[Robert Lawson]

Success!!!

Finally got those main bearing races off!!!

PS: Ole Puffy must have been sniffin the High Test! Its been 6 years since my last trip to Daytona but we’ve done that ride plenty of times. Enough times to know that its about a 18 hour drive with a trailer on back!!!!

Still no activity on track in Daytona since the Cadet race this AM. I did talk to JW, he did get a run on the Laydown and saw 154mph so he is hoping to get a dry race tomorrow and see what it will do.

More coming…

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, strange morning to say the least!

Our livestream feed from Church went dead, refired then was all out of sync before stopping for good. This never happens!

Then, the weather broke in Fla, still looks spotty at best, and they got a round of practice in. Now, the dang Race Monitor is up AND suddenly has a description for the RR series?????? Its irritating as hell that they wait and piss everyone off.

I want to see if JW runs the laydown or not. He posted a pick of the Anderson this AM on FB so not sure what going on. He is not answering calls or text???

Its 76F, 70%  chance of precip and 85% humidy. Tough to turn record breaking laps in these conditions.

Aaaaaand as soon as I post this it started raining there! The first race (Cadet 206) ran their full 15 min and before the next race could start, it started raining. On hold down there!

 

[Robert Lawson]

It looks bad for the folks down in Daytona. 70-80% chance of rain most of the day. Tomorrow doesn’t look much better if at all.

Man, WE have been there! Forecast looks great, then you get right to it and the bottom falls out. I feel for them that traveled a great distance.

Regardless, someone at WKA has some explaining to do. Not getting the RR series Set-Up on Race Monitor with the other 2, is just insulting.

Out in the garage today, taking another shot at removing these bearing races from the crank. I’ll share that experience with y’all later!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Practice day was a wash. They may have gotten a group or 2 out but from what I understand no one got any practice today. It was called by 2-3pm.

I’ve been down there watching it rain all day, it sucks. Long and very expensive trip to get rained on fer sure.

The Race Monitor site doesn’t even have a listing for the Speedway proper (Dirt & Sprint, yes) so there is a good chance we won’t get real time info.

We’ll have to wait and see tomorrow.

[Robert Lawson]

A very Merry Christmas to Y’all!!!

I have been watching old VHS tapes from all our trips to Daytona this afternoon. We had some good times, and good runs down there. You almost always seem to run by yourself before the race is finished. I know guys that say “that must be sooo boring!” but ya know, it really isn’t. Racing the clock is very challenging at Daytona because every move is amplified at terminal velocity. Of course you’d like to play IROC cars with a gang of dudes but that just doesn’t happen anymore, even in the low HP classes.

Anyway, I’m all fired up for the Kart Week  action to get started. I certainly hope the Race Monitor will function and we can watch things unfold as they happen.

Practice starts on Saturday the 28th, racing 29 & 30. I’ll be watching Johnny West’s progress as he takes a shot at lap & speed records in his West/Gibson DEA FE 250. Also interested in the F-125 times and finish too.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable Kart Week!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m back on FB, only to promote these test/track days.

This didn’t work last Spring, actually, getting on SM was like Kryptonite for me and it did nothing to attract more interest. As you know, for the first time since the 90’s no Spring testing took place because there was literally no takers.

This will not be the case in the Spring of 2020, I’m hearing from altogether new guys so I’m very hopeful that pummeling folks on FB will ultimately help.

We have had a few VERY mild days here in Motown so I already have the itch. Working off these added LB’s will be easily motivated by the anticipation of getting in the kart, in my new suit, in just 16 weeks!!!!!!!

It will be here before you know it guys!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Our Test dates for 2020 are April 11-12.

I believe the previous weekend (4-5) is also available. Lets hope the weather is mild enough to get that T1 work done by then at the latest. AND we get good weather a week later. To be honest, T3 is far worse IMHO.

More coming.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bingo! Enjoy!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Hmm, I just tried it again and still no luck.

It seems it won’t take a video, but will take text!

 

Maybe this way will work?

