Team O'Neil Mazdaspeed3 and taking 1st for the 2wd class for Sunday.

Live Videos of parts of the event (recorded by Marcel Ciascai)
Parc Expose:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4202366

Ceremonial Start Video:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4173844

End of Day 1 - 45 min Tech Service: (~ min. 16 we are installing a new knuckle on Lil' Red after bearing failure)
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4182372

Podium Finish:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4203050

Stay tuned for more video and images!

**HTPerformance** · 01-25-2010, 04:13 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBzYaUvwZ-E

**HTPerformance** · 01-25-2010, 07:59 PM

**2002red** · 01-25-2010, 09:08 PM

Nice.

**BigSandwich** · 01-26-2010, 08:41 AM

Good result. Glad to see that car back out on the stages. What is the next event you guys plan on running?

**HTPerformance** · 01-26-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSandwich

Good result. Glad to see that car back out on the stages. What is the next event you guys plan on running?

RALLY NEW YORK USA,
April 16-17, 2010, a tarmac rally

We were pushing to get out to Sno*Drift next weekend, but unfortunately couldn't work the schedule yet to allow for 2 weekends in a row.

Look for a second Focus to join the ranks in the upcoming months.

**HTPerformance** · 01-26-2010, 02:44 PM

Updated News:

"Another heartbreak was experienced by the team of Michael Reilly and Josh Benthien in Ford Focus, who are the 2009 USRC Production Cup Winners. After outstanding performance in their two-wheel-drive car, they were in the fourth place overall, second in two-wheel-drive, until it was discovered that they failed to present their car at a time control and had to be disqualified by the Stewards. " - Rally New York News

An email from Co-driver Josh Benthien:

"Team -

I want to let you all know how sorry I am that all of your hard work and dedication this past weekend resulted in this outcome. I should have known better than to try and check in without the car and then exit service without going through time control. This is a mistake I'll never make again, and I don't fault the stewards in their enforcement of the rules.

I also want to say that I am proud and so thankful for all you did to keep us on the road. I am in awe of how despite our mechanical issues you were able to keep us in the hunt. I fully believe that next time we'll be on the podium.

Josh"

Picture by meegan rally sport

**HTPerformance** · 01-26-2010, 03:51 PM

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlcscGj1CMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1CHOKqKWTY

**HTPerformance** · 01-27-2010, 08:48 AM

Bumper cam!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlL59p3LaRQ

**HTPerformance** · 01-27-2010, 09:11 AM

Here are some great photos from ON A LIMB RACING:
http://www.onalimbracing.com/photos/...Rally_NY/8.htm

**Ray** · 01-27-2010, 01:26 PM

Crazy. sorry the team was dq'd for that.

Nice videos brian.

**BigSandwich** · 01-27-2010, 01:38 PM

Bummer on the exclusion, hard way to learn that lesson. I might be racing at spring Rally NY will depend on my schedule.

01-13-2010, 06:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	2010 New York Winter Rally January 23-24, 2010 More info: http://www.rallynewyork.net/nywr2010.html Current Entries: http://newyorkwinter2010.rallies.inf...ies.php?type=u HTPerformance is fielding a team running in a 2002 SVT Focus Featuring - Driver: Michael Reilly, US Co-Driver: Josh Benthien, US Anybody else heading that way? __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987 Last edited by HTPerformance; 01-13-2010 at 07:18 PM.

