TEAM HONDA RESEARCH

THE RALLY:

The rally started Saturday at 11:01a.m. The Production CVT Civic left the starting point at 11:28a.m. and the Group 2 Civic left at 11:44a.m. Stages 1 and 2 are traditional STPR runs with the only re-seed (starting order adjustment) based on these times. The CVT Civic fell back 19 starting positions with a small "oops" during Stage 2, while the Group 2 Civic moved ahead 17 positions to 2nd place in G2! The first 4 stages were all fast and dusty with a well-prepared and driven field of cars evidenced by less than 10 cars retiring. Next was the lunch break.

Stage 6, the first 18-mile stage of the day, popped a hole in the right rear Michelin on the CVT Civic less than 2 miles in. We managed to finish on the withering carcass. We changed the tire after the transit to Stage 7, losing only about 2-1/2 minutes to the field during Stage 6. The CVT was 5th in its class while the Group 2 Civic was running strong with a 3rd place in class.

Stage 7 was dismal for the Group 2 Civic with a multi-tree encounter ending Bryan & Brian's day. The CVT Civic was 3rd in class after 10 stages, even after running Stage 10 without auxiliary power due to a power main short, i.e., no Hellas, no Terraphone communication, Terratrip computer on back-up battery, no co-driver reading light for 12 race miles! Last year a bear ran into our path, this year coyotes!

Stages 11 thru 13 were more twisty and tight, allowing the CVT to excel and finish first in class by 1 minute 38 seconds, and 22th overall. 51 cars finished the event. The Sprongl brothers attacked and won overall in an Audi by almost 4 minutes. Jim Anderson took 3rd in Group 5, 16th overall with his less restricted Honda Prelude.

Our crew did an outstanding job, servicing 2 cars back to back. Scott co-drove like a veteran in only his 4th rally.

Our first time entering the Group 2 class did not end up as we would have liked it. The new car ran great during the first 6 stages. On the 7th stage, we had a little problem with a blind, decreasing radius, off camber, tree lined left sweeper. Reading the corners correctly is one of the biggest challenges in PRO Rally. As the corner tightened up at the end, we found ourselves in the loose gravel, off camber. This caused the car to come around too slow and we ended up smacking a tree with the right rear quarter.

Production CIVIC CVT Performance

• The CVT ran flawlessly all day, however the brake set-up was not up for the task. Pad material and fluid changes are coming.
• The CVT takes about 10 seconds to wind up to 6800rpm. After the rpm's are up, brake and throttle control are used to keep them up, with the mission output ratio changing smoothly to generate speed.
• Most common rally speed is from 45mph to 85mph and the CVT excels since no shifts are needed and minimal belt slippage occurs.
• The CVT uses a starter clutch from 0 to 5mph which eliminates any gravel spitting launch and over 5 seconds slower than a manual per start. The clutch material will be improved.
• The CVT will be torn down and studied. Belt engagement changes will be made to reduce slippage.
• The CVT allows the driver to completely concentrate on the co-driver's calls and reading the trees. Also, it eliminated about 200 2nd to 3rd gear-shifts during race stages, improving times and preserving energy.
• The GAB/Eibach suspension was very good on bump, washboard, jumps and on road. The setup was basically neutral, with slight under-steer if not slung around.

Group 2 CIVIC Performance

• The engine pulled 'very well' from 4500rpm to 8200rpm. The 12:1 compression, free breathing engine, will be further improved and put on the dyno soon.
• The power-to-weight ratio will be further improved with engine development before Maine.
• The upgraded Hella 4000 lighting system worked very well on both cars but the mount to the bumper beam needs improvement to reduce vibration.

Other THR Recent Results in SCCA Club Racing

• The THR Showroom Stock Civic EX has 5 wins and one 2nd place in class for its first 6 regional races! The tracks included Gateway International, Gratten, Gingerman and Limerock. Brian Shanfeld, Anthony Robinson and Ken Martin now have regional licenses and will be Nationally licensed by year-end. The car is equipped with an approved performance suspension.
• The THR Solo II Civic HX CVT has a win in women's Production class thanks to Kathy Fergus, her first solo event! Also, fourth and fifth place finishes with Mike Grumbles and Phil Williams at Columbus Delphi events.
• The CVT Civic went to Ontario, Canada for the Orillia Swift Bear Rally on June 13. Nick Robinson and Carl Lindquist drove the CVT to 14th overall, 3rd in class on the extremely technical roads. Two off road excursions eliminated a probable top 3 finish. The CVT performed well on the very twisty roads.

Upcoming THR Events

• The next National rally is the Maine Summer Rally on July 31-August 1. We will enter Production and Group 2.
• THR will attend two SSC events at Mid-Ohio on 7/4 and 7/25 and one event at Limerock on 7/18.
• The Solo II CVT Civic will attend about ten more events this year.

THR needs to thank the following for their continued support:

ESPN2 WILL AIR A HALF-HOUR STPR'98 HIGHLIGHT SHOW ON TUESDAY, JUNE 30TH AT 6:30 p.m. The THR CVT CIVIC SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE HIGHLIGHTS.

We are keeping our body replacement parts warehouse busy, but that's racing! Feel free to contact me with any questions or more details. We will keep you updated as the racing season progresses.

Best regards,

Jay Kowalik
E-Mail: Team Honda Research