• This reply was modified 6 years, 10 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

Back to driving now, went for a ride yesterday to a Dr app. Getting in & out of the truck requires patients, twisting or pivoting the slightest bit reminds me where I’m at in the recovery process. I can move about though, I actually did a bit too much Tuesday (and maybe today!) and can feel the result of it.

Its going very well otherwise.

Ive been reading some old posts here and I wanted to say I am STILL on board for the Modena engine deal. Phil at CPI (Modena Importer) wants to be sure our water temp issues are solved before submitting one of his engines to my thrashing. We have not proved out the current set-up yet so moving forward with it will have to wait. I do want to get out there and start working on both the chassis’ for the project karts. We can certainly build a bunch of the f-125 without an engine AND use what we have for mock up when we get there. Maybe testing that kart would be best with our own engine first time out anyway.

DKC hasn’t posted a 20′ schedule yet but I hear the Nelson weekend is now late in July. That will work out nicely if our April gig goes off on time, should be able to get the f-125 track worthy by then and still get a shot at another venue or test before getting serious about Daytona. All of this, GOD willing!

I have been working on something for a few months now. We have just submitted our paperwork for this new tentative venture. If it works out we’ll have some very interesting news, Soon! Big step for us.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Passing a milestone last night, no more dressing needed on the surgical site. That’s a relief, infection is always a concern. The last couple staple holes have healed and we are not seeing anything on the bandage.

I’ve been to the gym, walking, but still good to be back over there. Made a few trips into the basement too, climbing steps is getting much easier. My left knee, from nerve damage, seems to want to give out if I’m not careful. Most of the nerve issues have subsided, and muscle spasms have been gone for 2 weeks. The nerve pain in the hip is really all that bothers me and only when standing but its getting better. Doc said it could be 6 months before we know if all the nerve issues will be rectified.

I’ll be sneaking back outside to the garage here soon, over to Rich’s shop as well….. the snowblower engine needs to be reassembled before we get hit with a storm. As soon as I get the driving privileges back I’ll get things moving on the 4 stroke laydown kart. I really want that kart done and running for April. My Hot Rod could use some front end work but nothing that can’t wait until after April. The only event I would like to run is Nelson. Maybe we’ll break down and hit Pitt this Fall, have to wait & see.

Working on some other things too, I’ll share details when they are more certian.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

This injury has me scratching my head. I didn’t crash on a massive triple with a dirtbike, no high side off a sportbike or tumble off a roof! I lifted my kart and that set this in motion. I feel a bit cheated in that aspect! But, I AM a believer in everything happens for a reason.

Can’t wait to share my X-Rays with Y’all! After removing the staples the Doc showed us the new “Hardware Dept” at RPM!!!!

I was actually a bit sick at first, when its your body…. its different.

Getting around well, feeling better and will start walking/treadmill this week. Hoping to get some old VHS back-in-the-day videos up soon, I have plenty of time!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all!

Well, things are moving along slowly. I want desperately to get outside but have thought better of it. Staples come out Wednesday, maybe the Dr will clear me to drive and I can get back to the gym and start walking.

Called Curt @ Grattan since we seem to have a 50 degree day in store for us here this week but he said the repair of T1 probably wont get done until Spring. I certainly hope we see some unseasonably warm weather for April and they get it fixed before our Test date. If not, more of the same temp patching and sealing will be done. He said the permanent repair/repave will surely be done before the race in July. Which brings me to the this…..

In the News….

Because I have a different view of the “new  found collaboration” of Karting Orgs and Clubs, sharing race events, many will not understand why I think this is a stinker for “us” the customer or end user. There is far more to this “coming together” than Multiple Orgs lending their name to an event and…. sharing the “love”. The only love that will be shared will come directly from your pocket, as Pit Passes and Entry fees will now jump considerably due to this brain storm of collectivism.

Expect a PP including Thursday “drop off” to be $45 – $50, and your Friday-Sun fee’s to be $150. Why? Because you now have 2, 3 or 4 Orgs ALL bringing “members” (cough… working together) and will want (need) to get paid for their part in it. Also, each org will be represented at said events and they will need to be paid as well.

