Back in 2006 I was approached by a friend who was asked to submit a interview tape for a new reality show on Spike Tv. The show is called Bullrun and the first season aired in early 2007. I took up the call and we submitted a tape to RocketScienceLaboratories which is the production company paid to create the show. What followed was a roller coaster next few months through October.
The show is a rally but the producers obviously make it interesting by setting up time bonuses which you can collect off route, and by having "battles" where two teams battle it out in some sort of "obstacle" course for the cars and teams.
The proposed ride for Marco and myself was the Pantera. The production company loved the car and liked us. We made the first couple of cuts and along with 20 other teams were sent to LA for a weekend, treated like rock stars, and put through some paces. Part of the time we had to fill out lots of paperwork and do an on screen interviewing session. Then we had a "test" which is really another type of interview where your interacting with another team. Then then we had a physical taken and more interviews. Overall it was an fun weekend expenses paid.
Everything looked promising as more and more teams were eliminated. The produces kept in touch and let me know that we were in the top 18, 16, etc. At the same time a transport truck was being sent out to my house to pick up the Pantera, and the production company was making arrangements to fly Marco and myself up to Canada for the first shooting. The day before we were to leave I was informed that we were team number 13 but only 12 teams were selected. Essentially this meant we were the back up team only and didn't make the cut!
Marco and I were pretty bummed but still had a nice weekend in LA for free. I am writing this article now because I just found the interview video which has been posted on You Tube by the production company. I thought you would enjoy it.
Hello
It is great to see your pantera in the Bull Run, I hope you did well. During week preview I did see the trans was out of the car, hope you got it repaired and kicked ass. Looking forward to thur night to see. I also am a pantera owner, 73 with the 408 stroker clevland and AFD heads.
I have been wanting run the silver state in the future 2010. I like your air dam, did you make it or buy it. Looks like it would do the job well but still have clearance in the front fro street driving. Question did you find it gave the down force you need at 140-160. I see you averaged 140 what was the top speed you saw and how stable dose the pantera fell?
Thanks for the comments. I had the front wing made for me out of 1/4" aluminum. I provided the template and the guy just cut it and welded it together for me. The last little fiberglass airdam I had on it tore off at speed at the open road race. I think it adds to downforce but I am still struggling to keep the car "planted" at 160mph or so.
We went 163mph last may's open road race and i was pretty much chasing it down the road a bit. Good thing you have both lanes to use at the open road race ;) I would like more control and to do that I need to keep the air from getting underneath the car.
Hoi Jason,
Dig the car man. Always one of my favorites since high school days when my buddy's dad had a Pantera.
Would be stoked to meet up with you some time in SC and talk Bullrun. Drop me a line, bullrun54 at gmail dot com .
Cheers,
Colin
(Bullrun 2005, 2006)