Grand-Am Testing, Mel Cornett And The 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction

1/7/2008 ? Daytona, FL ? Testing has concluded for the Grand-Am series in preparation for the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona scheduled for January 26-27. With the test over, the thing I heard over and over from many of the drivers and team members is what impact the tire will have. Most said, the switch from Hoosiers to Pirellis was going to be tough, but most of the drivers like them. Everyone was looking for a good race set up and emphasized that the set-up needs to be consistent because this race has turned into a 24 hour sprint race. Looks like Chip Ganassi?s team along with Team Penske and defending season champion GANISCO team are looking to be the favorites, but there are others that will be right there. This is going to be one of the closest fields in the history and should be a great race.

Longtime Badger and USAC midget driver Mel Cornett passed away Saturday January 5th. Mel started a pair of Indy Car races at the Milwaukee Mile in 1974 and 1975. Mel achieved some of his biggest wins driving the Leader Card midget in the mid-1960?s. Mel was living in San Benito, Texas. He was an owner-operator truck driver and funeral services will be in Hamilton, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to www.paulyoungfuneralhome.com.

I?ll be attending the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson auction this coming weekend. One of the items that has caught my eye is the limited edition ?Intimidator? Camaro that will be auctioned. This is a Richard Childress Racing (RCR) 1969 Series 3 Camaro that honors the accomplishments of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his bond with RCR.

The B-J press release read, ?To pay homage to the No. 3 Chevrolet made famous by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Childress Racing joined forces with Total Performance Inc. to build the ’69 Series 3 Camaro. The car crossing the block in Scottsdale will be Serial No. 3 and the only one with the official title of “The Intimidator”; only 50 total Series 3 Camaros will be built. The black, red and silver muscle car commemorates the dynamic relationship forged between RCR and Earnhardt, as well as the no-nonsense, hard-working attitude that defined this special team.

This RCR Series 3 Camaro comes with two powerful engines. One is a 525 horsepower, all-aluminum, 427ci engine built by Keith Craft Motorsports. The 525 horsepower engine will allow the owner to enjoy the Series 3 on the street. The alternate engine is a powerhouse SB-2, 603 horsepower unit tuned at the RCR engine shop and used in the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Earnhardt in the 2000 Daytona 500.?

Once again, if you?re unable to attend, the event will be prominently featured on the SPEED channel. Five hours of early auction coverage begin on Jan. 15 through Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. On Jan. 18 and Jan. 19, 10 hours of live coverage begins each day at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, with another four hours slated for Jan. 20 starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Eddie LePine

Eddie has been involved in motorsports for over 30 years as photographer, columnist, and driver. Eddie also is now a retired racer (well, retired unless a good ride pops up).

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