[Robert Lawson]

Closed Private Kart Test – Grattan Raceway April 13 – 14 2019

Friday 4-12:
Entry for Trailer drop off or Paddock/Garage entry and camping after 6pm. Gate closes for the night at 10pm unless you have made prior arrangements for late arrival.

Saturday 4-13:
Gate opens at 7am. Only Drivers and Crew Members will be admitted inside the Track unless prior arrangements for non participants/spectators have been made. ALL others will watch from outside the Circuit, Management may require signing a Waiver to be on the Track grounds.

Drivers Meeting at 8am.  This is mandatory, do not arrive late to the Track. A required Track Prep List for each kart must be correctly filled out BY THE DRIVER of that kart before you can get on the track. It must be signed by an Official and a participant sticker will be issued. No sticker on kart, No kart on track.

Track is Green at 9am. We will run non stop until a kart is reported off Circuit by a Marshal. At that time a 15 minute clock will start, no one will have to sit for more than 15 min and upon going green if the first kart on track goes off we will always get at least 15 min of testing time before pick-up. Be aware, we may have 2 groups in the AM  for New or Young participants. We will take a Lunch break at 12:30. On Track activity ends at 5pm.

Sunday 4-14:
Gate opens at 7am.
Drivers Meeting 8am
Track is Green at 9am
Lunch Break at 12:30pm
On Track activity ends at 5pm

FEES:
Single Day Driver Fee: $220
Weekend Driver Fee: $320
Jr Driver Fee: 1 day – $120, weekend – $200
(if min Participation met, contact for details)

You must pre pay. Entry deadline is April 1st. (this is not a joke!)

Send check or Money Order payable to:
Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe
Roseville, MI. 48066 
*Please include Driver name, number of Crew and kart class*

*** NOTES:
> We will not stop Green running for the gate, BE ON TIME!
> PayPal payments are pending at this time.
> Pit & Paddock Pass Fees are pending at this time.
(may be included in entry/or required by Spectators only)
> Race Gas availability is pending at this time.
> 2 day Participants are required to date & sign their Prep List each day.
(this does NOT require a 2nd form, email of advance copy of form pending)
> We will only accept Single day entries for Sunday after the Weekend
Lease is secured.
> Dinner will be provided Saturday Evening for all Drivers and Crew.
> Camping is Free.
> Garages are Free and open to First come.
> Gate Closes Saturday Night at 11pm.
> All participants to pit in Upper Paddock.
> All times are tenitive and subject to weather and track conditions.
> Entry is NON refundable, NON transferable and NON negotiable!
> A single day Test may be necesarry if participation requires, a weekend
entry would then be refunded the difference.

To inquire about late night arrival, format, scheduling or other questions send email here: f-125@hotmail.com

6 weeks Guys…. it will be April before you know it!

More soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Grattan Spring Test Update coming soon. I’ll have all the details begining of next week.

If you haven’t already, put a big red X on your Calendars April 13-14. I’m getting anxious with all the things we should have to try. Maxxis is working on a front tire for us, we should be testing that and some different config’s on rear tire/wheel combos too.

Stay tuned, business is about to pick up!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Again, you can see all the installments of what we are up to at the YT channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU__d49WpYDlKa7VRiCL9Ww

Here is the final clip from today:

[Robert Lawson]

Still no word back from MIS, not surprising, I was told they work a bit on the slow side out there…

I have been working on the kart though, among other things……

[Robert Lawson]

“I have also contacted MIS about doing a track day out there in the Fall. The idea is a pre Daytona test for those serious about finding a hot set up.

This would be an Oval Only Test. Anyone serious about contending at Daytona would find this a 1 of a kind opportunity regardless of class or kart type.”

The Speedway is currently looking into the dates I sent them. I have been corresponding with them this week, no issue has been brought up about running ONLY the Oval with karts.

Obviously nothing in stone yet but I don’t want to waste my time and theirs for nothing. So….

