Track Day Talk

[Robert Lawson]

Larry started on me weeks ago to get this going so here it is!

 

The 2016 date is Saturday April 9th.

 

If anyone is interested leave a note here, I’ll start a list. When things pick up we’ll get into details. We will have the smoked Brisket with fixin’s for lunch!!

 

Its early on yet but I’m sure we have at least 10 already just in local regulars and friends.

 

Happy NY y’all

[alan brasher]

…call us robert,.. the brashers

[Bruce Peck]

Robert, I’m in for for one kart.  Potential for a 2nd kart, but definitely one.

[Robert Lawson]

I got some e-mail last night too.

 

We will need a full field this time, I won’t get a “deal” like October again!

 

I’m sure Paul will bring young Max out again so it would be cool to get at least a couple more Jr’s out there for him to play with. Start asking your karting friends with kids to give this a try!!!! We need to get the kids involved.

 

 

RPM

[Eric Chappell]

Great work Robert!

Mark me down for 3 CIK125’s…I’ll let you know if I recruit any additional drivers.

-Eric

[Ryan]

Put me down for 2 cik125 shifters  maybe more . I will spread the word. Let me know the details.

Ryan Riggs

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,  Put me down for one spot.  Thanks, Greg Stamm

[Ted Steffke]

Robert, please count me in. and i will check with the barth gang to see if they want in.  Thanks, Ted Steffke,  cik shifter

[Robert Lawson]

Ted, Greg, Ryan, and of course my bro Eric….thanks guys for responding!

 

I’m going to start looking for a sprinter to put a Predator on just for the day. Cherri and I have more than enough nephews that may be interested in turning laps with young Maximus!

 

Guys, think about doing the same. If you or a karting friend have a chassis sitting around consider doing the same and help in getting a youngster started.

 

The Predator is cheap, in stock form it will be super safe (slow) for a new young person. I understand for competition they require rods, flywheels, cranks, etc but that is in an unrestricted form. They won’t be able to keep up with Max but it will still be a fun ride for them. Just a thought….

 

More to come,

 

 

RPM

 

* Bruce & Alan…..I didn’t forget ya, Thanks guys!!!

[Todd Stoffer]

Put me down for a spot – CIK125. I promise I’ll have my kart running BEFORE I make the trip this year…

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, Happy NY!!!!

 

Yes, get her running proper first. :)

Cool thing is, there was plenty of guys offering parts and help! That never gets old and is probably why I’m still involved.

This time the food alone will be worth the trip!!!!

Let me know if I can help with anything.

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Forgot to mention this last night…..

 

For folks that shop groceries at Kroger stores you know about the “fuel points” program they offer. Long story short, we paid .45 per gallon last night! I took pics of the price at the pump and have been texting it to all my pals out there!!!!! :)

 

Our world has been experiencing some extreme changes, its difficult not to see that. Unfortunately, it may not be for the better. Everyone wants cheap gas but it is going to come at cost…..keep yer eyes open folks!!!

 

God Bless!!

 

RPM

[Mark Zemnickas]

Hi Robert,

Pencil me in too. I should have the new TAG kart put together soon.

Thanks!

Mark Zemnickas

[Robert Lawson]

We have a really good list going at the moment. I know I’ll hear back from some more of the local guys too.

 

I’ll get details and cost out to you in another week or so.

[Jerry Revely]

I will be there.

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry Revely wrote:

I will be there.

I love it when the Family pulls together! :)

 

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

 

Spoke with Sam this afternoon and hashed things out for April. As of today there is just a dusting (1″-1.5″) of snow out there which is always a good sign. Its early yet, I know, but this has been an extremely mild Winter here in southern lower Michigan so we’ll take it as a positive pattern! The forcast is calling for 50’s with rain over there this weekend much like here in the Detroit burbs. I must say, we have barely had to lift a shovel here this Winter! I for one am NOT complaining!!!

So, I’ll get a details package together here soon and start collecting payment for entry near the 1st of March.

Warm up the shop, start ordering parts, and look back here soon. It will be April before you know it!

 

More soon,

 

RPM

 

[Bruce Peck]

I’ve been working on mine.  It was 70 in Indy this past Saturday.  Keep hoping . . .

[Robert Lawson]

I didn’t have much to do but I too have been getting things in shape!

Actually took the Bike out a few times the past couple weekends. Just to gas the heck out of something felt really good!!!

I do have the info everyone has been waiting for. It will be up shortly…..its 5am and I need coffee and time for my eyes to focus!!!!

 

More very soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Ok, here you go….

 

Per usual our Test day is on a Saturday, April 9th, and our make up date is the following day on Sunday the 10th. This only applies if we call off before the EMT rolls out to the track (aprox. 7am) If infact it rains all weekend we would then be resceduled for a date TBD.

 

*There is NO race fuel available at the track in April.*

*Community air line should be available at maintenance shed on east end of garages*

You can arrive on Friday and camp (no charge) or drop off and hit a hotel.

Garages are available (no charge), each has electrical and compressed air. You will need to bring your own hose and air tools for use in a garage.

A MyCron timing/data beacon is provided. (drivers right)

Weather permitting we should have a green track (no pun intended) at 9am.

We will break for lunch at 12 noon or 12:30. Lunch is provided for EMT’s, Marshalls, and all Drivers & Crew in the MX garage. As mentioned, we will have a freshly smoked brisket with all the fixings and drinks.

We conclude for the day, on track, at 5pm. No rush to pack/leave.

Everyone will be pitted in the upper paddock. This makes track condition (green/red) communication easier. Drivers will enter the circuit at the jump on the back side of the course via lower paddock access roads and under direction of a Marshall. Drivers will exit the circuit at T12/main straight, standard pit lane entrance, and continue through upper paddock to individual pit location.

* There will be NO use of the full pit lane or entrance to the circuit at the pit exit on the main straight!*

At the end of the day I always try to get a rolling start mock race going just for fun. The purpose of this day is not competition but testing & tuning. Many will be doing just that….testing…. so please be aware that “race pace” is not always observed.

There are a few new guys coming out so we will have a Driver meeting to discuss all the procedures/flags/etc. before getting started.
Johnny West mentioned he may just bring his GSXR 600 kart and the Thunder Roadster race car and turn some laps in each of them! Should be interesting.

The cost per Driver is $175 and must be paid in advance!

 

Send/make check or money order to:

Robert Lawson

17731 Ivanhoe St.

Roseville, MI. 48066

Please include kart package/classification

 

Thanks Y’all, I’ll bring you more as it comes.

 

RPM

 

 

[ardy Sadeghi]

Robert Lawson

“Ok, here you go….   Johnny West mentioned he may just bring his …. Thunder Roadster”

 

Nice going Robert, as always ..   so are you suggesting the TR will get a few laps here and there??    :-)

[Robert Lawson]

Ardy,

JW asked if he could turn a few laps to shake it down, we didn’t get into detail about it but he will not be running it regularly all day. The 600 on the other hand IS a kart so it will run with the rest of us.

I would be interested in doing combined track days with other formulas but not this April. That would require more input and I assume a more involved Insurance policy. I will speak to the management about this, last October I invited bikes from the USGPRU after getting approval from Sam. None of them wanted to come out in the cold to play……fair weather fans, ya know!!!

Very nice to hear from you, maybe we’ll see you in April??? :)

 

RPM

[ardy Sadeghi]

Robert,

 

sounds good..    Ian is getting his project completed and plans on testing in April, will try and head up,  would be great to see you guys.

[Bruce Peck]

Check’s in the mail . . .

Now let’s get to working on some warm weather for that weekend.  David Cole isn’t far away.  Maybe we can get him to come out and do a sunshine dance for us.  ;-)

[alan brasher]

robert, dosent look good for us this time…work issues…  the brashers

[Robert Lawson]

Alan,

 

Thats why I “pencil in” the names!!!! Too bad, we always have a good time out there. Tell bro John I said Hey.

 

Ardy, you have to come. Lunch alone will be worth the trip!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Beautiful day here today!

Was out in the Garage looking into Rich’s water pump issue. Long story short it has some grunkis in it and now works and sounds fine. Of course, it got me thinking….wonder if mine needs a cleaning! Uncovered the kart, plugged a battery in and flipped the switch…..ah yes, running like it was new! Shut it off and started to walk away…..then I heard…..gurgle, gurgle, gurgle…..

My luck can not be any worse. As I turned I saw the devastation, that tell tail sign of doom. A puddle started to appear as a stream of water drained off the floor tray onto the garage floor……directly under the engine!

Seems this one suffered the same fate as the first! Bummer, I just don’t understand how it happened. The first time I forgot to drain the system after an April test day that was followed by a cold snap. I drained all the water at the track in October this past fall at the end of the day. Guess you have to get every bit of water out of that void in the crankcase!

So, I have learned yet another lesson. If you can’t store your kart in your bedroom its best to put anti freeze in the system just for Winter!!!!

What a foolish mistake. None the less……we have just about a month until the test day and I intend to drive something!!! We’ll figure it out, I can’t let y’all have all the fun!!!! (although that would put me first in line for lunch….hmmm???)

Send those entries guys, and….check your water system too!!!! :)

 

RPM

[Dennis Chappell]

Robert

Not sure if this will make u feel any better,

A few years back we were running the Rotax series and had just purchased a new cylinder (can’t remember why) and installed it for a test day at New Castle. It was early spring if I remember right, we drove half way (5hr drive to NCMP) Friday night so we could get a early start Saturday morning. Arrived at the track early to a cold but nice day to test. Got kart out fired it up and water came running out of that new cylinder (cracked). Guess it got colder than we thought friday night at the motel.  10 hours on road,gas,cylinder,food, and family time together you gota love this sport.

Dennis

see ya at the test

[Robert Lawson]

Dennis,

Sounds like you and I should not hang to closely at the track….or in route for that matter!!! :)
I spoke to Eric via text (which I hate doing by the way!) about your experience with the Maxter and some gearing questions. Would LOVE to get my hands on a Maxter KZ but it is just out of my ballpark on $$$.

Missed out on a couple engines here on EKN in the past few months. Looking at past ad’s a few folks got some great deals. I’ll keep looking, maybe something will pop up, you never know.

I have free access to a newer model YZ250 and if nothing else comes up I may just give it a try. Might be fun at MIS!!!

 

Guys,

Ardy asked in a PM when the “drop dead” date for entry is as his guys are still building up their package. I will not take entries at the gate. This isn’t a “business” for me, and making $$$ although nice, is not why we do these things. Think about it…..where and when other than Grattan in April/Oct can you get a decent road course, all to yourself (+/- 25), for the entire day with EMT, safety/marshalls, and don’t forget the best part….LUNCH all that and more for under $200!!!?????

You can’t. THAT is why we do this.

So, yes…there must be a deadline. Leaving time for checks to clear, I really need to have all entries here by the 1st of April.

Bruce was first, not surprising hes from Indy! Of course my pal Racer “X” was a close second and Ted came third on the USPS podium!!! I’ll work on trophies for y’all.

We need 20 more to load the mail box beside Rich and I. Oh yeah…thats right, a frozen engine isn’t going to keep me off that track… big daddy is coming to play!!! I may not have my standard ride but I do have friends with stuff I can turn laps in.

 

I’ll update our progress regularly.

 

Back Soon!

 

RPM

 

 

[Dennis Chappell]

Robert

I know Eric and I feel awful lucky to be able to get 2 practice days in at our favorite track the last few years.

So thanks for getting it set up each year.

And I will try and stay my distance from you.

[Robert Lawson]

Dennis,

You are more than welcome to hang next to us….I just feel sorry for the track owners if that happens!!!! :)

Guys,

We are just about 1/2 way to the number needed to get this done. I have had contact of one type or another from many more so I’ll be patient for another week or so. ;)

Larry mentioned doing a few hotdogs or burgers just in case someone doesn’t like brisket??? Personally, I do not eat red meat but I do make the occasional exception….this being one of them!!!

More to come,

 

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Rich and I were screwing around out in the garage yesterday and though we’d record and share it with you. It reminds me of Wayne & Garth!!

 

This is obviously the result of “Cabin Fever” and can only be cured with a test day and lunch with 25 friends!!!

 

See Y’all later!!!

 

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Folks,

If you intend to participate in this Test Day you are running out of time!

Your entry must be here (in my hand) no later than mail call on Friday April 1st.

We will not accept entries at the track!!!

 

Those Faasen boys (track owners) are pretty good salesmen I must say! Just off the horn with Curt (the Chef!) on vaca down in the Florida Keys and he talked me into doing not just a Beef Brisket but also a nice  Pork Tenderlion as well. Never should have called after a 3 day fast!!!

The homemade smoker will be working overtime at the track. If the engine needs more repair than Rich did (which looks fantastic by the way!) there is no down side…..I will be over at the MX building taste testing instead of track testing!!!!

Look forward to seeing everyone in a couple weeks!

 

RPM

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,  I sent my check a week or so ago .  Did you receive it?  Greg Stamm

[Bruce Peck]

Mmmmmmmmmmmm . . . tenderloin.

[Anonymous]

I put my check in the mail today. I’ll be bringing my Leopard-powered TaG and running front brakes, it will be nice to run a long track for a change!

[Collin Johnson]

I will be joining as well in my moto shifter. Im new to the area and look forward to meeting lots of new faces!

-Collin

[Mike Peters]

Did you find a replacement motor Robert?

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, yes!!! :)    Looking forward to lunch!!

Greg, yes!!!! ;)   I’ll be going to the bank tomorrow!!

Mike, no! :(   External cases are welded, test day will answer questions!!!

I held all checks until now, you never know how these things will shake out. We will have enough drivers so I’ll deposit what I have so far on Monday. I have taken a few calls and will be looking in the mail for them this week too.

Remember, your entry must be here by Friday if you want to participate.

 

More coming…..

[Robert Lawson]

Mail box had a few more today so we look real good now!

Checking the Accuweather forcast for Grand Rapids 4-9-16 is as follows:

H 62, real feel 67, partly sunny with a chance of shower or T storms, precip 35%

Thats pretty good with what is forcast to be passing through here (there) between now and then.

 

I’ll keep you posted but I think we will have a great day out there!

 

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

Just dropped a check in the mail about 10 minutes ago. you should get it Saturday or Monday. Looking forward to it…

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

 

Got it today! (Friday)

 

I also had a couple guys drive over and drop off their fee’s too, none wanted to be left out!!!

Worked on Rich’s kart today trying to help him get ready. He has needed to send his Digatron back to have new connections put on the guage. I hate this set up, the little posts break off the brass connectors and the leads will not stay pluged in. He has still not sent it back so I rigged it up and they will more than likely work for the day. Rewired his water pump and installed a run light so he remembers to turn it on!!!!

The overwelming majority of karts are CIK 125’s, we should see 3-4 250’s, 3-4 CIK TAG’s, 3-4 air cooled karts of different types and just Rich and I in F-125’s.

The forcasts seems to be holding up but the high temp is steadily dropping! Last look said H 50 with partly sunny skies and 0% chance of precip.

We’ll be fine!!! Looking forward to getting lots of video and tons of laps!!!

 

More soon,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

What a difference a week makes!

 

Last Monday the forecast was for highs in the 60’s, a few days later the 50’s, over the weekend into the 40’s, and now…..thats right….the 30’s!!!!

No chance of precip but damn cold. Speaking with the Chef today, finalizing all the details on the food, he mentioned that someone has rented the track for Sunday the 10th. There was always that chance although it has never happened before. On that note, we have also never had to postpone or reschedule!

So, our back up plan has changed. Lets hope we won’t need to deal with that.

I do not have another back up date yet, I didn’t speak to Sam in the office today. I’ll do that in the AM tomorrow (uh, at 1:04am I guess thats today!) Tuesday 4-5-16.

 

I’ll be back here before lunch with an update on this. Stay tuned!!!!

 

RPM

 

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

As promised, here is what is happening:

 

I spoke extensively with Sam Faasen this morning about the possibility of extremely frigid overnight temps and a very cold high temp for Saturday 4-9-16. We agreed that regardless of precipitation the current forecast trend would be incompatable with water cooled engines and the use of anti freeze would NOT be an acceptable alternative. So, at this point, being only Tuesday, we will wait and watch the forecast before making any decision on rescheduling.

 

A group rented the facility for Sunday 4-10-16, so that as I mentioned is no longer an option for a backup date. Sam mentioned having 2 open weekends on their schedule in the month of May that may be used as alternatives. This is not a high percentage of likelyness though, he already has groups negotiating these dates. As business practice they prefer to take full weekend bookings before single weekend days. I completely understand this.

Right now, we will wait to see how the next 2 days play out with a forecast. I will be going out there regardless of the outcome.

 

So, we do have options. I have not finished exploring all of them so it isn’t possible to mention some just yet. I’ll be back with more as soon as I get info.

Be patient and watch the weather guys!

 

RPM

[Bruce Peck]

I know many people can’t swing it, but I’d be up for a weekday if it could work out.

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, PM me a contact # please!

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

 

Each of you whom have sent payment for the test day please hit my e-mail with a contact # so I can text or reach you in short order.

f-125@hotmail.com

Thanks!

Robert

 

 

 

 

[Todd Stoffer]

I was considering buying a couple of electric blankets to wrap around the rear of the kart to keep it from freezing up once I get it running – lots of work to do yet and it’s still too effing cold in the garage!

Email sent. I can do a weekday if necessary.

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

Robert you already have my contact info.  It is pretty cold and rainy here today. Hopefully this weekend pans out,  but so far it’s looking pretty rough on this side of the state.  If not I could do a week day with a little notice.

H

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

 

First, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. It certianly helped in speaking with all of you yesterday! (still suffering with radiation head!)

By now you have been informed by email or text that we have officially postponed the Test Day for this Saturday, April 9th.

Just too darn cold!!!

I will be driving out there Saturday to negotiate a new date and take video of what you missed. ;)

The “car group” has been calling with the same concerns (rain & snow Sunday!), I think they were waiting for us to postpone so they could bump up to Saturday!!!! Sissies, they have multi layer suits and heat cars!!! :)

So, I should be home early enough to post up the video of the conditions out there and have a new secure date from your input to shoot for.

If you have any new questions or concerns, or something I didn’t address yesterday, please let me know. You can talk here, PM’s or email.

Thanks Guys!!!!

 

Robert

[Robert Lawson]

Well,

Its been a long day for sure!!!!

All the calls and texting, emails and messages…..my brain was fryed! I think I’m suffering from Radiation Brain due to holding that phone to my head so long the last few days!!!

This weather has messed up the “Spring Training” part of this thing, thats for sure. I did get out there and back, plus just finished uploading and attaching the video to a mass email to most of you.

Next stop was right here. Didn’t want this info out “in public” until the parties involved could be notified. I made those calls and we can now move forward with a new date for the Test. This is a copy & paste of the email I just sent out:

Guys,

 

After reviewing the input from all of you, of the 2 dates we had to choose from, the majority consensus was that July 8th is the best fit for a make-up date. All but 1 participant will be able to make it, and from that total, only 1 has said they would not be able to stay for the race event that weekend.

I know this is not what was originally planned or intended but I had no control over the outcome.

A closed, private test, is what this will be. Only the original participants, their crew members, and my volunteer help for the April 9th date will be admitted on July 8th. All others must wait outside the circuit until the day is finished.

PS: Dave Ahrens, please send a note back I have some info for you!

Any questions, y’all know where to find me!!!

 

 

This is what we would have had to deal with out at Grattan if we had not postponed the Test Day:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJEOcw4RUpk&feature=youtu.be

I did the best I could to “please everyone” and as you can see, the damage was minimal. Dave Larson @ CES was not too happy to hear about this but it was cleared by the management before we took our video lap of the facility today. No one can control the weather, we get another crack at this so lets pray for good Summertime weather for the entire weekend in July.

As mentioned, any questions, just ask.

 

Thanks for your patients in all this Boys.

Robert

 

[Todd Stoffer]

I wasn’t planning to race at Grattan in July, but I guess I am now… See you guys at MIS in May.

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

Although that isn’t a prerequisite I’m sure Dave will appreciate hearing that!

I sumized this date over the other from “ability to make it”. 1 driver will be out of the State at that time and completely unable to attend. All others, yourself included, said they “could make it”. It may not have been everyones first choice but it was still the majority’s first choice by a 3-1 margine.

With a frozen/damaged engine this really hurts my plans and intentions. Not sure what I will do or not do in the month of May.

As the famous saying goes: “There is a first time for everything”

Now, we have had to reschedule for the first time!
Thanks for the input Todd!

 

RPM

[Bruce Peck]

Robert I’m just going to say right now – THANKS.  I know this has to be a bitch to get lined up each time when it goes well and this kind of mother nature crap really makes it crazy especially when there has to be a reschedule.   So I want to nominate you for karting bad ass dude of the year – hell, probably the decade.  If I get the opportunity some day I will buy you a nice dinner or at least pay your bar tab.  Well wait, maybe I should have an understanding of how much you can drink first :-)

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Bruce!!!

Thats awfully nice of you to say.

It was a bit of a headache….literally, but its past us now and we need to adjust.

I am going to do the best I can to lose some of this weight, at least so I can get into Rich’s kart. If successful, and if things work out, I would try my kart at MIS and if it was bad news then I would run Rich’s kart there.

I did pick up the 250 engine and bits last Saturday. Will have to go through that engine and compile a list of parts before investing time into mounts, exhaust mods, body panel, etc. After MIS I’ll know if this is the road I will travel, then, having it ready for the Test in July is a reachable goal. Weather will be beautiful this weekend so I’ll run water through everything and see if it doesn’t piss out right here in the garage!

I don’t drink anymore, but, maybe one day I can get a ride in that BRC of yours…..but only if it has a slippy pipe…..I miss the slippy pipe!!!!

RPM

PS: Completely forgot about this,  I had to come back and tell y’all about this “lost” video I found today hidden in my YouTube channels “video manager”. You can read the details in the description section but I was amazed to find it just sitting in there never published!

Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41Y8_thWx18

 

There is a suprise in there early on!!!!

Enjoy!!!

[Bruce Peck]

What a difference a week makes . . .  :-)

[Robert Lawson]

Yeah….it figures right???

I had a good time on the Bike this weekend!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Hey fellas,

 

Just a quick update on the repair to my engine:

I’ll be a spectator this weekend at MIS but the news is actually good!

 

See you on Saturday at MIS!

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys!

 

Its time to dust this thing off and get to getting it!!!!

This is just a wake-up call right now but will have some new info coming very shortly. Some changes have been made, obviously, we have a weekend race event immediately following our test day.

With that knowledge I would expect your plans may have changed. On a single day test format you may not bring the entire family (excluding the Chappells :) )  like you might for an event weekend.

So, I’ll need some info from y’all. Let me know how many are in your crew so I have enough to feed everyone!!!!! ;)

You can hit me here or on email. f-125@hotmail.com

 

By the way, we will take a short break (if necessarry) at lunch for the marshalls but Curt will prepare our brisket and fixin’s for DINNER…..directly following the end of the day on track.

More to come, looking forward to getting out to the track!!!!!

 

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

Two humans, two dogs.

[Robert Lawson]

“A closed, private test, is what this will be. Only the original participants, their crew members, and my volunteer help for the April 9th date will be admitted on July 8th. All others must wait outside the circuit until the day is finished.”  (April 9th, 2016)

 

Guys,

 

I have taken a few of calls & email from guys whom have asked to swap or otherwise transfer their spot in this Test Day to someone else.

When it was 1 person I thought…”gee, what can it hurt?” I tried to be “Mr. Nice Guy”  This week, and this weekend in particular, it seems to have blown up to a few more. So, I’m stoping this right here.

If you paid to TEST in April, you got a gift of a second chance when we rescheduled, which by the way no Org’s offer!

I won’t take “testing” away from those whom paid for it, so others can sell off to guys whom want to “practice”. No sir, if you would have missed the day in April had it gone off on schedule you would have been S-O-L.

 

So, in short, no regifting!

 

Sorry fellas, this is how it has to be. I’m sure there will be plenty of guys parked outside watching us go round and round and not enjoying it. I told the Management at Grattan, and Dave himself, that we would not be taking entries from the Event and I intend to keep my word.

 

I appoligize for any misunderstanding.

 

PS: That 1st guy is now coming!!!!

 

 

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

There will be me and dad, possibly mom on Friday. However, knowing our past history we will grab my lady after work and go get some grub together so don’t worry about us food wise.  Looking forward to see all you guys next week!  Hopefully I’ll be up and running in time.

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

Sorry for the delay on a final update, I have been just swamped the past 10 days.

 

I would like everyone to arrive Friday by 7am if possible. We will have a driver pow-wow/marshall briefing and answer any questions at a meeting 8-8:30am. We get started on track at 9am sharply.

For anyone that can not make it before 9am when we get started, we will NOT stop green sessions to open the gate. Only after stopping a session for pick-up will we allow the gate to be opened to the infield.
We have a standard 10 minute rule for pick-up. Sessions will be no shorter than 10 minutes, if you are first out…and first off….you will wait 10 minutes to be picked up. If we go green for 20, 30, 40 minutes, then someone goes off, we start a 10 minute clock for pick-up.

Once again, we are testing. Long green runs is the object.

 

 

If you are NOT renting a garage for the race event I strongly suggest you park/pit in the lower paddock so you will not have to pack up and move after 5pm on Friday. The weekend event gets started at 6pm. If you usually pay for upper paddock parking/pit you can still do that, just check with me before parking. We will want to leave the CES spots in the upper paddock open for Dave and his crew.

We WILL take a 1/2 hour break for the Marshalls mid-way through the day, again, I am providing Dinner for all drivers & their crew, Marshalls, and EMT’s, immediatly following the conclusion of the test day in the MX garage at the gate.

I will jump back here as soon as someone answers a phone at the track with info on Thursday camping, race fuel, weekend garage fees, upper paddock parking fees, etc.

Kenny, Rich, Chuck and I intend to drive out Thursday afternoon and camp overnight. I assume most of the benifits afforded us at April test dates will still be available next weekend but I will confirm all of this asap.

 

Any questions just call, text, email or drop it here.

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Boys,

 

Just spoke to Sam at Grattan.

He will allow Thursday camping/trailer drop off for all test day participants whom want to take advantage of being set-up at the track in the AM Friday at no additional charge.

 

Standard weekend fees:

Camping fee: $30

Upper Paddock pit/parking fee: $20

Garage fee: $100

As I mentioned above, if you do not intend to rent a garage or pit in the upper paddock for the weekend you should find a spot in the lower paddock. There will not be time or room to relocate your pit before the Event participants begin to enter the  facility.

Standard format for test day is to enter the track ONLY from the lower paddock at the jump (station 5) on the back side of the circuit. All drivers pitting in the lower paddock will exit at turn 3 to their pit. All drivers pitting in upper paddock will exit at the turn 12 pit lane entrance to their pit. Obviously you do not “race” through the paddock to and from the Circuit.

Race fuel is available, 110 leaded @ $9 per gallon. They will also have bagged Ice @ $2 each.

The forecast looks about 50/50 for Friday but we will have to wait and see how it plays out.

We will be renting a garage for sure!

Drink lots of water this week guys, it will be hot and humid out there….typical Grattan in July!

 

Safe trip Y’all, see you at the track!!!

 

Robert

 

[Robert Lawson]

Well that was FUN!!!

We fought a strong storm Thursday Night where the water was pouring off the roof of the garages. The gutters just could not keep up.

Friday started out very foggy but we got started on time at 9AM as it burned off quickly. Most everyone arrived in the AM, and we ran long green sessions with only short stops to pick up some karts here and there. TONS of track time through 3PM. We got a 15 minute downpour at 3, we asked for help running vehicles to dry the steaming asphalt!!! It dried in record time, surely we were looked upon favorably from above. We were running green again by 4PM and ran non stop to the end of the day.

I tried to simulate the same gearing effect from last October, (smaller rear tire diameter on standard gering) with my standard rear tire while adding a tooth to the rear. It was not exactly the same rev range, actually I prefer the feel/rev’s of the smaller tire set-up to what was tested but it was still very fast. We even tried back-to-back runs with the std tire and std gearing and our findings were accurate, it lapped faster on the added tooth of gear.

It was very hot in the early to mid afternoon, humid as well. I jetted down twice but all I accomplished was higher EGT and H2O temps….no added speed. After the rain/track drying the track was still good but my used tires were not holding on as well as earlier, that may have added to the lack of lap time too.

So, I put a set-up on at home….ran it…..took it all off….changed it and ran it again….then went to a std set-up and ran that….then, after being the LAST to leave the Dinner table (nice talking to some folks!) went back to work putting the “home” set-up on and rejetting for the cooler weather on Saturday. We got a lot of things on and off the kart, it would have taken 3 weekends of race practice to accomplish that. It was a very long day but worth every lap!

Dinner was awesome! Man that Curt can cook some smoked meat!!!! Over 14 lbs of Brisket and 21+ lbs of Pork tenderlion…..even the EMT’s stayed over after working the Test to join us. Everyone enjoyed the food and comrodery.

I must thank Bob & Dennis Cole for handling all the kart pick-up, Dennis Bernier donated all the Soda and Ice to cool it down, my crazy brother Kenny for….well….entertaining everyone as the MC on the PA, all the participants and especially those whom helped get the track dry so we could finish the day running!

