BILL MCMAHAN'S E-PRODUCTION 124 SPIDER

SO, WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRIVE?:

There is a world of difference in driving this FIAT Spider, and driving a stock version of the same model. The purpose of this racer is to go as fast as possible - all out - for about 45 minutes, which is the length of a National event race. It is a sports car specially built for sprint races.

The car is as low to the ground as the rules, and the car structure will allow. The suspension is very stiff - like a very large go-cart. Driving inputs cause immediate response. Feedback from the controls, through the 10˛ slicks, is abrupt, and very heavy. The racing clutch has a very heavy pedal, with very abrupt take-up. The seat is a Nascar type, made of aluminum, with minimal padding, and holds the driver in place very tightly. The seat is bolted directly to the floor, very low, as if you were sitting in the car without a seat. The view over the small windscreen is just into the open air. A full-face helmet needs the visor closed. The seat provides very good "seat of the pants" feedback.

Turn the kill-switch to ON, flip the power and fuel pump toggles ON, make sure the Accusump is filled and OFF, and press the starter button. The engine, surprisingly, will idle at about 1000 rpm, but needs to be blipped to avoid fouling the plugs. The exhaust pipe runs straight back from the header and is attached to the floor. The pipe ends under the car just to your right, and produces 100-103 db at wide-open throttle. It's loud.

Engage 1st gear, let out the clutch, and move out of the false grid, and onto the track. Donšt forget to open the Accusump, and wait for the water and oil temps to come up. Punch the throttle and hang on - the acceleration is very quick, and the close ratio shifts come rapidly. Down shift for the turns, and accelerate through and out of the turns. Cornering will really throw you. You will be glad that the belts are pulled tight. The car sticks very well. At speed the controls become lighter, easier, but after a 25 lap race, your neck, arms, and butt will be sore. The cornering is neutral, but the tail can be broken loose with too much throttle.

In tight turns, throttle over steer is necessary for fast lap times. The experience is truly exhilarating. When I am finished for the weekend, I always yearn for the next race. FIAT Spiders have been my race ride for 15 years, and this one is the ultimate.

Bill McMahan Parker, Colorado, February 6th, 2003

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