This may be a bucket list gig guys. Where else will you get the opportunity to run a Super Speedway without a road course?

It brings back fond childhood memories of the “Speed Runs” at Daytona back in the 70’s. I spoke with Bob Cole about this today, he has some memories of this long lost opportunity  as well. After practice day concluded you could pay a fee and run what ya brung, one kart at a time, and set an average speed (lap speed). My Pops got a Certificate from the Speedway “100 mph Club” as he ran 118 in a Margay C-Open owned by Gene Kurlonko. Geno had just run 112.5 (he was much bigger than my Pop’s) in the same kart and gave Pop’s some “pointers” on what not to do to go fast! No body work in those days, and they ran 100+ on Good Year Blue Streaks and Carlisle Super Slicks. That alone was nuts!

So think about it, I’ll update Y’all when I know more.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

No workie today, the weather is just a mess! Digging out melting ice….its WINTER!!!!

I did shoot Y’all a quick update though:

“….gimme a break, I’m on a roll!!!”

[Robert Lawson]

Back out there today and glued up the “skin” panels on the model. This isn’t the quickest form of Modeling but its dirt cheap. We have many Composite Supply Shops nearby with all the junk you can think of to use but its not at all cheap. And, we are making this “moldless” because its simply a test bit so its much much cheaper than a full blow model-mold-part production.

If you want to follow this (Part 3 video up now) or other stuff we’re doing just keep an eye on the YT channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

There are almost 200 videos on there, helmet cam… some tech/mech/fab, DIY stuff, Big Daddy even thumps you with some Scripture now and again! We have over a dozen different playlists of things to look at. Overdue for a “Garage Talk” clip with the Bro’s!!!! Soon, very soon!!!

I hope Y’all are working on yer stuff…. if not, come over and help me!!!

Be back tomorrow!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Some changes and a lil more progress:

[Robert Lawson]

[Robert Lawson]

It was cold out there today so my play time was short! Getting the kart ready for April – 1 project at a time!!!

I shot a quick video, it uploaded OK but is being delayed in the publishing process. I’ll post it when its done.

The past week has been very productive. Cleaned the joint up and consolidated much of the stuff in the Garage. Well overdue. Moved a bunch of things over to Rich’s place, we will do glass and paint in his Garage!!!! Found our old banner, it was a mess. Had been rolled up and sitting for 10-12 years with tire dust from the Indoor karting place on it. I finally got it looking respectable and hung it on the wall. Think we had that made in like 98′ for the Troy OH Winter swap meet, displayed all the bodywork in the stands at the Ice Rink!!! Good Times! Also found a bunch of framed pics, rolls of developed pics, plaques & trophies…. a bunch of junk! The Garage is getting to feel more like the old place now.

So, just a heads up, we have just 9 weeks until April 13-14 so start making plans. In a few weeks I’ll come to wake Y’all from yer slumber and start collecting!

Movies comin’

RPM

 

• This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

More conversation needs to take place on the Waterford Hills program. That issue could go a couple different directions. “Racing” during a full car event program OR “Testing” with F500’s and Miata’s on various other dates. Both require a minimum # of karts to be feasible.

My Bro got into this as a proxy for a friend, now it looks like more work than it may be worth. I’ll keep posting what I hear up to the point I get a solid contact handling it.

Be back soon!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

My Bro is heading out to Waterford Hills for their meeting of the racing club this coming Wednesday. Info on what is to be offered to karts will be along shortly after. I believe the noise level is going to be an issue but we will see next week.

The subzero weather looks to be ending this weekend, here in the Detroit area it will be back into the upper 30’s Sunday & Monday. I’ll get back out in the garage tomorrow and start working on that intake box for the auxiliary rad. Still have to replace the fuel tank yet too. We’ll get a temp plastic tank on there for April just to get out and test.

More video coming, stay warm out there boys!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Watching the 24 @ Daytona here online and checking in during a commercial!

