My First Ultima Ride

[usagtrman]

WOW! Now I know why everyone raves about a ride with Ted! I know you've heard it all before indulge a first timers enthusiasm! I had the extreme pleasure of riding in the GTR of Jeff Schwartz at Road America this weekend. I know many of you have read some of the many articles about Jeff's GTR and I can tell you it's much better in the flesh. The power delivery, braking and handling are even better than I imagined. I'm sure some of my enthusiasm comes from the skill of the driver. Jeff is extremely smooth and very fast......even in a car which was at Road America for the first time. All I could think of as we were exiting the car after our session was " I have got to get one of these"! Wait a minute....I have one of these. It was an amazing ride. Many thanks to Jeff who was not only able to take me for the ride of my life, but also got my 16 year old son out for a session as well. We were also treated to a session in Jeff's EVO 8 too........no slouch in skilled hands either! Jeff has been a big help to me during the build process as well letting my builder and I visit him on numerous occassions and answering hundreds of stupid questions. Thanks again Jeff....awesome car, awesome driver, awesome track....it couldn't have been better! I can't wait to return the favor once our GTR is on the road.

Brad Z

[bigmack]

You've been "ULTIMA'D"!!!
Good isn't it? Now, its normal to walk around for a few days in a haze seeing tweety birds after a ride in an Ultima. The grass will smell greener and the air fresher after an Ultima experience. Glad to hear your first outing was a proper introduction with madman Jeff behind the wheel. Certainly hard to top Road America! Glad you guys had fun with it this weekend. Keep us all up to date on your build and get those photos up on the ultimaclub.us website.
Cheers!
-Mack

[jschwartz]

Thanks for the compliments. My pleasure to help you with the Ultima experience. Having raced and driven Road America hundreds of laps I know the track fairly well, But his was the first time on a large (4.2 mile) road course with the GTR. After getting used to the GTR and dialing in the shock settings and tire pressures I was able to reduce my lap times by 13 seconds. As you know I had the wing off Saturday, I installed it for Sunday, the wing added stability everywhere, lots more traction in the corners, while maintaining the very neutral handling that I was able to dial in.
I still had a problem with the transaxle breather tank overflowing, anyone have any ideas? do i need to install a larger return line?
I have a g50/52 five speed.
jeff

[k wright]

Jeff,

Sounds like you had a blast. Talk with Roger @ Powerhaus about the oil breather tank. "You will know when you have too much oil in the transaxle, it will just puke it out and keep going."

Wish me luck, I've got an oral certification exam on the 25th, AKA...the gauntlet.

Anyone thought of a race that we could meet at this summer in the east/central USA? Anyone going to SEMA this year?

ken

[Allen-GTR]

I will probably go to SEMA. I was going this past show, but I had to travel on business at the last minute. :-(

There is a race near Vegas called the Silver State Classic. If my GTR is sorted out satisfactorily by then, I plan to race in it. Sounds like a blast!

Allen

>> Edited by Allen-GTR on Tuesday 20th April 03:56

[kb58]

Re the Silver State Classic. Take it very very seriously... people die there. Get a real racing suit, belts, and helmet. No messing around with that one.

[TimW]

mmmmm still waiting for my first ride


T////

[usagtrman]

bigmack said:

You've been "ULTIMA'D"!!! Good isn't it? Now, its normal to walk around for a few days in a haze seeing tweety birds after a ride in an Ultima. The grass will smell greener and the air fresher after an Ultima experience. Glad to hear your first outing was a proper introduction with madman Jeff behind the wheel. Certainly hard to top Road America! Glad you guys had fun with it this weekend. Keep us all up to date on your build and get those photos up on the ultimaclub.us website. Cheers! -Mack

Mack

Very true. I can't seem to get that devilish grin off my face ! I'm heading back to RA May 10th for 3 days in the Formula Dodge with Skip Barber. My GTR is coming along well and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you out on the road! I've posted new pics at UCUSA. Thanks.

Brad Z

PS I've had my kit since December of 2001 and never had a ride before I ordered.....in fact.....I've never actually spoken to anyone at Ultima.........ever! Riding with Jeff showed me the faith I placed in Ted and Richard was well founded!

>> Edited by usagtrman on Tuesday 20th April 21:40

[steve_D]

TimW said:

mmmmm still waiting for my first ride

Where in Hants are you?
Mine will be on the road during next month so may be able to squeeze you a ride.
Steve