01-25-2010, 01:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally The team led by Mike Reilly (Driver) and Josh Benthien (Co-driver) took home 2nd place in 2wd open class behind visiting veteran rally racer Claudiu David (Driver) and Mihaela Beldie (Co-driver) from Romania. Placing 2nd out of 7 2wd entries and among the top including the AWD entries. Edit: Some discrepancy - Will have to update upon final ruling, but there is some uncertainty of the placing due to a prolonged service when we were swapping in a ball joint during a 15 min service. Crew had to drive 20miles to the nearest Autozone for spare balljoints to replace one that didn't pass tech. Hopefully the penalty isn't too harsh. "Lil' Red" SVT Stock SVT Motor HTPerformance Zetec/SVT MAF Setup as Short Ram intake HTPerformance prototype Braille Battery Box (Shed 30 lbs. off the front end) HTPerformance Rear Toe Arms High flow cat and 2.5" Stainless Exhaust Performance Tune Pro-flex coilover suspension with remote reservoirs Stock SVT Swaybars HTP drove out in our shop car "Ugly Betty," which was the best idea since the SVT ended up busting a wheel bearing towards the end of the first day of racing. We grabbed the spare SVT Knuckle/Hub setup from the shop car and got it onto Lil' Red during the final 45min Tech Service on Saturday before Parc Ferme at the Villa Roma. Without it the team would have been unable to compete in Sunday's race. Sunday morning came and was a blistery 19 degrees Farenheit! Roads were icing over and studded ice tires became a necessity. A new set of Hankooks mounted to the 15" Compomotives proved to be a winning combination, upsetting the visiting team from Romania's race in the Team O'Neil Mazdaspeed3 and taking 1st for the 2wd class for Sunday. Live Videos of parts of the event (recorded by Marcel Ciascai) Parc Expose: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4202366 Ceremonial Start Video: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4173844 End of Day 1 - 45 min Tech Service: (~ min. 16 we are installing a new knuckle on Lil' Red after bearing failure) http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4182372 Podium Finish: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4203050 Stay tuned for more video and images! __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987 Last edited by HTPerformance; 01-25-2010 at 05:28 PM.

01-25-2010, 04:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBzYaUvwZ-E __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987

01-25-2010, 07:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987

01-25-2010, 09:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
2002red Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,079	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Nice. __________________ 02 sedan se (aka The SC'd se) Focussport/VF vortech intercooled currently @ 201 whp & 186 wtq on 93 octane Hey -- we don't know nothing about kids. So if you need something... Find it yourself. Or better yet, learn to do without.

01-26-2010, 08:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
BigSandwich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,366	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Good result. Glad to see that car back out on the stages. What is the next event you guys plan on running? __________________ 2001 ZX3 Spec Rally Car - Build Thread 2004 ZX3 23D - Rally Car Engine Donor 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

01-26-2010, 02:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Updated News: "Another heartbreak was experienced by the team of Michael Reilly and Josh Benthien in Ford Focus, who are the 2009 USRC Production Cup Winners. After outstanding performance in their two-wheel-drive car, they were in the fourth place overall, second in two-wheel-drive, until it was discovered that they failed to present their car at a time control and had to be disqualified by the Stewards. " - Rally New York News An email from Co-driver Josh Benthien: "Team - I want to let you all know how sorry I am that all of your hard work and dedication this past weekend resulted in this outcome. I should have known better than to try and check in without the car and then exit service without going through time control. This is a mistake I'll never make again, and I don't fault the stewards in their enforcement of the rules. I also want to say that I am proud and so thankful for all you did to keep us on the road. I am in awe of how despite our mechanical issues you were able to keep us in the hunt. I fully believe that next time we'll be on the podium. Josh" Picture by meegan rally sport __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987 Last edited by HTPerformance; 01-26-2010 at 04:23 PM.

01-26-2010, 03:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlcscGj1CMg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1CHOKqKWTY __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987

01-27-2010, 08:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Bumper cam! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlL59p3LaRQ __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987

01-27-2010, 09:11 AM	#11 (permalink)
HTPerformance Premier Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bridgewater, MA Posts: 2,164	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Here are some great photos from ON A LIMB RACING: http://www.onalimbracing.com/photos/...Rally_NY/8.htm __________________ Brian Hult Founder *HTPerformance - Superior Components for the True Enthusiast.* 30 First Street, Unit #3 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Ph: +1.508.659.4466 E: brian@htperformance.net Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HTPerformance Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HTPerf...ET/32467520987

01-27-2010, 01:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ray Driver > Car Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CT Posts: 29,219	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Crazy. sorry the team was dq'd for that. Nice videos brian. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing - Do you have a hammer? I need to fix my car! Intelligence is largely at the mercy of self-control *Roadtrippin* **\| CART \| MCA**

01-27-2010, 01:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
BigSandwich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,366	Re: 2010 New York Winter Rally Bummer on the exclusion, hard way to learn that lesson. I might be racing at spring Rally NY will depend on my schedule. __________________ 2001 ZX3 Spec Rally Car - Build Thread 2004 ZX3 23D - Rally Car Engine Donor 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

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