PS: forget about the “weekend pass” or temp license. You will be required to join 1 (or more) of these multi orgs to be eligible for these events.

Again, why? Extinction. Need an example, look no further than MKC.

Is all this going to happen right out of the gate? Maybe not. But just remember I told you about it HERE, in Nov of 19′.

This news will undoubtedly piss some people off, wouldn’t be surprised if I got “uninvited” to attend an event or 2. Listen up, I’m one of you…. never have I indicated doing track days or tests for the sole intent of making money so I could do it again. I love doing it! The challenge to raise the interest, to meet the lease, to motivate, to grandstand if you will, its good fun to me.

It’s my way of giving back…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Seems I’ve hit the rev limiter of life….

I feel amazingly well for 4 days post op. Being down for 6 weeks is a massive bummer but a great trade for the level  of pain I endured this past week.

Getting old Sucks. I may have looked old, tested as old, physically or mentally responded as old…. but I never felt old until this week.

Well, they can’t keep me off the race monitor!!!

[Robert Lawson]

A quick update.

Just off the phone with Curt at Grattan, rain on Wed/Thurs this past week stopped them from getting the T1 work done.

They are looking for a weather window conducive to milling & paving. Honestly, the chilly weather now will be better than the colder weather to come. If nothing can be done soon they will look to Spring, in his words: “It has to be done before we get goin’ (20′ schedule opens), maybe April, but it can’t go another year like it is.”

Also: “We may have them do some surface grinding in places, I don’t know, we’ll see…”

I’ll let you know whats going on out there as it happens.

More soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I have some good news, and, for myself, some “feel good” news!

Just off the phone with Curt we absolutely made the right call. We may have gotten 1/2 a day in as I expected but it would have required a good deal of physical labor. Brooming puddles and track drying was not what Y’all signed up for. So, I’m happy that I made the right call.

The Good News is, T1 will get milled and repaved Wednesday & Thursday this week!

I tried boys trust me I tried to get T3 worked on too. The 3 pronounced “bumps” in that corner just kill the lap time of a laydown (at least a fast one) as you just cant get back to the gas when: 1 – you cant see, and 2 – you have no directional control for lack of contact with the surface! I hope to convince the Guys to make an attempt at a manual repair anyway.

We will be the first to drive on the new turn 1 in April!

April!!! WTH??? Yeah, April… Chris West and Steve Pasteiner both have said to keep the $$$ and add us to a new list for April! So, we start by setting records already… never have we started working on April before the 1st of the year. And, we hope to set another record by hosting the largest Test & Tune ever by leasing the entire weekend. Financially we pulled this off already, but Old Man Winter was not finished with Grattan Township at that time and we were denied.

I did a ton of leg work this past Summer at Grattan and Gingerman getting these Testing opportunities out into the ear of the karting public in person. By the surprise reaction of the many I spoke to, it should do well this coming Spring. A large number of CIK shifters are expected.

There is much more to come this Winter.

We are building karts and working toward April right now.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I gave it an eyeball this morning.

Guys, I just can’t do it.

Dealing with cold AM temps or average Fall daytime weather is one thing. Having to dry/clean up the track for hours after it rains all night long is not something I can ask Y’all to do.

My concern is the standing, running, or seeping water.

If it were simply a “shower” we would go for it. All the forecasts have the same bad news, Rain starting at 5pm Saturday (heavy at times) and stopping by 8am Sunday.

So, I am calling Curt back to Cancel.

Y’all are welcome to come over to Puffy’s and eat this food though!!!!

More Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Looks like its going to Rain overnight, possibly into the morning, ending around 8am.

You will get laps in your tow vehicle early, if you want them! There will be a good breeze all day, we should be able to get it dried up in short order.

IF :
There is too much standing water
Endless  flowing water over track surface
Forecast for rain all day

I’ll cancel.