 

You guys are all AWESOME!!!!!!

We did intend to stay and race Saturday, I worked on my kart until 10:30pm Friday night along side Tony working on his 250 preparing to do just that. In the morning there were a few different issues thrown at us, no sense in getting into to it here. I simply decided not to have a confrontation, so we bailed out. Too bad for us, there was a decent turn out for a change and we had a fast kart.

Again, thank you folks for staying with this thing through the rescheduling and the weather delays.

See you next time!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

PS: Did anyone else get onboard video???

I had trouble with the GoPro and got just 1 run that recorded any laps!!! I’ll try to get mine up later today.

(6 hours later stuck at 76% uploaded???)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Christian Carlson sent this to me, hope he doesn’t mind my posting it.

 

 

*** Looks like he got the date wrong huh???

 

[Dennis Chappell]

Robert

Thanks for another great test day. Everything was great track time, people, and food. Seen a little air under that kart of yours at the jump. See ya next time.

The Chappell’s

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Dennis!

 

You are most welcome, great to hang out with FAMILY and enjoy a day at the track! ;)

Yes, we were getting some “air time” over that jump. Others said the front was lifting, the rear was clearly off, and…the entire kart had light between it and the track surface!

You really don’t get a feel for that as much as you would think, everything gets real smooth for an instant but front or rear up….not so much. I was able to stay on it right to the point of lifting off though.

Finally got this video to upload, not sure why but this has happened before. The resolution is terrible! I had recorded 5 runs but this is the only one that kept recording longer than 20-30 seconds for some reason???

You can see that the track is getting rough again, I avoid the washboard coming off T9 before heading up the hill to the front straight. Always have, guess its just habit.

 

 

I found this one as well:

 

 

Would like to see more of this stuff, post it up guys!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

WOW, I just sync’d those 2 video’s up and let them run….thats cool!!!

[Todd Stoffer]

Hey, That’s me in the last video. Had a great time, thanks for everything, Robert. My ribs are still sore.

If you do it again next April let me know – I’ll be there. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

[Robert Lawson]

Absolutely Todd, no worries bro!

With any luck the new ownership of Nelson Ledges will continue the upgrades of the grounds and the Management will stay in touch when new asphalt goes down! Would LOVE to do some Test Days at Nelson again, super fun layout there in Amish Country!!!!

Here is a quick drone clip, you can see old buildings are gone and many trees removed as well…. https://youtu.be/SVxyI0isTjs

To those whom have contacted me or spoke with me about doing more of these Test Days at other tracks….I have been looking into it heavily since last weekend. Getting pricing on week day and weekend dates, also looking at taking a kart to some of them for surface testing. I have a short list of at least 3 where karts do not race and 4-5 more where they do.

We’ll see, adding bikes or even cars is possible if there are not enough karts.

 

More soon.

[Robert Lawson]

Just a heads up, I’m talking to Grattan about an October date.

If you have a preferance (early or late) let me know.

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

These are the available Saturday dates for October 2016. 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

So, the earliest date of the 15th would be a full 5 weeks after Gingerman and 3 weeks after MIS.

If anyone is interested in doing a test day in October please contact me via email or leave a note here.

Thanks!

Robert

f-125@hotmail.com

[Jerry Revely]

I vote Oct 15. I will be there.

[Todd Stoffer]

I’ll come back in October. I would suggest the earlier the better as you know how unpredictable the weather can be…

[Robert Lawson]

I have had just a couple emails about this. If we are to do it I agree on the earlier date being the best choice.

If weather were to be an issue the other dates would be available. That is assuming the same Sunday of that first weekend was not booked.

Let me look into it a bit more. The Management has claimed the EMT fee’s have gone up, that will be reflected in the lease cost of course. Funny, it went up the same amount I would have paid if we had stayed for the weekend!!!

Hmm…..coincidence???

As I had mentioned before, I continue to speak with other venues. Many are VERY open to a “track day” format.

 

But, you get what you pay for…for example…. What would you pay to turn laps all day at the Grande Course at say Pocono?

Like this:

 

 

 

 

There are many different Road Course configurations now, here is a diagram:

 

Pocono currently holds car and bike track days.

 

 

[Todd Stoffer]

Hell yeah I’ll go to Pocono. It’s about the same distance from me as Grattan.

What about Pittsburgh – the track formerly known as Beaverun… They finally finished the south track after all these years. http://pittrace.com/

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

 

I sent an email but never got anything back from them. That doesn’t really mean anything, most all of the places I emailed I also had to call to actually get info.

I’ll buzz them and see what the fees are and what it entails.

We had a great time at Beaver, the bike guys were a TON of fun to race with.

I’m working on something special, if it comes to pass it might just bring some old timers out for an afternoon!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, just an FYI….

 

Spoke with PIRC (aka “the Beav”) today and they emailed a pdf with pricing etc. The South course was put in play last July, the North Course will get repaved this Fall. So, 2017 will open to a smooth 2.8 mile circuit.

Here is a good view of the full course:

Will have to ask some questions, if the North Course is to be repaved the pricing he sent may not be any good next year. Nice elevation change, good mix of low speed and high speed fun!

Still looking at this “Special” thing on my wish list. It carries a TALL price tag but….you get what you pay for. Bucket list stuff ya know, but not completely out of the question….which is why I continue to work on it!!!! ;)

 

[Robert Lawson]

Here is a good video with perfect perspective of that “Special” thing that I’m working on.

They have been very busy up there the last few weeks with Indy Car so detailed discussion is taking some time. I do have a laundry list of what they expect and require.

Next conversation will be about the track surface and getting up there with the kart to cut some laps. The attached video is from 2013, you can see some vibration in the camera and some surface erosion from this pace car mounted view. They had some open dates in October, too late to do anything this year with a group but certianly time for Cher and I to take a little trip and check it out.

So, the question remains…. What would you pay to turn laps at a premier facility like this?

Personally, I’d pay whatever it took. I have been there as a kid, way back when they still had “The Bog” in the infield! I watched some of the greats of karting have big battles there. A few were very vocal about the danger of Watkins Glen and would not support going back there.

Its historic, like IMS I’d just about donate an organ to get out there.

 

When I get more I’ll pass it on!

[Bruce Peck]

“So, the question remains…. What would you pay to turn laps at a premier facility like this?”

Hmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . .

[Todd Stoffer]

I don’t think I’d go as far as donating an organ, but give me a price and it’s likely I’ll accept. It’s a given that we’ll never race karts there again anyway.

All that armco shouldn’t be a problem if we’re just running for fun.

 

[Robert Lawson]

C’mon Todd!!! You only need ONE of those kidney’s!!!! :)

Besides, that transaction would probably cover all the track days you could do….. with 1 kidney!!!! Hee, hee!!!

 

Will be back in touch with them next week, they have enough work to finish up with out me banging their phone. Right now, I have concerns/questions about the lease quoting they sent. It is broke down in multiple day pricing, I need to know if single day leasing is available or if multi days are all they offer. At that point I’ll have a better Idea what I’m working with.

Hey, the armco doesn’t concern me at all. We race/raced at places FAR MORE dangerous than this and are still here to talk about it. Although Karting is still just a hobby sport its only as dangerous as you make it.

More to come……

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

 

I’m making progress with WGI, as expected when questions get answered you generally have more questions!!! We are trudging through all that now. It will take a while to get this squared away, if thats even possible. I want to drive the circuit before investing too much time in this and that IS possible in late October…..we are working out just what THAT will involve. ($$$, insurance, etc.)

No weekend dates are likely, not impossible, just not likely. The annual lesees are offered renewal first and that window is open until some time in January 2017. They do not rent in single days, once in a blue moon a single does come available but they go very fast. So, a 2 day would be necessary. BUT, they DO allow bikes (I know right?) and there are plenty of car clubs up that way that already rent WGI so finding support will not be too tough. Weekdays are cheaper, obviously, and it would make a nice little vacation when combined with a few days off following an early week rental!

 

Pocono is FAR more affordable than I had thought! This is good news!!! After doing more work on it, getting a bike group out there with us may not be necessary. I’m waiting on a package from them now, they have 40 different configurations!!!  Again, that is still coming along.

We have some interest in doing an early October test/track day at Grattan  but currently not enough for me to get on the phone with the track. We need at least 20 for it to be affordable guys, if you are interested leave a note here or hit the email: f-125@hotamil.com

*** Rich and I DO plan to run MIS next week so look us up and let us know if you want to get involved with testing/track days.

Peace! RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

I’m still up for Grattan. Say the word and I’ll send a check. Looking like I’ll probably be at MIS as well.

[Jerry Revely]

I will do Grattan in early Oct.

[Robert Lawson]

I have received a couple more inquiries about the Grattan/October track day.

Speaking with Sam today, he has leased all the Saturdays except the 29th.

Sunday the 16th is available if that works for Y’all.

Let me know, time is getting short. We can pow-wow at MIS this weekend.

Have a Safe trip!!!!

[Bruce Peck]

Just so it’s official I’m out for an October outing.  Next Spring however would be pretty sure and likely also the other fun days you’re cooking up.

[Jerry Revely]

Oct 16 at Grattan works for me. I will be there if you schedule it.

[Todd Stoffer]

Oct 16 is fine with me. Might not make it to MIS this weekend.

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

 

Been working through this October gig. Have a list of 15 or so but almost 1/2 are not 100% and 20 is going to be the magic number (@ $150 ea.). We can go with less but it will cost more per driver. Its really up to Y’all.

 

On another note, I spoke to WGI today about cutting some laps. They worked it out with me to get it done, but, it has to be performed with a pace car keeping top speed down. :/

If I can set this up in the same trip with the other facilities we are looking into testing I’d do it. Just to be sure its a viable option. They did repave, professionally I was told ( :)! ), with no seams or transitions. I had to chuckle, and explain that even a paint stripe can be felt in a kart!

So, along with working on a day at Grattan I’m trying to settle and schedule all these evaluations at a few different Circuits.  Gettting a handle on the Insurance for events and this eval/testing, also working out a schedule to go and do it that works for all involved too. I’ve been busy this week already.

More to come, get after your friends and get them involved if Grattan is something you really want to do.

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

Robert Lawson wrote:

We can go with less but it will cost more per driver. Its really up to Y’all.

It’s only money… go for it!

[Robert Lawson]

:) The list of 50/50’s are longer than the 100% ers!!!!

But…. I hear ya…..you can only spend it once!!!

[Daniel Barth]

I’m in plus 2. Tom Barth and Eric Chappell.

[Robert Lawson]

Dan, I’ll add the 3 of you in pen!!!! :)

 

I don’t think we’ll make 20, it may be tight to get 15.

At 15 the cost is now $200 each. For 8 hours of track time with only 14 others drivers thats still a bargin for sure. Its up to Y’all, some would pay more but I know that others are already thinking of going skiing instead at that rate.

Let me know, time is getting short.

[Todd Stoffer]

I’m in. Say the word and a check is in the mail.

[Daniel Barth]

Add one more for Joe Barth. Although he did qualify it with, “as long as it’s not snowing, I’m in.” How are we looking? Should we start mailing checks?

[Mike Burrill]

Add Paul Nickle and Mike Burrill to the list of 100% er’s

Mike Burrill -
Karting Kartel

[Chuck Bunnell]

I can’t do Grattan this month, but count me in for next year’s adventures.  I’m all for playing on some new tracks.

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

 

Lets give it a few more days before sending any payments. We are still short of 15 (need 2 more) and if 15 is all we get I have a feeling a few will then back out because of the increase. Let me make some calls and see how many on this list that are not looking in here will go to $200 before making a decision.

* How many looking here would still be interested at $200??? Let me know.

Sometimes its like fighting a loosing battle, the faster you bail the quicker she sinks!

Chuck,

thats good to hear. A few other “veteran” karters have said much the same. Don’t get me wrong, I still dig the racing, but, for the $$$$ you can get a ton more on test/tune/track days.

I hope I can get this little tour worked out for the end of the month. Cher has not seen that part of the Country (Finger Lakes, Pocono’s) and I know she’ll really enjoy it.

OK, I’ll get to work and see if we can figure this out!

 

More soon

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

 

I have an OK from eveyone for Sunday 10-16-2016 @ $200 ea.

There is no time to mail checks so I will do the unthinkable and collect CASH at the track!  I’m trusting that all of you will show and not leave me hanging with the bill. The track requires payment in cash so please bring the right amount.

 

We will be watching the weather this week, and if need be, we’ll make a change no later than Friday PM.

I’m trying to get another guy or 2 involved, I didn’t intend to participate but if we’re short one…and I have to pay for it anyway…I may as well turn some laps…right???

I’ll keep you updated,

 

RPM

 
All the normal details apply. (will check on race gas availability)

Saturday night camping, on track 9am – 5pm, lunch break near noon.

[Todd Stoffer]

Woo! Thanks, Robert… will be there with cash in hand.

[Robert Lawson]

No problem Todd, lets be sure everyone runs all day so we can do a full group rolling start!!!!

 

Spoke to Sam, he WILL have 110 leaded race gas if needed.

 

Rich came by earlier, his Honda is stuck so he is out. I plan to be at the track between 2-3pm Saturday. While waiting for the “tuner car guys” to finish their day I’ll pull the kart out and get her prepped up. Will be camping out in the trailer in the upper paddock Saturday night if anyone wants to arrive early.

 

I hear Larry is going to bring lunch and cook for us??? Hmm, sounds good to me!!!!

 

Should be a good time, lets pray for nice weather!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Still looking for a guy or 2 to get on board.

We are back in the “no-go” zone as we were already short and lost one of our regular guys. I’m all for paying 1 spot and turning some laps but thats as far as my participation is going fellas.

I’m out of ideas, I called all that I know and best I can come up with is 1-2 that are still on the fence (and not looking good).

[Robert Lawson]

Its only mid-day Wednesday.

Here is the current weather forecast for 10-16:

Accuweather: H 68, considerable cloudiness with little rain, chance 68%

TWC: H 66, steady rain early, then remaining cloudy with a few showers, chance 100%

Saturday looks beautiful! Hee, hee….. maybe the table will shift and Saturdays forcast will spill over on Sunday!!! Hear is to hoping!!!

We’ll keep watching it!!!!

 

 

[Todd Stoffer]

So is it on or not? If so I would like to start loading up the van tonight.

Latest forecast is for showers before 8am and chance of showers after. I’ll take that chance.

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I have been telling everyone to go through the motions, that we will wait until Saturday AM to make a decision to call it off if it looks too bad. I’m getting ready like I’m going, my plan is still to drive out Saturday early afternoon and work on the set up while waiting to get in the paddock.

Unfortunately, it will only take 1 guy not coming to shut this thing down.

On a side note, it will be 35 degrees or so here tonight….. so I put ANTIFREEZE in the hotrod just to be sure!!!!!!

 

We’ll keep a close eye on it for another 36 hours or so…..

[Robert Lawson]

Kart Guys, they never cease to amaze me……

These guys are nuts, they all agreed to head over to Grattan knowing we will see AM rain over there!!!

Maybe I’m just loosing it, luster gone, fair weather fan…. or just gettin old!

So, were “on” for Sunday. Even though I feel like the Captian from Perfect Storm!
I’ll be prayin for a miracle!!!
Safe trip Y’all, see you Sunday Morning

[Robert Lawson]

Back home early and…..

Nope, I’m not losing it, the luster is still there and, ok, I might be getting a little tiny bit older, but thats all!!

Man, the downpoured began at 5:30 am and did not stop for 2.5 hours. It kept on at a decent rate for another couple hours then a sprinke turned to a mist and it all stopped near 11 am.

I should have taken GoPro video, the amount of standing (and flowing) water was insurmountable! I did get some cell video of the waterfall rushing down the monza…it was so deep and so fast it had waves in it!!!! If we were able to work in a dry line the mutiple flows would have made it impossible to “test” and get good data.
So, we never did get on the track….BUT, Larry came through with the groceries and Curt cooked it all up. At least we had a nice feast together!

Thanks to the guys, they all kept their word and showed up. Unfortunately I believe I’ll receive a call from Sam tomorrow. Curt sent a text just 20 minutes ago, he said “Good call, it never dried”.

If I do get out and surface test anything in the next couple weeks I’ll post it here.

See Y’all!

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Boys,

I just can’t let this go….

I called Gingerman, they really have nothing left to rent. This weekend is their last, next weekend they will be winterizing the buildings…. clearing water lines etc.  I asked if we could turn laps while this process was on going but the manager was not available. They will be calling to advise.

I also called Waterford Hills and left a message. Not sure what is happening over there just yet.

This may be, if it happens at all, a weekday gig….if anyone is interested.

I sent Dan Barth a note, he’s up for it!

Let me know guys…

[Todd Stoffer]

Not sure if I can do a weekday at this point. I would need at least a week’s notice so I can figure out some way of playing hooky.

[Robert Lawson]

Gingerman is out, they want 3K for 1/2 a day on a weekday this coming week.

I’m trying to raise someone at Waterford today, I’ll keep you informed!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Happy New Year Guys!!!!

Watching the race-monitor for the event at Daytona got a few of us that didn’t attend fired up to play with the karts. I have been working on repairing my “good” pipe that broke 2 years ago!!!! Thankfully Larry had given me a bunch of prerolled cones and we found a portion that suitably replaced the shattered bit so…… we have something (a reason!!!) to TEST!!!

I have stayed in contact with the Boys at Grattan and just got a few dates for an April Test Day…… or 2!

Thats right, I said or 2….. meaning a complete weekend.
I can hear y’all thinking already :)

It would be the first ever 2 day TEST. Think about it….. I’ll have more very soon!!!!

Stay warm out there!!!

 

RPM

 

[Dennis Chappell]

Robert

Your always thinking. 2 days sounds like a fun weekend. Just purchased a RV so bring it on. Just tell Eric to open that wallet.

The Chappell’s

[Bruce Peck]

Wow Robert.  You are READING MY MIND.  I was at Daytona and am still pumped up so was just getting to ready to ask if this had been thought about yet.  I’m switching my 150 test machine over from the dual alky burners (Brian Wilhelm called it a four headed monster) to a large single gas carb to make things more manageable so I’ll be ready to test even if it’s cold.   Bring it!

[Robert Lawson]

Dennis,

Nothing like that first trip to the track with a new RV!!! Eric is my Bro, he will be fully “IN” I’m sure. ;)

Bruce,

I was going to ask you about that but figured the motor came as a package with good test notes as a base.

Back in the day I had a watercooled 100cc Open rotory valve engine and I started on a big gas carb to work out the bugs first. We then went to Colver mod Alky carb (360 deg fuel feed venturi) and she really went fast! Got greedy though, sent her out to Greg Campbell (may he rest in peace!) to be opened up to a 135cc. It thumped, that thing could pull a skid of bricks!!! Unfortunately I kept spinnin too many rev’s on that big bore and blew it up 1 too many times!!! Man those were good times…. Campbell lit me on fire with ether at Mid-Ohio when it backfired trying to start it in cold weather early one Spring. His last contraption was a highly modified TKM 130 (150cc!!!) with rotory valves and intakes/carbs on both sides of the bottom end!!  He was nuts, but in his day SUPER fast!!!!

Moral of the story? Stay away from the well meaning Campbell’s out there and get on that gas carb and have fun!! :)

Very much looking forward to running Mid-Ohio in June. Sooo many stories from down there over the years….. my return is overdue!

RPM

[Jerry Revely]

We will be there.

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry,

Of course you will….. It wouldn’t be a “family reunion” with out you!!!! :)

 

[Robert Lawson]

Here are a few things to chew on….

Available April dates: 1-2, 8-9, 0r 15-16

Need some feedback on your preferance.

I do have a plan for single day/full weekend participation costs if we do get enough interest to do a full weekend. Also, I am not against inviting the USGPRU guys out to share time with us to make the full weekend possible.

Been thinking about a “buddy drive” sometime on Saturday for friends, pit guys, or newbies to get a chance at turning a few laps so maybe we can get a hook in them!! Of course, even though I’m on a strict diet, we will have Dinner after track hours on Saturday for everyone. I should be ready to cheat by then. ;)

One change regardless of format is a formal Insurance program. We (Myself, JW, etc) have been treading dangerous waters according to Tim at AKRA and it really is time for all of us to be covered as we would at a Race Event. Don’t freak out…. I think I can work this out so its very cheap by comparison. We have had a stellar safety record to this point and now I want to guarantee if anyone IS injured that they get the best attention afforded to them.

More to come!!!

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

I would say the later in April the better chance for good weather, but you never know with Grattan!

Say when I’ll be there.

 

[Bruce Peck]

I’d also vote for later although with my luck it will be sunny and 70 on April 1 and snowing on the 15th.   I’d be in for two days if it works out.  My little two man team has multiple things we would like to test.

[Dave Ahrens]

I agree with the later date for possibly better weather but if we went with an earlier date would the later dates still be available for make up dates if we had bad weather?

[Robert Lawson]

I like the way you think Dave!!!

Checking into this and a few other things as well, right now.

I have a feeling a “weekend” lease is a take-what-you-get situation (short of snowfall!!) simply because there is 2 days of track time. The single day rentals are easier to reschedule, its only because the Sunday on a single day rental (early in the year) is usually still unbooked. When you try to move an April date to later in the year, more times than not, you get a weekday for the make-up date.

Just a heads up, the 16th is Easter.

More coming as soon as Sam calls back!!!

 

RPM

[Dave Ahrens]

I didn’t realize the 16th was Easter; probably a good idea to avoid that day.

[Robert Lawson]

I have been having trouble with this cell phone, the spare is in the shop and will be ready tomorrow.

Sam called but I missed him. I’ll get some questions answered tomorrow and get back here to let Y’all know what’s going on.

Dave, is it safe to say if we do just a single day gig that the 15th is OK????

[Dave Ahrens]

yes I could make the 15th.

[Robert Lawson]

I spoke with Sam, good news….. he will honor all the “perks” of the single day gig for a full weekend as well.

He finds it hard to believe that Y’all would drive all the way back there on consecutive weekends but…..

He is willing to reschedule us IF another weekend is still available. Thats a BIG if…. I would bet at least the Saturdays will be booked for all of April before we actually get out there. Of course, this would ONLY apply if we had to cancel/reschedule before the weekend in question (like last April). If we cancel before 7am on the morning of the Saturday of the lease, I’m off the hook for the EMT but the marshalls will have to be paid for coming out.

Enough talk about rescheduling…. we have not picked a date yet! Besides, the once in a millenium weather issue was LAST year!!!! We will be good to go!!!

I’m calling my guys here in town to get an idea on the date too.

Keep looking in, I’ll have more coming soon!!!!

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I had Sam pencil us in for the April 8-9 weekend. The guys in town here were ok with any available date so I chose the one we had been booking annually.

We had 80 “looks” at the USGPRU website but not 1 response. Long story short their Eastern US series did not compete last year as the participation was so low going in that they scheduled no events!

So, its all karts or we’ll have to dial it back to a single day. I’m not giving up on a full weekend, there is a good number of guys that really want this 2 day option to come about so I’ll stay at it until we’re out of time.

I’m still throwing figures around, not everyone will be able or willing to do a full weekend (bro Rich…). So, trying to figure how many singles vs full weekend entries will be needed to pull off the double is like a moving target!

I’ll have more soon!

[Todd Stoffer]

Count me in for both days.

[Robert Lawson]

Things are starting to come a bit more in to focus. Here is what I have at the moment…..

The numbers I’m shooting for to do a full weekend is 35-40 guys/karts @ $175 each for 1 day or $250 each for a full weekend.

An event entry on average is $125, for a sprint chassis that is 1 – 30 minute race and a couple 8 minute runs in practice. (About $142 per hour, or $125 per hour of track time if you got 4 / 8 min runs of practice)

We will have open track time from 9-5 with the usual 30-45 minutes for EMT’s and Corner Personel to get lunch. So, 7 hours per day or 14 total hours of all the laps you can do for $175 – $250.

For a single day, thats $25 per hour, for the weekend…. $17.85 per hour.

Guys, the indoor joint wants $20+ for 8 minutes in a rental…… @35mph.

If we do pull off the full weekend Dinner is on me! It will directly follow the days activity on Saturday at 5pm in the MX garage. If not, Lunch is on me!!!! Either way we will have Curt setting up that yummy smoked beast & fixin’s for us!!!

Still working over the Insurance, trying to figure how to get spectator pricing cheaper than driver cost. I’ll figure it out!!!!

Got a list going, let me know what your intentions are so I can keep score at home. There are 10 or so 2 day guys, 3 single day and 1 not sure yet but we’re just getting started.

Hang in there, its gonna warm up!!!

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,  Put me down for one day of testing.  Thanks, Greg Stamm

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Greg, I’ll make a note of that.

Guys,

Let me add, if anyone pays for *Saturday only then decides to stay for Sunday as well, they will only be required to pay the difference of the additional $75.

*You are also welcome and invited to stay for Dinner and camp, then drive home Sunday if you like.

Because the Management has been gratious enough to allow us to camp at no charge you will be responsible for keeping your general area free of garbage. If you park/pit/camp in the lower paddock you will be responsible to aquire a provided trash container AND return it to where you got it. Being April, and early in the season schedule, there is a chance that Potty’s and trash cans may not have been distributed so just keep this in mind if you prefer to park in the lower paddock area.

We have about 12 full weekend participants and 5 single day folks as of now, a couple of these plan on Sunday only. This is a very optimistic start, there is a lot of enthusiasm for a full weekend with the open format!!!

Any questions, post here or hit my email: f-125@hotmail.com

[Bob Cole]

Robert,   My brother Larry would like to be included in on the one day practice, he needs some seat time with his Tag kart.

 

[Robert Lawson]

Cool. Thanks Bob, I’ll pencil him in!

Ya know, you have a LONG LOST SON around here somewhere….. ah, forget it, he’s probably got more rust than Titanic!!!!!

I’d pay money to see him give that Vintage Twin a go!!!!

[Bob Cole]

He has only tried a laydown once that I know of, ’96 at a Gingerman test day. And then he said never again.LOL

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I have a feeling we picked the wrong weekend!!!!

Grattan weather Feb 18-19:

Feb 18  Sunny, High 57F

 

Feb 19  Partly Cloudy, High 54F

So, its gonna be like 80 in April????? :)

[Robert Lawson]

Think I’ll take the bike for a rip on Saturday!!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

The “Boss” pointed this out to me, I need to clairify a previous statement….

“Let me add, if anyone pays for *Saturday only then decides to stay for Sunday as well, they will only be required to pay the difference of the additional $75.”

I should have been clear that this option will only be available if we had gotten enough pre paid participation and interest to lease for the full weekend in advance. There is no guarantee Sunday will be available if it isn’t part of the original lease agreement.

 

Anyway, we are looking pretty good right now. I hope we can get enough 2 day guys that this won’t be an issue.

Thanks Boys!!!

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I fully intended to get the Insurance pass details squared up and posted today but its just going to have to wait one more day….. or until I get a call back!!!

Being that its my first trip down this path I want to be absolutely sure ALL the “T’s are crossed and I’s dotted”. Next time….. the training wheels will be off!!!

I got a few calls this AM about when to send a check, must have been that nice weather yesterday!!  So, we will now start accepting payment for the April 8-9 weekend. We will not take entries at the gate, you must be prepaid to participate, this is a “Closed Private Test”. All passes will be paid for and issued at the gate.

Send entry here: Robert Lawson 17731 Ivanhoe St. Roseville, MI. 48066

*please include all driver names, kart class, and if single day what day you intend to participate.*

Thanks, I’ll have more soon.

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

I STILL have not heard back from the Insurance guy! Will be calling again tomorrow to get these last few questions answered before time to apply and pay fees.

Sorry for the delay!

Still waiting on the mail to see who makes this years “podium” as first, second, and third envelopes to arrive!! :)

As soon as I hear from the “guy” I’ll pass on that info.

Thanks Guys,

RPM

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:   My check has left the grid.  We’ll have to see how she finishes . . .

[Robert Lawson]

Sounds good Bruce, I’ll be scoring the race here at the mail box!!!! :)

 

I finalized all the Insurance requirements, made some consessions, and this is what I came up with:

Drivers – 2 day $20,  1 day – $15
Crew/Spectator – 2 day $15 – 1 day $10

I’m happy with this, it was important to me that I find a way to make this affordable for everyone AND provide quality coverage.

So, now we just need to pull this thing off. Lets not make the Boss nervous, get your check here early!!!! (She Thanks You :) )

Thanks Guys,

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

Hey Robert – I’m definitely in for both days. I need to check with Ken to see if he wants to come along. But it’s going to be 2-3 weeks before I can send a check. I’m pretty much broke after paying vet bills.

My dog Enzo developed a serious health issue earlier this week but the absolute worst part is he just passed away in my arms about two hours ago as I was about to load him into the van to rush him to the vet clinic (again).

Sorry to cast such dark clouds over this thread, but I thought you should know.

:(

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I’m sorry to hear that, I feel your pain bro!

You know Cher and I are dog folks too and our girls are getting older as well. Its tough, Harry had to put his little buddy down just a few weeks ago, he is still a bit lost without “Chance”, (Jack Russell),  following him everywhere.

