Phillip
Leonard is bringing together an amalgam of RV8 parts from all
around the World in order to construct an SCCA (Sports Car Club
of America) MG RV8 for the newly recognized National GT2 class.
The SCCA Grand Touring (GT) 2009 GCR (General Competition Rules)
rules book - the newly listed BLMI (British Leyland Motors Industries)
models, MGB GT V8 & RV8 on page 281.
Phillip says "my SCCA race preparation team, here in Kansas
City, is very near to the completion of our GT2 RV8. We plan
on our first SCCA competition in the GT2 class with the RV8,
late in August 200c9. Mechanically, the racer is complete. The
greatly modified body work is still underway, with most fibreglass
moulds finished and fibreglass copies being fitted and primed.
The easily replaceable fibreglass body panels will be painted
at the last step."
He adds "the SCCA GCR, in its great wisdom, has limited
displacement on the required Rover V8 to 3.5 litres, with 38
mm restriction on induction. The MGBGTV8 is also restricted
by the SCCA to 3.5 litre displacement. The only other major
restrictions are - stock wheelbase and track, tire size (16
x 10 optimum)
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and total weight
of 2,280 lbs with driver aboard. We feel the RV8 will be competitive
in the National GT2 class only after several seasons of SCCA
races."
The chassis is from Puerto Rico via New Orleans and Hurricane
Katrina. Most body panels are from RV8 spec racers in England.
The elusive RV8 tail lights are new replacements made available
from RV8 spec racers. We are reproducing all the original panels
(and tail lights) in firbreglas, for racing accidents will destroy
irreplaceable parts.
Photos are attached from some of the build stages. The project
began Winter 2008. (16.6.09) |