MotoringFile Does the 24 Hours of Lemons

A wrap-up is coming this week with results and tons of photos.

Things will be a little quiet this weekend at MF as myself and a few frequent contributors are heading to Michigan for this weekend’s 24 Hours of LeMons at the Gingerman road course.

This is our second race (see a recap of our first race last year) and I have to admit I’m feeling pretty confident a decent showing. Out of respect for the rules of LeMons (cars can’t cost more than $500 including upgrades) I can’t say what we’ve covertly upgraded or replaced, but lets just say we’ve made some changes (yes those rear wheels are OZ Ultraleggeras off of a MINI).

We also managed to talk BMW into giving us what could be the ultimate team support car, the new 550 GT (we would have loved a MINI Countryman but those are off-limits to the public until later this year).

If you are interested in getting regular updates, you can follow our progress on my personal Twitter feed: @Gabrielbridger

What is the 24 Hours of LeMons?

Each LeMons race is for cars purchased, fixed up, and track-prepped for a total of 500 dollars or less. But before reaching the grid, you’ll have to survive trials like the Personal-Injury-Lawyer Anti-Slalom, the Marxist-Valet Parking Challenge, and the Wide Open Throttle Rodthrowapalooza. Twelve hours into the race, the car voted People’s Choice is called in and awarded a cash prize; simultaneously, the car voted People’s Curse is called in and summarily destroyed. At the end of 24 hours, a gala awards ceremony plies the survivors with trophies, plaques, and four-figure purses in canvas bags full of nickels. What’s not to like?

More information can be found here.