|
 |
|
 |
| March 08, 2009 News |
| On the Road: The Life of a Journeyman Mechanic - Mike Maurini - Day 8 |
| |
 | Michael Maurini gives Tyler Thomas some last minute advice before hitting the track
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
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.
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.
After a quick shower, it was down to the lobby to meet the Top Kart crew as we would all convoy to the track yet again. Stopping at McDonalds for some nice healthy breakfast and topping it off with a Red Bull from the gas station, it was time to get the day going. Back to the track routine, tent walls were taken down, karts uncovered, nut and bolt check from the previous days work, tire pressure checked and determine our first on track time would be the first orders of the day. With one practice session and three heat races, results would determine the starting grid for the pre final.
After turning the third quickest time in practice, it was off to the first heat race were we had some great success. A solid third place result was a great way to start the year as we would make minor changes for heat two. After post tech was complete, downloading the data and a quick debrief was next as we came to the conclusion the kart needed more overall grip. With a rear width and hub change as well as the moving of some ballast, it was back to the grid as we looked to repeat our first heat performance.
Heat race two would see some fierce wheel-to-wheel action as a seventh place result on track was garnered when the checkered flag flew. With a post race technical inspection failure by a fellow competitor, we advanced forward one position to secure the sixth position. Working with Tyler after the race, he complained of a slight push to oversteer condition that we would look to improve for our third and final heat of the day.
A rear ride height adjustment and a small air pressure change were to moves before the third heat as we headed to the fuel area then grid. At the drop of the green flag, Tyler quickly moved forward to P3 from his starting position as the Junior National carnage began. With a lot of contact in the opening laps, Tyler fell back to the sixth position where he ran consistent race laps until a few circuits from the end. A minor driving mistake would see him overshoot the second corner as Sage Karam would get into the back of him on the exit. As both karts drifted off the track, four drivers drove by and Tyler would finish the heat in the 11th position.
With a third, sixth and 11th place results, we eventually learned that we would start the pre final in the fifth position as Top Kart teammates would line up right behind us in seventh and ninth. Phil De La O would gain the pole position with three consistent heat race results and will be the driver to beat tomorrow.
Back to the pit, the Top Kart Flash was stripped down and preparation began for Sunday’s event. The removal of motor and axle was needed for cleaning as the motor we used for qualifying would be mounted for Sunday’s event. With the mounting of two new sets of tires, one for practice and one for racing, the Top Kart was back assembled as track departure was 8pm.
Exhausted again, Tony Loniewski and I ordered Dominos pizza again as we are quickly becoming the Ocala, Florida locations favorite customers. With delivery, consumption and the phone call to the ill felling wife complete by 9pm, Tony and I lay in our separate beds and watched Happy Gilmour. With the advancement of the clocks forward one hour tonight, a good nights rest was important. Trying to ensure an on time wakeup call, the alarm on my phone and Tony’s phone was set as well as a wake up call with the front desk….I sure hope this works.
Tomorrow will be the final day of the opening round of the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series as well as my Life on the Road blog. I hope you have all enjoyed a week in my life and thanks for reading. For previous day blogs, click to the On the Road page. |
|
|
Go Top
|
|
|
|
|
