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| On the Road: The Life of a Journeyman Mechanic - Mike Maurini |
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On the Road: The Life of a Journeyman Mechanic - Mike Maurini
February 28 - March 8, 2009
The following edition of 'On the Road' takes a look at one of the busiest young men in the industry, Mike Maurini. Many of you know him for his previous position with the FirstKart.com race team and with the Shifter Kart Illustrated, with whom he worked earlier in the decade. Now, Maurini has created his own business, Race Tech Development, and is working as a wrench for top karters across the country. His diversified program also includes other facets of the industry, including press release work for the Stars of Karting and a select list of drivers.
To discuss Maurini's week, visit the Official Discussion Thread
 | Michael Maurini gives Tyler Thomas some last minute advice before hitting the track
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
Day 9
Like any other Sunday morning on an important race weekend, it was up early with the excitement of a possible victory right around the corner. With three solid heat race finishes yesterday, we would start the pre final in the fifth position and would look to move forward throughout the 16 lap race.
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Day 8
With Friday complete and Saturday morning coming way too early, it was off to the track after not a very good nights sleep. Nervous about today’s heat race action, it was well after midnight before I fell asleep with our wake up call coming at 5:45am.
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 | Race Tech Development's Mike Maurini
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
Day 7
Back to the track early on Friday, you could tell there was a little sense of urgency in the air as this afternoon would be qualifying. With the qualifying times setting our starting order for the heat races, putting down a decent time would be important. With three practice sessions in the morning and one official timed session in the afternoon, the Junior National qualifying session would take place at 4:15pm.
Full Story
Day 6
Waking up to warmer temperatures is always nice, but the 5:45 am wake-up call made me jump out of bed once again. Having organized my track clothes the night before, it was quickly off to the shower to get ready for the day. Sharing a room with Tony (Loniewski), I will always be that first to shower as he likes to sleep in a little extra. Upon my bathroom completion, I woke him up as I crawled back into bed. Neither of us takes very long to get ready, so 30 minutes is all we need to be prepared and we try to time everything to the minute.
Full Story
 | Maurini will be working with Tyler Thomas throughout the season, beginning with the upcoming Stars of Karting Ocala event
(Photo: Corby Concepts) |
Day 5
Well I am pretty sure that I was the first person up in the state of Indiana this morning but it was well worth it to leave the low teen temperature to travel to Florida for the upper 70’s. I arrived at the airport just before 5am, yep, that’s right…5AM…and it was off to Southwest to check my bags. Upon my arrival to the check in counter, I was notified that there was no reservation for me. Obviously concerned, I quickly ruffled through my file folder of travel documents and realized that I was flying with Air Tran for this trip….Last trip and next trip is Southwest. Wonder why I was confused….
Full Story
 | While at First Kart, Maurini worked with veteran mechanic Terry Ventresca and a number of up and coming drivers
(Photo: EKN) |
Day 4
With the hectic travel schedule throughout February and March, Tuesday was my day of rest, so to speak and my only full day at home. With an early flight tomorrow morning to Orlando, 5:55am to be exact, I chose to try and sleep in a little bit. Setting my alarm for 8:00am, I struggled to get out of bed and prepare for my day.
Full Story
 | A belated Valentine's Day dinner with his wife Elena
(Photo: Race Tech Development) |
Day 3
A 4:30am PST wake up call for me this morning as today, like almost every Monday, is considered a travel day. Having packed up at the track, it is nice to slow the pace down a little and take an extra night wherever I may be before I begin my trek back home. I have done the all night flights and the flights that leave Sunday evening getting me home in the wee hours of the morning. I am over with that. With the amount of traveling that needs to be done from coast to coast, I would much rather take that extra day and catch up on some rest.
Full Story
 | Mike Maurini
(Photo: firstkart.com) |
Day 1 & 2
When I was asked to complete the task of a week-long diary for EKN, I was confused on where I would find the time given my hectic schedule through the months of February and March. Working and being on the road for seven straight weeks was going to be tough, but I knew I would find a way to get it done. In between family time, working and trying to take a day off while traveling 45 of 56 straight days, the EKN On The Road segment would find a place in my life and on my computer.
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