Nurburgring 24h Beetle notes #3

HIPPIES GOES TO THE NURBURGRING 11th July 1998

COUNTDOWN TO THE GREEN FLAG DRAWS CLOSER

The Hippies VW-Beetle assault on the Nurburgring 24-hours is now but a matter of hours away with the racecar being presented at the circuit for today’s administration day.

The car has undergone a final shakedown by Ingolstat engine tuner MTM who have dyno-tuned the turbocharged 1.8-litre engine as well as carried out testing on the engine management system.

"MTM have run the car in by getting a Finnish rally driver to drive the car up a German autobarn – a 3 1/2 trip from Ingolstat to the circuit," Team boss, Ross Palmer said.

"We presume the car has arrived safely as the morning papers didn't have anything about an upturned Beetle on the autobahn.

"MTM have a lot of experience with these type of engines, so the car should be well suited to the German conditions and set for the challenge of lasting 24-hours.

"Myself, Peter McKay, Damien White and Melinda Price are all really looking forward to the challenge ahead - it's going to be a lot of fun."

Qualifying for the 24-hours begins tomorrow from Noon to 3.00pm (German time), with a night time session from 9.00 to 11.00pm.

The race begins on Saturday at 4.00pm.

FURTHER NEWS: http://www.gtprod.com.au/beetle