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Analysis & Consulting at 48 hours of Sebring

Have a complicated problem that needs a professional solution? We’ve got you.

057’s Marc Manning has decades of data analysis experience along with the ability to design custom solutions to solve complex problems. Between Marc’s motorsport and engineering experience, he can put all the squiggly lines into plain English. 

In 2014, Marc was contracted by JRZ Suspension Engineering to attend the 48 hours of Sebring, sponsored by JRZ , to help and advise customers who were running their shock absorbers. It was an extremely successful event particularly in the aspect of track time, a good 3 solid days of liasing with JRZ customers, analyzing data and cataloging adjustments, offering advice and strategic plans to confirm the adjustments were effective and by the end of practice days there were far fewer yellow flags and a lot more happy faces. Cars were handling the Sebring bumps way better than they had before.

Close attention was paid to all the cars running in the different classes , but the biggest classes GTB1 and GTB2 showed what a difference could be made by receiving expert advice, this was proven in particular by the decrease in lap times, but also the reduction of attrition on track. Customers were a lot more comfortable in great handling cars , and more comfortable at higher speed. Drivers like Spencer Cox, John Uglum, Adam Merzon, John Frank , Phil Bloom and Glen Schattman had all shaved chunks of time off their best laps, and come race day, had set a lot of new lap records. It was a terrific week that ended on a high note.

Individual clients and race teams saw the advantage of good engineering support and the long weekend was extremely satisfying for all. Attrition was reduced by 80% compared to previous weekends and cars were handling fantastically. There were lots of very happy customers.

Follow ups were coming in every day for months, and teams and drivers were extremely enthused by their performances , revalving of existing shock absorbers, introduction of improved valving and shock design with the 50DA range of dampers , teams switching to recommended spring rates, anti roll bars, advice on tire pressures, settings , and general starting setups.

Marc was the designer and engineer of the very successful Cayman that Spencer Cox drove to a myriad of wins in the GTB1 category. Spencer’s driving talent and Marc’s engineering talent made the Black Cayman the benchmark for years. With JRZ 4 way 50DA shock absorbers, years of development and lots of testing, it was the car to beat and it was rarely beaten. It drove superbly, and was testament to Marc, Speedsport and JRZ, coupled with Spencer’s talent, that made the GTB1 field explode into the most competitive category in Porsche Club history.

A lot of Caymans and 911’s went through Marc’s hands at Speedsport Tuning as well, and his relationship with them continues to this day.

At 057 we intend to carry on legacies like this.