Keep in mind, because of my personal relationship with the Management we are never required to post a non refundable deposit upon booking a date. So, we ARE responsible to pay EMT’s and Marshal’s show up time. It equates to about $50 each. Again, this applies only if we cancel AT THE TRACK. (the day of)

Once we take to the track…. its ours for the day. No discounts.

I plan to head out tomorrow (Sat 26th) about Noon et. I’ll post again if I have time before taking off. Otherwise, I’ll text you in advance if we are to cancel Saturday once arriving Trackside.

Back in 24!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Look at this:

Corrigan Ave NE, Grattan Township, MI

Sunday, Oct 27th, 2019
Clear throughout the day.

L 41˚7am

H 61 4pm

  8:10am
6:42pmRain 0 in

Maybe if we keep praying it will be in the 80’s….. hee, hee!

https://darksky.net/details/43.0738,-85.3717/2019-10-27/us12/en

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

One step closer….

[Robert Lawson]

Well, the 1 good thing going for us right now is there is no chance, or VERY little, of any R***.

According to the forecast, looks like the early AM is getting colder though.

I’ll have Tony C’s big Coffee pot going all day for those who want something hot to drink. I heard Greg Wright mention this and I have used this myself at the Indoor track when the ambient was in the teens… wear loose fitting mechanic or medical rubber gloves under your driving gloves. Believe it or not your hands will not get cold from the wind. Lunch should be pretty well attended!!!!

Keep watching it Y’all….. I know other outlets may be providing a different forecast but this is specific for Grattan Twp, not Belding or Greenville or GR.

https://darksky.net/details/43.0738,-85.3717/2019-10-27/us12/en

[Robert Lawson]

Spoke with Sam this AM. We are all set for Sunday the 27th.

There is no lease activity on Monday the 28th so I’ll be staying over Sunday night too. Personally, I intend to start late, after lunch instead of right out the gate at 9am, and run to the buzzer at 5pm. I’ll take my time getting sorted and load up in the AM.

1-5 pm will be the best part of the day amb temp wise. Needing just a couple runs after break-in it just makes no sense to run all day….. especially with my recent luck.

Bringing a bucket and 50/50 anitfreeze just incase. With the elec H2O pump we can easily pump coolant out while flushing/filling with the other. I may bring it full of AF and flush on Sunday. Friday night looks like it could be close to freezing, not taking any chances.

I’ll have something for lunch. Bring your favorite drinks.

Will have the kart running today, work to do!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks to everyone that sent a check or stopped by with some $$$. We will easily make the minimum requirement to lease on the 27th.

Now we need the weather to play its part and give us, at the very least, a dry day at Grattan. I have been watching some interesting video on YT about the jet streams, the coming Winter and how things are projected to look. Through the end of the month there is this pattern of Arctic cold pushing down then moving away… in cycles of 3-4 days. This results in first a cold trend, then a more normal or average trend, every 3-4 days.

This is what we are looking at right now:   https://darksky.net/details/43.0738,-85.3717/2019-10-27/us12/en

That’s about average!

Keep yer eye on it guys, prayer won’t hurt either!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks:
James Ferguson (aka “Russell”/ “Rusty”)
Jeff Peschang
Randy Johnson

We are sneaking ever so close to the minimum required to pull this off.

With what I know is coming in, the few 90%’ers in waiting, and the solid base list of paid participants, we should be just fine.

Should be done chasing by mid week, thank God. Lets pray for a good, above average day out there! It wont hurt my feelings if I don’t get to run the heat and test my newly insulated trailer till the Spring!!!!!

More Coming…..

[Robert Lawson]

H,

We are sneaking up on the minimum # of dudes. I won’t be able to relax until I have the lease covered, here, in cash!

Got my brand new head today so I can work on the engine this weekend. The trailer insulation will be finished tomorrow, it really turned out nice. I’m happy. I too want to turn laps at speed to get data on cooling. Will have a couple quick things to throw on to compare back to back.

Long range weather says 34 overnight and 53 for a daytime high. That’s about all we can expect, anything more is a bonus. We are still more than 2  weeks out so like Y’all I’ll be watching it.

[Author]

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