ESP solo nats cnampion 1988 Trans Am?

So i have been a Thirdgen Fbody owner for a long time, Ive got a 91 V8 5spd car. I have loved the 82-92 Firebird/Trans am in particular. Ive run autox, Hpde, drift, drag races, its driven to and from events 100s of miles away and always gotten me back home. I think its a great, relativley cheap all around car, with a ton of potential though most have written 3rdgens off as white trash mullet mobiles, Ive recently found out that Mark Madarash has piloted a 1988 Trans am to the ESP national title at least 5 times if not more. most recently beating sam strano in a late model mustang. anyone have any info on hisCar or setup? not too shabby for a 23yr old car imho.

Hmm, that definitely catches my interest. I'll be waiting to see what info emerges (since i have none to contribute).

He posts over on http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/

It's worth asking him directly.

Madarash is a great driver, but I don't think Strano ever ran in ESP at Nationals in his Mustang. Won FS in it in '10, then ran an SS Vette in '11.

Found that with a quick Google Search. Looks like he did not spare any $$$ on wheels. Whatever they are, I see them on a whole lot of National winning cars.

The wheels look like CCW Classics.

Will wrote: The wheels look like CCW Classics.

They are CCW Classics indeed. Am I the only person in the world that HATES those wheels?

Maroon92 wrote:

Will wrote: The wheels look like CCW Classics.

They are CCW Classics indeed. Am I the only person in the world that HATES those wheels?

No. They aren't attractive and for $2300+ I can't see the appeal. Are they exceptionally light or something?

They're light, and CCW will build them to virtually any offset. Mine are 6# lighter per wheel than a Grand Sport replica in the same size.

Small bit of trivia: The CCW complex is just two blocks south of GRM HQ.

Will wrote: They're light, and CCW will build them to virtually any offset. Mine are 6# lighter per wheel than a Grand Sport replica in the same size.

How light does that make them and in what size? I'm assuming that for the price you get better customer service and a whole lot lest quality issues than some of the competitors are know for, right?

MG_Bryan wrote:

Will wrote: They're light, and CCW will build them to virtually any offset. Mine are 6# lighter per wheel than a Grand Sport replica in the same size.

How light does that make them and in what size? I'm assuming that for the price you get better customer service and a whole lot lest quality issues than some of the competitors are know for, right?

Their site says an 18x12 wheel is 21.6 lbs. Can't comment on customer service or quality but I'd just assume from the price and the amount of people that use those wheels both are pretty good.

MG_Bryan wrote:

Will wrote: They're light, and CCW will build them to virtually any offset. Mine are 6# lighter per wheel than a Grand Sport replica in the same size.

How light does that make them and in what size? I'm assuming that for the price you get better customer service and a whole lot lest quality issues than some of the competitors are know for, right?

17x11. I haven't weighed them without a tire on, but IF the weight I have for a 315 Hoosier is right, the wheel should be around 18 pounds. I bought them used, so I can't comment on customer service.

I like CCW classics, but they resemble BBS wheels which I also like...

The winning ESP car lists Stranoparts.com as a sponsor. Strano ran in ESP in the era prior to FS and seems to be the go-to guy to call if you want to set up a F-body, Mustang, or Corvette for auto-x. He had one of his ex-ESP Camaros ('04 & '06 champ) for sale on SCCA forums earlier this year (since sold).

Yes, I know Mark. You wont get a lot on his setup from a particulars aspect, but if it can be done, it is done to that car.

AST triple adjustables maybe double, though he has AST's now Front and rear sway I think that its a circle track one on the front? HEAVY springs in the front, not so heavy in the rear I HIGHLY doubt you will get a answer on this :). I have "guessed" in the range supposedly Watts Link 18X11's he had 17X11 a couple years back and even did a 17/18 combo at one point in testing Small steering wheel Lightweight seats T5 trans A blend of engine stuff. *350 that is built to a particular spec that he went out and found.

Dont discount that he isnt fast either. He has been building the car for over a decade. That long in a car and it really is a extension of you.

*edit - Strano is building his new 2011 GT into his new ESP car....

thx for the info guys. in this months issue pg 150 it mentions mark and sam duking it out for the esp title this year. thats what got the ball rolling on this thread, ill try to track mark down on Frrax.

Thinkkker wrote: *edit - Strano is building his new 2011 GT into his new ESP car....

I think he abandoned that project. I know he sold the race seat he had installed in the Mustang and that he now has a C6Z.

is a watts legal in ESP? I wouldn't mind going to the divisions (NEDIV) next year but wasn't sure where my 05 GT would fall.. hoping for ESP.

05 GT would be in ESP.

Maroon92 wrote:

Will wrote: The wheels look like CCW Classics.

They are CCW Classics indeed. Am I the only person in the world that HATES those wheels?

You must be. Your opinion is wrong.

CCW wheels rock! We have the race versions on our Boxster and they are super light and beautiful.

AutoXR wrote: is a watts legal in ESP?

Yes. I have one on my 4th gen.

AutoXR wrote: is a watts legal in ESP? I wouldn't mind going to the divisions (NEDIV) next year but wasn't sure where my 05 GT would fall.. hoping for ESP.

From the rules

I. Solid axle suspension allowances: 1. Addition or replacement of suspension stabilizers (linkage connecting the axle housing or De Dion to the chassis, which controls lateral suspension location) is permitted.