[Robert Lawson]

Packin’ and Preparin’ for Grattan…..

Look what I found!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

I’m a little excited about Grattan… and beyond, when possible!

The Maxxis tires are not going to work. Gonna try some Hoosiers on these new wheels.

Got my transponder fixed up today. Did the battery replacement awhile back but didn’t secure them properly and had trouble once the kart got rolling. Shes good to go now, Steve at Battery Giant set me up.

Brother Rich is selling out. He has sold his kart to Tony Herpolshimer whom takes delivery at Grattan. Rich will do the engine break-in on Friday morning then hand it off to Tony and help him get acclimated to laying down. Its a great deal for Tony, he already has a CR Honda from his CIK kart that will act as a back up to the RS. He intends to race it this weekend!

Looking very much forward to his expression after his first laps. Only thing better than a guys first laps in a laydown is his first impression of the straight line speed compared to his CIK.

Tony is already asking about Daytona!!!

Back soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

So, I gave the blood last Thursday and went to see the Doc today to find out whats up.

The previous positive result came back positive again. The issue is actually with my blood, an “Antiphospholipid Antibody” known as Lupis Coagulation. I will be on the meds long term. More tests in October then every 6 months after that, a reduction in dose is possible but this is not going to go away or get better. Well, the chances are not great.

He asked what my Vascular Dr had said back on June 1. I explained how we spoke about getting off and on the meds for Dental work, Surgery, possibly Karting, etc. We both agreed riding the Bike is now History, its just too damn dangerous out there. He is concerned about an accident in the kart and not being able to go right back to the med. He really wanted me to wait a bit longer, maybe Sept, but then he just listened to what I had to say and said OK for Grattan.

I’m gonna think about it a bit more, continue to go through the motions of prepping & loading, then make a decision by Sunday.

Maxxis is sending me tires to test since no one makes a 5″ bead tire for our fronts any longer. AND I bought 4 – 6″ bead wheels to disassemble and make 1 useable set since no one will make us a wheel that will clear our calipers!!!

I almost feel obligated to go!

GOOD NEWS IS: I lost 17 lbs!!!!! High Protein, low Carbs. I have done no exercise, have not been back to the gym since the clot issue back in April. Walking a bit is OK, walking a bunch is as bad as sitting for more than 2 hours at a time. Its a balancing act. I can feel when I do too much of either, so I take breaks. The compression socks make me look like a dork! The Athletic stores carry some cool looking stuff so I’ll have to go shopping…. maybe some neon orange to match my shoe laces. Its a Fashion Show out there boys!!!

More soon,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m VERY pleased with the outcome of my meeting at Mid-Ohio. It was also super cool to see so many folks I have missed AND to meet the new folks I have only spoke to on the phone or internet.

It’s no secret now that I am working on a Modena Engine package for the project kart, with Daytona in mind. The secret WILL be that I’ll record every aspect of the build but will not upload & share it until the kart is finished AND unveiled…. GOD willing, at Daytona.

If testing goes well at Grattan next month I have a plan to remove the front radiator all together & build a rear mounted radiator only set-up on both karts.

Can’t wait to get started, one more round of blood testing next week and I can start making plans again.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

That bumper project is done now, I just have some std. maintenance to do to get ready for Grattan. Just a big test session for me, pricey for the amount of time but have to take what we can get at this point.

I’ll be heading to Mid-Ohio with Bro Kenny. No kart but it IS a project related trip. When I can share more I will, just want to be sure the bond is strong before speaking out of place.

Daytona. I know, I know… its June how can anyone be thinking about December already? Well, I am! The above project, and its partnership bonds, are related to Daytona and being successful there. So what does that have to do with Track Days? I’m glad you asked!!!!

I just spoke to Jennifer @MIS again this week about that Oval Only Test. The idea is to help Daytona bound Northern/Mid Westerners gain an advantage by offering a real simulation for testing. I’ve given thought to a “road course lane” on the very wide back straight. An area way down low where you could slow the kart enough to use its clutch (s) or gearbox.

