Rallycross, TN

[hrcollinsjr]

I met up with a friend near Chattanooga Saturday for some fun in the "dirt". I'm relatively new to the sport of Rallycrossing. John Barnett has been gracious enough to let me drive his Manta at a couple of rallycrosses and it's been a real blast! Check out the pictures of the racers at this site, Southeast Division Rallycross - Photos There are several of the Manta since there were two drivers and we were told by more than one person that the Manta put on the best "show" of all the other cars. I understand at one point on the course that we were throwing dirt up in the trees! There may have been some faster times from some of the more modern cars but I doubt they had more fun than we did.

Thanks again John!


Harold

[okieopel]

Way cool!

[Rally Manta]

Wow, what a fun day.... I think we did pretty darn good for a 33-year-old car with questionable suspension! My first attempt at flogging this car resulted in DNF (Did Not Finish) due to running out of gas so this was a huge win for Harold and I to both get all our runs in and do pretty well. I am new to RWD but damn it's fun to be sideways the whole time. My first-ever Opel is turning out to be quite fun. Thanks back to Harold for all his help and Opel advise to see this "pulled-from-the-weeds" Manta come back from the dead.. It's taken too long to get 'er going again, but definetely worth the effort!

I know lots of you might have a "beater" Opel in the collection...you should definetely try RallyCross if you have something that you're not afraid to get dirty, it's just-too-much-fun. RallyCross is a fast-growing sport and there should be a region putting on events near just about everybody.

[newman27]

...we were told by more than one person that the Manta put on the best "show" of all the other cars.

The Manta looks like it belongs out there tearing things up unlike some of the other cars... Cool pictures Harold!

[RallyBob]

Very cool stuff! Opels just look right kicking up dirt. I bet a lot of the AWD guys are actually jealous, RWD is just too fun.

PS, I love pic #0061!

Bob

[Rally Manta]

Thanks Bob... once it's a bit more reliable and most of the kinks worked out, the car will soon be getting a nice intake manifold and a header that I got from somebody.

My "low-buck" Manta is going to go "out the window" quick haha. I already got a list going of goodies I want to get on the car.. I've purchased 120' of 1.75 DOM tube for a cage, then I'll need seats, harnesses, limited slip, good shocks, rally comp, all mounts and rubber re-done, and on and on.... money pit here I come.

[Rally Manta]

oh yeah, it most definitely does get more attention than just another Subaru WRX. I love it when people ask "What is that??"

Like Harold said, we weren't the fastest out there, but by others' account the most entertaining to watch, and I seriously doubt anybody had more fun... can't wait for the next one.