To install a larger clutch (I assume that once dialed in, diameter is what we would be lacking to increase top speed) on the Maverick would require that either you raise the motor up higher, or build a protective "dish" that hangs below the bottom pan, right where the bashing takes place. I don't think the rules allow you to move the motor, and if you saw the damage from Baja that I am repairing in that area, it is not a place that can be moved down. Hell, we still cant get full rpm's with the stock diameter clutch! Until we can pull the stocker to its limits, there is no need in super-sizing anything!
At the Baja, Marc was keeping the top speed between 60 and 65 mph, just to keep the belt alive. Like every race, we do well in the rough, and high speed corner sections where others fall short. Then, along comes Branden, who looks to be every bit as fast as us in the rough. Has more top end as well. The trade off most likely is that his car suffers in the high speed, flat corners. As soft as his car is set up, it has to have excessive body roll, and his ride height setting increases the roll moment in excess. The rallye style cornering is where we shine. Even Branden can't beat us there. Marc's ability to hang the rear end out there is amazing. Even where there is a sheer drop off of 100's of feet, he'll slide the rear tires within inches of the edge, all the while playing with the steering wheel at full opposite lock. Turning towards the cliff! Scares the F out of me, that's for sure! If he comes into a corner too hot, he doesn't brake like you or I would. Instead, he uses the gas and steering to adjust, causing him to either maintain or even gain in speed in some cases. It's a fine line to walk, and will bite the average driver every time.
If we can get the top end out of our car, even a reliable prolonged 70 mph, watch out! In all fairness, Marc really should be driving TT's. But Can-am came along, and here we are!
Marc? Yeah, he's Badass! Take a look at our rear bumper. It has not been touched since building it in March of 2013! The paint (powder) on it was applied before the Baja 1000 last year, and is scuff-free. It is indicative of the fact that we are fast, and we get out of the way of who is faster!