If nothing else, its a chance to see how big your stones are. A Bucket List opportunity to drive your kart as fast as you can get it to go.

The date she originally gave me was Sunday Oct 13th, but, she also has the following Saturday open, the 19th. Maybe that can be used as a r**n date?

I’ll need at least 25 guys to do this for about $250 per man. Richard Petty has a line of guys waiting to spend that much to ride around on a speed limiter for 12 laps…. 4 laps at a time!

More yet…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Obviously I’m slowly (and very carefully) getting back into the swing of things. If you follow the videos I post new clips just about every day, sometimes a few per day. I have a bit to get done before Grattan, and, another trip to the Hematologist yet.

My Vascular Dr. said it was really up to me to occasionally take a 3 day sabbatical from the meds to drive the kart. But, the call to be on these meds forever is up to the Hematologist, he is the blood specialist. I’ll know either way right before Grattan.

I know and accept the risks of going on and off the med. Fortunately its not like PE or A-fib which could lead to stroke. My only risk is another clot, 3 days shouldn’t be enough time for that to happen. I won’t be doing more than 2-3 events per year anyway. A bit of a bummer though, I’m going to sell my CBR250R, THAT risk is just too high.

We play the cards we’re dealt folks…. I’m just gettin a bit creative with mine while I can!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Fresh Air tube finished, leak testing Tanks & Additional Rad:

Installing permanent front bumper too:

Getting ready to do my April testing in JULY!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

A bit more progress, getting closer to getting back behind the wheel!

More coming soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Russ, still for sale???

Asking for a friend!

[Robert Lawson]

My .02

[Robert Lawson]

Getting closer to finishing up all the mechanical changes.

Then the cosmetics, I’ll shoot a video spraying gelcoat and laying up a new Side Panel to extend the body.

Hope everyone is having a safe weekend at Nelson!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks for the tip Mike!

Hope you had a chance to get on the track there at Gateway, I hear it rained all weekend?

Cher and I went to see the Hematologist and get the test results last Thursday. She doesn’t trust that I’ll tell her the truth of what the Dr. has to say…. so she goes right in the room with me. Of all those tests (30 or so vac tubes) everything came back good or normal, but 1, it was positive. Doc says they sometimes get a false positive for this specific test/problem (I cant even remember how to pronounce it) so he asked if I could come back in late July to give more blood and retest that positive again. But, during the Q&A when he decided to put off making the call for a short term or permanent Med program I asked “How ’bout EARLY July instead???” Cher rolled her eyes, and he looked at me strangely, then Cher blurted out “There is a RACE in July!!!” I go back July 2nd…. hee, hee!!!

Before that though, I go back to my Vascular D.O. June 3rd to have another Ultrasound and see how (if) the clot (both) is regressing. Knowing my D.O., I could probably talk him into letting me “adjust” my dose so I can race at Mid-Ohio, at worst Grattan. I mean, they’ll let me off it to get a Tooth yanked, have a Colonoscopy, or have my Gallbladder finally removed…. why NOT for some fun???

So, I really don’t know much more than I did a week ago about temp/permanent med program. But, there is still a chance of something shaking out this year yet! I told the Doc, “Maybe by December huh? If I have to sit out all Summer I want to go to Daytona!” Cherri is sayin’ Hell No, but the Doc was intrigued…. “You mean…” I said YES, the big Speedway!!!! He just smiled…. Now, if I can just get him to write a PRESCRIPTION to go to Daytona I’M IN!!!!!!   Poor Cherri, she has no idea who shes messin with. Or maybe she does!!!!

More soon

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Playing around today and shot a quick clip.

Got a couple more days before I return to see the Doc and get the results of my blood work. I’m about bored to death and got the fingers crossed I will be able to test my updated cooling system sometime this year.

More soon

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

As promised, I have finally got back out in the shop and shot a clip for Y’all.