I’m really hoping for GOOD weather so I can bring the girls AND Cher!!!! The dogs just love Grattan and do not seem to mind the noise while at the track.

Hang in there buddy!!! When one door closes, another opens….

Stay in touch,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey guys,

I think I figured this out….

I posted a note and video a bunch of times and it kept kicking me back to the first page?? And NO post or video!!

Anyway, I found more lost video today. Thought I’d share with y’all!!!

This is an uneventful clip but I want to see if you can catch when someone is in my tow. Its clearly noticeable, (rev lights) you can almost feel it!

Who is it you say??? Oh no you don’t!!! You will have to watch to find out!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnwF5_Df6Ag

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

The “podium” is complete!!!

Top step goes to Eric Chappell!!

2nd Dean Axe (has 2 drivers)

3rd Larry Cole

Bruce Peck and Mike Burrill were post marked the same as Larry, but,  Mr. Cole had the tie breaker with an earlier date on his check!!!! :)

Its all good fun!! Been getting texts and email so I’m leaning past hopeful to optimistic that the full weekend will take place.

More to come……

[Todd Stoffer]

Aww, sorry to hear about Chance. I met him last year at Grattan. He was a cute little guy, but he sure wasn’t a fan of my big dogs. LOL

It’s never easy to say goodbye to our furry friends. Enzo left a huge hole in both my heart and my wallet, but the wallet will be a heck of a lot easier to fill. I’ll try to get you a check next Friday.

[George Sunderland]

Rob:  Sent you an e-mail about one of your karts.  Also, anything more on the Glen or Pocono?

 

 

Geo

[Robert Lawson]

Geo,

I have not got any e mail yet…. still have some of your stuff here though!!!! (pipe/cases)

Ran out of time last Fall, we’ll look into it again in the Spring here.

Todd,

Yer Fam, just get ‘er here asap Bro. We got some time.

I’ve tried posting more video right here 4 times now….. screw it…. I give up!

Even the “inset link” dont work…… I give.

[Robert Lawson]

Maybe…… hey, look at that!!! It only took about 8 attempts!!!!!!

Off to MIS you go….. enjoy the ride!

 

https://youtu.be/e1nPVb1bFog

[Robert Lawson]

Boys,

The countdown is on, we are 5 weeks away so get a check or money order in the mail sooner rather than later.

I’ll have to make the call on a 1 day or 2 day lease in just 2 weeks AND pay for it so time is running out.

Not throwing in the towel on a full weekend but it suddenly took a turn south. Many that made a verbal commitment to the full weekend have decided to pay for a single day and wait or have just changed their mind.

We’ll stay after it until we’re out of time. Anyone who paid for the weekend will get reimbursed the $75 difference if we can’t make a full weekend lease.

I don’t “do” social media, heck, texting is not something I enjoy! But, I did hi-jack the Wife’s FB account and send a note with info on the Test to Larry. He has a lot of karting “friends”. If you happen to be into that, let your friends know what we have going on.

I haven’t uploaded any of the other video yet but I’m working on it. Back in 09′ and again in 2010 Grattan was repaved in segments. In the fall of 09′ brought phase 1 which started at the begining of the front straight and ended as you came off T3. Obviously phase 2 was from T3 back to the front straight. Each time Sam had called me, and asked if we would come out and turn some laps, absolutely free. Of course I accepted AND invited a few friends to come out as well. They just wanted our oppinion on a couple spots they reworked and how it felt compared to how it always was. I have video of these invitational pavement tests. I also found early tests of the ICC from Waterford Hills. That track is very short, very narrow, and very rough…but it is so close to home that we couldn’t pass up a chance to test brake rotors and pad material. We installed a new floor tray after that Test!!!

That pavement at Grattan was brand spankin new & super duper slick, man you had your hands full. And Waterford…. I never used 6th gear and just barely touched 100 mph.

I’ll try to get some of it up soon!

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,  Do you have a paypal account?  I am out of town until 3/26 and don’t have any way to send you a check.  Greg

[Robert Lawson]

I do! Or did?

I don’t know!!! :)

Let me work on that, I’m pretty sure I do but its been years since I’ve used it.

[Robert Lawson]

Greg,

It took awhile but I finally figured out the password and got back into my PayPal account.

How it operates I have no idea, never got a payment on it before. Quit laughing, I like the aniquated old school paper option…. its brainless!!!!

Now, can you tell me why the videos won’t load up here and how to fix it???

[Robert Lawson]

Still can’t get video link up on here???

A few pages back the player was even visable, all I did then was copy & paste and it popped right up. For some reason even the “insert link” do-dad up there isn’t allowing a hyperlink to be added.

Oh well, if you go to the YT channel you can see the Waterford video. I have litterally TONS of vhs tapes filled with racing action from the sidelines of the Lawson Brothers and their cohorts from all over. Its amazing to look back at and see how huge Road Racing was in the 80’s & 90’s, all the classes were big back then, especially the Unlimiteds. Good Times!

Things are shaping up with the Test, we will certianly have enough participants for a Saturday. I’ll keep you informed of what to expect.

Until next time….

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,
Well, the impossible has happened. I have joined the 21st Century and given in to progress….

I can now accept payments AND process them, through PayPal!!!! :)

Oh boy, what is the world coming to…

Robert Lawson

f-125@hotmail.com

(Thanks Dave!!!!)

 

PS: Now, can someone PLEASE tell me how to post video???!!!!!

[Bob Kurkowski]

Robert,

I was just watching a copy of the German Superkart documentary video made at Road Atlanta and could not believe the number of 250 Superkarts in attendance.

You’re right, where have all the good times gone?

Bob K.

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  I just sent you an email . . .

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Bruce!

Yeah I got it, sent you a response!!

Bob,

I was there with you at Road Atlanta that weekend. You were the last to fall asleep on me while I was driving us all back to Columbus!!! Not only some awesome racing that weekend but man can those Germans drink!!!!! Wow!! They are lucky Rich wasn’t there, they would still be telling stories at Oktoberfest back in the Old Country about the crazy American with the “bubble glasses”!!!!! He would have altered their family trees with that JD!!!! :)

We had some good times at Mid-Ohio. All the Yamaha classes were huge, the 80/125 class was getting big, the B-ltd/Laydown Shifters had a big class and the 250 twins were all Rotax’s, and plenty of them! There was a small but solid following of Canadians too. Laydowns were the majority then, oh how times change.

That October race every year was good fun man. I always ran good at Mid-Ohio, even back in the day with the ole stocker. Don’t know why, it was never a favorite of mine. Rich and I, Francis, Jimmy McGee, Harry & all of his Boys, Dennis, Brad & Sandy, Frank Dawley, Roger, Doug ….. and anyone else heading out at the same time…. we would all stop at the Hill overlooking the keyhole. We would watch the next race start and have a beer together. The trees were all yellow, orange & red. Just awesome! We knew it would be ALL Winter before we would be back together at the track so we took our time and soaked it all in. One by one we would say our good bye’s and folks would leave. Me and Richie were always the last to get going!!! Good Times indeed. The Best! (I have film from that hill too!!!)

Guaranteed, if we get back there in June…. we’ll stop at that hill on the way out!

[Bob Kurkowski]

Robert,

Meeting Richard with or without a ‘bubble glass’ is truly a life changing experience. LOL !

Need to make a note to self and everyone else out there who roadraces, get up and get your kart going and go attend a race near you.

Bob K.

[Robert Lawson]

Well Boys, the mail has come and the call must be made….

We will not be doing the full weekend.

Bummer, I know, I was really looking forward to just organizing on Saturday and doing all my testing on Sunday. The upside is IF we have to reschedule, its a single day, and our options are greater. Our first option would be Sunday the 9th IF it has not been booked by then now that its officially available. We will also now go back to the mid day lunch break.

No measurable amount of snow out there now so thats good.

I will be sending out refunds for the difference in cost for the weekend vs the single day. Those will go out first thing Monday morning.

I was working on my kart today, getting er ready! Down 25 lbs the suit is comfy again, thats a bonus.

Looking forward to it!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

^^^Please read above notice^^^^

Just noticed this….

On 1-16-17 I first posted about the possibility of an April 2017 Track Day. On that day there was 4158 views to this thread.

As of today, 3-17-17, there has been since then (8 weeks ago) 2900+ views here!

Going back to the begining, pg 1, 1-13-16 was 1 year and 8 weeks (+/-) and we have seen more than 7000 views.

That has to be somekind of record!!!!???? You could add all the threads on the first page, maybe 2, and not get that number of views.

I get it, many of the same people look in multiple times. But, isn’t that also the case with all the threads????
So, for the life of me, I don’t understand why we can’t get 100 guys to these test/track days.

A VERY WISE MAN once said:  “Nothing grows without rain…..”

I still dont follow, but it sounds really really smart and for some reason it fits here!!!!!! :)

 

PS: thanks for ALL the help with the video thing fellas!!!! ;)

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

Checks went out this AM refunding the difference to those whom paid for the full weekend.
Will be heading to the track on Thursday to sign the lease and work out the plans for lunch with Curt. After business is settled its time to play, will be joining Curt in an afternoon of target practice!!!

I’ll get some video and give you an update later this week.

We are forcast to have a sunny 50 deg day tomorrow, I plan on finishing up a couple things on the kart and running it for a bit. Gotta check Rich’s welding for leaks and give myself time to get it over to him if it needs touching up. Have some parts to order yet too, still have to get Rich’s engine running!

Start getting geared up fellas, its just 2 weeks from this weekend!!!!

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,

I have spent the majority of the last two months out of town for work.  So, my kart is not complete and I will have one week when I return.  I am waiting until I get back to make sure I can get it together and ready before I commit the money.  Sorry for the late news, I originally was supposed to come home a week earlier, but my boss needs me to stay and I need the job.

Greg

[Robert Lawson]

No problem Greg, if you don’t end up getting it together you still accomplished something. You got me to get that dusty old PayPal thingy up and working!!!!

It was a beautiful day here today, sunny and 57!!! The kart started on the 1st rip of the strap! Pipe needs touching up but for the most part I’m ready to go.

Rich’s rig is another story. No time to get a jug out and back from the plater and the stocker we intended to bolt on for the day is not usable as it sits either. Will have to knock the sticky off his current jug and see if the plating is intact. If not I have already put a call in to Pops Moscone and he has a stock jug Rich can use for the day.

We’ll be busy this weekend and next getting everything together!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

We made the trip out to the track yesterday but did not get to turn a lap.

The Grand Rapids Police were training all day and had been doing so since Monday!

We did do a good bit of shooting AND I took my girls for a nice long walk out there which was worth the trip altogether! The brisk, fresh air, must have done their old body’s some good…. they are still sleeping it off at 9:45 am this morning!!!

The track surface is starting to look like the old Grattan. There are large areas of sealer out there now and the Po-Po looked to be staying off of it where they could. Its bone dry out there, thats a good sign. If you watched the rescheduled video from last April there were huge areas of standing water just off the track in the grass. There is a bit of rain forcast, much like this side of the State, for the next couple days but it is “occasional”. I wont make a prediction yet but the 14 day forcast is “Cloudy & 56”. I’ll take that!

Its early in the game of playing  Meterologist but keep Sunday the 9th open in your schedule just incase.

Stay tuned!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The forecast looks pretty good for the entire weekend at this point.

Sat 8th: Partly Cloudy H 58, Chance of R 20%, Humidity 67%

Sunday is slightly better: Clouds & Sun, H 62, Chance of R 10%, Humidity 65%

Some sun would be a bonus!

Rich’s parts are arriving tomorrow, my pipe will be back then too. Fingers crossed, everything should be together and running this weekend!!

Should be a good time, lots of laps!!!

More soon!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I had a couple others ask about trailer drop off or camping on Friday. My intention is to be at the track on Friday by 3pm and no later than 5pm. So, anytime after we arrive you can drop off and unload. Hotel or camping is up to y’all, we will be staying at the track. There is no cost to camp.

Per usual, we ask that all participants pit in the upper paddock. As a single day event it is easier to communicate and safer for everyone to be pitted in the same area. Garages are available at no cost.

A “pre track readiness” form will be issued. This is simply your acknowledgement that your kart/gear is in a prepared condition for the track. Standard stuff, brakes, steering, wheels, helmet & personal gear, etc. YOU will be responsible to maintain this standard as you test/work on your kart during the day. It must be signed by the driver of each kart.

WE WILL START PROMPTLY AT 9AM (WEATHER PERMITTING)

It is to your advantage to arrive BEFORE 9AM as we will not stop a green flag track for gate traffic. Once green, we run non stop and will uphold a 15 minute clock for disabled karts. The first kart off the track will start this clock, sessions will never be shorter than 15 minutes and you will not have to wait longer than that to be towed in. This is a very important aspect of testing.

Saturday morning the gate will be open no later than 7am.

I’m guessing that track fuel will not be available but I will confirm.

If you have any questions just ask or hit the e-mail: f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Got a bit more info for y’all.

There will be NO fuel available at the Track in April. You will need to bring your own race fuel.

The Track IS rented on FRIDAY 4-7-17 so paddock access, trailer drop off, or camping can not commence until after 5pm on Friday.

Sunday has NOT been leased as of now so that will remain the first choice as a rain date. The weather looks OK for that weekend still but we will watch it as next week unfolds.

There are 6 or so guys that have not done a Test Day with us before. Also, some have never driven the karts they are bringing. I think they should have a session or 2 of their own to be sure they know the procedure and get familiar with things before getting out there with the group. We will work that out at the driver meeting with the lead marshall before we start for the day.

More to come…..

[Bruce Peck]

I’m still planning on being there, but BOTH of my available cylinders for my 150 engine are still out at the plater.  I thought they would be back long before now.  I can put it together at the last minute, but the pieces still have to show up.   I’m going to try and track them down tomorrow.  Here’s hoping . . .

[Robert Lawson]

Brewster,

Thats a bummer! Hope it works out, you have another ride right???

I will be out there tomorrow, bright and early, running the guts out of the 90 with a 3 ply scotchbrite wheel polishing up the pipe so I can snap it all back together.

Dont know what I’m more wound up over…. turning laps or breaking from the diet for some of that smokey goodness Curt is cooking for lunch!!!!

Looking forward to it. After all that hand grinding and filing to make this early homologation engine accept the later model reed cage I’m hoping this pipe will make some difference. The old model pipe did not get it done at MIS, she was a dud! Or, as “Brownie” says… “It’s junk!”

[Robert Lawson]

That was quick!

Just like that Rich is out! The cylinder on loan was sketchy, a few of the ribs between ports were paper thin. I told him with his luck he would be repairing that one along with the A-kit cylinder we intend to send out.

Also, my pipe is still leaking! I had to rib Richie a bit and tell him RLV will not be calling him for a job anytime soon!!!! Of course he claims that RLV is not welding used junk pipes either!! Touche’ Richie…. touche’!!!! ;)

Worst case I’ll run the spare pipe…. wont learn anything but I’ll have a ride! Just to add insult to injury the EGT probe broke off in that spare pipe and I had to buy another one.

How is it going for Y’all???

[Robert Lawson]

PS: On a positive note, the weather forecast is getting better!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys and to whom it may concern,

 

I will be closing the registration for the April 8th Test Day at noon (eastern) tomorrow (4-3-17).

We will NOT take entries after then, or at the gate the day of the test. This is a “closed private test” for the limited number of pre paid entrants. If your name is not on the gate list you will be welcome to watch from outside the track at no charge or buy a spectator pass to enter the paddock. Only the drivers on the gate list will be allowed on the track. I can’t believe I’m going to say this after years of poo-pooing it myself…. but…. “For Insurance Reasons Only The Paid Legal Entrants Will Be Allowed On The Track.”

Its weird standing on this side of the fence …. I have become “one of them”.  :)

So, at this point the only way to get registered before the cut-off is that thingy called PayPal! (please choose the “friends & family” payment option)

Thank You for your understanding,

RPM

f-125@hotmail.com

[Albert McCracken]

Hey there I’d love to join, just found out about this at the last minute, sent you an email!

[Gregory Stamm]

Robert,

After getting home this weekend, I find I have more to do than I anticipated.  I will not be able to attend this weekend.  Thanks for putting these together, sorry I have to back out at the last minute.

Greg

[Robert Lawson]

Albert, welcome!

It was good to speak with you this AM and I’m sure you will enjoy the format and atmosphere of these Test Days.

Greg,

I hear ya. I will have to hustle now as well with the set backs. We do not intend to go racing until M-O. Worst case, we use the Friday down there to work things out. REALLY looking forward to M-O, last race/drive there was 07′!!!!

Good News: Belding Weather, Saturday April 8th:

Warmer with plenty of sunshine

High: 54, Real Feel: 58, Precip: 6% 

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  Bummer but I won’t be making it up there this weekend.  Equipment issues.  Details are in your email.  Everybody have fun and be safe!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,
I just spoke to both Brothers at the Track. It has rained out there for 4-5 days and the ground in the known trouble areas are absolutely saturated. The chance of water draining across the track in T1 is very likely.

So, I called a few of the “long distance” guys and they have no problem with waiting it out until Sunday. It puts them back home rather late but a dry track is worth waiting for. This buys us the most amount of time for the Facility to potentially dry and have a consistant track to test on.

We are officially moving the test from Saturday April 8th TO Sunday April 9th.

 

I will be at the track Saturday afternoon by 3pm and staying overnight.

Any questions please ask here or shoot me an email: f-125@hotmail.com

 

Thanks Guys!!!!

[Dennis Chappell]

probably a good move Robert Sunday looks to be a warm one.

 

[Todd Stoffer]

Glad I checked this thread before I left! The overnight temps will be a lot more bearable.

I’ll be there late afternoon Saturday.

[Robert Lawson]

I was able to reach everyone except Randy McDaniel, and Dean Axe.

If anyone looking in here know these guys please give them a heads-up.

Dennis, I’m going to leave here as early as I can Saturday. We’ll check it out on arrival and start sweeping if we have to!!!!

With the added paperwork of waivers, passes, and a tech sheet, please get to the track as early as possible. Gate should be open by 7am and we want to have a meeting no later than 8:30.

Thanks Again Guys!!!!

[Greg Wright]

Robert, I texted Dean Axe this morning.

Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
Vintage B-Stock Pilot
"When in doubt Gas it, It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[Greg Wright]

Robert,  Dean Axe is now aware of the change, Randy McDaniel is coming with him so you’re covered.

Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
Vintage B-Stock Pilot
"When in doubt Gas it, It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Greg!

Dean and I are playing a bit of tag right now, I just gave his answering machine a detailed update!!! :)

Im getting out there to finish loading so we are ready to head out as early as possible tomorrow AM. Got a last minute trip to the grocery for soda’s and BBQ sauce too!!! Looking forward to comparing these pipes on a DRY track!!!
Y’all have a SAFE trip out, we will see you Sunday morning!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, I’m still exhausted!

Short version:

*Perfect weather, a bit of wind later but no biggie.
*Curt and Max did a great job to prepare the track for us, NO water issues!!!!
*I learned ALOT about “this side” of the fence!! (kudos to the Clubs, Orgs, and Promoters – its an absolutely thankless job at times!)
**Higher volume pipe made kart “zoom-zoom”!!!
***I believe the crank went out of it at 4:59 PM local time!!! :)

Attendance was awesome! The upper paddock was packed!!!! Curt completely out did himself, that Brisket was incredable.

Will check out the damage later this week but I have no complaints. The Kart was SUPER FAST. All in all it was a very productive day for everyone. The EMT’s had a quiet day, the Tow guys got a nice “color” to them, and the Marshall’s didn’t mind working with Kenny this time!!! (just kidding Bro!)

Long version and video later….

Thanks everyone!

[Bob Cole]

Robert,  That’s for all you do getting this together. Even though I’m only there to help out it’s a blast to see newbies on a road course without the pressures of all the traffic in practice on race day.  Drivers with many years racing trying two or more different noses, or pipes, or engines which they wouldn’t have time to do on race weekends. My brother finally took part in Sunday, and he’s sore but very happy he was at the test day.       Your timing was right on weather wise, it rained three times during the day and around 830 pm we had a tornado warning and flooding, I bet the park along the river is higher now.            Again Robert thanks for putting on a great Sunday, signed Tow Guy with “COLOR”

[Robert Lawson]

Hey, YOU are the man Bob!!! That goes for Dennis too!!!

Anyone that has a smile on their face all day, at the track, with NO kart….and WORKING, has to be sick or just simply LOVES the Sport!!!!

My brother Kenny got his long awaited ride in Dennis Bernier’s Anderson TM KV95. I was so busy that I missed it, would love to have followed him around and got some film!!!! They said “He kept trying to find 7th gear!!!!” Hiliarious!!! :)

That ride got the ole juice flowin. In the Monday recap phone call he claims he feels he “Can Win” in that kart….. amazing what 5 laps will do!!! Too funny!

On a different note, I was stunned at how many people come out with a kart and no cash. Thanks to Greg for the heads up on that PayPal thingy, it seems like everyone has a smartphone and a credit card (or a friend/relative in the next vehicle with cash) so for the most part it worked out. I’ll tell you this, if Cherri was sitting out there it might have been a different story.

We had more than 60 folks for Lunch, a bit more than I anticipated! Not sure how it happened but we had exactly enough Beef to feed everyone! Reminds me of a Sermon!!!! :)

We dont usually see a group that size for these Test Days. Of course there were problems, liability issues, with folks just not using their heads, but as I said I learned a bunch.

I have to thank everyone involved. The Marshalls were great and worked with Kenny and Rich in the Paddock to get announcements out about on track infractions and procedure. My buddy Chuck came along, as usual, and helped not just me with the kart but with the Tech too. Its good to have a couple Bro’s you can trust to help out. Never had to be concerned about pick-up with the Cole Brothers on the job, thanks Guys!!

Curt and Max Faasen worked double overtime on the track Friday and Saturday. They dug out an area in the sandtrap outside T1 and ran a pump all night Friday to remove any excess water. There was damage to the surface where the water was seeping up through and they did everything they could to prepare it so we could run all day Sunday. They may be “Down Home” type Boys at a “local road course” but they went the extra mile for us and THAT was very much appreciated. I avoided that repair as much as possible but inevidablely did run right over it without issue. Max was very concerned about it, not HIS track but OUR saftey. He said ” I know how damn fast you guys are running down there and….. just be careful tomorrow.”  As I was parked outside the gate selling wristbands Curt wandered out of the MX garage when the first session got underway. He tilted his head up and took a big wiff & smiled… “Man I love that smell, its been a long Winter!!!” These are good hearted guys, they do care about us and I wanted to share that with Y’all.

We did the rolling start with a few karts for the last run of the day. I only intended to run 5-6 laps then get a start on loading up…. but that didn’t happen! For some reason I just decided to go until they kicked me off at 5pm, a good 20 – 30 minute run. We took off, ran a couple laps, I slowed to get karts on the film, no one came by, slowed again, finally a few karts to play with. I was trying to run down Jason in Larry’s B-stk, I was gaining but he pulled off…. so I decided to finish it up. On the last lap of the day, going back to the gas in T1 it locked up hard. It sounded and felt just like the last time the Rod went out of it. Funny thing is, when it went out that first time, I was on the last lap of Practice at a May event preping the kart for Mid-Ohio. Although it was scheduled for a topend after Grattan this weekend, we were doinig the exact same thing! I missed the race at Mid-Ohio that year……

Well, we will find out just what kind of damage was done later in the week.

Thanks to all those who helped out, and to the drivers and families that participated. We had a pretty nice day, it was safe and everyone made it back home in one piece!!!!

Peace Y’all!!!!
Here is an early run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAKbbdLuBfQ

[Todd Stoffer]

[Daniel Barth]

Robert,

Thanks to you and team for organizing and facilitating the day. Awesome track time and relaxed atmosphere. Track was in great shape considering the recent weather. The Barth boys appreciate all the effort and look forward to more of these in the future!

[Dennis Chappell]

Robert

Thanks again for another year of hard work putting this practice deal together. You and your crew do a great job. Good track time, people, food, and fun. Also weather.

The Chappell’s

[Jerry Revely]

Robert,

Many thanks for putting these events together. By far the best bang for the buck.

 

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, sweet pic. I saw you there for a lap or 2!

Daniel, I know you waited a long time since getting rained out in October. It was worth the wait though, great weather, good food, and better Company!

Dennis, good to have you and “Mom” out for the day and a half!! How did you get on with the new RV? You both looked well rested!!!! :)

Jerry, hope you and Pops had a good time although cut a bit short. As usual the first kart to fire up and speed out onto the Track was that familiar white S/E!!!

You are all very welcome!

The hard work and stress over the Insurance, being properly protected, concocting rules and forms of Liability, and at the last minute that dreaded rain earlier in the week that tried to ruin everything just took its toll. I only got 2 hours of sleep at the track.

Got out there today to take a look at the damaged engine. I’m going to blame this on simple stupidity and a lack of sleep….. I ran it out of gas and it stuck! The tank had 1/2″ of fuel, just enough to cover the pick-up. Any surging and it was drawing air. The lines were empty and the carb had 13ML of fuel…. just under 1/2 an ounce. Rich and I did throw fuel in it well before that last run but we didn’t fill it up, I never intended to run that entire session. It just kinda happened!!!

Rookies take note, you can play with these things most of your life and still pull bone head moves! :)

If the chrome isnt hurt we will have done no harm…. it was due for a top end anyhow.

This has fueled my interest in getting another engine again. There is the possibility of putting the Vortex on Richies kart and getting…. something else, for me! We’ll see….

Last run of the day:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFAjyI_uOwk

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Damage report:

After removing the aluminum,  the Chrome is fine! The exhaust ribs are both cracked………… but the Chrome is fine!! :)

Hmmm, cordless drill….box of screws….clear a spot on the garage wall….

Its certianly the hassle free way to go!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

OK, I’m over it!

Will be sending out my jug and one for Rich in the next few days. Will need to have a running kart for the next thing I’m going to throw out there.

Anyone interested in testing at PittRace (aka the Beav) prior to the AKRA event there? Maybe a week day, its cheaper for everyone involved and I might be able to get a combo going with some bikes too.

I still intend to get over there and cut some laps, (hense a “running kart”…) and talk with Dave very soon. Will also try that Pocono trip, maybe at the same time. WGI is out of the question. Can it be done? Sure. It would take a great number of prepaid interest WELL in advance of any possible date. Thats how WGI plays it, so sure its possible, but I wont gamble the 401K on it.

Well, at least not before the kart is running again!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Off to the USPS this afternoon, cylinders are boxed up and headed to US Chrome.

Not a peep about PittRace huh? Is anyone planning that far out intending to  run the AKRA gig there? Man I certianly hope so! I have been there, we ran the original course and even though that  circuit was a bit short it was a nice place. The garages were awesome! The full course will be a great challenge and a very raceable layout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M84kH2LSvi8

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

Robert Lawson wrote:

Not a peep about PittRace huh? Is anyone planning that far out intending to run the AKRA gig there? Man I certianly hope so! I have been there, we ran the original course and even though that circuit was a bit short it was a nice place. The garages were awesome! The full course will be a great challenge and a very raceable layout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M84kH2LSvi8 RPM

I’ve been waiting to run on their “South Track” since it was first proposed almost 20 years ago under the original management. Now that the new pavement is down on both circuits it looks like an awesome track. I’m planning on the AKRA race there and if you can get us another day  of practice I’ll be there as well. Only two hours away from me… :)

[Jeremy Baldi]

I’m going to run the AKRA event and if you do testing there my buddy and I would be interested.  That track is much closer than Grattan for us so we could get over there pretty easy.

 

 

Jeremy Baldi

[Robert Lawson]

Jeremy,

Thats good news. I’m hoping we can get a good bunch of guys interested in a practice/test day out there.

Have you figured out how (or “if”) you will run the CIK in Unltd/F-125 with bodywork?

I spoke to the guy at US Chrome yesterday, they received our stuff and called to verify the instructions I sent. Should have it all back in 2 weeks, plenty of time to make Mid-Ohio….. which reminds me…. I better call Claudio and order another top end!

RPM

[Mike Burrill]

I plan to go to Pitt Race.

Mike Burrill -
Karting Kartel

[Robert Lawson]

Mike,

Maybe if Paul could make it “rain” on this subject…. it would grow! :)

PittRace, aka “the Beav”, is in a weird area there in PA. On the fringe, a gray area so to speak. The WKC folks won’t come (they didn’t come in 06′ either) and the CES guys won’t travel that far. It will be a shame if the event doesn’t get a worthwhile turn out.

We’ll have to wait and see…..

[Bob Kurkowski]

Robert,

I know I will be attending but I would say that I’m somewhat of a local [2hr.] however most all of the people I have talked to said they will be attending. I hope your wrong about the WKC guys, I would think that the chance to run on a new 2.8 mile, 19 turn track would be just too much to turn down. Hopefully the CES and WKA folks will make the trip also.

Bob K.

[Todd Stoffer]

Robert Lawson wrote:

The WKC folks won’t come (they didn’t come in 06′ either) and the CES guys won’t travel that far.

WTF? It’s right off Exit 1 of the PA Turnpike (I-76). They’ll drive to freaking Daytona every year no problem but suburban Pittsburgh is somehow out of the question?

