BILL MCMAHAN'S E-PRODUCTION 124 SPIDER

TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, AND TRIUMPHS...CONTINUED:

In 1998, we ran from Memorial day through to the Runoffs, completing 7 Nationals, and qualified for the Runoffs. That year we also picked up sponsorship, and painted the car just in time for the Runoffs. We were applying the last of the vinyl to the body on race day.

Mark's runoffs goal had been made. Mark qualified 21st, and ran as high as 10th in the race, until the left front stub axle snapped off exiting the Keyhole turn, ending his run, two laps from the end. Damage was minimal. I t was still one heck of a good year, and we were stoked for the 1999 season.

My decision to move my family to Colorado in March of 1999 prompted me to let Mark have another try for the Runoffs for the1999 season, while I competed in Regionals with the car. He started 1999 with a win at Texas World Speedway, and went on to do 7 Nationals and the Runoffs again. Mark took 4 podium finishes that year, including a second in the August Mid-Ohio National. Mark qualified 16th in a field of 47 for the Runoffs, but the race was in the wet, our set-up was wrong, and he finished 21st.

I have raced the car since then, and competed in the Runoffs in 2000 and 2001. This last year was one for rebuilding and improving. The brakes were upgraded to the 10" fronts, a 131 based close-ratio gearbox was made for the car, a new engine was built, special strengthened front stub axles were made, and a tri-link rear suspension with new KONI coilovers was fabbed. It was a year of mostly test and tune, and not a lot of race events. This year I will start the season back at Texas World Speedway on Feb 14th. I look forward to this year's competition.

FUTURE PLANS and GOALS:

I plan to return to the Runoffs this year, and then make the car available to my two sons, for them to race. The competition in E Production is fierce, so improvements and development must always be made to the car to keep it competitive.

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