This 1992 E36 325 is kind of a BimmerWorld project, but really more of a Marks project (our crew chief/shop manager). Certainly a memorable car, this car has traveled in the Southeast, to Reno (Reno Fernley), Miller (SLC, UT), Watkins Glen, Mid O, etc - it is a great car to learn a track and we threw it in the transporter for a bit of last year to play as well. In current trackrat trim it is super light and with no added weight from such items as a cage, proper harnesses, etc, it is pretty wildly sketchy to ride in. Especially knowing that it is cheap enough to bang up and not worry so much about (not that we ever have, but not all passengers have huge levels of confidence).

We bought this car a few years ago for $1000 from Chip Stabler, he delivered to VIR, and we thought - run it on the track. Wrong! The maintenance was severly lacking and it was amazing that it even made it to the track with the control arms on it. The theme here is class - a couple of bullet holes from the previous owner make sure we have plenty of it.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/E36_WhiteLightning/bullet1.jpg

For some reason Marks decided to paint it - rattlecan style. Motivation ran out early though and the result was less than hoped I think. It drove around as a streetcar for 2+ years (and still is) with the multi-tone paint (not by me - too embarrasing, even in the South and that is saying a lot!)

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/E36_WhiteLightning/strip1.jpg

Another touch of class - and another bullethole.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/E36_WhiteLightning/bullet2.jpg

Marks has decided to make a real racecar out of it and due to the multi-year delay on it, there is plenty of donated time from the guys accumulated. Not really sure how it will progress or what the final prep level will be, but it should be a fun car without a ton of money in it.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/E36_WhiteLightning/strip2.jpg

The current plan is strip it (the rest of the way I guess - it already had no interior, welded sunroof, etc) and slap a cage in, then off for some respectable paint (not premium, so no trip to Bassen planned, much to his relief I'm sure :) ).

Awesome.

Stop with the projects already. You're KILLING me.

One of these days you're going to screw up really bad and my car will show up on your door.

Dang that is one clean 92 325!

Is Rusty getting jealous?

Fun times working on "white lightning" for a couple hours off the clock.

One of my favorite track pictures (look at those gems):
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/jfrankE21/thunderlightning.jpg

I'm sure Clay won't admit that is him at the wheel of my 4 tone beauty.

Is Rusty getting jealous?

They are kindred spirits even though White Lightning is faster. For those not in the loop the employees here have a rather varied assortment of track beaters. We call mine Rusty...because it's was fairly rusty when I bought it.

Natural Habitat, Bret Luter's farm in NC.
http://a957.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/1/l_8263e2885c1fb61757af9746949b2eec.jpg

Randy Mueller driving at Road Atlanta
http://a343.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/116/l_759eec5fd3d55e140786e3b42969f2a6.jpg

I did my first ever track day a few years back when I started here in White Lightning. It was at Road Atlanta and a poor guy named Bill Koff, who I actually knew from autox in NC, was drawn as my instructor. I think I made him change his pants a few times that weekend but we had a good time. Traqmate said most of the laps were 147-149, apparently that is uncommon in D group for a 2.5 non vanos beater. :-).

Randy Mueller driving at Road Atlanta
http://a343.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/116/l_759eec5fd3d55e140786e3b42969f2a6.jpg


Wow - Randy isn't afraid to get his lean on. Must be the M-I-A carrying over to track driving. Chrome numbers! All that is missing is the 8" tall "MUELLER" on the windshield!

ah yes, white lightning...my favorite BW car...holds a special place in my heart... ;)

Chrome numbers!
i'm surprised Randy didn't require 305 on the side in chrome...

I vote for using chrome tape.

-Rick

i'm surprised Randy didn't require 305 on the side in chrome...[/QUOTE]

ah yes, white lightning...my favorite BW car...holds a special place in my heart... ;)

Me too, White lightning saved my life by taking me to the ER in Utah. :)

In pure MIA fashion, I insist on leaving the bullet holes! They give character.


I guess I was leaning to counter all the roll Rusty had trying to keep the track in the perspective I am use to.

If my car weren’t silver I would do my numbers in chrome tape too!

Rob glad to see you finally got the pics.

Haha..I remember putting this sticker on there as a joke; surprised it is still on! Glad to see some progress on the beast, it was always a fun car to drive.


http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/E36_WhiteLightning/bullet2.jpg

As it so often happens here, this one is swept aside for the moment due to all the other stuff going on preparing ourselvs and customers for race season... Tarheel school March 1 - maybe motivation will strike before.

Dang paying customers.... Wish we could get rid of them.....

Chris

Dang paying customers.... Wish we could get rid of them.....

Chris

no doubt!

i almost loaded up the wrong white e46 today until i fired it up...way too loud to be my street car ;)

Dang paying customers.... Wish we could get rid of them.....

Chris

I feel like we are collecting them these days! Time to trade some out!!

no doubt!

i almost loaded up the wrong white e46 today until i fired it up...way too loud to be my street car ;)

Ha. ha. I hope you remembered to prime the dry sump oil pump!!!

I feel like we are collecting them these days! Time to trade some out!!

I'm ready when you are...