A person might think Hayabusa powered Mini’s and GSX-R Smart cars are what you get when you think about motorcycle power. A reader of The Kneeslider reminds us that the land of NASCAR has its own version of things called Baby Grand Racing. These 2/3 scale cars are replicas of Nextel Cup racers and use Yamaha XJR1300 engines with about 125hp. Bodies are just like their big brothers, plus they have full roll cages and tube chassis, you get in through the window, 5 point harness, the whole deal.
They’ve been racing since 1996 and they run ovals and road courses. New cars are constructed in Bowling Green, Kentucky and are available as a roller or complete car.
All of these race replicas on a mini scale give you a chance to get on the track at considerably less money than full size allows. Bet they’re a lot of fun, too.
see also: motorcycle powered cars
Kevin White says
That’s interesting. XJR1300, huh? A guy who lives in my apartment complex races a “midget” car powered by an FJ1100 engine (the grandfather of the XJR1300’s mill).
Scott "Righty" Franklin says
Wow, how cool to see the NutDriver Racing BG on the front page of your site. Thanks. Hope to have it Hayabusa powered in the next year or two. Look forward to learning more through your site and your readers.
Sincerely,
Scott “Righty” Franklin
http://www.NutDriver.org
Daniel Stevens says
I like that car how can get its I looking for a Baby Grand race car for 2008 season start.
Phil Ackley says
Dan:
Contact Roger Austin, Austin Legends, at
roger@austinlegends.com. A group of us use Roger
to service our Baby Grands, which have been converted to 2004-2006 R-1 Yamaha engines. We are making a spec class for SCCA with these engines. Roger can prepare a ready-to-race car at much less than new car would cost from the factory. We choose the R-1 because it is available for $2,000 on e-bay, it is the lightest, lowest profile engine available and reliable, it is water-cooled, and has a 6 speed.
We have four of these in class now, so we should have a separate class for SCCA Washington, DC this year. I won the SPU class for 2007. This weekend at Summit Point, two of these cars were under the lap record for a non-SCCA event on a cold track.
The engines are robust, as is running gear. Tires and brake pads last at least a season of racing, and 5 gals of gas will get you through a 25 lap race!
The Hayabusa is a wonderful engine, but it is larger, more expensive, and requires more modification than the R-1. Righty Franklin will have a quick car with the ‘Busa, but we think the R-1 is the proper engine for a new “spec” class.
These cars cause quite a sensation, as they are very quick and impressive to watch.
Phil
Scott "Righty" Franklin says
Well, it took longer than I thought but I have a “stock” Baby Grand and an Hayabusa-powered Baby Grand. Ran the Busa-powered car at the Eagle’s Nest Hillclimb last weekend for the first time. Had brake problems, but the Busa is a big HP jump from the FJ1200/1250. Won my first SCCA SARRC (South Atlantic Road Race of Champions) race Memorial Day Sunday and finished second on Saturday. I’m in the midst of upgrading the brakes to Wilwood 6815 4-piston calipers. Front bracket has to be fabricated, but the rear is an off-the-shelf weld-on piece.