It will be interesting to see the turnout for this race. I’m hoping “the track formerly known as Beaverun” becomes a permanent fixture on the schedule.

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I really hope they do come, I just dont think they will. The WKC crowd is pro-WKA and they generally will not “do” other events.

I think its fair to say the “gray area” thing happened in relation to the Vette track too. Nice new venue but its in a geographical dead spot. It isn’t a strech to say it didn’t do enough numbers to even try it again…. regardless of what is happening/happened with it even being available or suitable.

More over, lets not kid ourselves fellas. Venue or not, (AKRA, WKA, etc) we are not getting the event numbers across the board. Yes, here and there you will see what we now consider a BIG event number wise. (Mid-Ohio &  Grattan 2016)

I have talked with soooooo many people about “what happened” to RR over the past 10-15 years. The “lifers” have grown old! We dont travel much anymore, we just dont “race” much anymore. There has not been a group of new participation with any sustainability and that is just the truth. Why? Oh man, I wont even start, we will be here for hours!!! It certainly isnt a tough nut to crack though.

I know this much, the Track Day was as big as ever this April and being a “non competition event” the insurance is cheaper! Fully half of the Track Day guys are not, or no longer of, a “competitive spirit”. They go to race events because they have a kart and want to drive it, and that is really the only avenue available.

When you get older, the competition just isnt what attracts you anymore…. at least in my case.

No call on the cylinders yet, but we have lots of time!

RPM

[Charles Skowron]

–

[Charles Skowron]

Todd Stoffer wrote:

Robert Lawson wrote:

The WKC folks won’t come (they didn’t come in 06′ either) and the CES guys won’t travel that far.

WTF? It’s right off Exit 1 of the PA Turnpike (I-76). They’ll drive to freaking Daytona every year no problem but suburban Pittsburgh is somehow out of the question?

It will be interesting to see the turnout for this race. I’m hoping “the track formerly known as Beaverun” becomes a permanent fixture on the schedule.

If Pitt had a race back in 2006, it likely wasn’t well attended because a road race on only the North Circuit isn’t exactly a “destination track”.

And it’s a real possibly that there might not be many WKC racers at this year’s Pitt event on the Full Course either, because the final WKC and DKC/AKRA events of the season managed to be scheduled on the exact same weekend.

-C

[Robert Lawson]

Charles,

First, thanks for the input and info about scheduling. With all the “modification” you have done above you are either an engine builder or Todd and I touched a sore spot.

We are probably much alike Charles. I sat here wasting my time writing and epic then realized…. it doesn’t matter. My stating WKC wouldn’t attend was not intended to be dig…. it is what it is bro.

Can’t speak for Todd, but his frustration is valid.

I need to pay more attention. It seems, as Charles mentioned, the “schedule” has already spoken.

Happy Mothers Day Ladies!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

US Chrome called, cylinders are on the way!!!!

4 weeks and counting to Mid-Ohio.

Can’t wait, really looking forward to it!

[Sean S]

Common Robert, age is just a frame of mind, man! Are you thinking of lining up the PITT track-day the day before the AKRA event? It’s a 4.5 (9 total) hours drive for me, not counting load times, so that would be an extremely long day. I am interested if it was a 2 day event or if it was synced up with the AKRA event.

Sean

Tony Kart / Leopard

[Robert Lawson]

The Cylinders arrived yesterday and they look fabulous!!!! :)

We have used all the plating shops in the past but US Chrome is the best!

Thanks to Jim Anthony for giving me that tip back at Road Atlanta in 07′ (08′???). He was fresh out of the care center after a rolling start gone bad in the 250 race, as we helped get him loaded up I explained  that I had cracked my A Kit cylinder and though it was junk. Jim assured me that US Chrome would fix it right and do the best job, been using them ever since! Jim, I know you are lurking around out here!! You need to get that kart together and come race with me at Mid-Ohio buddy!!!

Sean, ssssshhhh….. you’ll blow my cover!!! Seriously, I will talk with the DKC guys and find out whats up with that Friday as that IS the direction I was headed.

My age has nothing to do with my karting ambition, or change in that ambition. I still LOVE driving the kart, and its super good fun smoking you guys at these test days!!! :)

That wont change, I really enjoy myself at the tests… the format, lack of urgency, the food, and most of all the people! But, the race events are not fun anymore. So little time and so great an expense…. I guess I got spoiled!

There has been talk here in town…. Rich and I will splurge on the M-O trip and really try to enjoy ourselves because it may just be our last “race” we attend as competitors. I just bought my kart back from its short term owner, it was time for it to come home to stay…. even though it never left.

Now, we get ready for Mid-Ohio. We’ll give it everything we got, leaning it on its bloody ear, and not leave anything on the table. I just hope we get dry weather!

 

RPM

[Bruce Peck]

I’m with Sean.  Me and Kevin plan to attend the Pitt race, but a stand alone track day there would be too far to drive just for that.  Put it on race weekend?   We would do that for sure.  Shut up and take my money!  :-)

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, that made me laugh! I needed that after hearing this news….

Nicky Hayden has died in Italy this morning after suffering traumatic cerebral and chest injuries sustained in a cycling accident. Last Wednesday he was hit by a car while riding a bicycle on the streets of Rimini coast in Italy.

Man, this hurts. I pray his family can somehow find peace.

[Robert Lawson]

Back at it today.

We use a TM piston in both the RS Honda and Vortex ICC and I sent one with the cylinders to be replated. There is a range of piston size choices available. I chose one in the middle of that range so I could tighten up or free up the wall clearance as I wanted.

Something told me to check the ring end gap. In most cases of just changing out a worn topend for new bits I dont even look at this. Talking to some other guys I find I’m not alone! But, in this case, with new plating and having sent a larger piston along to be used for “fitting”, I took a look. Glad I did!

The wall clearance is good but that end gap looked tight, so I measured it. At .009 its too tight so we have some work to do on both of them. Not sure if its due to the larger piston size or what but I’m glad I checked.

Rich is waiting on a couple 3/8″ “freeze plugs” to arrive at the Auto Parts store, they dont stock them that small! The plugs are for the base gasket surface H2O passages. His engine model year is 94′ and the cylinder is from an 03′. The 94′ didnt pass H2O through the bottom end like the 95′ and up RS 125’s so we plug that off just to be sure of no-leaky.

So, we should be able to have things back together and running this weekend.

Its been a long time since I have looked forward to Indy but I have a “horse in the race”…. GO FERNANDO!!!!!

RPM

[Charles Skowron]

Robert Lawson wrote:

Charles,

….First, thanks for the input and info about scheduling. With all the “modification” you have done above you are either an engine builder or Todd and I touched a sore spot……

No, all of the modifications and edits on my posts were because, after almost 4 years, I still haven’t figured out how to use the “quote” button on this revised forum.

-C

[Robert Lawson]

Right on Chuck.

 

Dang, Fernando had a shot there at Indy…. I wonder if he ran it out of gas and blew it up??? It happens ya know!

We are getting things together here. New clutch and reeds are on the way and I took the bike for a little rip and picked up Rich’s little freeze plugs. Hmm, freeze plugs…. aww forget it!!! :)  Tires on order tomorrow.

I certianly hope we get the best possible weather down there. How is the parking/paddock set up now? Do we have to pit way up top if we dont have a garage??? No “free pitting” down below????

Let me know!

[Robert Lawson]

1 down 1 to go!

My engine is finished and install is all buttoned up. Have not started it yet, that will follow tomorrow…. watch for the coming video. ;)

Rich’s freeze plug debacle continues, they ordered the wrong size!!! I will drill/tap those holes and use aluminum NPT plugs, tired of screwing around.

Been cleaning the dreaded “grey/stained aluminum” on the trailer. I got 1/2 of 1 side cleaned up today and ran out of cleaner AND energy! Has anyone tried the “LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner”??? It sells at most dollar stores and the reviews and results on YouTube are…. well, awesome! Spray it on, wipe it off! The dark streaks and generally greyed over white panels have always been a pain in the rear to clean up so I’m getting some of this stuff tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it works! I had been using Carquest brand “purple cleaner” which is great but you better wear gloves!!!

We will be pitting in the upper paddock, “Up on the hill, with the rest of the Hill Billy’s” I was told!!! Bringing the generator too, figured we should probably get some use out of it, right??

Weather looks pretty good for 15-18 at this point!

We’ll see!!

 

RPM

[Bob Kurkowski]

Robert,

You and Richard will fit in real well up on ‘the hill’ especially with that cleaned up single wide.

See you next week.

Bob K.

[Todd Stoffer]

Hey Robert – have you seen this?

http://www.nelsonledges.com/2017/06/08/update-june-8/

Hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since we raced there.

Not sure if I’ll be ready for Mid-Ohio, but if I don’t race I’ll at least come out for a day or two.

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys, Yes! I did see that!

I have re-fired the planned road trip from last Fall to include Nelson too.

Need to get through the weekend at Mid-Ohio with a running kart first though!!! Just finishing Rich’s engine today, have not started mine yet either but will do so later today.

Everything looks good, I have started calling this Summer the “Retirement Tour” as I wont be doing the “race events” anymore and really concentrating on a Track Day program.

I always figured when our “stuff” became irrelevent and without a class or participation we would be done. I’m not moving to another class or upgrading just to turn laps…. I get plenty of that at a better rate on Track Days.

Competitive Karting has truly turned into a stepping stone to other things. Road Racing has suffered for quite some time now and pop culture is continuing to change in that same direction. Drones, Video and Internet gaming…. even less invasive “racing” like indoor RC seems to be more attractive and lets be honest, less work, than karting. Especially karting that takes up more than an afternoon of their time and requires long travel with trailers and RV’s. I’m not poo-pooing here, just giving you what I have heard from folks who were here for a season or 2 then disapeared. Even some from families of a long history of karting, now grown up and finding other interests. They get into tuner cars or sport bikes because they can do it everyday, it can be financed, requires no days off or travel. There has been alot of that in the past 20 – 30 years.

I have plenty of friends that have karts sitting, leaning, covered, that are not being used or are not going to be used again.

Love my kart. Its cheaper than a Car and safer than a Bike. If I only get to drive it for fun a couple times a year and racing a clock, thats OK with me.

Gotta get to work!!! :)

[Paul M. Petrun]

Todd Stoffer wrote:

Hey Robert – have you seen this? http://www.nelsonledges.com/2017/06/08/update-june-8/

Stopped by to mention this.  Glad you guys know about it already.  I would definitely be in for a track day at Nelsons.  Also if you can work one in for Pittrace count me in there.  I am planning to run the DartKart pittrace weekend as well.  Hope you all have a safe and fantastic weekend at MO!

Paul

[Robert Lawson]

Gutwrenching, completely deflating………

Worked my tail off today getting Rich’s car just right, dont want him to have any issues to complain about! Just finishing up there were a couple minor things to nail down and wanted to know his preference on their location. While waiting for him to call after work I decided to put water in my kart and see if it would start…..

Never got that far. After adding water I noticed a crack in the cylinder. Its a water leak, in a difficult area to repair. I took it to Tony, he welded it up ok but I had to remove some weld to get the nut on the stud and now it leaks worse. JW believes the cylinder cracked at that area because it had stuck really hard.

I’ll take it back to Tony tomorrow evening, but I don’t expect to get a different result. I have an older homologation cylinder but it will need replating before use.

Funny thing is, I wasn’t even mad. A bit beside myself at how my stupidity seems to have piled up. 1 quart of fuel back in April…. 1 quart…. and I’m not having this conversation. That could very well be $500 quart of fuel!

I will absolutely offer to be, as Harry would say, “Rich’s Pit Man” (RPM) for the weekend and get him running. I don’t think he’ll go for it though. We’ll see but it looks like we may miss our “Retirement Party”!!!!

On the upside, YES, there is an upside!!! The Trailer looks AWESOME!!!  :)

“RPM”

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Paul,

Didn’t see your post there. Its been a long time!

With the latest mechanical development on my end, “surface testing” may be next on the schedule for me. I’m still trying to find a 4 day stretch in a week that works for all these facilities so we can do them all in 1 trip.

Nelson was great fun even when it was rough. The full PittRace course will be super competitive. I’m very interested in Pocono. There is great potential there if we can put together a suitable configuration. AND, its very affordable in comparison. Have to get out there and run on it and get some answers.

I’ll post info and video here. Good to hear from you!

[Robert Lawson]

Moving on, sent Tony a text to just get himself loaded to go… we are “out”.

I hope and pray Y’all have great weather, great racing, and most of all a safe enjoyable weekend!

TRAVEL SAFELY & Good Luck to all at Mid-Ohio!!!!!

(I will be watching on Race Monitor)

[Robert Lawson]

A very busy weekend.

I did watch some racing on Race Monitor and had to make a few calls to guys at the track to find out why the times were all over the place. I assumed weather conditions were at play but it didn’t explain why a few, in different classes, were still running expected times for that classification. The few that looked to hit it right, were just gone, and won by large margins! Crazy!

Most impressive were Andy Kiker and Ron White on Saturday. Just wow!

As I said, I was busy this weekend. But that story will have to wait another few days……..  :)

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

It won’t be official until Monday, but, the busy weekend involved hunting down a new engine.

I know, I know, I can be quoted saying this:

“I have started calling this Summer the “Retirement Tour” as I wont be doing the “race events” anymore and really concentrating on a Track Day program.”

AND this:

“I always figured when our “stuff” became irrelevent and without a class or participation we would be done. I’m not moving to another class or upgrading just to turn laps….”

So, what the *%@&!!!! am I doing then, right? I guess, extending the Tour!!!

Last quote:

“Love my kart. Its cheaper than a Car and safer than a Bike. If I only get to drive it for fun a couple times a year and racing a clock, thats OK with me.”

Nothing wrong with having a super fast Track Day Kart!!!! :)

Hee, hee, hee!!! And the best part….the WIFE suggested I look for something! I love it when a plan comes together!!!!!

IF all things work out, we will make Grattan with it. If not, I will take it on the road to do some Circuit testing at Nelson, Pitt, and….fingers crossed, Pocono. (Dude, you know the Long Pond straight is over 3,ooo ft long, right?)

Being a “laydown guy” my wish list is what they call Southeast Option 3, let me explain.   Direction is CCW, exit the infield onto the Oval at Nascar Pit exit (blue course) and proceed through the 1st turn down the Long Pond Straight to the last infield entrance (white course) turning left. Follow the white course past the infield pit lane and right kink straight to the yellow course, then turn hard right back onto the blue course to complete the lap. Its 2.15 miles.

I here the transition from the oval to the infield at the last entrance before the tunnel turn is…. abrupt. Karts would have trouble there. So, maybe something can be done to slow or change the approach to it. Like what is done at MIS. or go CW? Can’t speculate until we try it. Thats why we have to go and test it.

As you can see there are numerous options! I’m sure something can be configured that would be fun, fast, and best of all NEW.  By choosing one end of the facility and leaving the other open, makes this place unbelieveably affordable.

So, I have a lot of work to do!

More to come….

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all, if you search at Youtube “Pocono Southeast option 3” there is plenty of on board of the above configuration.

Rich stopped by today and picked up the replated cylinder to repair the damaged area with the H2O leak. I mixed up some soap & water and poured it into the sealed head & cylinder combo….then put some PSI to it. The leaks are plainly visable and will take some creative material removal and welding to repair correctly. We will have to use a longer stud in that corner as well.

I am prepared for bad news though. A spare cylinder is preped for replating and will get boxed up tonight and shipped to US Chrome tomorrow regardless. Rich wants this engine, I wanted to keep it for a spare. Either way, it has so many new parts in it that going 10/10ths on a 2nd cylinder is just sound reasoning.

We may just take the kart with the RVS on it to do the Circuit testing simply because it will require NO additional work. And, Rich doesn’t mind if I “break it in” for him. :)

Spoke to our good friend Fred at Nelson Friday, that may be the best place to start since he’ll give me all the laps I need. I knew going to Nelson when no one in their right mind would, would pay off some day. We (he!) laughed about my last trip over there, “Man, I could hear the revs on that thing jumpin all over….you got the s**t knocked out of you that day!!!” Yep, sure did, and, all for the low-low price of $150!!!!  Those days are now history!

New engine will be on a truck headed this way tomorrow. Not sure how long it will take to get here and get mounted up so no plans for it just yet.

Fun, fun!!!

[Todd Stoffer]

Let me know when you go to Nelson. I want to see that new asphalt.

[Robert Lawson]

I’ll do that Todd.

Ofcourse I have had plenty of offers to take my place or just join me in testing out there! My brother being one of them!!! I will be insured for these “tests” and they are done for more than just the thrill of spinning laps. There are mutiple pages of Insurance forms to complete about each Venue and its grounds, not just the track itself. Getting all of it on video will keep me from having to take a ton of notes and asking the Management of each Circuit about specifics pertaining to the grounds and safety of all areas.

Its, involved!

It does any Club coming in afterwards a great favor, if they use the same Insurance. The “certification” of the Venue per that Insurance provider is submitted by my having already done it. Hmm, I need to make a call, maybe I don’t need to go to PittRace afterall???

Anyway, watching the UPS tracking like an 1100 mile race! My packages are said to be delivered Friday, by end of day. The timing doesn’t seem to work out that way though, watching it travel North. We’ll see tomorrow. (Postman, Postman, don’t delay….do the Cha-Cha all the way!!!)

Yeah, I’m a teenie bit excited about this….. just a teenie bit!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

It was like Christmas Day this morning!!!

I couldn’t get ANY work done until I checked & spec’d it all out!!!

What an AWESOME deal I got on a virtually brand new Vortex RVXX. The seller (Thanks Andy!!!) never ran it and the history he gave checked out 100%. The only time on this engine is by the owner of the shop from which it originated, 2 Wild Karting in Laguna Hills, CA. That time is comprised of “practice” for the Super Nats prior to the “Factory Guys” removing it and installing their engine for qualifying and racing.

It may have 4 hours of total time on it.

I’ll leave it stock/standard KZ spec, PVL, 30mm carb, etc. All we’ll change is the squish and static timing. Rich is as excited about his new stuff as I am about mine. Maybe this was the spark we needed to go another few years…who knows!

Mounting should be simple modification to the other mounts. I’ll get started on that Monday. Rich’s too, it won’t take a completely new set-up to get the RVS on his chassis either. Unfortunately he is not going to make Grattan regardless.

Will have to work ALL weekend now since I got nothing done today!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bummer, won’t make Grattan!!!

The work over the weekend went well, long, but well. I had been up to my ears with “stuff” to do and just had to clear the air. I was sufficating!!!

There is just too much to get right with this new engine package before next weekend. The 2nd RVS cylinder won’t be back in time so no help there either.

Its all good, we’ll look next to Gingerman for racing. Until then I can turn my attention to getting this engine right & mounted, correct carb parts, pipe cut-fit-welded, and rear bumper extended.

Looks like first runs will be at these surface/facility tests. I may just hit up Fred on the way out AND back!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Chuck and I are heading out to Grattan in the AM.

Larry can use some help I’m sure and I have some homework to do!

The 2nd cylinder for the old ICC is on its way back, will be here Monday. Looks like THAT engine will get the break-in and test runs at Nelson and PittRace.

Not sure about going all the way over to Pocono on this same trip. I have to do more research on the car and bike groups over there then figure out if we can pull this off. I’m fairly sure we won’t get anywhere near enough karts alone to do a day or 2 over there. At least not the first time out. So, more work to do on that yet.

The new engine has me a little freaked out. I DO NOT want to blow this thing up so we have been going the extra mile, getting all info I can before assembling it for a long track. With the old engine we just winged it! Never gave any thought to port timing or “degrees of angle”  blah, blah, blah… In all the advice I ever got involving specs for that engine no one ever asked “By the way Lawson, is the port timing in spec or…….”

So, because this engine is sooo like new I want to do it right. Of course I have had offers to help “If you need any assistance modding it to a proper spec engine.”  :)

Once again this one will remain in KZ spec. I think we made our point that in spec these engines are plenty fast.

Kenny reports a big crowd out there in Grand Rapids today. The MX track is running all weekend too so there will be sounds and smells to please all!

More coming VERY soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Had a super good time at Grattan on Saturday!

Chuck and I stole Cherri’s car, loaded it with a cooler full of H20 and Sammy’s, a couple chairs and a pop-up, and I tossed in the helmet bag just in case! ;)

We got to the track, parked, set up the shade and chairs, off loaded the cooler, grabbed a drink and headed out to say hello to some friends. We only came back to get more to drink, then again at lunch to fill up! Each time we came back someone was sitting there enjoying the shade and chairs!!!! It litterally took all day to visit and get caught up with everyone. Actually, there were a few folks we just ran out of time to speak with OR they were working away and we didn’t want to bother them. Got our hands dirty a couple times helping some guys too, that was fun! Larry was done working and was not going to drive until Sunday so there was not much to do over at his pit.

Before I go any further, my sincere condolences to the entire Faasen family for the loss of their patriarch and Father, EJ. He passed on earlier in the week. Although he was infirmed for quite some time now, and not doing well, we are always a bit numb when having to confront our mortality. My buddy Curt Faasen is also on the mend after being diagnosed with cancer and having his prostate removed. I have years of stories about EJ and his antics, also, growing up at THEIR track with HIS boys holds a special place in my heart.

Get well soon Curt, and GODSPEED EJ!!!!!!

Of course, these things start the rumor mill too. I heard all kinds of stories about how the track is being sold now and the many different offers being made. To quote Sam: “If I’m not telling you this, it isn’t happening!!!” I’ll also add this, IF any of these “big deals” I heard about were taking place, Sam would have been boasting about it!!!!!!! He CAN’T keep a secret!! :)

So, we were running around the paddock all day.  We really didn’t get to sit down until 4-4:30. Just long enough to finish the day and head out.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear from a good many folks we talked to that they LOOK IN HERE regularly! That was cool, and it explains the skyrocketing number of views we get here.

I’m excited. Thought a trip to the track would have had me missing the racing and going nuts but it just didn’t happen. Larry had the right game plan, work on it and prep on Saturday then visit, help, and do your racing on Sunday!!! The run, run, run schedule of a competitive weekend is not attractive to me. I AM infact excited about getting over to Nelson and Pittsburg in a week or so. All the specs and set up for the new engine are done, will be ordering some bits just to have in the AM tomorrow. Depending on when we get UPS, the old engine could be running tomorrow and we could be ready to go this week! Spoke to the guys at Grattan about slipping out there just to break it in so when we get to Pitt or Nelson we can drop the hammer right off the truck! Got to find out what their schedule looks like tomorrow too.

Will be a busy couple weeks.

Thats all for now, stay tuned, things are about to pick up!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, plans change yet again!

 

The ports in that last cylinder looked terrible. Completely uncharicteristic of US Chrome from my past dealings with them. After sending pics & talking with a few different folks over there I got a call from the Owner himself. After some haggling he agreed to fix them so I’m sending all 3 back. Understand, I’m not poo-pooing US Chrome here. Obviously a new port dresser worked on all of these and the boss said he would make it right. I will continue to use US Chrome because the bore looks absolutely factory, no “porosity” like the other guys. BUT, I will request NO TOUCHY the ports and deal with that myself.

 

So, I started mounting up the new engine and hope to get all of that done as quick as possible. Got messages in to both venues and working on a free space between bookings that work for both.

 

Everything happens for a reason right? We’ll keep at it!!!!

 

RPM

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Shipped out the box to US Chrome and got the engine mounts squared away.

This new engine is tiny. I mean its small compared to the RVS, a full couple inches shorter in the cases! The rear mount was ok and it kept the chain as short as possible but had to make a longer front mount. Got that all done, welded up at Pop Moscones new shop yesterday (beautiful big new garage!) and fit/primed & painted today. The cut-away on the side panel isn’t close at all, the cylinder sits 3 inches back from the RVS. I have a special little project to fix that!!!! It will be sweet!

I’ll start cutting up the pipe to fit next week, gotta buzz Carbon Tech too and see where they are on my reeds and it will be ready to go. Can’t wait to see what shes got!!!!

I’ll post up a little video when I give it the first crank!!!!

Got a call back from Nelson but nothing from PittRace. I’m not ready yet so its not a big deal, I’ll chase these guys down when its time to go.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

A Little update:

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

That was a long day!

Just got home from Grattan. The Family held a Memorial Service for their Dad EJ. There was a big crowd, 200 or so folks. Everyone the family ever met seemed to be there! They had a nice catered lunch under a huge tent with lots of pictures and memories to go around. I got to spend time with each of the Boys, a few of their kids, a bunch of their friends, and Corner Marshals!

EJ had a history even I didn’t know about! In his late teens/early 20’s he was buff! He looked like Jack LaLane!!!! Bright blonde hair and fit he did some kind of acrobatics!!!! Really cool pictures of him through out the years, and, all the kids & grandkids. When you have 13 kids you will collect a few Grand’s too!!! I snapped pics with my phone, as many as I could. He was also in the Navy! The Navy color guard was there, did the flag ceremony and 21 guns. Then the bugler played Taps….which rang off the hills and trees and was awesome! EJ’s grandson read a poem and scripture then Sam spoke to the crowd.

What he said was very emotional for him and his Family. He said what helped and made them feel better were all the calls they received and how these callers would explain how the track and facility gave them great memories and many friends over the years.

EJ’s Wife, Mary, is not doing well. Her health is also in question. The Family was rotating sitting with her at the House in the paddock, they fear she may now give up after taking care of EJ for the past few years of his illness. She did not feel up to joining the crowd. I waited for each of them to come out to the tent, with such a large crowd you had to wait your turn but they really appreciated speaking to everyone.

I told Huey that my parents ashes were buried out there, I had not shared that with all the Boys. He was emotional, as was I, and said “There are a lot of ashes out here!”

Grattan is more than just a race track, and the Family more than just good friends. The work they did way back in the day, to clear the land, by hand. The old Tower, the drag strip & christmas tree! The old paddock, the lower was our playground and was nothing but grass! The 55 gallon drums filled with sand on the front straight that made a pit wall!!! Each of the Boys have left a piece of themselves out there, and carved out a legacy.

A bunch of years ago my Brothers and I brought our Family movies out there and had a showing in what is now the MX garage. 8mm movies with no sound, but plenty of now historic scenes of EJ’s pride and joy. He loved that place as much as we do.

Godspeed EJ, enjoy your rest. You have earned it!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Reeds arrived Friday and Rich finished welding the pipe. I have what I need to get it fired up now, but….

The carb won’t go on!

The bowl cap is contacting the front motor mount and the carb is not fitting in the intake flange. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll modify that mount for clearance but the bit welded to the chassis that the mount bolts to may become an issue as well. A couple added links to the chain should move everything forward enough so any geaing option will keep it from getting close.

At least the Pipe fits!!! I did forget to give Rich the EGT bung but I can get that on myself later in the week.

With any luck I’ll post up the running engine video tomorrow afternoon!

[Robert Lawson]

Sorry guys!!! The Wife said nay-nay to hitting the garge on Sunday!

We had my niece’s Wedding at 3pm and she would not allow me to get out there and get dirty!!!

Ah but there is good news…. I shot the video today! 2 of them actually!

What happened?? Why 2??? Oh no you don’t…. you’ll have to wait for the YT uploading to finish!!!!

It seems BOTH my cameras are botched! Even the VIO cam has digital break up in the video!!??? I’m looking at a Go Pro “Sessions” cam, for 150 bucks. Thats all I’m willing to spend as easily as these things get shaken apart and trashed! The VIO cam is remote! It was in my suit with no vibration, last time I used it the video was good???!!!!?????? Could it be the card?

Anyway, there will be some “technical difficulties” to the video’s.

Can’t wait to get on the track at Nelson!

[Robert Lawson]

Here you go, the events of the day:

…..and a follow up:

[Robert Lawson]

I have to get my EGT bung welded on the pipe this weekend and some new springs for the exhaust and the kart will be ready.

Spoke to Nelson Ledges 4 times today working out a plan for track time this coming week that is not threatened by weather. I have 2 days picked out, 1 early, 1 late. I’ll be shopping for a camera this weekend, the result of that along with the forcast will determine which day I choose.

Spoke also with PittRace today too. Unfortunately they can’t get me out there in the next 2 weeks. We did talk about heading over there early in September. I will be in contact with them in the next couple weeks, the possibility of a “Track Sponsored” Friday/Event practice is now in the hands of the Management. They will talk it over and make a decision. That is the best I could do, its too late in the year and short notice makes the chances of this happening a financial mess.

If you want to influence this, call the Track Office and leave a message that you would attend. You never know, it may help! (PittRace: 724-535-1000)

More to come….

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Again, ^^^^ call that number if you are interested!

Looks like there will be a strong T storm on Tuesday in the Garretsville OH area. My new cam won’t be here until then anyway (everything happens for a reason!) so Friday will be my next opportunity. Right now the forecast shows a perfect day for it.

I’m going to mount and bring a new set of tires just in case I get some overtime over there!!!!

New cam test coming soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Was intending to briing you a cam test of the new unit. Unfortunately, it has even worse video break-up than the cams I already have!

Not sure why, the replay on the cam is fine but download to the DT and its unwatchable!

 

DONE! Back it goes!!! Y’all will have to deal with the ole Go Pro and the bit of video disturbance that unit is creating. I’ll be sending my POV HD back to get diagnosed and repaired first of the week.

