Get ready, race fans, because a team of Bernalwood’s finest are headed to the speedway to represent our neighborhood and bring back motorsports glory. Or something kind of like that…
The action will take place this weekend at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma. The race itself is called the 24 Hours of LeMons — that’s pronounced “lemons” for all you wannabe francophiles — and it is basically a cross between Burning Man, Bernal’s own Soapbox Derby, and the real 24 Hours of Le Mans. The basic concept is simple: Purchase and race-prep a car for $500 or less, find a team of drivers, strap on helmets, then keep the car in the competition for as long as you can.
Bernal Dads Racing will be at Sears Point this weekend to represent Bernal Heights, mom, kids, and apple pie. Yet as eco-conscious Bernal residents, Bernal Dads Racing will hit the track in a hybrid. By that I mean the car itself is quite literally a hybrid, combining the drivetrain of a 1995 Mazda Miata with the salvaged bodywork of a Volvo 240DL station wagon. Peek inside, and you can still see the Miata core lurking underneath:
This mutant race car has been dubbed “The Molvo,” and if the Molvo sounds like an awkward combination, rest assured that it most certainly is. The Molvo is the Frankenstein of race cars, and how it will fare on the race track is anyone’s guess.
But after spending a “wrenching night” with the team as they prepped the car for this weekend’s race in a garage near Holly Park, I’m happy to report that the Molvo is as ready as it’ll ever be, and the team is in good spirits.
The weather forecast for the weekend looks wet, but Bernal Dads Racing will be on the track regardless. Keep your fingers crossed for them, race fans.
UPDATE 28 March, 2011
The Molvo not only completed the LeMons race; it also won a Judge’s Award for innovation. Complete details and photos.
Photos: Telstar Logistics
Bernalwood 
Volviata FTW!!! Way to represent, guys.
Go, Bernal Dads, Go! Good luck out there! Make sure Captain Slow gets a few laps in.
Great project!! Looks like a blast!
I wish I could meld two cars like that (and provide structural steel) for less than $500…
One of those finest is my hub! Go BDR go! Hope those racing tires stick tight. Todd, you shoulda seen the one with the carseat strapped to the hood…
One of those finest is my hub! Go BDR go! Hope those race tires stick tight. Todd, you shoulda seen the one with the carseat strapped to the roof…
A sign of creativity on the heights, this looks like so much fun! If sponsors are a part of this kind of racing let us know. We’ll donate a six pack just to aid in creativity, win and you’ve got a case of your favorite suds on us. All we ask is that you drive this baby by the store to pick up your winnings and no drinking till your back in the shop Dads.
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wow – love this! Bernal Dads – if you do this again next year (here’s one fan hoping you do) – put out a hill alert or something so more of us can support you! maybe even an open garage evening kinda thing where we can come ooh and ah and love on the frankenstein plus kick you guys some sponsor $’s (or beers or whatever) in return….?
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