I address a few points made by my good buddies and karting friends TJ & Greg from their online podcast/livestream karting talk show. Also, I think its “nice” that the Orgs & Clubs are making alliances to produce well attended events. With each continuing to hold to their own rules & classes its just the SOS with a different wrapper. Not more karts racing for the same award mind you, but more karts coming through the door, period. And the costs still go up! Hmmm…..

Next Video:

I will share my oppinion of what went wrong, ID the causes of these issues, and share an idea or 2 on how and where to look outside the box to help get the health of the sport/hobby going forward instead of backward.

I’d love to do this live and take calls!

[Robert Lawson]

Everyone should have received their return payment by now, if not let me know. Todd told me to save my stamp on his, we’ll have to do a video with the Check Burning and the updates done to the kart in prep to test. The fuel tank set up turned out nice.

Back soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I sent all the payments back today.

Dennis, sent your T-Stat back too! Give me a call when it arrives.

Feeling much better, the leg is pain free and the shoulder is about as good as its gonna get. No complaints! Doc has temporarily kept me out of the garage and away from saws, drillin, grindin, hammerin, etc. Basicly just keeping aware of my surroundings and not to do anything that could result in injury until I speak to the specialist in a couple weeks.

I’ve turned the corner, if I’m out for good then so be it but I’m not giving up on the chance to get in the kart again. We’ll see. Everything happens for a reason!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

No sense dragging this on until Sunday.

I would already have informed Sam that we will be canceling if he had answered either of his phones!

So that’s it, we have officially canceled for April 13-14 2019.

I’ll get the few payments I have heading back to you Monday, in the mail.

Myself and 1 other guy, knowing we could not participate, had ponied up an entry so the rest of you could turn laps. This HAS happen in the past as well by a few other regulars. It takes a dedicated group of folks, cant remember the last time we didn’t have a Spring Test at Grattan scheduled….. Times they are a changin.

I will finish my kart and get it all back in one piece, wrapped up & packed up, ready to run in the chance sometime in the future I can drive it. If not, the plastic tanks will stay bright & clean forever!

Any questions shoot me a note. I’ll check back in, I have more details about the MIS gig later this year to work out and share yet.

Talk soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’ve got some deflating news.

Nothing has really changed on the track day front, we still need every last one of the guys interested to pull it off. As stated above, I guess we’ll give it the rest of this week.

Bummer is, I’m out!

My leg started hurting again Friday/Saturday and it got much worse over the weekend. Doc said I have another clot, he put me right back on the Xarelto and said…. “I’m sorry, You may be on it for good.”

If we get enough $$$ to do the track day I’ll be there to run it for you, but I can not participate.

I’ll let Y’all know how this thing works out no later than Sunday AM (4-7-19)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Spoke to Sam, things are slow so he gave me another week to find enough drivers.

I have been scratching names off the list as payments came in this week. If everyone on this list sends an entry we will be able to do a Single day.

Saying that, I dont believe everyone that asked for details is going to send an entry, so, we need to find a few more guys just to cover my a$$. 2-3 over and above the list here would make me feel better thats for sure.

I have also contacted a few “Car” guys to see if they would be interested in testing if we get close but not quite there on $$$. This will be a last resort as we would then have to split the total time to give them a few runs.

Good news is we now have a choice between Sat or Sun if weather becomes an issue. Always nice to have a back up plan! Everything is in the mix right now, I’m doing the best I can with what I have to work with Y’all!

More to come!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

In just about a week you will have to had put something in the USPS to get it to Detroit by the 1st.

Looking at the expected weather pattern I might be very close in calling for a daytime High in the 60’s. The overnight stuff looks to be a bummer though with lows in the 30’s still.

I get it, too cold for most….. I feel it too!  The weekend lease at this point is all but lost, any chance at a single day is quickly falling apart as well. Its all good boys, the few of you on board will have to join me in doing it the old fashioned way….. watching the weather for the first race weekend and making a call to go there!!!!!!

It has been a very strange off season. No interest in October, no motivation through the Winter, Spring bringing mild weather not enough to wake up & get going…… I’m gonna keep pluggin away at it here and maybe July wont be so hot this Summer! (then again, that would be a GOOD test for the aux rad!!!)

