Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/397024
Grassroots Motorsports 102 PROJECT CAR: FACTORY FIVE 818 KEEPING YOUR VINYL CLEAN Rum Bum Racing has unleashed some of the most successful cars on IMSA's Continental Tire Challenge. Their livery is hard to miss, too, thanks to the intricate design work. Modern vinyl wraps make it all pos- sible, but like paint, their fnish needs attention. "Start with a very high- quality wrap," says the team's Ed Senf. "They are not all the same." The pre- and post- race shop prep is rather simple. "Normal wash followed by removing rubber streaks and other grime with quick swipes of Brakleen," Ed explains. "This needs to be done very carefully to not damage the wrap. I've also seen Simple Green used on greasy spots." Looking for a dedicated product? Mothers R3 Racing Rubber Remover is specifcally designed to quickly dissolve rubber and other track mung. Before the Rum Bum car leaves the shop, it's treated with Ardex Express wax. "Our crew chief/ex-professional detailer says that is the best he's found," Ed continues, "better than products that say they are specifcally for vinyl wraps. The guys use a foam pad on an orbital machine to apply the wax, and buff it off with clean microfber cloths." Then there's the track- side maintenance. The car is wiped clean with Ardex Spot Delivery after every session. –David S. Wallens tom suddard photo AiM Sports, LLC: digital dash, aimsports.com, (800) 718-9090 The Body Werks: bodywork, bodywerksdaytona.com, (386) 672-2125 Braille Battery, USA: battery, braillebattery.com, (941) 312-5047 eBay Motors: donor car, ebay.com/motors Electromotive, Inc.: engine management, electromotive-inc.com, (703) 331-0100 Factory Five Racing, Inc.: 818 kit, factoryfve.com, (508) 291-3443 The FIRM: test track, gorally.com, (352) 473-2999 Koni North America: shocks, koni-na.com, (859) 586-4100 Mach V Motorsports, LLC: wheels, machv.com, (571) 434-8333 Mishimoto Automotive: intake plumbing, mishimoto.com, (877) 466-4744 S.P.E.C., Inc.: clutch and fywheel, specclutch.com, (800) 828-4379 Very Cool Parts: construction help, wiring harness, verycoolparts.com, (760) 403-6266 VisionX Custom Graphics: vinyl wrap, visionxonline.com, (386) 760-0117 XXR Wheels: wheels, xxrwheels.com, (800) 647-7462 Yokohama Tire Corporation: tires, yokohamatire.com, (800) 722-9888 SOURCES photosbyjuha.com