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| March 09, 2009 News |
| On the Road: The Life of a Journeyman Mechanic - Mike Maurini - Day 9 |
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 | 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.
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.
Meeting time in the lobby was another early 6:30 and with the hour time change, it felt like I hadn’t even gone to bed. Working a weekend is physically and mentally exhausting and as the weekend goes on, I get more and more worn out. A quick stop for the potent combination of McDonalds and Red Bull and it was off to the track to begin the day.
Due to a tire batch problem, the Junior National and Senior National classes were awarded an extra morning session to help dial in their karts on the mandatory compound for Sunday’s action. It looked as if Tyler was on his game as we paced all competitors in the first session and were third quick in the second session.
Back to the pits, Tyler had no complaints on the kart at all when we were on new tires. Since we were forced to use our new tires for the pre final, very little changes were made and we were back to the grid for the 10:40am start. Starting fifth, Tyler got a great jump and instantly moved into third on the exit of the first corner. Looking to advance forward as quickly as possible, Tyler jumped into the lead by the end of lap two but was unable to hold the top spot. With the front four drivers nose to tail, it was De La O, Miinch, Thomas and Formal who looked to be the class of the field.
Off to post race technical inspection, clutch assemblies were checked by tech director Scott Evans as the top five drivers all passed and were cleared to leave. Back to the pit area for our four hour break, Tyler and I sat to discuss the kart as we looked at data. Complaining of a slight push on the entry of the corner, we came to the determination to widen the front slightly and remove a set of seat struts. Knowing that the track gets greasy in the hot afternoon, I was very confident in these decisions.
After the opening ceremonies and a few finals complete, it was time for the Junior National field to take the track. With some last minute instructions to Tyler, it was all in his hands as the field left the grid. At the drop of the green flag, Tyler quickly moved into the second position and then into the lead in corner four. Looking to pace the field early, the kart looked good as we moved through the race. With the front six drivers all together, it was anyone’s race as it started to get very aggressive. From first to fifth and then back again, Tyler was shuffled out wide when he made a mistake on the exit of the second corner. As a kart went by him, he did his best to regain speed and protect his line but fell back to the sixth spot. The next lap, Tyler and another kart battled hard in the back section of the track as both drivers were slowed when the other kart spun.
As the black and checkered flag flew, we were notified that we were penalized for rough driving and would finish behind the driver that spun. With Tyler feeling that it was a racing incident we quickly protested the decision as we looked to regain our fifth place result. After a long talk with the race director, he decided to talk to the other driver and came to the conclusion that it was a racing incident and we were awarded fifth.
Happy with the result, Tyler and I both knew that he had the kart to beat that race. With the third quickest laptime, it was tough to swallow a fifth place finish but for points, we were happy. Back to the tent, we proceeded to load the trailer but were able to do so quickly as the tent and trailer would remain in the same spot for the Florida Winter Tour event this coming weekend.
After hanging out with the team for a bit and a few beers, it was back to the hotel for dinner and bed as I was looking forward to sleeping in on Monday. With a phone call to Elena, we talked for almost half an hour as we are trying to plan a few days with each other this month. Looking to fly down next week, Elena was happy for me and Tyler and is just as excited as I am for the next event.
Well, with four of my seven weeks of travel complete, you now know what it is like to live the life of a journeymen mechanic. I would personally like to thank Rob Howden David Cole at eKartingNews.com for the opportunity to do this segment and show the readership what it is like in a week of my life.
To follow the complete week long journey, click over to Maurini’s On the Road page. |
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