The forecast for Garrettsville OH on Friday couldn’t be better for a day at the track! Although a brief day, still can’t ask for better than this:

Hi 72°, RealFeel® 78°, Precipitation 25%

Pleasant with sunshine and some clouds

Sounds good to me!

I will be talking with the Management about doing something this fall to get karts out there. Maybe sharing with cars and bikes, like the old “Fundays” the former Management used to put on.

Will share everything we learned back here on Saturday.

[Robert Lawson]

That was a tremendously long day.

Chuck and I headed out at 6:00am and got back here at 7:30pm. We did 450 miles of driving and about 16-18 laps on the track!

I did get video, it turned out well! I’ll see about getting it uploaded to YT then on here tomorrow.

Bob, thanks for helping! Looking forward to seeing your photos!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Nelson Ledges, repaved:

 

 

I have a ride-around video in Bobby’s van with Chuck and Fred where Fred explains the different colors of pavement. They are not patches but intentional compound difference, purposely laid. Genious! I’ll see about editing it down for time.

The track had no rubber down so the tires were absolutely clean coming off the track and I had tire dust on my legs from the fronts. Regardless, the surface had decent grip on very used tires. A new set would have been a better evaluation but I didn’t get them balanced in time!

This is a last minute run at the time limit for the day. Fred was nice enough to let me go right back out after finding a new but faulty spark plug after cutting off the only long run of the day. I’ll post up a video on that too!

 

Enjoy the ride, I have much more comming about Nelson!

RPM

[Bob Kurkowski]

Some Nelson Ledges Track Day images. Click on image for larger view.

https://postimg.org/gallery/pg8zadpa/

Bob K.

[Robert Lawson]

074 is going to make nice wallpaper, thanks Bob!!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

In trying to gain attention for AND participation in a “karting day” at Nelson Ledges, I’m posting a link to all 5 clips from my trip over there.

 

I’m working with the Management for a Track run/promoted/sponsored “kart day” for anyone interested in getting something going at Nelson. I don’t care whom you are, WKA, AKRA, Dart, Woodbridge, MKC, CES….. I am trying to help this FACILITY get karts back in the rotation on their season schedule.

Although the former Management is gone, and I had a very good relationship with them, I want to help Fred Wolfe the Track Manager (former grounds keeper!) get Nelson Ledges back in the mainstream. The facility will continue to be upgraded, actually, the plan was to do ALL the upgrading before repaving. But, some very convincing and persistant groups were relentless in requesting the repave get done asap. There were MANY vollenteers from these group that helped remove the great deal of rundown junk out there I talk about in the videos.

Now, some of you may be saying “When did karts ever race at this place before????” I hold in my hand a flyer advertising an IKF Enduro race from September 1968! Thats right, I said 1 9 6 8 !!!!! The track was called Steel City International Raceway, the Club was Competition Karters Inc. and your $13 entry included 1 pit pass!!!!

This is a Historic place, its finally been repaved and deserves our patronage. Again!

Bonus video:

I have a lotta more…

RPM

[Mark Horne]

Hi Robert, we will have the new Sprint Enduro chassis ready to test in a couple of weeks. Are you also looking at Grattan for a test day again this fall? I hope to be able to come up and give it a try, just need to know where.

 

Thanks, have a great day

[Jeremy Baldi]

If they do a kart track day there I would be very interested.  We have some new 250’s to shake down.  Have any clue when it might be?

Jeremy Baldi

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Mark!

Good to hear from you! I spoke to Jerry this evening, he mentioned the new kart and the need for testing. I’m working on the options right now. As always, if there are enough guys we’ll do something….. somewhere!

Jeremy,

We have not gotten that far yet. We have 2 races in Sept here in our region and the AKRA season finale Sept 30 – Oct 1 to be mindful of. Not to mention other Club/Series events finishing up at the same time.

This I DO know:

1. Nelson Ledges wants a karting day before the season is over.
2. At the request of Management, I have left a message with the WKA liason whom made contact with Nelson, to inform & invite them and any of their partners to this possible opportunity.
3. I have called CES and gave a report on my trip to Nelson last week and to extend to them the same invitation.
4. As a return favor to Mr. Wolfe at Nelson, I volenteered to do anything I could to help get karts back to that facility now that they have repaved. (I may have even offered to bring a weedwacker :) )
5. Any opportunity for the Management to offer a Kart Day, in respect to ALL Orgs, should be done after the racing season has concluded.

I have not reached out to DKC personally about this, but I don’t need to. Those guys know they are always welcome and someone is looking in here regular.

I’ll be honest here, this is a financial loser for the Facility. I know what the asking price to lease is over there, even in what would be considered the “off” season. They won’t be able to get that from this Kart Day, from experience the October gigs are always tough to finance.

But when has that stopped us from trying!!!!! :)

I’ll get more details to you as they come guys…..

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

Some of the late season Testing opportunites are working themselves out. Grattan for instance, is OUT. All the weekned dates are gone straight through October so that will not happen. Getting enough numbers in the Fall has been rough anyway besides looking at a weekday, so, no Grattan.

Nelson Ledges is holding their last open track day for Cars this Saturday. I’ll call Fred tomorrow and find out what, if anything, he is willing to offer in the order of track time for karts and get back with you. I have not had much interest an a late season visit to Nelson, the WKA has not returned that earlier call either.

I did try working a single day test with Gingerman last Fall if Y’all remember, but, they want a rediculous amount of money for that place. Again, Fall numbers make it too difficult.

The new topend parts will not arrive here until Saturday (Monday!) so a G-man engine break-in is also out. I have been working on the kart for a  few days now, found some things that needed attention so its all good. Will use MIS for testing since there is no Friday track time. Having to break-in a topend will spoil any attempt to get all I want to try on the engine/chassis in AM practice. We’ll have to use the F-125 race/group to make adjustments and compare changes. Depending on how it works out, we may run the bonus race in Unltd late in the day, or, race on Sunday. We’ll see.

Running Gingerman this weekend? The weather looks perfect for racing, almost like April test weather! All sunshine and 68 Sat/70 Sun, upper 40s ovenight so dont get off in AM practice or you’ll be gettin wet!!! Good luck, race and travel safely boys!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, some “out of season” racing weather coming our way….

MIS weather this weekend: Partly cloudy 80 Fri, 82 Sat, clouding up/muggy and 84 Sun.

Frank Dawley dropped off a few Main jets so we have the entire range covered for this weekend. Rich is coming for the day to help out but will not be running his kart. Tony is coming out with his 250 too so we are looking forward to having some fun with the rest of the boys! Larry, Dave Sean, Paul, Mike and maybe Christian too…. all the Rumsey Racing team guys!!!!

I just wrote, and deleted, an epic rant on how pissed I am about the ridiculous BAN on helmet cams.

So, I will say this: At our Track Days you are welcome put cameras ANYWHERE your little heart desires. :)

See you this weekend, safe trip Y’all!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

I must say, its nice that MIS is SO close to home. We stayed until all the races were finished and I still made it home for evening Church service!

The weekend seemed to go a bit smoother this time compared to others so good job to the MKC. Had a great weekend, lots of laps equal lots of notes!  Weather was perfect and there was a good number of people/karts there.

There is an issue to work out with the engine. At 21 minutes in BOTH races the engine developed what I thought was a weather induced rich condition. Now, I’m not sure about that. I think its ignition.

We had a similar issue with the old engine. The water would reach a certain temp and it would overheat the stator, and start to miss. PVL confirmed it in a bench test they did to the ignition. On that engine it was literally at the 17 minute mark. You could practically set your watch by it! We bought C&R rad cores and built our own coolers, that fixed it. There has to be the weak link in this ignition too, we’ll have Penton check this one out and see what they find.

So, there is work to do. The upside is, for 21 minutes, it was fast!

On another note, I had a few guys asking about Nelson. Maybe we can still get some Org folks to come out and look into it AND the rest of us can turn laps???!!!! We’ll See.

Back to work!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Yep, looking at our data, it was definatly H2O temp that caused the problem. Dang, I thought we fixed that! I was so focused on jetting, and NOT blowing it up, that I didn’t really look at water other than on the oval. When checking max numbers it was ok, problem is those numbers were from 8 minute runs!

The level was down just a bit, that could have been fron expansion. I have not checked to see if the Rad airbox had any debris in it. The pump and flow were good, many guys commeneted on being able to hear the water in the tank.

Well, looks like its time for an all new system instead of upgrading what came on the kart! I smell TEST!!!!! :)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Got the kart torn down a bit today.

All it has done is motivate me to get back out again!!!!

The engine is in good shape, everything looks perfect inside. I have a plan to alter how the rad sits in the kart and rig up a temporary box to direct the air through it.

I won’t be done for PittRace so….. Nelson anyone???? :)

 

I spoke to Fred this afternoon about a Saturday in October, as early as possible. Sent him an email that he can forward and talk to the Owner about. They are meeting tonight, I hope to hear what they can offer by the weekend. At MIS I spoke to a few guys that want in on a day at Nelson but we need at least 15-20 I would think just to get them to consider it.

I’ll be burning up the satelite towers and giving myself a tumor trying to get this thing going. If you are interested please leave a note or email me here: f-125@hotmail.com

 

RPM

[Paul M. Petrun]

I’m in for Nelsons with my shifter.  As long as I don’t grenade it at PittRace that is!  lol  I may be able to bring a couple buddies that have sprint karts with lo206 briggs on them.  Any clue to pricing at all?

Thanks

Paul

[Robert Lawson]

Price is what I’m waiting on. Fred mentioned contacting a Sprint racer from Pitt who may be interested and could bring a few friends out too.

I know what kart guys will pay, and what they won’t pay. We’ll have to wait and see what they come up with. If I can talk them into letting us camp out the night before I may be able to get more interest. It makes for a very long day from here!

[Brian Wilhelm]

Robert, congrats on your win at MIS! What kind of lap times did you turn? I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t quite get down to what I turned last fall. I was about .6 second off.

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

We have a nice little list going here for Nelson, thats a good sign! I really like that place and it would be good to get karts back in there on a REGULAR basis!

Have not heard back as of yet but…its just now lunch time! I’ll keep y’all up to date on what is happening.

Hey Brian, thank you!

We didn’t expect much, we were really there to learn. There was also just the 3 of us running so not a big field ya know. BUT, it did certianly become a race when my rev limiting/overheated ignition decided to slow things down. My best times were in the 1:26’s, not as good as we ran in 14′ but in the ball park. Also, it didn’t run the MPH it ran with the old engine from that same year. I’m learning the ratios in this gearbox. We had the right gear just needed to tweek the rear diameter to get spot on. We’ll get the MPH out of it once I get it all figured out. This engine/gearbox will be better suited for Daytona than the RVS.

In the race Saturday we ran 31 laps. 15 good clean running laps and 16 not so much! :)

It lost 13-15 MPH on top, would only rev to 12K and needed to be short shifted just to keep some kind of momentum. I figured if the times were really bad I’d just park it but it still ran 1:28’s – 1:29’s and I could see Al slowly closing in. Those 16 laps were tough, mentally it was the hardest race I’ve ever done. The machine is struggling and you are non-stop talking to yourself about being smooth, hit the marks, easy on the brake, don’t slide the rear, shift before it slows….. it was hard. The clock was telling me Al was going to get there, probably right at the flag.

We got lucky! Plain and simple. I was pretty wound up on the cool down lap. Crazy thing is, Chuck and I were super concerned about making 45  minutes on fuel. It was going to be so close we took the fuel jug with us in the wagon to the grid. I never stopped, but, IF it had run clean the full distance….. it wouldn’t have made it! We had less than 1/2 a gallon of fuel in the tank.

It was Good Fun!!!! Al will give me a whippin at Daytona…. I’ll try to stay in his vapor trail as best I can down there!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Well, I tried!

The Nelson Ledges opportunity has become unattractive. After his meeting with the Owner, the Manager has informed me that the full asking price of a lease is needed which could cost each of us $300 (@ 20 ppl) or more.

I like Nelson, but not that much! There is obviously much more to this story but it doesn’t need to be spelled out here. Bottom line is, we are not going to turn laps at Nelson this October.

Where does that leave us? Don’t know about y’all but I NEED some track time! So, I called Sam back at Grattan.

We came to an agreement on the open available days: Friday, October 27th OR Sunday, the 29th. “Pencil in for Friday, and use Sunday as back up.” If it looked sketchy for Friday on Monday/Tuesday, we’d move it right away. If it snows the week before we know we’re done for the year!!!!!
Because its very late in the year he will allow me to cancel with no loss of deposit. So, there is nothing to lose….unless someone wants one of these days between now and then.

Is anyone interested/available in a Friday at Grattan? If not, how ’bout just shootin’ for that Sunday??

I need your feedback so I can make a call. Otherwise, I need to search google earth and find a huge vacant subdivision!!!!! (or industrial park, parking lot, deserted airfield, closed highway……..)  :)

RPM

forgot the e-mail: f-125@hotmail.com

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  no Grattan for me and Kevin this Fall but definitely count us in for another try at a date in the Spring.

[Jerry Revely]

I will go to Grattan in Oct. Count me in.

[Robert Lawson]

I sent a note to Dan Barth, to see if they would be interested. Told him I saw him pushing his kart up the pit lane at MIS (during his race) with a bit of a scowl on his face.

“Yeah, we had some trouble!!” he said.

Daniel is like me, can’t leave things undone! Not the way he wanted to finish the year so he got the word out and found a good number of guys. So, thank Dan for breakin down at MIS!!!! :)

We are planning on Friday, Oct 27th.

I’m going to take entry in advance, just like April, so if it needs to be moved to Sunday (Oct 29th) its already paid for. No entry at the gate.

You know, if you have done these in the past, you have nothing to lose. If we blow past both available days and can not turn laps, I’ll send your $$$ back! OR, if you prefer, I’ll pencil you in for April.

Its $175 per driver, I’ll buy Y’all lunch.

Send it here:

Robert Lawson 17731 Ivanhoe St. Roseville MI. 48066

And yes, you can google map us, street view, and see the trailer in the Yard!!

More soon!

RPM

[Steve Pasteiner]

Hi Robert,

Reserve 2 spots for my son and my dad (Yamaha Sportsman). I will mail you a check this weekend.

Steve Pasteiner

[Todd Stoffer]

Too bad about Nelson, the new pavement looks awesome. Maybe next year.

I can’t make it to Pitt Raceway this weekend, but I’ll do Grattan in Oct. since I have 5+ gallons of race fuel I need to burn before winter. I’ll drop a check in the mail tomorrow.

Todd

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I hear ya! Tony left me his 5’er of unmixed Turbo Blue after melting down all his spares at MIS. We didn’t use any of it there but, as a good friend should, we intend to help him get a return on that investment in October!!!!

Look forward to seeing you out there!

Hey Steve! Good to hear from you guys!!

I think Y’all will enjoy the atmosphere of a test/track day. Glad to hear its a Family outing!!!

Got a call this AM from Bob K, he is at Pitt Race this weekend. Loves the track, especially that down hill section on the new bit. Hope the turnout is strong enough that they return.

We have good interest in this late season gig, lets pray the weather holds out and we get 1 more nice sunny day before tuning up the snowblower!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just a reminder Guys, be prepared for EITHER day …. Friday OR Sunday.

I have some guys calling that are not able to make a Friday. Bummer for them, but, we do need to pay the lease so…. As I mentioned, have a plan for both days.

[Robert Lawson]

OK, slight change of plans!

We are now fully looking just at Sunday 10-29.

I have 5 guys that just can not make it on that Friday AND we will need every one of them (and a few more) to get enough participation to pull this off.

“Good interest” is not “a Great deal of interest”! Am I jumping the gun? Naw. I know how these things run their course and October always struggles after an initial surge. Go back a few pages and check it out,  the history is all there.

We still need 4-5 solid commitments (lets call them checks!) over and above what I have here in front of me. Its only 10-2 so I won’t get wound up yet!!! ;)

Congratulations Brother Jerry! He is top of the heap, HIS check was here on Saturday! I can guarantee you, he will be first ON the track and will hit it at FULL speed!!! :)

RPM

 

PS: If you put something in the mail over the weekend hoping for a Friday and CAN’T make it on Sunday let me know, I’ll send it right back.

[Mark Zemnickas]

Hi Robert,

Check was sent, no issues with either day.

Thanks you!

Mark

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Mark!

I got a message from Chris too, he’ll enjoy the track day format.

Lunch Menu coming soon!!!  :)

[Robert Lawson]

Mark, Todd, got your envelopes yesterday!

Spoke to my “Cook” at Grattan, he is starting radiation next week and isn’t sure how he will feel 3 weeks from now. So, I’ll hold off with lunch plans at least 2 weeks to see how Curt is doing and make a decision on what to do then. I do not eat much if any beef but man do I look forward to these test day lunch breaks!

I’m still chasing a few guys on my end but the mailman is bringinig the goods thus far so we are on the right track (pun intented!).

More soon,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

Does anyone coming have a timing beacon? I sent mine back to MyChron, its cooked! I assumed (don’t do that) plugging it in like a portable radio with the batteries still installed would just overide the internal batteries…. I was mistaken! I pluged in the external 12v power supply without removing internal batteries (don’t do that either) and it fryed!!!!

Let me know, I’ll buy another one if necessary.

 

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  If you don’t have one coming to the track, let me know.  I’d be glad to ship one to you (I have two) for the track day.  I won’t be able to make this Fall date, but you could just hang on to it until Spring when we hopefully have another track/test day.

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Bruce!

Keep and eye on the thread here, if you don’t see a positive response in a week or so just send it. I promise not to “cook” it!!!! :)

MyChron offered to sell me another one, used I think, but I figured I’d look around first.

I have been documenting the work being done to my cooling system on video. I posted a few very short clips to a playlist on the YT channel. They are in sequence after each part of the old system was removed.

 

 

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

Wow, trying to catch up on all this, I missed a LOT!

Glad to see you’re doing well Robert, and was happy to talk with you the other day.  After that conversation, both me and pops took that Friday off, but looks like you made the change to Sunday.  Either way were ready and I’ll get a check in the mail this week.

If there’s anything we can do in the mean time, let us know and we’ll do what we can to help out.

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

H,

No extra charge for gettin’ Y’all that day off buddy!!!!! :)

Just get that kart together Boss and get ‘er to the track!

PS: I have some info for you on that purchase you were interested in.  I’ll call you!

Tell the Fam we said Hey!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just 2 weeks now and its time to load up and go.

Still a bit early for accurate weather but it certianly looks doable to this point.

I was hoping to get all the financial bit of this done by the 18th (next Wednesday) So, if you were looking at coming its time to put pen to check/MO and get it in the mail.

Thanks to all whom have already done so, it helps the Wife sleep at night!!! ;)

More coming….

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

Hey Robert,

Finally got around to getting the kart sorted out.  Looking pretty positive that we’ll be able to make it.  Ordered parts and hopefully I can get it fired up next weekend.  The fam says Hi back, and now sister is married and hopefully bringing her husband.  Time we got him hooked!

Check will be in the mail Monday.

I love these track days.  Hope you keep them up!

H

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Jerry Revely]

Kart fitted with new tires and brake pads. All loaded and waiting. We are thinking about coming up that Saturday.

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  I haven’t seen that there’s a Mychron beacon coming your way yet.  Let me know if one is still needed and I will pop one into the mail to you.

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce,

I have been so busy, no time to look for one yet! If you could, send it up and we will definately put it to use! I’ll put you at the top of the April list with a star next to your name! ;)

Jerry,

I plan on getting out there early on Saturday. Maybe by noon. Will have plenty to do all afternoon.

H,

You tell Sis and her new Hubby we said Congratulations…. can’t think of a better wedding gift than a nice new helmet and suit!!!

Guys,

This past April, for the very first time, I obtained and provided very affordable insurance for all in attendance. That insurance is no longer affordable. Not going to talk about it here.

The lack of insurance changes nothing. A wrist band does not lessen the risk.

I am currently looking into something else, when I know more I’ll post it here.

If this is a problem for anyone, send me a note.

f-125@hotmail.com

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Got a couple more clips posted to the YT channel. None of this is monitized, I find it irritating that people try to make money on YT. Remember the “promise” of Cable TV? Commercial free TV….. yeah right! The internet has gone off the deep end with advertising.

Anyway, the next to last video (rad mounts part 2) is funny…. wear your safety glasses!!!! :)

https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

 

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  Mychron beacon is on the way.  You should get it in a couple of days USPS.  There’s a fresh pack of double A’s in the box as well.

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

Robert, I’m going to ask a potentially silly question, but what does that insurance cover?  Guess I never really paid much attention to that side of things, but knowing my luck, thought I’d better ask!  I have health insurance through work, but I guess I’ve never looked up to see if it covers events like this.

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Bruce!!! (batteries included!!!)  :)

H,

I would LOVE to go deep into this subject and share what I have learned over the past year…. and more over this past week! But, its very political, which means some are going to get their toes stepped on. So, I’ll talk your ear off next Sunday but I won’t post anything here. Well… here is a teaser:

This is from our Brothers in Motorsport, in the UK, read carefully! :

“All involved in the business and organisation of European motorsport need to act NOW to overcome this genuine threat to our own future and that of our employees and sport, from the unintended consequences of action taken by the European Commission (EC).

 

The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), along with others including the UK Department for Transport, has been fighting to resolve this issue for more than two years, on behalf of our members and the wider EU motorsport community. Now, with your personal leadership and action, it is possible for us to resolve this, as I fully explain in the documents linked at the top and bottom of the page.

 

In simple terms, the EC plans to issue a new Motor Insurance Directive, as a result of which all EU Member States must put into their National Law compulsory and unlimited third-party liability insurance to cover personal injury between motorsport competitors and car-to-car damage during any competition – from Formula One, Moto GP, World Rally to karting, historic and grass roots, whether regulated by the FIA or FIM or not.

 

However such widespread unlimited new insurance is not currently, and, we understand, will not in the future be available – so motorsport will be unable to continue anywhere in the EU. Please read the summary if you wish to fully understand the serious nature of this problem.”

Here is the full write -up: https://www.the-mia.com/Vnuk-Update

Scroll down to the bottom and watch the 2:00 video. With today being the 20th, I wonder what will be the result of this overreach, typical of the EU, and the beast thats been created known as the “Insurance” industry……..

They cant stop us from tearing it up next Sunday though!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Todd Stoffer and Steve Pasteiner, please e-mail your mobile contact #. I want to be able to save you the trip if we have to call off Sunday AM.

Todd, I’m sure you are coming Saturday but I don’t have a number for you.

Thanks Guys!

f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, Got the box this AM. I’ll take care of it!!!

Folks,

I urge you to read that document I linked to. And watch the video.

I checked the MIA website yesterday and did not see a report on the result of their petition/summary but the original call to action was for members to respond by the 20th. We may not know what happened for some time yet. Common sense sayes the EU’s EC made a knee jerk decision. After looking at the massive extent of damage this new insurance rule will cause to employment in ALL facets of motorsport (motorsport/aviation-marine-aerospace-automotive) in the UK and the greater EU, they will certianly have to reconsider. Right?

The “Pre Track Prep List” form you filled out in April will again be manditory for each kart. Each Driver must initial every line on the form and date/sign. By signing it you agree to “full and sole responsibility” of its condition AND function (that includes the nut behind the wheel) each time you/it takes to the circuit.

Because of the mentality and approach taken by the guys that do these track/test days, I do not expect to see the EMT’s leave their rig except at Lunch break!

More Soon!

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

I haven’t looked at the link yet, but from what I gather, our sport could be in some pretty serious trouble.

Check should be to you early next week.  Sorry I kept forgetting to stop at the mail box last week.

Some of us, like me, didn’t come out this April.  Do you by chance have a copy of the ‘Pre Track Prep List’ you could either post somewhere or email me?

H

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

H,

I can e-mail the file but you will need to print in legal size, its a big form!

Y’all,

I will have copies at the gate for all drivers, just let me know if you may be driving multiple karts. Each form is per kart, AND its driver.

Currently, this insurance issue is an EU problem. Amazingly it is derived from litigation, not involving a racing incident, but, the claimant suffering injury due to an accident with a tractor/trailer ON a farm! I do not know the particulars of the case but it shouldn’t be used as precedent for principle or rule in Insurance policy of Motorsport activities.

The Insurance “industry” is looking more and more like a system of control and less like a security blanket!

PS: Linus says:

Bring your Go-Pro,  HELMET MOUNTED CAMERAS ARE ENCOURAGED! (it may just be necesarry to prove your case in court! :) )

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

I have received a few e-mail about friends coming out to look and watch.

This time, I think it best if we kept it to drivers and crew. The added liability of spectators, especially those with no track etiquette or experience, is a risk I am just not willing to take.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

RPM

[Todd Stoffer]

My phone died last week. I’m taking it in tomorrow to either get it fixed or buy a new one. Hopefully I can keep the same number, but I’ll email you when I know.

Here’s a photo from last year when we got rained out. Hopefully we won’t have that problem this time. I sure miss Enzo… he was a great dog.

[Robert Lawson]

I remember that morning, we watched the waterfall run down from the front straight across the Monza…. that water had rapids in it!!!

The forecast looks good to me. It won’t be warm but we will get laps!

Belding, MI  Sun 29th

TWC:
Mostly Cloudy, 45
20% chance of shower of rain or wet snow

Accuweather:
Partly cloudy and chilly,  43
25% chance of precip

Again, not warm but we’ll be fine, The engine runs great in these conditions! If its wet in the AM we will get out there and dry it off with our vehicles.

Been working away on it, take a look at the YT channel. I’m loading up more video right now.  https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We all must be getting old!

I have been getting calls and notes about the forcast and now even I’m getting spooked! :)

The 2 weather outlets are now at odds with one another.

TWC: 46, 20% and AccuWeather: 49, 60%

The real issue will be the grounds. They have been getting rain on and off the last few days and we all know what that means for having a dry track even without falling precip!

I just tried the Office, and Max, no answer. I’ll keep after them until i get an update on the grounds and how its holdiing up.

(9am) Back Soon!!!!

[Bob Cole]

Robert, We have gotten a new record for rain fall in Oct. and the month isn’t over yet. I this morning had to pump out 6″ of water off my winter pool cover and that’s only been since Friday. I’ve seen worse in this area and still raced at Grattan. See you Sunday with my boots on for all those unlucky enough to break.

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks for that report Bob! :)

Thats Bob Cole “live” from West Michigan…..

In other news, Max called back and gave a decent account of the saturation out there. He claims: “We got hit pretty good, but, its drained off well and looks good at this point.”

This just in, he also said: “There is a “chance” on Saturday and Sunday, but, everyday has a chance this time of year…..”

A wealth of knowledge that Max!!!! :)

Seriously though, we’ll continue to look at it. We have at least 2 more days to watch things from home here. They will get more rain yet so, as I mentioned to Daniel, we need to Pray! If any of y’all have looked at the videos, I have done a bunch of work and I would sure like to give it a try.

I’ll give you this much, I won’t wait to make a decision at the track Sunday morning. Y’all will know one way or another by Saturday afternoon at the latest.

To my peanut gallery (Brent, Brown, etc…) YES! I put 50/50 in it today!!!!!

Talk to Y’all again in the AM!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Its actually 2:30pm but I have better news! The weather outlets are coming back in sync.

TWC: 47,  A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. Slight chance of a rain shower.  Chance 20%

Accuweather: 48, Low clouds, then perhaps some clearing and chilly with a shower in spots. Chance 40%

Accuweather is calling for a 50/50 chance of scattered rain on Saturday, otherwise the forcast today and Friday are dry on both. That is good for the grounds, need time to get dryed out a bit.

Sam returned my message from the office this morning, this is what he said about the grounds: “Blubbb, blub, blubbbb, blub, gurrrrgle grurggggle, gurgle, gurgle…..” I said what was that??? “Thats what is sounds like when you are under water!!!” It was pretty bad out there after a few days of rain, he thinks about 12″, the island “was almost under water!” Since April they put some drain tile in at T1 and that area is no longer an issue. There is standing water at the very outside coming off T10, before the little left jot there, before coming up the hill. That is the lowest point on the entire property, I have swept it MANY times! If you kneel and put your ear to the ground looking out to the North at the lake, its actually lower than the surface. The natural spring leaks there too.

If that is all we have to deal with, its a piece of cake! The overnight temp is going to be cold, they call for anywhere between 32-37. Chuck, Todd and Myself are the only guys I know of silly enough to camp in that weather. I put 50/50 in my kart because of my luck. I’ll drain it and add water before getting on the track. So, ya’ll have to add water when you arrive I guess.

This still all prelim. Tomorrow is another day, we’ll keep watching it. Personally I will go through the motions like we are heading out Saturday AM. Been holding off on the grocery shopping ’till Friday evening.

Again, at the latest, I’ll call each of you and have someone post here
LIVE FROM THE TRACK Saturday if the grounds are pissing/leaking/streaming water.

There you go, I’m heading back out to package things up and get ready to load.

Talk again tomorrow!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Just off the phone with Max Faasen at the track, he said the track is dry and the grounds look real good.

The forcast has not changed, mid to upper 40s is completely workable guys. I have miles of laps and tons of video to convince you.