Talk to y’all next week.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Glad you stopped in Greg, I was just going to post the link to your Podcast.

https://www.facebook.com/Real-Kart-Racing-Podcast-1630402147073940/

If you would, drop in or send TJ over and let us know when its live so we can participate. I spoke with TJ today and will be sending info for April and October for Y’all to share on the Show.  Yeah, the MIS thing is a real strong possibility. Still waiting on a few things but so far we are on the same page. Good sign!

Was back outside today planning the next bit of work to be done before testing/racing.

April is coming quick boys, just inside of 3 weeks now to the cut-off point.

“I’ll be baaaack” :)

RPM

• This reply was modified 7 years, 7 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

I’m starting to get some inquires and e-mails for Grattan so that is good.

We will get a plug next week on the Real Kart Racing Podcast with Greg Wright and TJ Holingsworth. Not sure just yet how or where to watch live but I can find out. Lets hope that helps!

Rain here last night removed all but some small bits of snow where it was piled up. Its in the 40’s today and I’m looking at a 62 deg forecast with rain for Thursday. Warming up but also must consider the ability of snow & rain water to find a place to go!

Just 3 weeks for a go/no-go  call to the Track. I have to give them time to book the date if We don’t get enough interest. Get that check or MO in the mail, I can always send it back guys!!!!

More to come!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I have a date for an MIS Oval Test!

They are holding Sunday October 13 2019.

I might be looking at this as a kid looks at a new toy, but you just dont get opportunities like this very often. Very surprised how affordable this is for an ISC Speedway. Maybe because they don’t have to do any prep of an infield, placing barriers and such, or just that they will not need to open any walls (other than the crossover for entry). Who knows, but as details become more clear I’ll pass the info along. Now, the Insurance shopping takes place!

 

This much I can share:

*Oval ONLY!

*It will be an 8 hour day

*We will drive the karts to and from our pit in paddock

* I will provide a flat trailer/tow back

* Lunch is on me too

Man this would be huge fun, I sure hope we can pull it off!

More Soon!!!

 

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry,
You would have needed a darn good reason to miss the Annual Family Reunion Bro!!!

Boys,

Punxsutawney Phil predicted an Early Spring! We have had a cold spell like Y’all but its ending here right quick. We will see low to mid 40’s this weekend and next. No, that’s not “karting” weather but all the ice and snow should be gone from the grounds out there. That’s a start. We will have just 2 weeks to put this all together…… or Cancel.

The New Year this time has been extremely quite, I am usually chasing stragglers by now but we got nothing going as of yet. No need to post info any earlier because I wasn’t getting any feedback.

I predict mid 60’s out there the 13-14, I just hope it is US whom are enjoying it and not another group!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

In speaking with Sam this week we talked about the latest rumors of a pending sale. I had heard yet again of some type of deal to sell the track.

He didn’t give me the same ole poo-poo story and play it off this time. He said there are multiple players at work trying to cut deals to buy them out. He went on to explain that the bookings this year are in stone and nothing will change, regardless of any sale taking place. IF it were to sell, they (the Family) would contractually stay on through a transition period.

It sure sounded to me, unlike ALL the other times I have asked him about a “sale” in the works, that they are ready to let the place go. He explained all the possibilities. The good news of a sale is it would surely lead to many upgrades that are long overdue. The bad news is that any change will obviously be reflected in the lease price.

An annual lessee would probably be given first refusal of any dates from new Management but anything can happen.

A newly revamped Grattan Raceway, at a much higher lease rate, may be attractive to a healthy Karting Org. Then again, agreeing to pay more may still put you on the outside looking in (VIR). Simply jacking up the entry fee without adding to the total number will not fly when Fee’s have not changed at places like M-O or Pitt Race with the same turn outs. Karters may be cheap…. but they aren’t stupid!

NO SALE HAS TAKEN PLACE, but……………………

I suggest you take advantage of all the track time available at Grattan THIS year.

More to come!

RPM

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