In preparation to the 2009 season, Toby and Kenny completed an audacious project (lucky fools!) to remove shocks and sent back to JRZ for service and replaced shock mount monoballs that were worn out.  Molly was on jack stands in Toby’s garage spot and his neighbors and the building’s watchmen were amused by the sight. Kenny completed his PhD program and got great news of … Continue reading 2009 Track Days Recap

To make Dirty Molly safer and to prepare for the eventual Club Race, Toby decided to give her a roll cage. Toby and Kenny first put Molly on a weight loss diet.  All things “comfort” were removed (carpets, plastic molding, stereo and air conditioning).  The doors were reduced to a bare skin, with no interior door panel, armrest, power window or power lock mechanism and … Continue reading Dirty Molly Got “Caged”

2008 was another great season.  Toby and Kenny did 22 track days at Summit Point, VIR, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen. Highlight of the year included: 1) Kenny and Toby were certified to be instructors with PCA and NASA It was good to be able to “give back” to the track day community.  It also provided Toby and Kenny with the rare opportunities to be on track … Continue reading 2008 Track Days Recap

2007 was an “up and down” year of track days for Toby and Kenny.  On the “Up” side, Toby made it on track for 33 days, while Kenny did 31, on the down side were a broken drive shift 450 miles from home and a blown engine on track. Dirty Molly gained “GIVES YOU WINGS” rear wing decals and “DHL” hood decals, a nod to … Continue reading 2007 Track Days Recap

VIR was best known to be “America’s Nurburgring” where Car and Driver’s held its annual “Lightning Lap” shootout, beginning right when Kenny and Toby began participating in track days. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/lightning-lap-2006 The 4.1-mile “Grand West” configuration combined the “Full Course” typically used for auto races and the infield “Patriot Course” through a tight U-turn in the middle of the back straight (T13).  The configuration was not … Continue reading Lightning Lap

Toby and Kenny upgraded to Toyo RA1 tires after they trashed the set of Conti’s that came with the car. RA1s were “DOT-R” tires, meaning they are road legal even though designed primarily for track use.  They had treads when new so they can be driven in the rain (on the street on on track) which makes them an especially convenient choice for a dual-use … Continue reading Race Tires, Truck and Trailer(s)

After dipping their toes in track days late 2005, Toby and Kenny couldn’t wait for the next season to start. Toby and Kenny logged a total of 22 days in 2006 (so 44 days for Dirty Molly.)  They had their first outing on their “home track” Summit Point’s “Main” track as well as the twistier Shenandoah Circuit. They also tried out “Pro” tracks farther away … Continue reading 2006 Track Days Recap

Team Shum has been Gran Turismo fanatics since the series first release. As serious car guys, there is no such thing as a driving “game”. This is Toby and Kenny setup circa 2006:  Playseat; Logitech Driving Force Wheel; Sony SXRD HDTV; No surround sound, but with hi-end audio system complete with a tube amp! Jon started off with a Playseat Challenge setup in Toronto, and … Continue reading Playseat for Playstation / Gran Turismo

What is Togue / Tōge? Toby and Kenny got a rare chance to chase each other at a Mazda Club autocross. Autocross events are also known as “Solo” events, since competitors race against the clock one at a time. Toby and Kenny got a rare chance though to chase each other around the course at a Mazda Club autocross. Although it was a demonstration run … Continue reading Togue Battle

One downside of living in a condo…since Toby bought a Boxster he did not have space to park his Civic anymore. Jon came to the rescue!  He was looking for a sporty car with a manual transmission so it was a perfect fit!  He flew down to visit Toby and Kenny over Christmas and New Year with his family, and brought their “new addition” back … Continue reading Keeping It in the Family