I do have a tip for you to keep your hands and fingers warm. Wearing rubber mechanic/surgical gloves under your driving gloves will keep the cold air from freezing your fingers! You can do serious damage if you are not careful. Harbor Freight has these gloves, I use the black HD model.

I’ll be back again this evening with a final look.

Packing up now!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its quite a bit later than expected but here I am!

Forcast is the same, we got rain here from 5pm on….. but nothing on the radar out West of here. Heading out in the AM.

Got 120 Koegel Viennas for Chuck to cook at lunch!!! (we may sample a few of those Saturday afternoon!)

I will call everyone tomorrow afternoon from the track with a final go-no go.

Talk to you tomorrow!

RPM

[Gerald Revely]

Just talked to Robert.

No water on the track nor flowing across the track currently. Off the track has puddles just like last April. So stay on the track and things will be fine.

Test day is a go.

We are leaving now to head up there. See you in about 4 hours.

[Robert Lawson]

We had a great day at Grattan on Sunday!

Got started a bit late so we could dry the track with our vehicles. The sun was out and shining for the first 1/3 of the day and helped speed the process. It was tough going early on with cold tires and a very green cold track. It didn’t take Jerry too long and he was fully on the gas! One by one they took to the course, some spinning early, some later, but it all came together and we got loads of laps in.

Had a quick shut down for a huge Swan that landed on the grass between the front straight and armco…. it seemed a bit lost! After a few minutes Bob was able to shoo it away with a kart pusher and we went right back to open running.

My day did not go as well as anticipated. I ran 6 laps all day! Didn’t get on the track until 2 pm and the dark clouds has rolled in. The water on my visor at T1, T2 and on the way down to T9 had me tippy-toeing it around. After getting back to the garage I mentioned to the guys that the “rain” out there had my attention… “There wasn’t any rain!” Then it hit me, there was no debris flag (red & yellow striped) and pointing to the heavens in T1… hmmmm, same amount of grip as the remainder of the course too….

“Robert, you have water leaking up front here….”   and my day was done!

Yep, all the work, taking video, sharing with the world my “temporary plan” to cool down the water temp issue….. which by the way started with the evidence of a water leak…. and not finding one! I never pressure checked the radiator!!!!

If brother Rich would have done this I would never have let him live it down. Just plain oversight, stupid, foolish mistake. So I called him, told him about it and let him swing away!!! I deserved it!!!! :)

But, better in October than April. I did see very cool temps on water so the 6 laps were very valuable. Now, the question of a new radiator is answered and I’ll go a bit bigger and take the temp issue the other way. Always better to be too cool than too hot. That gear change felt better too.

All in all it was a good trip, everyone was safe and had a good time. We had a couple new folks out this time and they all said they are looking forward to April. Speaking of April,  I asked about the interest in a full weekend of testing and got an positive answer from those in attendance. Sam has penciled us in for one of the first 2 weekends in April 2018.

I want to thank Bob Cole for picking up the karts, all of those whom took their vehicles out to dry the track, and, most importantly the 5 or so guys that participated even though they decided not to come. If they didn’t commit to this late season date with their $$$ in advance the rest of us would not have been able to do it!

Hope everyone had a safe trip home!!!

 

RPM

[Bob Cole]

Robert,  Your timing was perfect again with the weather. Today it rained and hailed, I don’t think we would have been on the track. It was a great time driving the rookies around hearing their ohs and ahs at the blind corners. None had to be towed in but one time but even then there nothing but smiles all day. I look forward to your next time.

 

[Jerry Revely]

Robert, yet another great test day. Thank you Brother!!

I would highly recommend attending if you want to really get answers on set-ups and test ideas. You get more track time than four race event weekends combined. You get to test things without the pressure of a race weekend format. I wore out a brand new set of tires with the amount of laps turned.

I tested three different pipes; two or three different flex lengths on each pipe; and changed the set-up on my main engine.

Next I swapped to my back up engine which was a fresh rebuild. I took five laps breaking it in. I then tested two pipes; and another set-up on the back up engine.

By far the best money spent for information gained!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

I need to thank Bruce Peck, he supplied the beacon so we could collect data!

Thank You Brewster, your beacon is safe and sound!

AIM actually called me today, looks like I’ll pay the $50 and get another one right from them. Have not seen any for sale.

Bob, we had a few new guys out there! Glad they had a good time, I started hearing from them right away on the ride home!!!

Got some e-mail & text from guys giving a heads-up already on time off for April too!!

One of the new guys had 2 CIK shifters of his own. Never been to a big track before, he sent a note just now… He is trading one of his shifter karts for an ENDURO! After one look watchin ole’ Puffy  blast down the front straight he says he “has to have one”!!!!

A full weekend lease will be a great deal of track time. I may have to make up an award for the person that does the most miles!!!

Jerry, as usual, you and Pops were ready willing and able to go right out there and be the ginny pig! Everyone watched and listened to you running around all alone…. when you made a lap THEN they started heading out too!!!!

Good fun, even if I didn’t get many laps!!!!

[Jerry Revely]

No worries. You always know I have a full test program to get through. I don’t mind being first out!

We are already planning for a two day format in April. I will be getting two more sets of tires to make it to the end, lol.

Great times!!

[Bruce Peck]

Glad the beacon helped out Robert.  Kevin and I are also planning for a Spring trip – one day or two.  Either will do.  Kevin will have a new chassis to sort out.  I’m sure I’ll still be trying to sort out something on the 150.  There’s just never enough quality track time!

[Robert Lawson]

I’ll be taking just a little time off from the kart, to get some things I put on hold finished and out of here.

But, I am certianly looking forward to April, and testing some stuff myself. If we can put together a 2 day gig I would have a bunch of things lined up to try!

The Wife and I are going to enjoy a couple Koegels for dinner tonight. Best enjoy it while I can, will be crashing a strict diet and exercise program to get back to fightin weight again! No excuse, quit smoking almost 3 years ago now…. its well due time!

[Anthony Herpolsheimer]

Hey Robert,

Track day was a bummer for me, but luckily it turned out to be a decent day to run and I was happy for the opportunity to get a few laps in, even if I got more in the truck with pops drying the track!  That was pretty fun actually.  Once I showed him the race line, and he got to enjoy those blind turns, I think he may have gotten the itch!  Probably not a kart, but I think he’ll be driving that track in something soon!

Count me in for April.  2 day event would be awesome, if I can keep an engine together!  Thank you for the day, and I also want to thank the guys I was able to bounce some ideas off of after I stuck it.  Hopefully I’ll get more than a few laps in next year!

H

2008 GP 8 Honda 125 / TM K9B
Building F125 Enduro

[Robert Lawson]

H,

You’ve been a busy boy in here!!! Thats good, get all the info you can find.

I have someone working on that Delortto set-up so I can send it to you. You’ll enjoy playing with it! If nothing else it will give you a real time look at the characteristics of different componants when compared to others, what your carb is doing, how, and when!

That new guy I spoke of bought a laydown simply from looking at pictures over text! His name is Dan, he’s from Indiana and he is the proud new owner of Ron Taylors Emmick Enduro. A very nice kart I may add, tried getting Tony C to look at it at MIS!!!!

I actually gave Dan a few different contacts on available enduros, rollers and packaged set-ups. Taylor Everhart has a kart to offer as well. Someone needs to pick that up, check it out: http://ekartingnews.com/forums/topic/lots-of-enduro-equipment-for-sale/ lots of options with this deal. The Leopard kit on that kart sounds fun!
Up to my elbows in clay and fiberglass so I better get back to work!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, we still have the same weather as a couple weeks ago at the track!

I don’t enjoy riding in the cold weather buy I might just get the bike out a couple times next week and scratch the ole itch!

Still finishing up these projects, and got more junk coming in, so getting more video up/work done to the kart is on hold a bit longer.

Anyone going to Daytona? Looking forward to sitting here and watching it all unfold on Race Monitor. Let us know what class and day so we can follow your progress!

Talk soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all!!

I’m having a great Thanksgiving Day!!!

Sent out well wishes in text to liteally everyone I had a number for….current or not! This is really fun, a good number of them have no idea who it is that sent the message!!! Some actually respond with a “You too!” or “Back at ya!” which is a dead give away….. others will include “who is this?” OR “I got a new phone so…. who am I speaking to???”

Trust me, it is GOOD fun playing around by send more cryptic notes before unmasking yourself!!!! I have been laughing my rear off since early this morning!!!! Best part is, there is NO politics involved!!!!!

So, Happy Thanksgiving! And…. have fun with that “phone” today!!!!

GOD bless Y’all! BE well!!!!!

Robert :)

[Robert Lawson]

Amazing! The weather this coming week (11/27-29) is going to be better than what we had for the track day a month ago in October!!!

Commercialism has ruined the Holidays (they should call it Black-Eye Friday) but this time of year conjures up old traditions. When we were little dudes Dad would bust out the Family 8mm movies and projector and show them on the front room wall. I’m going to show my age here but, Mom would put oil and popcorn in the popper and we had a fancy night “in” watching the flicks.

Kenny asked me about that old projector the other day. I actually found the old movies and the extra cooling fan for the projector and now I’m hopped up to watch VERY old karting flicks from the 60’s and early 70’s. As I was rearranging the garage for the off season, storing stuff in the attack and piling it up in the trailer I decided to plug-in a bubble set with VCR and see if it worked. Spent the afternoon watching Daytona videos from the mid 90’s…. man that brought back some memories. Some of the guys I talked with in those videos are no longer walking this Earth with us. Got a great B-Stk & 250 race grouping with Speedway announcing from the infield stands. Johnny Howard won the B-Stk race by a nose at the flag (in the infield!) and Mike Cima won a good 250 race over Don Bootes with Jr. Neal just back a few seconds. Those were good times, and good numbers of entries in those classes. Can’t believe how many 250 single laydowns there were back then, JW ran a Gibson (4th or 5th place) that week!!!! The Rotax reed was just becoming popular in that 250 class and there were 20 of um!

Ah, good stuff! I even threw in the Grand Prix movie and watched James Garner steal the girl, then steal the Title too!!! Love it!

Now, the full weekend gig in April has to happen…. I’ll bring the projector for entertainment after we all have dinner!!! We have some pretty amazing old clips from Grattan back in the mid 60’s that you just won’t believe. Drag Strip complete with Christmas tree, old Tower at begining of the front straight, 55gl drums filled with sand tied & together ON the front straight making a “pit wall”, the “scoring” chicane in the monza….. and the knee high grass!!!! The best part was the karts, there are very few full laydowns as they were literally just coming out at that time. Rupp’s & Chaperrall karts were all the rage and they HAD to have at least 2 engines!!!! :)

Found a very exciting prospect here when I found that old junk. The camera Dad used to shoot that old 8mm film is here too. I picked it up and accidently hit the “go” button and it started clicking away!!! It doesn’t have batteries, it actually winds up for power, like an old stop watch (got them too!!!) Anyway, I was curious and opened the camera and there was still undeveloped film in it!!!! I can only imagine what may be on it.

So, while we are full-on into the Holiday Season now, remember your “old times” with joy. We are so fortunate just to be born here, and, we sometimes forget how hard this world is on the majority of its inhabitants outside of the mainland US.

GOD bless Y’all!

[Todd Giles]

Hey Robert—

a couple years ago I transferred our family vintage karting 8mm films to video. They are posted on my blog here:
https://kartrestoration.blogspot.com/2014/03/karting-in-1960s-and-1970s-from-8mm.html?m=1
Mostly from IRP, but Grattan was featured in one.  I didn’t recognize it until running there in 2013.

 

I hope they are a blessing!

 

todd

[Mark Zemnickas]

Thank you for sharing Robert.

I was going to try and go through all of the old boxes of photos and slides before Christmas of my dad racing back in the 60’s and 70’s.

Mark

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I’m familiar with the videos! I’ve watched them a few times looking in the background to see if our brood may have got caught in your film! How exactly did you do it? I can hear the projector on the video, nice touch!!! :)

The old “beer can” hats were popular in your group too I noticed!!!!

IRP was not very good to my Pops. He always had very fast stuff but never the results to match. One year he ran 3 races in the same day, 1 hour races!!! The last of the 3 was B Reed, he had a brand new Lancer straight from Walt Meyers motors and all. Super fast, won the race easily…. but lost so much weight after 3 races in that heat covered in those Bates leathers…. he weighed lite and was DQ’d.

We have some film from The Glen, Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, MIS, Grattan, some local street race footage, a bunch of Sprint stuff from Lexington OH, and lots of local Sprint stuff too. Even a bit of action from the ice out on Anchor Bay 1965!

I was going to try to record it with my Go Pro right off the wall. Gonna have to set it all up and try it out, if it the first one turns out ok I’ll post them on the YT channel.

RPM

PS: I have a radiator coming, time to get back to the kart!!! :)

[Todd Giles]

Recording off the wall will get’er done, but quality will be low. I would think GoPro would fisheye the frame.

 

Here’s my set-up. Not too pretty, but got the job done with pretty good quality.

 

my inspiration: https://vimeo.com/millerandmiller/telecine

[Robert Lawson]

Thats quite a slick rig you have there!

I should just sent them to you Todd!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

That Rad has still not shown up? Hmm, will have call and find out where its at.

Watching the old flicks was good fun, a few are in bad shape with unexposed film (?, bright blank spots) but they were always there just dont remember them being so long. Some of these are in really good shape, I have 1 thats 20 minutes long! There is good race between 3 karts at Mid-Ohio. My Pops in the old Hornet twin as the guy running the camera was literally right at the edge of the track and followed the course all through the infield. The track was sooooo narrow….. and I don’t know what the deal was back then but the grass is a mile high there too!!! Some of the Grattan shots were scary in todays standards. Not just the camera man on the edge of the track taking film but CARS! Yeah, cars! The scoring folks had cars parked on the outside of the monza and sat at tables between the cars and the track. Crazy! No wonder the insurance has gone off the deep end…. The street race film was interesting too, kids of all ages sitting right on the Blvd (grass between sidewalk and street) as karts went flying by! Straw bales were only at the turns, apex and exit. Obviously back then lawsuits were not all the rage!!!! :)

Rich did his first race at Marine City Kart Track back in 72 or 73. He had a Big J Lancer sidewinder (yeah, it was purple!) with a 49E and an overhead pipe! There was just 1 other kid for him to race with but Richie put the bums rush on um and whooped um by 1/2 a lap!!!! He held on to that trophy for years!!!! Too funny!

Not sure if I’m going to attend tomorrow or not but an old Karter has a Christmas party each year at his shop. Jeff Brown sends out invites and many kart guys hang around and talk about how fast they are or how slow everyone else is! There is usually food and all, the shop maintains vintage race cars so all of those are there to look at too. My bro Kenny wants to take some flicks and the projector and share some old movies. I may just stick around here, hang out in the garage and go back to the miles of VHS tape I have from the 80’s to about 03′.

One thing I did start doing, I save a voice mail from Family and close friends. Can’t tell you how I wish I kept a message from my Mom or Dad now that they are gone.

Peace Y’all!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Well, its suddenly Winter here!!!

We had a nice “snow day” today after a couple days of being in & out of the elements. The best part about dealing with snow & cold is comfort food!!! Trying to get all of that out of the system before the 1st when I start that attempt at getting back into my old Burris suit again!!!

Been working on Insurance with K&K, will have a phone meeting with Grattan’s policy Rep on Monday. Everything is looking good thus far. I will be bringing more info on dates & particulars very soon.  Kenny talked with some vintage guys at that shop party along with a few others we dont generally see at these test days. Hope to get a full weekend on the calendar this April.

Hang in there Y’all!!!

 

 

[Paul M. Petrun]

RPM, if you ever find a reasonably easy way to have the videos transferred to vhs, cd, or some even more modern form of media, I’d love to have the ones that feature Mike Cima.  I’d very much like to get that for him as a gift.  He helped me so much back in the day, and continues to help and be a great friend to this day!  I’ll gladly pay for any and all costs associated.  Thanks, Merry Christmas, and hope to see ya’ll in the spring.

Paul M. Petrun

412-974-5695

[Robert Lawson]

Paul,

I’ll have to see what I have over the Holidays and pull it together. Mike is a nice guy, I remember meeting him for the first time. We were at Summit, the only year I ran Nationals for points. He won the Stock App. class title that year with a K71 on a fuel/gas mix…. which was legal. A tinkerer, kinda like Rick Gunther but with a bit better fab skills!!!! :) That K71 was super fast! I’ll be brutally honest, that 250 was rough looking! Fast… but a fashion show winner it was not. Johnny West bought that kart from Mark Croslyn ( <—– Im sure I butchered that spelling) at the ole Atlanta Superparts. This may hurt Mikes feelings, but, I cut that kart up for JW and built him a CBR 600 Superkart out of it. I still have some misc. bits from that kart, red anodized zeus pads and bodywork clamps in my shop tool box! I think I may still have the steering wheel, THAT is a whole other story!!!!!

I’m going to take the go pro out to the garage tomorrow and shoot a bit. I’ll try to get some of that Daytona race on it just to hold you over!

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y’all!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

BRRRRR!!!!

With temps in the single digits, even with some heat out there, I just don’t operate in those conditions! The old gear doesn’t run too well either!!!

So, I’m indoors with the VHS stuff doing some test clips right off the bubble TV. Trying to get the best video I can without spending a fortune! It works best after dark, with the volume high enough to be recorded the wife will have to get used to wearing ear plugs in the house for a few days!!!!!

The task of previewing is arduous! I’ll just leave it at that!!!! ;)

[Robert Lawson]

Man, that was a mess!

I watched hours of video and tried different cams with the same result. To stop distortion the cam has to be backed up from the TV, its like theatre mode with large black areas on either side of the video. Get any closer and the screen bulges from the fisheye lens and also gets some crazy graining.

Bottom line, it was just junk! I’ll have to work on getting up to a flat screen and try again.

So, VERY SOON its back to work on the April date!

Yeah, I have had a bit of a set back here. A couple of you have heard already, been nursing a sore leg for 10 days or so. What I thought was a sore muscle from shoveling snow turns out to be much more serious after a trip to the ER.  I have an appointment with the Dr. on Thursday.

I should have a date or 2 for y’all to chew on and some early details to consider early next week…. maybe sooner.

It will be April before you know it!

Talk soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

OK,

Lets get the leg out of the way first. I did not keep my Dr Appointment today. Reason? Went back to the ER Monday, back home Tuesday evening. Met with the Dr there, he rescheduled for next week.

I have DVT and PE. Why/How? No idea, just lucky I guess. So far so good, its early on so I have no expectations just yet. Take the meds and see where it goes. Piece of cake.

Spoke with Sam this morning. The cost of everything has gone up, EMT’s, Corners, Lease…. only thing that I have NOT gotten an inflation of yet is the Insurance. Still working from the estimate given to me last fall for 2018, but wouldn’t be surprised if that changed too.

Regardless, the ratio of literal track time to $ will STILL be better than any event could offer. I am still going to work first toward a 2 day gig and see how it goes. Will have to sit down with a sharp pencil and go over the figures, check with the Ins rep, cross the T’s and dot the I’s and come up with some numbers for Y’all to consider.

The dates are still April 7-8 OR 14-15, Please let me know if you have a preference or conflict with these dates.

Just getting started, much more to come!

RPM

[Jerry Revely]

Revely’s vote for 7 – 8 first.

That way the last minute tax people still have time to get their stuff done.

14 – 15 could be potential make-up dates.

[Todd Stoffer]

April weather is always “iffy” in the Great Lakes region. If it comes down to committing to one weekend or the other the odds favor the later weekend for better weather. But I’ll be there no matter what.

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

Met with the Doc, there are very few good ones out there but I really like this guy. After all the medical talk I had to ask about driving the kart. As I explained what exactly we do with these things he said what I though he would… “I suggest you DO NOT drive that thing while on this med.”

So, he’s telling me there’s a chance!!!!!  :)

I go back for a recheck and ultrasound April 2nd, if it looks good I stop the meds and can drive on either the 7-8 or 14-15!!!! If not, well, its another 3 months and another recheck/eval. (just in time for VIR!!)

Now, the April 2nd appointment took some doing. I duped the girl at the counter…. she wanted to set it up for the 16th….AFTER any opportunity to do the test day. “You wouldn’t happen to have an opening in the first week would you???” I told her why, after scheduling me for the 2nd, she smiled when I said…. “You can’t blame a guy for tryin, right!!”  She agreed!

I have looked in here but didn’t bother to post because Y’all were on a roll & started responding. I’m getting a bit creative and doing some shopping for a more appropriate policy that works FOR us instead of against us. Have not had a bunch of preference as to one weekend over the other, a few emails but not really related to the full weekend. As we start to come out of the deep freeze I expect things to pick up. The Doc cleared me to go back to daily life, the leg is still not 100% but I can get a good 1/2 day on it before needing to take it easy. So, I hope to be out in the garage tomorrow and over the next couple days shoot a short video.

Since the test in Oct I have had a hand in sourcing/purchasing 3 karts for new or returning drivers. In each sale these guys all got a good deal on both sides. Gotta do our part guys, no one will do it for us!

Need a bunch more feedback on a full weekend guys!!!

More coming, I’ll post up some video soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey!

Just a quick note, I spoke with the boys at the track Sunday and after a bit of a consortium we all agreed to the later date of April 14-15.

No one has called about either of the open April weekend dates but I felt its time to nail down one and start moving toward working it out.

I should have Insurance & pricing detail this week.

 

Stay tuned!

[Tony Catenaro]

Sounds good to me robert i will be ready

[Robert Lawson]

Looking forward to it Tony.

I need to get that spare cylinder over to you for welding!!!

I found yet more lost video. This time its Grattan clips, 3 of them, 1 from Nov 09′ and 2 from Oct 10′. In the Fall of those years the track had its last repaving. Done in 2 phases, the first in 09′ and the remainder in 10′. We were asked to come out and turn some laps so they could check out the transitions and get our oppinion of the surface.

These are bonus outings that are just plain fun. Of course, I dragged a few friends out with their karts too. Afterall, what are friends for but to chase around the track!!! I’m posting the 09′ clip, you can see the others at the YT channel. READ the description for each…. they tell the story.

 

Enjoy!

[Robert Lawson]

Its now after 5pm and I have not gotten an answer back from my Insurance
provider so details are gonna have to wait a few more days.

I am planning on getting out to the garage, doin’ a bit of work and shooting a quick video. I got to feeling good last week, then, like most of us do, I did too much…….. and hurt my back! 3-4 days of heat and rest was all I could do. Sittin’, standin’ or anything else just lit me up. SO, slowly going back to playing games out there with the kart.

You HAVE to see how smooth that Phase 2 portion of Grattans repave was. The 2nd Phase was from exit of T3 all the way back to the front straight. SUPER slick, had to short shift or you’d just lose it!

If you have never driven a perfectly smooth Grattan, you have to go for a ride with me!!! Trust me, it will not look or feel anything like this in April!

Part 1:

Part 2:

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just wanted to stop in and let you know I’m still working on it!!!

I was out blowing snow and just loving it! Got my fix, I topped off the little Snapper with race gas and WOW did the entire neighborhood smell like the track!!!! That little blower was running awesome!

Hope to have all this stuff hashed out by the weekend and get final pricing for entry early next week.

Thanks for your Patience boys!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

OK,

I nailed down what needed to be worked out, here is some info for you!

As of now, just like last April, I will plan on a full weekend program. If we don’t have enough participation for that to take place the call will be made 2 weeks prior to the 14-15 weekend. I will refund the difference to all whom paid for a 2-fer if we only get the 1 day.

2 Day entry, per driver: $300
1 Day entry, per driver: $200

I will accept Sunday only 1 Day entries. If we go to a single day program there is no telling which of the 2 days will be chosen by Mother Nature! We will just have to see how it turns out.

The costs have gone up a bit but the math still proves this to be the best $ per hour you will find ANYWHERE.

I’ll break it down for Y’all:

2 Day entry = $21. 43 per hour @ 14 total hours (8 hr days,  – lunch breaks)
1 Day entry = $28.58 per hour @ 7 hours (8 hr day,  – lunch break)

Again, the Indoor rentals charge $20 @ 8-10 minutes ($120-$150 per hr!)
Actually, they are not far off what you pay to chase a piece of wood, or beer mug at your local Road Race events per hour either. ($150 @ 3 x 8 min practice runs and a 30 minute trophy dash)

Hey, we can’t complain about the bathrooms anymore so you have no reason NOT to get involved! As always, lunch OR Dinner is on me.

I will answer all your questions here or email here: f-125@hotmail.com

April will be here before you know it! ( 8.5 weeks???)

More to come!

 

RPM

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

* (^ Please see Pricing/Breakdown above ^) *

A couple more details:

 

NO, race fuel will not be available at the Track!

YES, Friday and Saturday night camping will be FREE!

IF we do a full weekend the lunch breaks will only be 30 minutes, Dinner will be served in the MX garage for all drivers and crew right AFTER the closing of on – track activities Saturday. ALL participants are welcome. (yes, you can dine & dash!)

I am back in the garage today, spent a few hours reassembling the joint after working on snowblowers and other junk. Got my new Rad mount/retainer all fab’d up and ready to install. Will need yet another air box, the changes need to the last temp box is more work than making a new one! Carbon this time… I’m confident this entire set up is going to work!

We will start taking entries Monday 2-19-18. I’m going to try to get a pdf ready to email out with the “pre-track checklist” so y’all can fill it out before arriving & save time.

More soon!

PS: Larry Rumsey and I both celebrate our birthdays today!!!!! (LAR is older than me!!!) Happy Birthday Larry!!!!

Check or MO here:

Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St.
Roseville, MI. 48066

OR Paypal to f-125@hotmail.com (choose no fee/Friends & Fam)

Please include kart info/class for reference.

[Robert Lawson]

Here is a quick clip from out in the garage today:

I’ll have to hit up the supply joint in the AM and pick up some bits to pressure check the radiators. That big fat rad I just picked up is not as plug-n-play as I had hoped.
More Garage Talk coming soon!

[Robert Lawson]

Here are the results of the radiator pressure testing.

The “new” rad:

…and the leaker I removed:

Y’all better be sure your karts are ready for the track, I had every reason to believe the rad I had just aquired was good to go.

I have work to do!!! T – minus 7.5 weeks and counting!!!

UPDATE: Entry Poduim – Top Step: Jerry Reveley
AND Jr. & Sr. are in for the full weekend!!! Thanks Guys!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

After a soild afternoon of investigation and sending emails I got some answers and found a product that will repair that slight leaker in that Garage Talk 6 clip. I also found a replacement in the case the repair doesn’t work out.

Sent Ed at Jaguar Karts my dimentions for the new bumper so that is getting bent up and sent up here too. 220 going in the garage so I can at least weld steel anyway, and, I have done some good homework on Engine spec and set up too. I’m sure I have found what was holding it back at MIS.

Checks are arriving, all of them thus far for 2 days, which is incouraging!

Just a reminder:

2 Day entry, per driver: $300
1 Day entry, per driver: $200

I will accept Sunday only 1 Day entries. If we go to a single day program there is no telling which of the 2 days will be chosen by Mother Nature! We will just have to see how it turns out

NO, race fuel will not be available at the Track!

YES, Friday and Saturday night camping will be FREE!

IF we do a full weekend the lunch breaks will only be 30 minutes, Dinner will be served in the MX garage for all drivers and crew right AFTER the closing of on – track activities Saturday. ALL participants are welcome. (yes, you can dine & dash!)

Check or MO here:

Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St.
Roseville, MI. 48066

OR Paypal to f-125@hotmail.com (choose no fee/Friends & Fam)

Please include kart info/class for reference.

I should have the kart checklist ready to email out this week.

 

More coming…………

PS: Sunny H53 in Motown tomorrow! Is your kart ready???

[Todd Stoffer]

I’m in for both days. I’ll drop a check in the mail on Friday.

Todd

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Todd!
We are off to a good start!

I have that “pre track” checklist available to email. You will have to print it out and initial or circle each item in question. DO NOT sign or date it until you turn it in and receive your kart sticker at the track.

Just shoot me a note and I’ll send the file.

I have been watching video from October. I didn’t post to YT my only run last fall, it was not very impressive. But, it does show a troubling bump (actually the last of 3!) just as you get back in the gas off T3. I called Max, him and Curt will look at it before we get out there. I know you sit-uppity guys dont have much trouble with vision over the bumps but us laydown guys have a hard time seeing where we’re going with our head attached to the kart!

We also are getting some interest from the Sprint Track, which is good. I’m hoping we get some kids out there and start bringing in the drasticly needed Families to Road Racing. In my day these Families (Dad raced, kids raced, sometimes Mom too!) were plentiful, today they are extremely rare.

Soccer & Hockey parents have all but ruined Sprint racings Kid & Cadet classes with their arguring and online accusations. We NEED to find Dads that will bring Jr. and teach him not just about mechanics or engineering but about fair play, competitive comradery, and most of all to be a humble winner AND looser. My good buddy Paul Nickl is a fine example of an encouraging Jr. Dad/Racer.

OK, so lets get off our hands and get those karts ready!!!! My mail box has not fallen off the house out there either…. :)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Here is the prep for the repair and the product I found.

…. and the result!!!

