27 days.
In 27 days, a 2008 Volkswagen GTI was : purchased, stripped, completely rebuilt, track tested, vinyl wrapped and transported to Mosport International Raceway in Ontario Canada, where Robb Holland drove his way into two top five finishes, including one podium finish, in the debut weekend of the 3ZERO3 Motorsports VW GTI SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge Touring Car Championship.
27 days = 648 hours, and we used them all.
What is the SCCA World Challenge ?
The SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge Championship was created to provide teams, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers a competitive production-based race series in which to prove their products. Basically cars built with similar chassis lay outs, power and weight specifications are track prepped, and built to do battle in wheel-to-wheel combat over the course of a designated road racing schedule. Pretty cool stuff.
When longtime friend and professional race car driver Robb Holland approached us to be the title sponsor for his 2008 VW GTI World Challenge Touring Car, we jumped at the chance. When Robb told us when the car needed to be built. We laughed. Then we cried. Then we picked up the phone and got to work.
Using every last second of the 27 days afforded, this race car was built, tested, and run through the gauntlet last weekend in its inaugural debut. Not only was this car competitive, Robb set the track record at Mosport International Speedway on Sunday’s race, turning the fastest lap ever recorded in class history at this track.
Damn.
Tear down begins.
Before we even had the keys to Robb’s freshly purchased 2008 VW GTI the car was transported ( thank you Pearl + Matt !) to 3ZERO3 Motorsports where a team of technicians literally disassembled a brand new vehicle. Leaving no bolt undisturbed, this car went from street legal, to ‘what happened’ in an afternoon.
Done & Done.
The 3R build.
After the vehicle was torn down, it was then transported to 3R. Whereby 3ZERO3 technicians Andrews and Tucker assisted the trusty team of trained technicians and began building the GTI from the ground up. 3R is a company dedicated to building race cars such as these. From NASA racing to SCCA, and everything in between, 3R has spent years perfecting their craft, and it shows ! The guys at 3R truly are what brought all of the pieces together. Also they have some of the coolest fabrication and testing equipment we have every laid eyes on ( shock dyno anyone ?).
Hurry up and test !
With no time to spare the GTI was transported ( thank you Sean !) to High Plains Raceway for track testing.
Most race teams will spend weeks at the track. Sorting out suspension and alignment settings, weight distribution, and the like. We had a matter of hours, not weeks.
Rappin on the Wrap.
Our GTI was not painted, the graphics that you see here on the car is a vinyl wrap. An amazing alternative to paint, vinyl wrap is essentially a large format vinyl sticker that can be custom designed and then applied to any vehicle.
So cool !
Our car would not have looked as sexy as it currently does without the help of Mike Hornbeck and his Soapoint Graphics team. Not only did Mike work with us to design the best looking car in our class, he personally worked thru the night the day before the GTI was put on the trailer and taken to Mosport. If you have any vinyl wrap needs, or are curious to learn more about this custom and cost effective solution, contact Mike. An unbelievable artist, and fully committed to supporting his projects to the bitter end !
Before we knew it the car was on a trailer, ( thank you Alex !) and driven thru the night to Ontario, Canada, and testing had begun.
Weather threatened to downpour all weekend, but the clouds yielded little precipitation. Testing went well on Friday, and for Saturdays first race we qualified 6th and finished 5th.
To many outside the build, a 5th place finish doesn’t seem that impressive. We, on the contrary were thrilled. In a fraction of the time our competition had to build, test, and tune, we were able to build a car capable of running at the front of the pack. Success indeed.
Bring on the glory ! Robb conveying feats of strength and heroism to Canadian TV reporters.
Sundays race was spectacular. Our GTI was battling the Irish Mike’s VW Jetta literally all day long. By the end of the race the crowd in turn 5 were on their feet, offering a standing ovation to the closest battle of the day.
Like all of the Volkswagens competing in this series, our GTI was under-braked, under-powered, and over weight, nevertheless Robb managed to set the track record and fastest lap of the day for the Touring Car class. Stunning!
Everyone loved the 3ZERO3 Car ! See you at the next race Celie !
—————————————————–MANY THANKS——————————————————-
This build could not have been possible without tireless effort, and selfless support. There were many people who donated time, money, and resources to this project. For without their generosity, this car would not have been built. If you are an enthusiast, THESE are the people truly supporting your brand. THESE are the people working hard everyday, to earn your business!
No matter where you looked, all of the flag girls were wearing 3ZERO3 apparel.
These ladies have fabulous taste.
The MONEY shot !
Because 3rd place has NEVER felt so good.
While we typically try and resist singing our own praises, in this instance, we cannot refrain. Putting this car together in 27 days, and setting a track record at Mosport is something that both Robb Holland and 3ZERO3 Motorsports will remember forever. A truly remarkable accomplishment. We couldn’t have done it with out Robb’s persistent dedication and effort, along with those of our technicians Andrews and Tucker, not to mention the world class build led at 3R.
The build would not have been possible without the generosity of Emich, VW, BSH Speedshop, Autotech, BBS, Stoptech, and APR.
The car would not have looked as sexy as it does, without the efforts of Mike Hornbeck and the Soapoint Graphics team who worked thru the night ( literally ) to get the vinyl wrap completed the night before the car was trailered to Canada.
And last but not least, without the support and assistance of Alex Nelson, both as pit crew chief, and truck driver, as well as Sean Thul, and M+M Auto, the GTI could not have been moved an inch.
STAY TUNED !
The summer has only just begun. With many more races and events to come, there is much to see and do. Make sure you keep with us on the 3ZERO3 BLOG and FACEBOOK PAGE.
3ZERO3 Motorsports continues to prove why for Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche maintenance, repair, high performance tuning, and motorsports applications, there is simply no better choice in the Denver area. With progressive projects, factory trained technicians, and a resolute dedication to perfection, safety, and quality each day, you will find no better home for your Colorado Porsche, Audi, or VW. Contact us day or night to learn more about us !
Copyright © 2009 3ZERO3 Motorsports Inc. All rights reserved.
Website Fueled By Unleaded Software | Photography By Adam Mattivi Photography
3ZERO3 Motorsports Inc.
8065 W. 48th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
Fax: (303) 456-8385 | info@3zero3motorsports.com
Great Job Guys! It was awesome to be a part of the team for the Mosport Weekend. Hope to see you again soon : )
Brit,