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CF - How many team members make up the GI SHO Racing team? And what are their tasks?
DARYL - We have 3 core members: 2 car owners (one is also a driver) and myself as team captain and driver. We have a group of about 15 drivers that apply for seat positions for each race. Some drivers are more frequent depending on finances and scheduling. Each team member has a job to do during a race and we rotate depending on driver order.

CF - How did the team come into being?
DARYL - Our first race was in the "24 hours of Lemons" series in 2007. The car owner built the car from a $300 parts car and put together the original team.

CF - Your vehicle is a 1989 Taurus SHO. Why?
DARYL - Why not? We are all SHO guys, and the SHO is finally being recognized as a formidable race platform for "Crap-can racing"

CF - You guys GI Joe fans? Does that explain the name?
DARYL - Most of us are prior or active duty military. The series we race in encourages a team "theme". We drive a camouflage SHO, so "GI SHO" was born.

CF - Is the turret on top functional?
DARYL - The turret was removed at the Spokane race last year. It was a cool addition to the theme, but they thought it may blow off the car at 130 mph. It had a functional potato cannon in it.

CF - Have you thought about using desert camouflage?
DARYL - It was discussed but changing the theme is a long process and we are okay with it the way it is.

CF - What other leagues or organizations are you affiliated with?
DARYL - We have run in a few "24 hours of Lemons" events where our best finish was 30th out of 158.

CF - How many vehicles does the team have?
DARYL - Just the one 89 SHO. We have a few parts cars that we pull from if needed.

CF - You mentioned the car is basically stock but are there any modifications to it?
DARYL - The engine has almost 330k on it and no tuning. The only mods we have are: 12" brakes, K&N filter, SHOSource exhaust (modified), and a reinforced stock differential - no quaife! We have removed all non-essential components to save weight.

CF - How many motors and transmissions have you gone through?
DARYL - The motor is stock and has not been modified or changed. The tranny was disassembled last year and we installed a good used set of blocking rings and synchros..

CF - How often do you upkeep the SHO? What do you hate about it?
DARYL - Endurance racing is rough on any car. Before each race we change fluids and go through the entire car to check wheel bearings and wearable items. The only thing I hate about the SHO is trying to get parts. I love wrenching on it!

CF - What do you enjoy about being involved with motorsports?
DARYL - The thrill of the event. I love the adrenaline rush I get behind the wheel.

CF - How do you overcome nervousness before a race?
DARYL - Plenty of fluids and deep breathing. The nerves go away within the first few laps and adrenaline takes over....

CF - Do you pay out of your own pockets to support the team?
DARYL - Yes. Each driver pays a portion into the GI SHO fund to split the cost of each race. We have a few small sponsors that help out on a "per race" basis.

CF - Matt of SHOSource is a personal friend of mine. How did GI SHO Racing hook up with SHOSource for sponsorship?
DARYL - SHOSource is very close to the team and actively involved in all our activities. The other 2/3 of SHOSource are personal friends of mine.

CF - Have you or will you take the ’89 out on the track at the National SHO Convention?
DARYL - We had that car at the 2008 convention in Seattle. We do not have plans to attend the convention this year.

CF - “It’s just a Taurus.” What’s your response to that?
DARYL - It's just a "Taurus" that kicked everyone else’s butts at the last race!

CF - What do you appreciate about the 3.0L V6 DOHC SHO motor?
DARYL - Yamaha designed and built a very good motor. With proper maintenance it will run forever.

CF - What was the best moment of your racing career?
DARYL - Finally winning a race and proving the SHO and good teamwork can do it!

CF - Would you like to give a shout out to your sponsors or others in the SHO community?
DARYL - We appreciate any help we can get. Our current monetary sponsors are:
SHOSource.com (www.SHOSource.com)
Kadel's Auto Body (www.kadels.com)
Thread2Head and Affordable Auto Wrecking (http://www.affordableautowrecking.net)

For More Information:
Check out the 1989 Ford Taurus SHO

Check out GI SHO Racing on CoolFords

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