I dont know ’bout Y’all but I have lots of work to do!! More video comin!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hmmm, I’m starting to get nervous……

I’m not the Gucci wearin, G6 flyin, Blue Diamond flashin type of guy! We do what we can with whom we can gather for these gigs and if the weather isn’t frozen or wet we do it!!!

Its 4:00 here, the mail has not arrived today but I haven’t seen anything incoming at all this week!

We have just 3 weeks before making the call on a 1 or 2 day program and we are not able to do either as of yet. Lets get it going guys, get something in the mail or hit that Paypal!!!!

As JW would say “Nothing says I’m in, like a check!!!!”

 

[Robert Lawson]

I spoke with JW this morning aaaaaand, HE’s IN! (with entourage)

There should be a handful or more of 250’s this Spring!!!

Todd, that temp cell # you gave me last fall is all I have for you. Shoot me an email with a current contact please. (PS: got the check)

I got an email from NASHVILLE TN today from an interested karter wanting to get involved…..for the full weekend! If Mark H were coming he might just give that rig a run for longest haul!!!! Wow, thats super cool.

Lets support the the USPS and put them to work in Roseville!!!!  :)

[Todd Stoffer]

I still have the same phone number I gave you last fall.

Todd

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

Its a good thing I keep EVERY piece of paper and note, like ever!!!!

I looked on the gate sheet from October…. its there! I called on my other phone (long story!) and IT had the only contact for you. Obviously your old number!!!

I’ll buzz you tomorrow, I have a ton of text and calls to make.

[Robert Lawson]

I have been getting some continued interest in the full weekend program but we are not there yet.

We have plenty of verbal comits but it time to do something guys.

March 31st is the deadline for entries. I HAVE to give the track a definitive answer about what we intend to do no later than then. So, if you have been on the fence time to make a choice!

Thanks Boys!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

This will be a pivotal  week. Although I still hold out hope we can get the full weekend booked, its looking like that chance is now slim.

It may be a loosing proposition but I’m willing to call Sam and try to negotiate a better deal if we get close.

Every check that I have received to this point was for a full weekend, that alone is pretty amazing. Knowing that not everyone has 2 days to burn I expected a good number of single day entrants. Actually, more than the total of 2 days guys for sure. Without the single day support we just cant pay for 2 days, and, the single day guys on my list have been jumping off at an alarming rate this past weekend.

If I were in it for the dough I wouldn’t be getting much sleep here. As the weekend progressed I kept telling myself “a weekend is worth $500, I can do that” Then this “$700 is still not bad….” Finally to this “Sam will take the $$$ if I can just get us close….”

So, if you have been looking and had not made up your mind….. your time is running out.

We will make enough to do 1 day, thats a positive ending to this post!

More soon!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

A quick update…

Sam has not gotten any calls for track time in April so there is no rush to call off the weekend booking just yet.

IF we do go to a 1 day program AND weather dictates running it Saturday we WILL be welcome to spend the night Saturday and leave Sunday. Any long haulers can crashout and hit the road for home well rested.

If that is the case, and the Doc has cleared me, I would probably stay over becasue I would run right ’till 5pm. (Aaaaaaand would have Curt cook up a little something extra for Dinner!!!! :) )

Working on my radiator air box today, more video coming!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Todays progress:

[Bill Pyles]

Robert,

Bill Pyles from AZ here. Considering the Grattan track day for both days. What is the status at this point? Are we going to run both days wx permitting?

Thanks,

Bill

[Robert Lawson]

HEY LOOK AT THIS!!!!!

Its back!!!

Well Bill, after 5 days the answer to your question is a resounding YES!!!!

The FULL weekend is a reality and I for one am really looking forward to it.

I plan to shoot MANY 2-3 minute videos containing every aspect of a “test day” from my perspective AND short conversations or interviews with as many participants as I can.

It really should be an awesome time, praying for good dry weather!!!!

I have a new video from the garage and more coming as the kart is almost ready to go!!!! Get um ready Boys, we have just 2 weeks remaining!!!

More Coming Soon!!!

[Jerry Revely]

Yes, a full weekend!!!

[Robert Lawson]

A quick video of some fiberglass work on Good Friday!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Im obviously not a Tech guy but what a mess going on with the site here. Been trying to post for 2 days and just getting the text to work now.

The Dr. took me off the meds so I can drive the kart all weekend. Kart is ready to fire up, filled it with 50/50 because the weather is still too cold for just H2O. I will drain and replace at the track Saturday AM then probably put it back in for the overnight. The low temps will be close to freezing and I want no issues with the new engine! Must run it here this week though just to be sure of no-leaky!!!

NO ANTIFREEZE on the track guys so be prepared to drain or swap out from AM to PM. The system may be OK in these temps if indoors but I’m not taking a chance. I’m also bringing my big bottle of Propane for the garage heater incase we need to work on things late.

Put in the Grocery order with Curt at the track, we may have him do a bit of Pork with all that Brisket too. I ate that stuff for a week last year, it was worth every penny!!!!

I’ll have Bottled Water & Coffee but Y’all should bring drinks and lunch or snacks for the afternoon Saturday & Sunday. Dinner will be available for all @ 5pm Saturday evening. If you want to bring a little something to share that is welcome too.

Brewster was good enough to let me hang on to his Beacon so we are all set there. If you have your own and want to do sector times or something please get with me early and we can set that up. We will locate the timing area in a different place this time so you can get times on ALL of your laps, even your “in lap”. Probably in T10 or exiting the Bowl. Drivers Right.

Our SUPER COOL track pick-up guy, Bob Cole, will bring a few extra gallons of Sunoco Turbo Blue 110 leaded race gas for sale if anyone needs an extra gallon or 2. As far as I can find out, there is no local gas station that offers race gas for sale near the Track so bring CASH. Thanks Bob! Yer the best!!!!!

More coming, as long as the gremlins allow!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

For those concerned about the weather….

If the Brits can do it, so can we! Its America Baby YEAH!!!!

[Todd Stoffer]

Jet it rich! LOL

[Robert Lawson]

Bummer, looks like we wont get to do that snow running after all. :)

Its still early but….. here is the Accuweather forcast for next weekend:

Fri 4-13 H 60,  “Rain & Drizzle possible”  Precip Chance: 30%
overnight: L 40
 Sat 4-14 H59,  “Cloudy with a chance of Rain” Precip Chance: 35%
overnight: L31
Sun 4-15 H53, “Times of Clouds & Sun” Precip Chance: 3%

Other than the overnight Saturday to Sunday its not bad at all. I’ll take a 35% chance at Grattan ANYTIME!!!

Bobby hooked us up with the Sunoco Race Gas website. If you go here you’ll find a few places on the way to the track from either the East or West.

https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/

Just click the menu top left and look at the products they offer if you are not familiar. Then, click the “fuel finder” top right to find a place with that product. There is a place in Holland south of Grand Rapids off I-94 if coming from the West, Another West of GR  and one over near Ionia if coming from the East. GR and Ionia both carry 110 (Standard) leaded & 112 (Supreme) leaded in 5 gallon cans. The Holland location is a Speedway station with 110 at the pump.

I’d call them to be sure they have stock if going this direction. Holland Speedway Station: 616-772-6688, GR: Van Manen Petrolem 616-453-6344 or Ionia: Felice Automotive 616-527-3227.

More coming, stay tuned!!!

*this site still not working very well!

[Robert Lawson]

I shot a couple short videos out in the garage this afternoon. You can view the others at the YT channel.

The kart is ready to be buttoned up and loaded in the trailer!

 

Just a week away guys!!!!!

[Jerry Revely]

Revely Racing is ready to put in the work. New tires on the kart and 3 new sets mounted in reserve. Ten gallons of fuel.

Let’s rock!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry, she sounds crisp!!!!

I know where to go when I’m in need of some tires!

What are Brothers for???? :)

Guys,

Like Y’all we are watching the deteriorating weather forecast for this weekend unfold. I have contacted our fellow participant from PHOENIX whom was planning to fly-in and run a kart belonging to a friend, also our Brothers from Nashville and Minneapolis to let them know I will not subject them to a massive gas bill and miserable trip driving to GR only to sit in the rain.

I called Sam, even though I knew his answer, and found NO available weekends to use as a rain date until October. So, I will keep praying and watch the weather for a positive change until Wednesday, at which time I will call Sam and let him know our plans.

IF we cancel on Wednesday I will refund, in FULL, your entry via personal check or PayPal if you prefer.

Let Us Pray……

PS: there is 1 weekend day available at Grattan before MIS. Its Sunday May 13th…. yes, Mothers Day! If we do cancel on Wednesday I will be looking to do something on this date myself. 1/2 day, a couple hours, whatever I can weasel out of them, if anything at all! I need the test time! If this is something you may be up for let me know.

[Robert Lawson]

Not making it official just yet!!!!

But, as promised, I will post our plans about 24 hours from now. Until then, take a look at this:

[Jerry Revely]

First I want to thank Robert for putting this together. It was an amazing feat to secure a full two day weekend of testing. Much appreciated Brother!! Sorry the weather isn’t behaving.

With that said, I would suggest that we start working on April 2019 much sooner to secure a later weekend moving forward.

[Todd Stoffer]

Thanks, Robert for putting all this together. I can do mother’s day if you do arrange it.

Todd

[Robert Lawson]

So, yes…. its official.

I just hate it, what took 10 weeks to pull together only took 10 minutes to tear down.

But, with Todd here and a few others that have messaged back this AM we have a good start to putting that May date together.

I will call the Car guy that has the track on 5-12 to see if there is any room for a few guys to split time with them. If he is willing it wouldn’t require 20 guys to do. Also, a weekday has been suggested. I have never had any luck doing that in the past but if we plan for it maybe that is something that could work. Will ask about the $$$ of that this evening.

Guess I’m spoiled, not willing to give up on the chance to test items back-to-back. So, its BACK to the drawing board!!!!!

Thanks for the words guys, but, its Y’all that need to be thanked! Without EVERY ONE of you stepping up, this wouldn’t have had a shot!!!!

Again, thanks to Bob Cole, (who now has 16 GL of race gas!!!). Also Dennis Bernier and Brother Kenny whom where coming out to help all of us get on and off the track, and Bobby K for offering to document it in photos.

Believe it or not….. there is More to Come!!!!!

RPM

[Jerry Revely]

I have three races in a row booked the first part of May. So I won’t be able to make 5/12.

If you can swing something during the week, I will be there.

[Todd Stoffer]

My new piston arrived today… guess I can take my time installing it. ;)

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

After checking into things, weekdays would only make sense if large numbers of guys prefered them over weekends…. no break on $$$ for weekdays or Mothers Day.

So, I did make contact with the Car group guys. Good News is they are very interested in doing combined gigs… Bad News is they claim to have a large group in May. They offer 3 or 4 groups or levels of experience, like a Bike format. That just wont work with a single grouping of karts. We would get waxed on time for the same cost. I suggested they combine to 2 groups with our 1 group, we could each lease a day and rotate all weekend. They like that idea, but, with the number of participants that have no experience at a track they are not willing to combine at this time. Being that most of their participants drive their track vehicle TO the track… they also run rain or shine. Again, we would get waxed there too. For the future, a condensed format with them is a viable option though. Something to think about.

Gingerman, short of CES in Sept, is anti-kart! “No more Karts at twilight test & tune” I was told. The rent there by the way is double that of Grattan for a day. I then asked, Why don’t YOU schedule a kart specific test day? Their answer was: “There ARE no karts!!!” In their defense, you can’t hold time for a formula with no participation.

Well, there is always the new project kart out there to dump $$$ into!!!!!

We are waiting on a new box of checks to arrive, as soon as they are here I will burn through them!!! You paypal guys should get your refund today.

I’m not giving up on Y’all that still want to test, but I’m not confident we can gather 18-20 guys on Moms Day.

We’ll see…….

[Robert Lawson]

We are a long way from 20, but, after just 2 days we are 1/2 way to 18!

I know the May 13th date will be a tough sell. Anything can happen!

Tell your karting buddies that are able to get free on Mothers Day that we need some help!!!

In the mean time, I will work on plan B…..

Man, the weather over at the track is horrendous! Ice and a bit of snow…. a mess until late Monday. Nice and warm here at Home!!!! I got a bit of a cold this week so it worked out, I would have been dead sick Monday exposed to that weather!!!!

To the guys that said to pencil them in, and use their April entry… Thanks Guys! I will get your balance out when that box gets here this week!

The countdown begins again…..

[Robert Lawson]

I just spoke to Curt at the track.

He said the Track is STILL covered in Ice! They got about 1.5″ of it!!!

Noah and his guys got pummeled, 12.9″ of snow reported in Minneapolis!

We got a glazing here that was gone by 2pm. The old basement here was leaking a bit from all the rain and the garage has a big puddle in the center of it where there was once a drain. I really need to pitch the bit outside the roll up doors the other way, getting tired of working around a puddle each time it rains from the East!!

On a happy note, we got one more on the list!

Chipping away…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Still chipping …. count is at 13!

The weather is going to turn, at least around here, this weekend! A good dose of Sun and heat will get folks looking at their karts again. Confidence is growing!! We need 5-7 more!

[Robert Lawson]

Refunds going out Monday.

Thanks Again to all whom sent weekend entries, we almost pulled it off!

To the guys that are on hold for May, IF we get that going I’ll refund your entry difference in cash at the track. If not, I’ll send you a full refund via check. We’ll know in 3 weeks!

After much thought I decided to build that project kart into an F-125/T-car with the spare Vortex. Its just too nice to cut up for a Briggs! We may have found another deal but until its done we are STILL looking for a cheap chassis to build that laydown 4 stroke. The idea is an inexpensive intro ride for newbie’s. No driving the carb with your foot, no tuning,  just get in and go.

That stuff will keep us busy, but, there is still the matter of testing this new cooling system set up. Its just a bummer we got pimped by MoNat.

I did find a bit of something new….. until I check it out Monday to be sure you’ll have to stop back to find out!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Checks should be well on their way now.

I had something lined up to show you but its not moving forward very quickly at this time. They have not aquired the property yet and are seeking investors. It peaked my interest because its super close to home for me!

Take a look: http://www.heritagefarmsmotorplex.com/

 

Spoke with a few of the guys trying to get financing for this place yesterday, I guess the land is over priced because of a tax lien. Too bad, it is only 35-40 minutes from here!!!!

I sent out a note to most of the guys holding over from the April dates to May. Specificaly asking if those already “in” were willing to up the anti if we do not get another 6 or so guys. If you didn’t get a note tell me what you think here.

 

Back soon….

[Todd Stoffer]

Go ahead and apply my cash towards a mother’s day run since I won’t be making it to MIS the following weekend. With my current situation I might not make Mid-Ohio, either. :(

[Todd Stoffer]

And tell your friends at Heritage Farms they might have better luck drawing investors if they fix the simple spelling and grammar errors on their website. LOL

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, thats cool…thanks Bro!

Yeah I didn’t spend much time reading anything on the site, just looking at the layout of the proposed track. These guys are….. different! They will build ALL the condo’s and man-cave/gearhead stuff before ever purchasing the remainder of the land to build the track!!!????!!! That tells me they hold the track in far less regard than the condos, sports bar, indoor karting and all the other proposed entities.

MIS is close to home but I don’t want to pay $150 just to get 1 long run on this cooling system upgrade. I’d much rather double that and have all day to work it out and continue to make attempts. I do believe its fixed, and if that is the case I have a host of things to get through and 30 or 45 minutes will just not do it.

We’ll see, maybe we will get a few more guys and great weather for Mothers Day!

[Robert Lawson]

I have good news and bad news…..

Bad News first…. we are not going to get enough support. And… upping the anti ALSO was not enough!

SO, how can there be ANY good news right???

Good News is….. Sam will accept what I currently have come up with! It was still a fair bit short but I threw more $$$ at it because I NEED that full day of long runs. He wants me to keep promoting and try to get to the lease agreement… and I will… anyone interested can still get involved. BUT, we can load um up Boys because either way we are ON!

Get um ready, there will be PLENTY of open track with just 12 or 13 of us!!!

More to come…

[Todd Stoffer]

That is good news! Thanks for everything, Robert. I’ll be out on Saturday… What time do you plan on getting there?

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I’m shooting for mid afternoon, 1-2pm.

Guys,

The particulars for this Test Day are a bit unique. Yes, we have done Sundays in the past but not a week before the Season kicks off in the region. With time at a premium, and, to get as much of it ON the track as possible, I’m not doing lunch. Bring something along to feed on!!!! We will take as short a break as allowed for the Marshals & EMT’s to hit the can and grab a bite….then go right back to it until 5pm.

This will be very strange as I’m always looking forward to breaking bread & chatting with Y’all.

Small group this time, it will be all business out there!!!!

Looking forward to it!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The extended forecast for the 13th isn’t great.

I won’t mess around in making a decision. Wednesday AM is as far as I’m willing to go before admitting defeat and conceding to some Greater Meaning than could possibly be comprehended by mere mortals. IF infact the weather does not allow us to leave the garage, I may just haul the entire kart down and check every nut & bolt! I would suggest Y’all still hangin with this thing do the same! There would HAVE to be a diabolical reason for being shut down yet again a full month later!!!!!

We will see in just 3 days.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Trying a different browser, the site just takes forever on “Explorer” AND it looks different. Using Firefox I can see “pages” again and it loads up 100X faster.

Continuing to act as though we are getting this in on Sunday and packing up today. The National Weather outlets are useful but not as accurate as the local stuff.

Take a look here too guys: https://www.wzzm13.com/10-day

Sunday isn’t the bulk of the problem, its the overnight and all the rain they will get between now and then.

Fingers crossed, not making plans for Mid-Ohio just yet!!!! :)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I had to pop in and share the very encouraging forecasts for Belding Michigan THIS Sunday.

Accuweather: Partial Sunshine, HI 68, real feel 71, precip 4%
The Weather Channel: Abundant Sunshine, HI 67, precip 0%
Local ABC 13: A Few Clouds, HI 69, precip 10%

We will take another look in the AM.

I’m just about packed up to go. Drained and flushed all the antifreeze & topped it off with fresh H2O. Did find a brake pad retaining clip that had made a bit of contact with the sidewall of my left front tire. So, I’ll install new clip/pins on both fronts and make sure they don’t protrude from the caliper. I may just put a new one on the rear too…..just to be sure they are all fresh!!!!

Next time is go/no go…

See Y’all in the AM!

[Robert Lawson]

GO!

[Todd Stoffer]

Robert Lawson wrote:

GO!

Yay

[Robert Lawson]

I’m ready!!!!

Bombed the trailer this afternoon, so, no pests dropping in on me while fast asleep!!!!

Forecasted conditions are perfect, you really couldn’t ask for better.

I already put my request in with Sam to hold THIS weekend for next year. April has been very good to us but the ice a few weeks ago and the snow delay in ’16 are enough for me to say good bye to April and Hello to MAY!!! Not having to deal with the antifreeze will be a bonus too.

Again, be aware there will be NO concessions out there and with the short mid day break we are not doing group lunch this time. Bring something to eat/drink!

ALSO… get there early! Prefferably by 8am (or earlier!) I have the kart prep sheet for you to fill out again and we will have a meeting with “Track Marshall Dave” on format/rules/flags & safety etc. ALL BEFORE OPENING THE TRACK.

Note: Race gas IS available at the track.

More tomorrow!

[Robert Lawson]

I have a few things to load up in the morning, but other than that we are ready to go.

Had to adjust the height of load distrubution hitch for the new truck. The bolts had never been removed since assembling the kit waaaay back in the day of the Ole RV! 1996 I think??!!! Its good now but took an unintended chunk of time out of the day. Gotta load the bed in the AM and then adjust the number of links on the bars to get the trailer as level as possible. This truck is a 4×4, it just doesn’t drop like the old truck did.

So, we’ll be testing (and likely tweeking) the set-up on the truckster too!!!

Making a stop on the way but should be at the track by 3pm.

We are going to have awesome weather, Im really looking forward to getting a great deal of my list scratched off!

SAFE TRIP Y’all!!!!! See you Sunday Morning!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I HAD to share this with Y’all.

It explains in 2 words just how my day of Testing went.

Take a look……

[Robert Lawson]

Was having trouble getting back on here to post!

As young Luke mentioned above, the kart was “wicked fast” at Grattan. I was very pleased with the work we did and the direction taken after a long Winter of research.

The test results of the cooling system upgrade was not as expected. It ran hot again on H2O temp but did not result in a rev-limit due to overheating like it did at MIS last fall. In a long run of 30 straight laps last Sunday, high temps and all, no sign of that ignition issue and the engine ran very well.

Was up until 2 am last night working with an engineer at Davies-Craig (location: Australia) trying to figure out why my system runs hot (I use their pump). I sent pic’s of the rad, nose, airbox, etc. and spoke about the history of rad changes, mounting and location on all of our karts using the D-C booster pumps. But after attaching a video showing the entire system with the bodwork removed the answer came quickly from the engineer. A few more swapped notes and we have a solution to try.

Those Youtube videos come in handy!!!

So, with a bit of work and some new bits we should be ready to go for Mid-Ohio. It will be 12 years this June since I raced at Mid-Ohio, I have always run good there and my last race was an epic battle with my good friend Scotty Fiesler! Cher and I are really looking forward to getting back down there and seeing all our old friends.

Here is a clip for you….

This is my final run, it takes place the last 25 minutes of the day. We were experimenting a bit. I had changed up the….configuration, of the engine, and was just comparing some real time data. As always, read the description to get an inside look at some of the more interesting highlights. The track is getting rough again, July will not be nice to it that is for sure.

PS: Its too soon to say for sure, but, after Mid-Ohio it will be a priority to get over to Pocono to do a surface test. I’m sure finding a workable configuration is possible.

[Robert Lawson]

Things are coming along for Mid-Ohio.

Put in a call to my old friends at Goldspeed USA on Wednesday. I explained (pleaded!) how the Dunlop kart tires at this point have no US importer, which causes an issue for guys like me that utilize a 5.50 wide 5″ tire.

I still have 1 living set of 5.50 Maxxis HG3 tires. After sending a pic of the tire and date code we spoke at length about talking the Corp types into building these tires again. Not sure what the chances are but I’m not ready to toss all my 5″ wheels for 100’s of $$$ in 6″. Maxxis doesn’t offer the HG3 compound anymore but they do have a very similar new compound. I will be testing the rear tire in that compound at Mid-Ohio if all goes well.

Got more videos up at YT, more coming as we prep for June!

Check it out, been runnin’ the leaf blower!!!

https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

[Robert Lawson]

Got more video up, been repairing and recovering the seat.

The new pump draws 3 times the amps of the old model so I’m going to have my hands full swapping out batt packs all day on Friday at M-O. We tried a Balistic battery that worked well but not what I was hoping for. Thankfully it will drop right in the CBR 250 R….. love it when a plan comes together!!!!

The Goldspeed guy swapped some text with me on Memorial Day, getting a bit more info and feedback about the tire in question. Fingers crossed, I sure hope we can get a 5.5 wide tire out of them. I loved my Maxxis tires, and would really like to keep my collection of 5″ wheels!

Slowly getting it all together here. I feel the ole Mid-Ohio groove coming on, if nothing else it should make for good video!

Good to see the site back up. Not up to speed yet, but back up anyway!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

Wish I had video and a story from Mid-Ohio but I don’t.

Had to make an emergency trip to SC last Sunday and didn’t return until Thursday afternoon. Got work to do as Cher had an accident in the garage, dropped my bike and knocked the kart off the stand. I asked her to move the bike hours after I had left for SC so its my fault. No biggie, she wasn’t hurt and thats all that matters.

I did send a note to Steve at Pocono, just need his updated schedule of bookings to work around. We will put this at the top of our list of things to do, it is of the utmost importance I get this in before planning another race trip. If they are open and accepting to us putting wheels on the track we will be ready to go do it.

Some exciting action on the Racemonitor from M-O. Its awesome knowing what is happening with more detail than those standing at the wall! Lots of 250’s in attendance, when their numbers are good the overall numbers seem to do the same. Hope everyone had a good weekend and got back home safely.

RPM

[EJ Korecky]

Had a great time at Mid-Ohio…Thank you Dart members, staff and volunteers for fantastic weekend.

 

ej

• This reply was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by EJ Korecky.

[Robert Lawson]

Always an awesome job at a Dart gig, they are the best! Che’ and I are bummed out we couldn’t make it but Family Emergency’s always come first.

I have been in contact with Steve at Pocono today, he was very gratious and answered all my questions & concerns. The “option 3” I wanted to test isn’t available… ever. They no longer open that part of the wall because that particular transition (rain gutter) was so hard on even fully sprung vehicles that its use has been halted.

 

So, what IS available in its place? Lets take a look…..

Going CCW, You will still exit the infield at Nascar Pit Out (blue section) using the Oval T1 and enter the infield at the first Blue entrance, then turning right onto the road course back straight (yellow) and merging onto the White course past the infield pit lane back onto the yellow course then hard right onto the blue portion before completeing a lap.

Its basically the same layout as I mentioned back in the Fall of 2016 but without running the Long Pond Straight. Its slightly shorter too at 1.8 mi compared to 2.1 mi.

I’m waiting to see if we can use the White entrance mid way down the Long Pond straight with a MIS type restricted entry to slow things down. Also, that nice little “finger” on the infield with the hairpin…. not available to us. The traffic flowing in different directions is too close together, the only time it is used they restrict the number of vehicles to 2 at a time…. not good!

More Coming!!!!

 

RPM

• This reply was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by Robert Lawson. Reason: typo - O
• This reply was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by Robert Lawson. Reason: video not working

[Robert Lawson]

Steve is on vacation until after the 4th holiday so I wont get an answer on that optional roadcourse exit (entrance for my use) until he returns.

We did agree to a test date, on a weekday, the first week of September. There is a nice 3-4 day block of no activity anywhere on the grounds so having a few days to play weather etc will be cool.

Been out in the garage repairing the radiator air box, the nose was not on the kart when it fell off the stand. Also did some finishing to the chain guard, got it in shape and painted after removing the covering that was on it. Seat looks sweet, nice new covering and chainguard plus the air box got paint today too….. moving right along. With all new brake pads and resurfaced rotors its best to get them broke-in before heading off to a speedway we’ve not been to since Elementary School!!!

So, we are going through the motions for Grattan in 3 weeks. Not overly excited about it as the surface will be really rough in the hot weather (although its been quite cool) AND having to race 250 twins is rediculous. But, they have a Friday so I’ll run the same program as I intended for M-O. Until then, we’ll just be watching the weather!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just a quick clip here, hanging out in the garage wraping things up.

More coming!!

 

 

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

More updates….

Sunday, not good :

Monday morning, better!!! :

I’m out there putting it all back together now….

[Robert Lawson]

Got it all back together and running on Monday.

Back out there today to get the trailer loaded and all the bits of the kart installed before a coat of wax….. and, more bad news!

Fuel tank is leaking, badly.

Removed it and washed it out, plugged it up and put pressure to it and oh boy does it need work!!!!! No idea why it didn’t show the serious leakage of yesterday back at the test in May but…. there ya go. Nice puddle on the floor tray this AM.

Will check out a few local shops in the AM tomorrow. IF I can find a fair deal then we can stay on schedule for the weekend.

If not……??? I even called a few guys and considered a sprint type 7 qt tank just so I can get this water pump shake down behind me. No luck.

We’ll know tomorrow, more then!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

…..aaaaannndd I’m done!

[Robert Lawson]

Just when I thought I was out….. they pull me back in!

I couldn’t leave well enough alone. I started packing to head out tomorrow at about 6:30pm after hitting paydirt on a temp solution. I made a few calls looking for a Margay tank to mount just to get some laps and prove out this new pump. Mr. Mike Tracy offered to meet me at an exit in Brighton, right on my way to the track tomorrow, with a trunk load of Margay tanks and fittings. Pretty sweet!!! It gets better…..

We sold that CIK/125SK  I built a few years ago to a guy in town, until this evening he was intending on coming out to Grattan to at least run Friday practice. When he called to tell me he wasn’t going to make it I mentioned the tank issue and the plastic alternative I came up with. He offered to remove the tank from his kart and let me use it…… because it originated from MY kart! It almost drops right back on, unbelieveable!

Thanks to Jamal Rogers and Mike Tracy I’ll have more than enough fuel tanks to use this weekend AND on the ole project kart!!!!!

Love it when a plan comes together!

[Robert Lawson]

Jamal’s fuel tank left a mark!!!!

I’m pretty beat up, left elbow is swollen and has a purple bruse the size of a softball!

I’m not as bad off as our Buddy and head Tow Back driver Bob Cole. He took a serious beating on his entire left side after being hit and ejected, on the cool down lap…. of all things!

I called him as soon as we got home last night to check on him. He is in a GOOD spirit and taking it very well. As I said buddy, we are praying for you! Get better soon!!!!!!!

Well, I said the track would be rougher in July and it absolutely was. The sealer is spreading further beyond the bumps as well and in the heat causes your kart to hop…or push….snap loose…..and sometimes all of the above before and after the bumps are done with you! It was not a pleasant experience and I mentioned not taking my laydown back there until its fixed. The most irratating part of the roughness (besides the bruises) is the fact that you cant get the lap time from the kart/package that you know is there. I scuffed new tires then took them right back off, NOT the way to go on that sealer in the heat. Raced on the the old Maxxis fronts and used up SL4 rears…. it was still a mess out there.

