13 Oct Jim Ryan enlists Rancho while resurrecting “Project Elf”
Thanks to die hard enthusiasts like Jim Ryan, owner of Dirt Sports magazine, a growing number classic off road race machines are being dragged out of retirement and being reborn for all of us to enjoy. One such vehicle is the Project ELF a Class 11 Bug constructed to compete in the 2006 Baja 1000 Cure Autism Now Charity race. ELF entered the event and ran hard near the front of its class. Mile after mile the formidable Bug raised funds for kids with the devastating disease until an unfortunate tangle with a Class 1 machine knocked it out of competition. Seriously damaged, both mechanically and cosmetically, the Bug was jammed into the back corner of the owners shop and pretty much left for dead. Fortunately Ryan recalled the overwhelming popularity of the Elf and recognized it’s potential for the upcoming 2009 NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally, an event that will include a large contingency of classic off road race machines. A deal was struck with the car’s owner and Elf was transported to the Dirt Sports stables for a complete Redux.
To follow along with the car’s amazing rebirth you really need to pick up a copy of the November 2009 issue of Dirt Sports Magazine. There is a full layout with a great shot of the car and detailed look at the Rancho Performance Transaxle built to withstand all the desert can throw at this very cool Beetle. PROJECT ELF: REDUX is a great story, and we at Rancho are proud to have been chosen to provide our products and driveline expertise.
