MINI RSR Wreck

[tjwoodson1]

Does anyone know what happened between the MINI and the Miata this past weekend? I can't find any info on it...

Thanks

[racephan]

I found this info:

"Long inherited the lead when teammate Andrew Carbonell and Plumb's teammate, Owen Trinkler (RSR Motorsports / Mini Cooper S #198), made contact on the front straightaway with 12 laps remaining while battling for the lead, sending Carbonell's No. 26 Mazda/Semperfifund.org Mazda MX-5 into a series of flips. Carbonell, who led a race-high 39 laps, was transported to nearby Sharon (Conn.) Hospital, and later released."

I also noticed that the RSR Motorsports / Mini Cooper S #195 finished 2nd in ST. http://www.grand-am.com/schedule/results.cfm?series=k&eid=2375&sid=1567

"RSR Motorsports' No. 195 Cruise America/Thor Motorcoach Mini Cooper S, which finished second in the ST race. The No. 195 hadn't finished better than 14th in class through the first four races of 2011."

"Long led Plumb (#195) to the final restart, and never allowed Plumb to attempt a pass for the lead. The pair crossed the start/finish line nose-to-tail. Long only led 13 laps, while Whitis led the opening 21 laps before sliding off the race track and falling out of the top 20."

[BThayer23]

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/racing-mini-s/8244-lime-rock-results.html


An exciting but disappointing day for team RSR.

Dicky Riegel and Matt Plumb combined for a 2nd place podium in a very exciting finish. Matt Plumb and Tom long in the #25 Mazda Miata waged a tremendous battle for 1st over the last 10 laps . . . The Mazda won and two factors combined for this result.

The Mini is suffering from the RPM limit imposed by Grand Am which limits our top end speed. The Mazda has shed 85 lbs due to rule changes this year. The Mini's were untouchable at Lime Rock with the sole exception at the end of the main straight where the RPM limit stopped us like we hit a wall.

Despite this handicap, Owen had passed Tom Long's teammate, Andrew Carbonell, in the #26 Miata with about 25 laps to go. Each lap, Owen would lead Andrew down the front straight with a substantial lead which would close rapidly as they approached turn one. It was a classic driver's dual and had everyone on their feet. The Mini's were heading to a 1-2 or 1-3 finish. It was going to be a Mini/Mazda sandwich.

Then . . . carnage as Carbonell ran into the driver's rear of the 198 Mini. Both cars spun at +130 MPH locked together until they slid to the grass where the Miata dug in and flipped into the air landing on the roof of Owen's car. The Mini roof was covered with tire marks. The Miata fell off to the left and barrel rolled down the guard rail. Both cars were done.

Both driver's are OK but Carbonell went to the hospital for observation. It was ugly and it was unnecessary. The Miata is a total write off and the 198 Mini is out for an extended period.

MY THEORY:

The Mini has the Aero of a shoebox . . . Carbonell attempted a high side pass and when he realized it would not work, he backed out with a plan to cross behind and to the right. The Aero of the Mini sucked him into the side of Owen's car where he wedged under the body and was trapped by the left rear wheel.

Ever been sucked into a tractor/trailer on the interstate when making a pass? Same idea.

Anyway... it was a racing incident. No place to put blame other than at the feet of Grand Am who continues to restrict our top speed as an attempt to slow us down. It's wrong and in this case dangerous. We will continue our demands to remove this unfair rule.

The 196 was on a one stop strategy and needed to pit under green They fell behind a lap. The 197 lost the pulley drive AGAIN. This time we effected a pit road repair but fell down a few laps.

At one point during practice our 4 mini's and the two Miata's held the fastest 6 lap times. Any of the four Mini's could have won this race. It was appropriate that two Mini's and two Miata's were fighting for the win. http://cdn.motoringalliance.netdna-cdn.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

Randy

[racephan]

I'd love to see video of this one.

[racephan]

Well here is a pic of the 198 after the wreck :(

http://www.grand-am.com/photos/327738/GALLERY_LARGE.jpg

[BThayer23]

No video - Lime Rock Conti Tire race isn't televised. =(

[tjwoodson1]

Here are two videos I found:

Inside the Mazda:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KQhvZ-Y5NA

Both Cars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdR8_KFJY9w&feature=related

[BThayer23]

There's a good thread going on at Motoring Alliance about this collision:

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/racing-mini-s/8244-lime-rock-results.html

PS: I abhor the use of the word "accident." When a puppy pees on the floor, that's an accident because he doesn't know any better. This collision happened because the MINI ran out of top speed (thanks to a Grand Am-mandated lower rev limit) and tried to block out the Miata. You're always taking a risk passing on the inside, because the lead driver may not see you. Usually it's a little pit maneuver (bump the rear quarter panel), the lead driver spins, and the follower takes over the lead. However in this case the cars got tangled up and the Miata dug in sideways and flipped multiple times.

[maacodale]

I've watched it several times. I can't decide if the MINI came left on the Miata (not sure) OR the Miata had a higher closing rate than anticipated and didn't have the MINI cleared. You know, trying to get the most out of the draft from a shoebox. When the rev limiter kicked in, the MINI"stopped" and the Miata was committed to the line he had, which didn't allow enough room to clear the MINI. Purely my thoughts, but I think that's what happened.