Within earshot of the Wife I used the “S” word and got a look I have not seen too many times! Yes, the word “Sprint” kart did not go over well…

Asked if I would do a late season test I answered “Yeah, but I won’t bring my kart back here, maybe a Sprint kart!”

After talking with Bob last night, I am inspired by his brother Larry to try a TAG kart. We will have to wait and see how things work out. I would be interested in renting maybe for MIS before aquiring something.

I have tons of video from the races and the paddock….also some helmet cam, as promised! Got good hemet cam view following Wayne Rumsey’s new Richie Warren chassis in action….. then I put some doughnuts down the side of it for him!!!!!

More VERY soon!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

The elbow Monday afternoon:

Last Practice session Sunday AM: (sorry Wayne!!!)

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

You can see all the shenanagans from the weekend here:

Enjoy!

[Bruce Peck]

Robert:  Hard to tell in the video, but how rough has the track gotten?  Which parts are the worst so I can watch for it in the video.   I haven’t been since 2016.  Has it gotten that bad since then?

So no one gave you grief about the camera on the helmet?  I keep seeing people using them so obviously no one is enforcing the dumb rule.

[Robert Lawson]

Brewster,

Its good to hear from you! Hope everyone in the Peck Family is well Bro!!! I was hoping you would be there so I could get your Beacon back to you. I can ship it if you prefer. Let me know.

A quick Thank You to Greg Stamm, he handed me a Mychron Beacon at the track (and a Margay tank!!!!) so I am back in business!!!

I dunno Bruce, maybe its just me OR the laydown shifter perspective. It all felt rougher. T3 is about the worst of it, there are 3 distinct bumps that make it hard to get back to the throttle. If you have no control over the direction of the kart AND its difficult to see…. your choice is to lift, and lose some time. In May I found if you square that corner off, I mean way wide at the top and turn across the grade getting on the gas before the bumps its workable. BUT, you open the door for getting t-boned. And, we saw enough guys rolling out of their karts in T3 this weekend, I didn’t want to be one of them.

You know as well as any the laydown can’t be “tossed” like a CIK and its a completely different perspective with your head on a headrest and part of the kart. I’m sure sprint guys have sore ribs after that weekend too.

All of the vibration is the kart binding/hopping from the sealer, the jarring….thats the heavy stuff that leaves a mark!

As for the camera, not a word. I did see some on the chin bar area in CIK karts but I was alone in putting it right on top.

Foolishness and Greed by the IC.

The entire unit is made of plastic and will no more cause injury than your visor. The mount is foam tape, no compromise of the shell, certianly the chemicals in the prep/primer/paint do more to the structural integrity of the shell than an adhesive. I have literally 100’s of helmet cam videos and have never lost a camera, not even close. They fall off the vibrating karts all the time though.

But we know why the rule has come about, don’t we? If not, who then is the bigger fool???

Peace Y’all!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Had to share this with Y’all.

Mentioned it to Frank Dawley today, figured I’d post it up.

This is laser welding at Accurate Welding in Mt. Clemens MI. they were the sister  Co. to my Sis & Bro Inlaw’s former shop. My Bro Inlaw Larry has passed on but I’m sure he would be very impressed with where the Welding Co. has gone and the Tech they are in to now.

Take a close look, super cool… no gloves OR heat!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Man that laser welding is awesome, they actually weld/fill “scribe lines” as little as .003!

Take a look at their site:  http://accuratewelding.us/welding/laser-welding

Wonder if Che’ will get me one for Christmas!!!! :)

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

I started working on the Project Kart this week.

Here is an update:

[Robert Lawson]

This is a Garage Talk/Bench Talk/Tech Talk version on the Project Kart platform. As I torn the chassis down to be cleaned and altered for a KZ/ICC I did some measuring and noted things like steering ratio, spindle height, steering shaft orientation/angle (height & distance at attachment locations) among other things.

This is my take on what I found, which is typical on most karts I had noticed from years of doing pre tech.

[Robert Lawson]

Posted up more video of the Project Kart at YT .

Very excited about where this is going! Can’t explain just yet but things are falling into place, we’ll have some very nice components to work with!

This all started while innocently looking for a cheap chassis with at least spindles and steering. The idea was for a low budget, low speed, intro to road racing T car to give rides in. Just a cheap no frills 4 stroker, real cheap, like Harbor Freight cheap! It didn’t need to be fast or competitive, just a gas & brake ride for use on track days for anyone wanting to check it out.

That kart build is again a very good possibility! With the F-125 Project ongoing as well, it is going to be a busy Winter!

I hope to have all of it ready to run in April/May next Spring.

Looking forward a bit to MIS, more testing on tap there. Also back to work on the Pocono gig setting a date to head over there and find a usable configuration…. and cut a few laps!

I have not forgotten Y’all whom want a track day in the Fall. Dates for that coming soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

In talks with Steve Sodl at Pocono this week.

As of right now the entire first week of September is open and very inviting for a quick trip to do a surface/configuration test.

It will be tight, just 1 week after MIS to be ready.

We’ll see, I’m very hopeful that this works out.

Spoke to our old friend and good buddy Rick Gunther (aka Gizmo Man) this past week. He is seriously thinking about coming out to MIS in his Vintage Bus/RV and hanging out with us! Hope we get good weather. I have plenty of things to get on and off the kart Saturday AM, then, some catching up with the boys. I don’t intend to line up for a flag until Sunday so plenty of time on our hands at MIS.

More Soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

As I’m preping for MIS it came to me to offer a challenge….

The Water Temp Challenge!

Anyone with a watercooled engine, any type of kart/engine package, TAG, shifter, clutchkart….. no matter.

No oppinions…. just the FACTS, that means VIDEO of the data!!!   Also include Ambient Temp AND configuration at the time of the video. Meaning: Were you taped down then remove tape? (CIK), Big Shifter Rad vs lil Tag Rad, pump type (engine, axel, elect.) and gearing of the pump (ratio/speed) if applicable, also for laydown guys, size & location of rad and dimention of fresh air inlet to the rad.

Practice runs are not eligible, its the race data that is the “proof in the puddin’ ” so to speak.

The reason for video is simple, I myself remembered a different outcome post race than what actually took place. You just can’t be aware of data at every inch of the circuit like you can in video.

This is afterall a “Challenge” so I’ll offer something toward next April/May Testing. I would be pleased beyond all expectation to see a handful of video’s posted here but I have a feeling it will be pretty quiet.

We’ll see.

I’ll post up a clip of what I’ve done, what I’m doing, and the effects of what I have learned thus far.

More coming….

[Robert Lawson]

Here are a few clips of what we have been doing.

Got my VIO cam back, and, we look at getting some fresh air to the ignition.

I explain what did actually change with the higher output pump. Also, a bit of a confusing Q & A with myself!!!

And finally…. I DO something!! Enjoy!!

• This reply was modified 4 years, 7 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

No takers huh???

I’ll make it easy, just shoot a clip of playback on your data. Or, just page through the data from a race and let me see the max temps.

Someone has to have video other than myself!

BTW…. more video from today at the YT channel:   https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

[Bruce Peck]

So just what is the “challenge” Robert?  My engine runs cooler than your engine?  Or what?   Not sure what the goal is.    When I get a little time I’ll share my cooling issues as it pertains to my BRC 150 Laydown “experiment” which I know you’re aware of.  Radiator is at the rear of the laydown rather than the front.  Temps were very high at Mid Ohio 2017 (very hot ambient temps) at around 180 although the engine completed two 30 minute Unlimited races and did fairly well with a driver who had not been in the kart before.  I made some adjustments and the last two times out it ran 140-145 although the ambient temps were much cooler on those days (Pittsburg last year and then Daytona).  Next outing will be Pittsburg at the end of Sept so I can report back how it did.  I will also post some photos of the set up.

[Robert Lawson]

What is the essence of a Challenge?

“I do it, or have done it….now I challenge you to do it.”

I challenged anyone to post video of their data which includes H2O temp’s.

Video is definative.

I’ll cut anyone with good video, that provides the above requested info, a $$$ break on Testing.

I’m extremely curious how an axel pump that varies in output (GPM) at different axel speeds operates (real time temps at variable speeds) compared to an electric pump that simply runs full on until the battery loses volts. Much like the MX or GP Honda engines I have ran in the past, those pumps were engine driven and also varied in speed…. and…. were designed to cool those engines.

Right now, I’m focused on keeping my PVL from overheating and causing the engine to misfire. If the weather cooperates, MIS will be a good test. Going to the opposite end of the spectrum (pumps/flow restriction) from what I have tried. Very much looking forward to the results.

[Todd Stoffer]

Here’s some video from April, 2017. Water temps are kind of hard to see, but I was running in the 130s. I ended up pulling a strip of tape off the radiator to get it into the mid-140s where my engine likes it, but apparently I took no more videos that day. Hope this helps.

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

Thanks for the effort boss!

I kept leaning my head forward trying to see your data!!!! :)

You certianly do not see much rise in H2O temp while in 6th gear. Thats interesting (engine pump varies in output with engine speed), as the engine makes far more heat from EGT when WFO in top gear for a sustained amount of time. Your EGT was in the low 900’s coming down the hill from T4 and in the 1020 – 1050 range on top end. H2O was nearly the same everywhere (that was visable!). She sounded a bit fat, I remember that day…. we had a big crowd. Looked like you were having fun!

Some axel pump vidoe would be cool……. uhum… somebody??!!!

I did some testing at MIS. Since we tried a faster pump unrestricted at Grattan, we went in the far opposite direction from our base and went back to the slow pump with an inline T-stat as a restriction. I ran 1 round of practice in this configuration, then took the t-stat back off. It got to 170 in just 4-5 laps. I then went with just the slow pump…. yes, THAT pump, the one that didn’t cool the water in at MIS last year (C&R Rad). Reason?? In May I ran that same slow pump for 30 laps/42 minutes straight at Grattan in 58 deg. amb temps and saw 174 deg on H2O (with this CREEK Rad) and the ignition never went to misfire. For MIS, I also added a duct and scoop to introduce fresh air to the stator to see if it would help in counteracting the misfire knowing it would do nothing for H2O temp. What happened??? It got hot!!!! For sure, hotter than ever before at 187 deg. The duct must have worked because it ran great with no misfire…… until the lower rod bearing went MIA.

The MKC had a bummer turn out with a short weather pattern only causing a delay on Saturday obviously keeping folks at home. Too bad, they are talking about just 1 Fall event now and there was talk early of not promoting a gig at all. Time will tell.

We got together with some old friends, some good friends, and a bunch of close friends and had us a good ole time at MIS.

Thanks to Larry and all the “Rumsey Racing” group boys for the entertainment and socializing! We ate very well this weekend!

Info about an October Test date will be up tomorrow!

NEED MORE TEMP VIDEO!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

The only SATURDAY date in October is the 27th.

SUNDAY the 21st & 28th are also available.

I know many of the CIK guys think its too cold that late in the year but its all that is available.

This would be a good opportunity to break – in engines (etc) for Daytona.

I have a handful of of interest, the usual suspects, but will need 15-18 to pull it off. Will push for a deal like last Fall, paying the same rent as April/May is just not right.

More soon!

[Brian Wilhelm]

Robert, I think it’s your radiator. I’ve had lots of guys try units from “they build radiators for race cars” guys, and every single one runs hot. When they go to the 1989 Aerostar rear heater core (OEM only, aftermarket ones won’t work. The OEM unit is all aluminum, and dip soldered. You can JB weld on an air bleed screw fitting), their water temps drop back down to the 145-155 range. The Ford part number is E99z-18476-B. These little radiators are well designed, durable, and reject a ton of heat. Topeka was in the high 90’s and my water temp max was 165 with the D-C EBP 15 electric pump, with no thermostat. All the karts I’ve built are running the same setup, and getting about the same temps. BTW, below 80 deg I do still run the IAME inline thermostat with two extra 3/32″ bypass holes in it.

[Bruce Peck]

Shameless plug . . . I have one of the heater core rads Brian is talking about (used) with the bleeder valve for sale if anyone is interested.

[Robert Lawson]

Brian, you are probably right.

I looked at all types of radiators on CIK karts this past weekend and found the fins per inch on these “OEM” type factory packages are very similar to the heater core you mention. Even the small tube size is similar. What really got my attention was my Garage mate Paul putting 3 full 2″ strips of tape on his rad. Making it, theoretically, just slightly larger than mine, and only running 140 on H2O.

We drilled an additional 3  – .067 holes in the IAME inline t-stat at the track when it just wouldn’t pass any water short of running it to get the stat to open. Without the stat it was only an extra lap or 2 before it was again too hot. Restricting “flow” did not lower the max temps. A restrictive heat exchanger with a greater fin count (surface area) may just work. At this point we have nothing more to lose.

Gary Kramb uses and suggested this:  https://www.carid.com/spectra-premium/heater-core-mpn-94755.html

It fits the Aerostar 86-97.

I looked hard at the rad on my bike, it looks exactly like a CIK shifter rad (high # of fins per inch) in a cross flow model. I’m seeing a pattern.

In my defense of the engine failure, I was at 45-48 gallons of fuel on the crank. A bit more than the 31 or so (120 L) recommended by the Factory. Spinning it to 15,100 didn’t help with that much time on it. It didn’t seize, it broke.

Unfortunately, I’m done with it for now. Maybe we can get Rich on one of these and get him out in October.

Thanks for looking in and giving some insight.

Brewster, I’ll put your beacon back in the box and ship it off to you. Shoot me an email with your address to be sure.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 7 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Brian Wilhelm]

Robert, The part number is for the front heater core which is 20% larger than the rear one I use, plus it has 3/4″ tubes instead of 5/8″. I have ordered the Spectra part number, and about 1 out of 5 times I get the one pictured. The other times one of the funky brass, copper, and aluminum one shows up. It’s crazy, but they have the same part number. Autozone shows a Pro-Source OEM style replacement rear heater core that is all aluminum, and the one time I ordered it, the correct one showed up!

You are correct, the fin count per inch is one thing that make these work. They also have “flat oval” tubes, and the wall thickness of every piece is super thin. At AMP this year, Allen and I both had to put two strips of tape over the nose opening to get up to 140deg, and it was in the 70’s, and lower 80’s. Many times at MIS I ran one strip of tape on the nose to get to temp.

[Robert Lawson]

I just got off the phone with an O’reilly’s that has one in stock…. amazing.
$36 out the door…. again, amazing. Mind blowing, they are open until 12AM!

I’m gonna head over there and take a look after the traffic settles down. Its the larger of the 2, not sure I could get the smaller one in the nose with the tubes so far off the side like that.

For the $, if its all aluminum, I’ll buy it. We have many options to choose from over here…. Put the RVS back on and test on my kart, have Rich test it, or put my seat in his kart and do it myself.

If I hustle we could make Gingerman next weekend…….. :)

[Robert Lawson]

I made up a cardboard mock-up of the unit from O’reilly’s, its the front heater core (larger one) Gary told me about. Its not going to fit in my kart. Well, at least not in a hurry!

Went back to the webstore and looked up Brian’s suggestion, had to order it, will be at the store right up the street here in the AM.

I think when working with a new nose, (like building the new kart) the larger rad will fit if the nose is mounted just a bit more forward. They are very similar in price, I like bigger!

Will have to look at what exactly has to be done to get the RVS back on the kart. The RVXX is coming off anyway so…….  We’ll see.

I’ll definately bring Y’all some video of that missing rod bearing!

[Robert Lawson]

A look at “fins per inch”:

….. and, as promised, the damage:

I have to go back out and pick up the larger model I didn’t think would fit. Had all kinds of issues with these heatercores today. Like Brian mentioned, you don’t always get what you want. I made 2 trips before settling on the unit in the video and once I put a tape to it I find is too small and will not be a fair comparison to what Brian and his karts are experiencing.

So, if you look at the latest upload at the YT Channel the mock up did fit but may not clear everything in a way I’d like. We’ll know for sure tomorrow.

Stay tuned, we might just make Gingerman yet!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Happy Labor Day!!!!

Gingerman looking better all the time!

[Robert Lawson]

Well, we had a bit of a weather scare there for a day or 2 but the forecast looks good for Gingerman after checking this AM.

The transition to the old engine and new….radiator (heatercore)  is just about finished.

Here is the latest, I post the finished job later….

[Robert Lawson]

It runs!

A bit of a glitch, no sparky, but I found the faulty part and swapped it out.

Its all finished, Bro Rich is stopping by on his Lunch break to help me stuff her in the trailer tomorrow. (er, today!)

Chuck and I are shooting for a 4pm arrival, weather looks great!!!!!

Here is the clip from yesterday, there are others at the YT channel.

Safe trip Y’all!!!

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

I’ll post some video up later, but, we had an abbreviated day on Saturday.

I allowed myself to be rushed, was flustered by a malfunctioning camera, and inevitably made a stupid mistake….. spinning off on cold clag covered tires without completing a lap.

We did get the engine broke-in. Took a trip through the grass while staring at the data. Got 1 good 5 lap run @ 80%  in 64 deg ambient which was more than enough to come to a conclusion on this new heater core.

And of course….. Sunday became a beautiful day!!!! Blue sky & clouds and SUN! Much better than Saturday for sure.

Hope everyone got home OK.

Praying for our friend Wayne Rumsey. (non karting related surgery)

[Robert Lawson]

Practice Saturday, 11:01 AM, 64F

I know its tough, but, watch the top right (blue marker) thats the water temp.

[Robert Lawson]

What a week its been. 100 degrees in the garage to 50 degrees over the weekend!

Looks like the heat is coming back one more time, into the 80’s.

Since the weather folks are sooooo accurate I extended way out to Oct 27th! They are calling for Sunny & 58 in Belding!!!!

So, keep Grattan on the 27th of October in mind. I spoke to plenty of guys that are interested at G-man but we need 15+ to do it reasonably. LAR is hooking me up with a CIK shifter! May need to get a “big boy” seat for it, though, there is time to knock some fat off this a$$ before then!!!!!

Daniel Barth has 2 Birel karts for sale, one may even be complete with a TM KZ. Both have radiators included. One is just a year or 2 old. If interested shoot me a note and I’ll forward the contact info. I was looking at one myself, maybe a TAGster for ole Puffy…. who knows!

RPM
f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Clearing out the garage yesterday to make room for some of the $$$ work in waiting, we loaded Rich’s kart into the trailer. Added 50/50 to my drained system just in case it gets cold and packed a few other things in there thinking I’m done for the year with chasing the water temp issue.

Aaaannnnnd then I started thinking….

IF in fact we get enough interest in an October test day it would be fun to beat on one of Larry’s CIK karts. BUT, why let an opportunity go to waste!!!!

No clue why my engine config/pump & system/nose/ inlet size & airbox/etc do not react the way other laydown 125’s do on water temp but I have come to this simple answer: It doesn’t matter! Let me explain….

I have tried the advice of the Pump/Brand engineer, 100 open guys, other F-125 guys, and 250 guys all of whom run water cooled engines. I have also asked about and observed many different CIK set-ups and their results. Knowing my results were not what the Engineer, Open guys, 125 guys and 250 guys have encountered by trying them…. it makes sense to try to emulate the CIK set up.

So what are the differences? I can’t set the engine out in the free air like CIK so I did what I could and ran the cooling duct… which worked. I can’t throw a billboard rad out in the free air but I can utilize a much bigger radiator and scoop or duct air to it. I have a pretty good idea how I’ll do this over the Winter but why not throw that larger heatercore we bought on and try it in October to see what it will do? I also want to attach strips of yarn to the backside of the rad and put a GoPro down there to record in real time what if anything is happening with the air flow. My engine/cooling package  makes a noticeable amount of heat getting on/staying on the gas, and cools as soon as you are off it. We will try replacing the probe and extension to see if there is any change with this.

We don’t want to have the same issue with the new kart. Carving up new bodywork is a bummer, so getting it right or at least heading in the right direction is a must.

To keep after it, you gotta love this Karting thing man! If not, yer just nuts!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m working on a long overdue project of extending my rear pumper. Moving it out past my exhaust silencer will serve 2 purposes. Doing it now will serve to aid in mounting (and protecting) an auxiliary rad on the back.

Adding more rad is the next step in the process. We’ll add the rad we just took out of the nose (Mom’s Day Test, Grattan July, MIS Aug) and box it in with a scoop to feed air off the left side panel.

Our quest now is to be forced to tape down the rad inlet because water temp drops from pit temp to running track temp. (GOOD PROBLEM!)

Even in 42 degree Ambient, in the past, our water would STILL run upper 140’s to 150 completely unrestricted by tape or whatever. In those conditions, we should have trouble getting to and holding any temp with stability. Until having the ignition issue, we just never had to think about any of this!

So, yes…. more Rad… Second’s PLEASE!!!

If this shows positive results a large rad in the left side panel will replace the big aluminum tank. A nice flowing forced intake with exhaust will package very well, and I may be able to sneak a plastic tank in there too. We’ll see.

Got a few more guys interested in October so were gonna keep working at it.

Have not gotten a response from Pocono…. guess they don’t need the work! With VIR now history it would be cool if WKC picked up the ball here and worked out a test with them. Its closer than NJ, I’m sure its cheaper too! My .02

More coming,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys!

Its time to start gathering entries for October. I have a list of 20-22 names here that have voiced interest since MIS. From experience, some on this list will back out, but with Pitt being this weekend I hope that some will have unfinished business and want to get in on the action. Also, its before the NCM gig in November and would be ideal for break-in, testing, or prep, etc.

I briefly gave thought to NCM but after watching more in-car decided against it. Besides, I need to get this water temp thing behind us so we can build the spare correctly.

Entry will be $175 per driver and yes…. lunch is included.

Send check here: Robert Lawson 17731 Ivanhoe St. Roseville, MI 48066

I’ll take Paypal too: f-125@hotmail.com

I intended to be out there on Friday afternoon if you want to drop off, or, hang and camp out. If the weather is nice, I may stay over Saturday night too and head home Sunday. That worked out well for the Mothers Day Test!!

We have some new guys coming so thats cool. This is the best environment for a newbie to try a long track. We can give them all the space they need to get acclimated, comfortable and started in the right direction.

There is just 4 weeks to go, so get your payment here ASAP. Of course, as usual, if we fully cancel I’ll refund all entries. We may move to Sunday the 28th as a back-up plan if Saturday looks risky. Once at the Track and the EMT’s arrive there is a minimum “show up” charge for them and Corner Personel. And, once we take to the track, rain or sleet or snow… its on like Donkey Kong!!!!!

More soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Puffy does his first Infomercial!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

I sent out text’s today to all I know to get this thing figured out, one way or the other.

With now less than 20 days to the date, I either have a bunch of work to do to get ready OR I can start turning the trailer into a shed for the winter!!!!

If you received a text or email, please respond… yea or nay.

Thanks Y’all!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Beautiful day today in Detroit, I played hooky and rode the little CBR all day.

I think we saw 84! The weather will quickly take a turn starting tomorrow but, at 18 days out its calling for cloudy & 61 in Belding on the 27th. Antifreeze weather overnight for sure but I think we have a chance at a decent day.

The number is growing but we are not there yet. Remember, its guaranteed you get your track time or if we cancel you get a refund.

You wont get that deal anywhere else.

More to come!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Monday  10-15-18 I will be calling the track and either putting this thing on or putting it to rest.

I contacted everyone on the list and gave the Sunday evening cut off to decide what they want to do. I will need to have all entries here by the end of next week.

So, take a look at the weather or consider whatever it is that concerns you and then let me know by Sunday Night.

Thanks Y’all!!!

RPM

[Jerry Revely]

Revely Racing is in Brother. How many are we short?

[Robert Lawson]

Bro,

Here it is Monday evening and I have not heard from most of these guys.

Its safe to say, it doesn’t look good.

I know a few, 3 or so, are out. 1 guy was handling a group of 3 or 4 including himself and that phone has not returned a note or call.

Sam said to sit for the week and wait, so, Lets enjoy the view Brother and see what happens.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Jr, while were waiting….

I thought about the “car trouble” y’all have had with the van lately. This may be just the ticket, pulling a trailer will be no problem AND I can see Pops having a ball driving this! For the good stuff, just go right to the 4:40 mark and check it out.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 5 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

Belding Michigan Weather for October 27th

Partly Cloudy H55/L42, wind SSE 5-10mph, precip 20%, UV 3 of 10

Morning Sun with clouds increasing in the afternoon.

Sunrise 8:09 am, Sunset 6:39 pm

That’s a pretty good day, actually, that’s a damn good day for late October.

If you look at the further extended forecast, this is it. It gradually falls right off the scale, into the misery of Winter. The Bowling Green forecast looks very similar just a week or 2 later.

The weather is playing its part…..

We will call it a go/no go soon.

RPM
(that Winnebago ROCKS!)

[Todd Stoffer]

Not sure if I can make it this time. Still need to fix my water pump and I might as well rebuild the bottom end while the motor’s on the bench.

Put me down as a definite maybe.

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

Don’t use next day shipping for those parts, you have plenty of time!

Usually, if I have to chase guys down, its because they don’t have a good answer. I did plenty of chasing this week. So I’ll send what I did get back to Y’all.

Been busy here, not just with this Test Day but the off season stuff too. Really looking forward to the Winter kart build, all the parts are here and an engine “program” is in the works. A trip to Daytona is a possibility, not with a kart but in a different capacity altogether. We’ll see.

Y’all start planning for a full weekend in the Spring! Will touch base again with Sam but I secured full weekends in April AND May for 2019 this year so we won’t have to miss out again. I know some of you don’t want a May weekend but it may only be as a back up to April. We will have to wait to see what the regional schedule looks like for the Spring.

More to come…..

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Just to be Clear…

The Test is OFF for tomorrow Saturday October 27th!

Someone contacted the track claiming the opposite, not true…. no one will be there tomorrow to run karts.

You can go out there, Curt will be watching College Football in the MX garage!!! Heat will be on, Beer flowing and probably something being cooked, baked, smoked or just feasted on! He’ll welcome you with a smile!!!

But no karts……

I did start laying the ground work for a full weekend in the Spring…. and a back up date too. More coming on that!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just a heads up, I started a new Playlist at the YT channel. While watching the old VHS tapes from karting past I stated taping them with the Go Pro so I can share with Y’all!!!!

This is the set-up & intro:

[Robert Lawson]

Thats my Pops in that Thumbnail!!!!!

Kart is a Hornet, it was Orange with the Black scallop on the tanks. My secret is out, now Y’all know where the orange/black fetish really started!!!!

Here is the first installment, enjoy! :

[John Ferreira]

If the driver was from Kentucky – I think that would be Robert Burns.

What happened to the WKA archive pages. Nice to have all that stuff available.
John

[John Ferreira]

Robert, a suggestion.
When a ‘thread’ such as yours, becomes very large (images) or just very long, it takes a long time to open and display the entire thread. Also, when you reply and submit, it again refreshes, and that takes time AND has an impact on overall server response.

My suggestion. Start a new Thread, maybe 1-Jan-2019, or before Daytona, maybe call it, Track Day 2019.

Thanks for you contributions.

John

[Robert Lawson]

John,

Thanks for the tip and the heads up!

I believe YOU are in that clip as well, Black kart, 256 Rotax….. where IS that ride John???? :)

I’ll have a new video up at YT soon, and a message here before “refreshing” the topic.

Thanks Again!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all….

Before moving on to another thread, I wanted to finish this one with a story…. and a bit of a history lesson.

I’m sure by now you have heard about the fate of the Michigan Kart Club. Looking back, and I have 20/20 vision as a kid growing up in a Karting Family, I can say this is a bummer AND an inevitability. It has happened many times before and unfortunately will continue until nothing remains.

How many of you (I’m guessing I can count you on 1 hand) will know of these former Clubs: Indy Kart Club, Chainbreakers Kart Club, Competition Karters Inc., Ontario Enduro Racing Club, Finger Lakes Enduro Karting Association……(old timers feel free to pile them on!!!) These are all successful Former Road Racing Clubs that held events at VERY sought after Venues. They also share something else in common, they are each long forgotten.

The MIS/MKC stories are intertwined, ironically. The early MKC had a distinct advantage over the MKC of late…. MIS, when built, had a massive Road Course that went well outside the Oval and back in. The Road Course we ran on the last few years is a mere abbreviation of that Historic Course. Yet again, its unfortunate for the later that the History was not enough to bring the numbers this Club and the Venue deserved.

So, I shot this today and though I’d get it up here now.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

I owed the history & memory of racing at MIS a couple more “looks” before saying goodbye….

A little intro:

Big Yamaha class:

Busy track for AM Practice:

Enjoy, it will be a LONG Winter!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

WOW!!!

Just came back here to reminisce and noticed this thread is at 116K views. Thats 16K additional looks in the 2+ years since moving to the new thread!

With the lack of activity in these forums…. thats a pretty impressive stat.

Nice to rewatch the Back in the Day clips too…. I have to get a VHS/DVD/ Digital Converter and put all the Super 8 and VHS tapes on a thumb drive and on my PC so they can be shared on YT.

[Author]

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