Just a heads up, karts will have an opportunity to get on the newly paved Waterford Hills Sports Car Course during Waterford Club – Car race weekends. Full details are coming but it looks like 6 weekends this Season, full weekend program mixed in with all types of race cars.

I’ll provide all the details and contact info when I get it. Will make a great testing opportunity as well.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Been back out in the garage, this time mounting a rear auxilary radiator for testing in April.

I have also contacted MIS about doing a track day out there in the Fall. The idea is a pre Daytona test for those serious about finding a hot set up.

This would be an Oval Only Test. Anyone serious about contending at Daytona would find this a 1 of a kind opportunity regardless of class or kart type.

Me, I would like to see just how fast my lumberwagon will go!

Anyway, I have not heard back yet from the Speedway but I do know from a very reliable source that they will not restrict our access or format. Its not cheap, but with the right number of guys (and $$$!!!) anything is possible!

Be back soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The April Test dates are in:

Saturday & Sunday April 13-14 2019 @ Grattan Raceway

The intention is to do the full weekend as we had planned last year. I’ll handle it the same way, anyone paying for the full weekend will be refunded the difference if we only do the 1 day.

Which single day will depend on the weather, obviously.

Plenty of time for details, but, both of the first 2 weekends in April were available. I chose the 2nd and will stay in contact with the Boys about any developments on the calendar.

These dates will get filled, the “tuner car” guys are now renting 3-4 times a year and seem to have the same dates in mind as we do. Their group is growing, when they first came out they had maybe 15 cars. (4-5 years ago) Last Mothers Day weekend they had about 50 and are breaking them into groups. They will soon be looking for full weekends as they offered to buy our Sunday last Spring!

Much much more to come, stay tuned!

RPM

• This reply was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

This is the train wreck of a video I shot this afternoon. Its a mess but all the things I have been working on are there….and its less than 9 minutes!

Take a look:

If you want to know how we extended the chassis to add wheelbase just visit the channel, the 2 videos from Saturday are right there.

[Robert Lawson]

Some updates from above:

1. Brother Kenny delivered the kart today, Chris is pretty excited about April!

2. JW made a transaction with Jim Brannon in Daytona for the GSXR kart, Jimmy is now the new owner of the 600. It just got uncontrollable at speed over any bumps in the track surface. JW and I agree, we should have added a bunch of wheelbase to that kart. With all that HP a standard SK legal set-up was just not going to work as a 250 does. I’m glad he found a home for it.

3. Got back out in the garage and started working on the Project Kart. Also it was a nice 48 deg day here so we got karts off loaded from trailer. Rich has his kart at home and mine is back in the garage too. (with antifreeze!) Plenty of room out there now to spray sparks without damaging anything!

Rehabin at home here, its going very well! Instead of 2 x per week at PT I’m doing resistance band training and pully streches at least 1 x per day and if I get sore or stiff I just take a day off. Range of Motion is getting better, slowly!

I’ll get some video up tomorrow. Its a New Year guys…. cant wait to get going!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Again, unofficial results from Unltd Sunday:
All race groups were shortened due to AM fog!

JW won again, lost his brakes/brake issue, best time was lap 1 of 10:  1:53.019 and was just able to hold off Brian Wilhelm by 1.184 (thats close!) who ran a best lap of 1:56.189 on lap 9 of 10….. so he must have been gaining the entire way with JW struggling. Good Job guys, glad to hear it was a safe weekend for all.

I’ll tell ya, that is an astounding feat. 1:53 in a sit uppity type kart like an Anderson is pretty darn impressive. Now that its over, I am looking forward to working on a project for JW this year for Daytona 2019 (GOD willing!) We will see, LOTS to do here now and still tripping over this post surgery recovery. I hurt it this week trying to do more than I should out there, thought I was gonna wet my pants it hurt so bad. At a month out, its still real sensitive and limited on R O M.

