Hi everyone and sorry to be away so long.
I just discovered a series of interviews on Youtube. The interviewer is Joe Rodriguez and the interviewee is Jack Deren. In the BMW world Jack is probably best known for being crewchief of the IMSA GTO class winning Red Lobster M1 car driven by Kenper Miller and David Cowart circa 1981. Anyways, there are 3 videos totaling about 3-1/2 hours.
Jack has had an amazing career. He started by working for Roger Penske. Also Mario Andretti and many other legends. Was there for the entirety of the CanAm series. Lots of IMSA experience with Camaro's, CSL's, M1's, March, etc. Then vintage racing. Jack is the guy who restored 986 under Kenper Millers ownership in the 90's. The first decision was what livery. 986 has competed in IMSA with the numbers 5, 25, 48, and 59 that I know of. And in addition to Motorsport white it has also been painted blue and also red. Jack told me the decision was actually easy and 986 was restored to its 1976 livery wearing #59. Modifications made by Jack during Kenpers ownership were not removed. So the car is not totally true to its 1976 configuration.
The 3-1/2 hours of video will be boring to most, but as a friend and fan of Jack and owner of 986 I hung on every word (well maybe not the first 10 minutes). I learned a few things about 986.
Here is an overview of the mechanical history of 986.
BMW Motorsport ran 986 in 13 IMSA races in 1975 as #25 starting in March/April. Mid season it received an upright version of the M49.
Peter Gregg ran 986 for the entire 1976 season as #59. The front wheels were widened as was the front spoiler. Air jacks were installed. Also two different body configurations were developed. The narrow configuration used narrower rear tires and was for high speed tracks such as Daytona and Talladega. The wide configuration was for slower twistier tracks such as Lime Rock, The rear fenders were readily changeable via Dzus fasteners.
Kenper Miller ran 986 for most of the 1977, 78, and some of the 79 IMSA seasons. Jack was crewchief. The cars rollcage was tied into suspension pickup points. Illegal in FIA but legal for IMSA. The troublesome throttle cable was replaced with a mechanical system. The nose of the car was made removeable to facilitate engine swaps.
to be continued...