Concept Motorsports/Haverson/Dobson
Bob Kehoe
primarily featured the principals of the Concept Motorsports
Indy Car Team out of Scappoose, Oregon (just up the Columbia
River from Portland). In studio we had Cliff Haverson (team co-
owner and chief mechanic) and Steve Chase (putting together the
pit crew) and we also had Dominic Dobson (driver) via phone from
Texas.
For background, Cliff was a member of the original All-American
team (formed by Dan Gurney/Carroll Shelby) starting back in '65.
He was also partly responsible in the design and construction of
the Eagle F1 which Gurney campaigned and had a victory with at
Spa in '67. It was the first magnesium-tub and with the Weslake
motor tipped the scales a little over 1100 lbs! As Cliff mentioned,
a car ahead of its' time. Cliff has also worked with other teams
such as Patrick. So much for his credentials. I think everyone is
familiar with Dobson's background.
Without going into too much detail (I don't have THAT much time),
Concept is focusing primarily this year on Indy, but will consider
more when sponsorship is secured. They have on hand the first '90
Lola tub that was built specifically for the Buick motor. This car
has turned a 226 at the speedway. They will continue that configuration
but hope to acquire a '91 chassis from Bernstein as well, but time will
tell. Cliff hinted that there's a strong possibility that the rules\
will be changed to allow the Buicks more boost (~53-56 inches, up from
48 I believe). If so, they will be realizing around 860hp. A top flite
Ilmor-Chev hits around 800hp. The Buick definitely has the speed, but
durability is still the question. Because it's a standard drivetrain
it can't be over-revved. An ohc can withstand something beyond its
limits for awhile.
The uniqueness of Concept is that it will form its pit crew from local
people with an athletic background who will "try out" for the spots and
then endure intensive training. Their primary and only job will be tire
changes and refueling. When I first heard about this, I was a doubter
but now that we've reviewed it at length it's starting to make sense.
With the demise of the Bayside Team in Seattle, Concept is now the only
Indy Car team based in the Pacific Northwest and Dominic Dobson hails
from these parts as well. That will be a major pitch in the search for
sponsorship, which naturally seems to be the final obstacle they have to
hurdle. I will now be staying in close touch with the team.
All in all, a very informative interview and I was glad we could
accomodate them for so long. I think they appreciate the exposure and
hopefully some potential sponsors were listening in. Next week, PITSTOP
will be LIVE from the Portland Auto Show, 8-10pm. If you happen to be
there, stop by and say howdy. We'll be set up in the main lobby at the
convention center.
-cannonball-