Faster with Finnegan: Vette-Kart Rally Challenge

Want to go fast? Want to do it cheap? On Faster with Finnegan, Mike Finnegan and his friends will show you the secrets behind making Roadkill-esque heaps into truly raceable junk—episode 3 is now streaming!

Episode Overview

In episode 3 of Faster with Finnegan, the team sets out to prove once and for all that the Vette-Kart is the Swiss Army knife of hot rods. According to Finnegan, it’s a “multi-tool, go-anywhere, do-anything, rear-wheel drive, V8-vehicle of awesomeness!” Finnegan and David Freiburger built the “Vette-Kart” by stripping down a 1985 C4 Corvette to its chassis and drivetrain. This modification removed over 900 pounds, allowing for a powerful 350 hp rat-rod V8 to shine. They demonstrated its versatility, using it for autocross, drag racing, and even stunt driving—albeit with a flip or two along the way. But the big question remains: can the Vette-Kart handle a challenging rally course?

Rally Challenge Details

The location for this rally challenge is the Durhamtown Off Road Resort’s Turbo Track, featuring 1.6 miles, 14 turns, and three jumps of gorgeous Georgia clay. In this exciting episode, the challenger is three-time drift champion Chris Forsberg, driving a 2005 Subaru WRX from The Firm Driving School. Although Chris admits to being unfamiliar with 4-wheel drive and dirt racing, with some laps behind the wheel and guidance from The Firm’s chief instructor, Bryn Walter, he gains confidence to take on the Vette-Kart.

Before Chris can record a baseline lap time in the Subaru, mechanical issues send it back to The Firm for engine work, creating an unexpected opportunity for the Vette-Kart team.

Preparation for the Race

Finnegan, along with his teammates David Newbern and Mike Cotten, decides to modify the Vette-Kart to enhance its performance. Their preparations include:

• Removing the original 3-inch-stroke QA1 coilovers and installing 7-inch-stroke Polaris UTV shocks to enhance stability on the bumpy track.
• Replacing the seats with MasterCraft suspension seats to ensure safety and comfort during high-speed maneuvers.
• Installing a battery disconnect switch within easy reach of the driver to quickly shut down the vehicle in case of emergencies.

Will these modifications be sufficient for the Vette-Kart to outpace the rally-prepped Subaru driven by Forsberg?