Ready in 5 weeks?

Finally I have bits of a Suzuki to prepare to something that might become a racecar... It's not shining (yet), but hopefully it performs better than it looks as it quite likely goes from being "back-up" to the racecar for 2010. When, or if, it comes to looks, it will probably not be the greatest challenge this racer will give me.
The racer will need a radiator and change of oil and filter, a transfer case, new seats and seatbelts before it can race. However it will also desperately need better and a little bigger tires, some bodywork and not at least a paintjob. ARB locker for the front differential and beadlocks are also on the shoplist if everything seems to be working fine with the machine.

Recruiting

We did no racing activities in the team in 2009, but a little recruiting was done. Thomas was born in May and is allready showing good interrest in cars (picture from February 2010).Hopefully we'll find time for some races this year, and for now we are working to have ready a racecar for the standard-class. This will probably require less maintenance, meaning less time in the garage and more time at the tracks. First race this year is 17.April, so let's se what it all looks like in a months time... Stay tuned :-)

Team-logo 2009

Not much is going on these days. The racecar is still packed in snow, and more of it is expected.
But I have designed a new logo which will be used on new clothing and stickers. The idea is that the new design have a somewhat more international appearance as it displays my nationality.
It also includes the the new name of the racecar as it will appear when prepared for race.

Winter break

1.Novermber was the last race of the season, which went very well - with a 2.place. But now it is winter-break, and time for giving the car a facelift before season starts again in 2009. The work with the racecar will start in January, and for now it rests just as it was parked on the back of my "diesel-donkey." ...The last week it has also been added a little snow to give it the proper christmas-look :-)

Last place

Well - the first race with my Zalto is done. On the 14.September it was finally time to make use of Zalto for the first time on my own after I bought it, and a colleagua of mine even showed up to help me out from the co-driver seat. I think it was obvius to me, my co-driver and all other watching the race, that it's now been more than a year since last time I drove a racecar. I need both some training, and to familiarize myself with the car before thinking of getting serious with the racing again.Though we finished last in the competition this day, we did have a great load of fun and when the volvo-engine finally cooperated I was quite impressed with the capability of the car. Now I'm really looking forward to renewing the car a bit during the winter, and making a fresh start next year!!

A fresh start

After the racecar used in the 2007-season was sold in bits and pieces, I have bought another one for future competitions. "Kill Bil" of 2007 did not work as well as expected, and additionally the development of the Pro-mod gives doesn't give me any motivation. Therefore I am looking forwad to compete in Modified where the cars only are allowed limited modifications, but still are racing the same tracks.
The new racecar is now unfamiliare to me as I loaned it for 2 race during 2007. It is known as "Zalto," but it is to be expected that the car will be renamed and presented with new looks for the 2009-season. But first of all, I will try to familiarize myself with the car allready this season, and will start allready on the 14.September in the AOK-champion competition. I'm looking forward to finally buckle up for som real offroad-action again!

The team have also invested in a "new" cartransporter, so for future I don't need to tow a trailer with the racecar. Forunately, it also does a very good job transporting.... anything actually. Which nowdays are quite handy as I also are in the middle of a great renovatin-project with an old house by the sea. The prjoect also have it's own blogg which is updated several times a week by my dear companion, Sonja.

Something is happening

It is quiet in Stiansen Offroad Team these days. And there's still no news regarding a racecar for this season, and actually it is not bothering me. I'll probably be busy with other things with the comming competitions anyway, needless to mention invitations and start lists...
But - not having a racecar worth preparing for this season, I have used a little time with my everyday-ride - also used as towtruck whenever travelling to competitions.
Below is the "before-picture" and above is the "after picture" of the Grand Cherokee. I've mounted wind deflectors on the front door-windows, tinted all windows, and the safari grille with extra head lights. I am very happy with the result, and in a couple of months it will also be upgraded with the rear seat row :-)