World Racing AWD Scion tC Build

Scott Kelley Racing – NHRA, O’Reilly Raceway Park 9/1-9/6/10

-by Len Clarke

In light of the recent release of the new Scion tC, Gurnade and Tjin Edition have teamed up to design their own interpretation of the new Scion coupe. Due to the newly fashioned sculpted roof, the car has been outfitted with wide box-like fenders, aggressive front fascia, and matching sideskirts. Although, the design doesn’t stop there! To complete the look, the roof was chopped nearly 4 inches, and the rear windows were extended to visually lengthen the car. Deep-dish wheels, Status racing seats, harness bar, custom grille, Webasto sunroof, HID headlights, and slammed stance thanks to Air Lift suspension also add to the visual appeal and design.

This isn’t the first time that Gurnade and Tjin Edition have teamed up. Last year, Neil Tjin turned to Gurnade to complete his green Chevrolet Camaro. Gurnade will not be building this Scion for SEMA 2010. You will, however, see Gurnade all over SEMA this year. The guys are proud to say they will have five Gurnade designed vehicles at SEMA in three different OEM booths–some sporting custom parts, kits, and products. SEMA is still a few months away, so in the meantime follow Gurnade on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/gurnade) and check out the soon-to-be launched site at www.gurnade.com.

Stay tuned–Neil has some other new builds that he will be documenting on CarDomain (check out his CarDomain profile here).

The first checkpoint was easy to find. Today, TJ was waiting at the first checkpoint to get some footage of us arriving and leaving. Sadly, we were not there long. A quick snapshot and we took off. Our alliances for the day were Team Cobalt and Team Camaro.

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Team Cobalt was a few miles ahead of us. As soon as we got off the exit for the second checkpoint, we quickly spotted the bright red Cobalt. Being in our alliance, we stopped to see if they were able to find the second checkpoint. They knew exactly where it was thanks to a few locals. The problem was that the bridge to this checkpoint was closed due to construction. We used a few secret tactics to beat all other teams to this checkpoint. With this advantage we headed to the third check point before many teams were able to get off the exit to find the bridge out.

The third checkpoint was by far our favorite stop for the day. This stop was Four Women on the Route. I quickly learned that this inspired the Disney Movie ‘Cars’. Parked there was Mater the tow truck. After a very brief chat, we were bombing our way to the last checkpoint. Speed limits were high and highways had long straight stretches. These together made for a great cruise to the finish line.

After signing a waiver, we were allowed to enter the Route 66 Raceway parking lot. Everyone was taking pictures and socializing before filing into starting position. While we were in line waiting, we received our checkpoint cards for the day. Listed were the three checkpoints to be visited before the finish line in Rolla, MO. The checkpoints for the first day in order were Ambler-Becker Texaco Gas Station, Memory Lane, and Lincoln’s Tomb.

Jessica Rosebaum, gave an arm drop for pairs of cars to leave the staging area. We waited patiently for our times to be recorded and let loose. Some cars turned right while some cars turned left. We turned left.

Turning left was the right way and we arrived at our first checkpoint (Texaco Gas Station) quickly and easily.

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From there, we were on to checkpoint two. Following the historic Route 66 and watching another rally car pull out, we found the second checkpoint just as easily. After another photo-op next to the memory lane billboard, we were on to our last checkpoint of the day.

The final checkpoint was laid out right were Abraham was laid to rest. Lincoln’s Tomb was an easy find using Google Maps with navigation. Our final checkpoint photos were taken and off to the finish line we headed.

The drive to the finish line seemed extremely long with no checkpoints and little along the way. We hit Rolla, MO around 4:10 p.m. Julia, from Team Hemicuda, was waiting at Zeno’s to record out times. We pulled in seventh and I was pleased with our performance.

Tomorrow we will be leaving at 9 a.m. once again to head to Oklahoma. With a little luck and skill, I think we can pull off another great day.