TEAM GEAR-X prepares for 25HRS at Thunder hill
27th October 2009
The Special Projects Motor Sports /Team GEAR-X K-20 Powered DC2 Integra campaigned by Jeff (Kiwi) Owen in the 2009 Honda Challenge Championship in the H1 Class, who recently clinched the So Cal H1 Championship on points, has been sold to an Off Road Racer, John Hsu. He is no stranger to Touring car racing, having competed in Grand Am in 2004, his previous racing endeavors since 2001 have included club racing, endurance racing and rally racing with the California Rally Series, and not to mention having raced in the Baja 500 and 1000 on numerous occasions with his class 1 and 10 buggies.
John has decided to take another approach to endurance racing, this time in the very competitive K-20 Powered Honda Challenge H1 Touring Car.
After completing the deal on the sale of Special Projects Race Car, Hsu was so impressed by the accumulated race craft and car set up skills, and the facilities of the Special Projects Team, he immediately commissioned The Kiwi’s shop to prepare the car for the 2009 25 Hrs at Thunder Hill.
Work began immediately on the #65 Integra after kiwi clinched the So Cal H1 Championship in points on October 10th a few days after his 60th Birthday.
The First task the team had to perform was to build one of John’s other purchases- An immaculate DC2 Type R Integra to Honda Challenge H2 Specs. Within a month the car has been built, tested and is now ready for competition at the November 7th. & 8th. Button willow event.
John’s transition back to road racing has been rapid and pleasing under the wing of the Kiwi. Often criticized for his aggressive driving style; Owen said “I always race to win! And I would never want to drive in any series where competitors are only required to give 7/10ths. Race Hard! – Race Fair! Is my motto” “I am really pleased with John’s progress. He is courageous yet cautious, he has a desire to win, but is a sportsman as well, and he’s very easy on the equipment, his lap times are coming down rapidly, he is smooth, consistent, and fast and will be very competitive next season in the H1 or H2 car depending on which class he chooses to run in.”
Appointed Team Manager, Kiwi has in a few short weeks hand picked and assembled a formidable International Team for the 25 hour event. Working with friend and former team mate (Fastom) Tom Lepper, a 5 time class winner at the 25hr. Toms input has been invaluable in assembling the team and strategizing for all possible eventualities.
Using existing Special Projects personnel and hand picked members from John’s very experienced Off Road Race Crew, and some of Tom Leppers 25 hr veterans the team will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Team will consist of: Drivers: John Hsu, Jeff (Kiwi) Owen, Tom Lepper, Dixon Cheng, Current UK Nippon Challenge Champ and Al Stewart the reigning New Zealand Honda Challenge Champion
Crew Chiefs, Eric Hernandez and Shawn Moore.
Callos Racing crew members Daniel and Norm, Javier, Anthony, Auggie, Robert, Hector, and Sean.
Special Projects Crew: Mauricio Rosillo, Brian Slames and Greg Leone.
GEAR-X will be the primary sponsor of the car, reflecting the success, and sales that the Gear-X products have enjoyed over the last four years in Touring Car and Rally Racing world wide. The 25 hours at Thunder hill will be a great test for the companies products, and depending on the Class entered, the yet to be released Gear-X Transmission Cooler, Axels, Gear-X Competition Clutch, Vertigate Shifter and new Close ratio, and Straight Cut Final Drive Gears may be put through their paces.
Dixon Cheng brings welcomed additional sponsorship from the famed Japanese Performance Brake manufacturers Dixcel.
The #65 car has been fitted with the full range of HardRace suspension components from control arms, camber and toe adjusters to Spherical bearings on every suspension pick up point. The team has had great success with these products throughout the season and the 25 hour event will be a great test bed and tool for future sales. A full compliment of pre-set spares is being prepared for every possible eventuality
(Big Al) Alan Stewart the reigning Honda Challenge New Zealand Champion will be joining the team for the event. Stewart is the New Zealand Distributor for GEAR-X and the founder of the Honda Challenge Series in that country. He brings a wealth of competition driving experience, grassroots innovation and endurance racing skills to the team.
Team GEAR-X – Special Projects Motor Sports, Sponsors, Drivers and Crew wish all competitors Good Luck for the remainder of the 2009 Racing Season.