FORTUNATELY….. I can drive my kart with 1 hand!!!! Its THAT good!!!   :)

So, hope everyone has a safe trip home from Daytona and a safe and Happy New Year Celebration!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

UPDATE: Results are Unofficial, last 4 races had been shortened.

There was a red flag during the F100/Yam S Hvy race group. They did get restarted and finished their shortened race.

JW set fast lap of the day in Unltd. at 1:54.712 on his 3rd of 10 laps. He held a 23 second lead early, it came down to 19, then finished at 21 over Brian Wilhelm (1:56.557) on his new 250 laydown package. A good number of SK drivers down there from what we saw on the RM and the phone videos on FB. Not sure how many were on twins like JW.

More from Daytona tomorrow.

PS: with 12 minutes to go in the last race group (5:29pm edt) its getting dark!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Under a bit of a rain delay at Daytona here on Saturday… they got 4 races in then have been in a holding pattern since.

I spoke to JW at the Speedway, was most interested to hear if Jim Brannon actually drove the GSXR600 kart that JW brought down. John said he did… “It didn’t behave…”   So I’m guessing that it just got squirlly at speed. I’ll find out more tonight.

I can let the cat-out-of-the-bag and tell you I helped in selling brother Kenny’s refurbished track ready enduro kart this week. Chris West is the new owner of this kart, its an ARC PP that he will run on a pipe. Best part of this news, his primary use will be for Track Day action and turning lots of laps! I’ll put him on the top of the list for this Spring!! Welcome back Chris.

Spent the first 1/2 of the day helping brother Rich move-in a couple doors down. We are both looking forward to spreading out, getting our karts in our garages, and working out some details for the Spring. Can’t wait to start letting the sparks fly on the project karts, especially that 4 stroker…. someone is gonna have fun in that thing!

More soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hope everyone has a safe trip and racing at Daytona this weekend.

The forcast looks terrible, warm for sure but T storms Fri & Sat with rain on Sunday? Long way to go to not get much done, lets hope they get some track time in.

I’ll be watching the race monitor to see what shakes.

http://www.race-monitor.com/

I am working on something new for next fall, also have reserved dates for Grattan in April AND May 2019. This gives us the best opportunity for a full weekend of testing in the Spring.

Cool stuff coming, it will be April before you know it!!!!

Happy New Year Y’all

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just wanted to share this….

Nelson Ledges, August 25 2017:

Its just Chuck and I, Bobby K came out too, checkin’ it out and shootin’ pics. Fred is the Track Manager, he shoved me off. No EMT’s or corners on sight so Fred said “just take it easy….”

I’m told the curbs are in now, that will help with turn in sighting. It looks so different with all the trees gone. Plenty of flat groomed infield grass to camp on too! There is a 5 minute video at the FB page, take a look. It has the repave and some nice drone footage.

https://www.facebook.com/nelsonledgesroadcourse

[Robert Lawson]

I owed the history & memory of racing at MIS a couple more “looks” before saying goodbye….

A little intro:

Big Yamaha class:

Busy track for AM Practice:

Enjoy, it will be a LONG Winter!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all….

Before moving on to another thread, I wanted to finish this one with a story…. and a bit of a history lesson.

I’m sure by now you have heard about the fate of the Michigan Kart Club. Looking back, and I have 20/20 vision as a kid growing up in a Karting Family, I can say this is a bummer AND an inevitability. It has happened many times before and unfortunately will continue until nothing remains.

How many of you (I’m guessing I can count you on 1 hand) will know of these former Clubs: Indy Kart Club, Chainbreakers Kart Club, Competition Karters Inc., Ontario Enduro Racing Club, Finger Lakes Enduro Karting Association……(old timers feel free to pile them on!!!) These are all successful Former Road Racing Clubs that held events at VERY sought after Venues. They also share something else in common, they are each long forgotten.

The MIS/MKC stories are intertwined, ironically. The early MKC had a distinct advantage over the MKC of late…. MIS, when built, had a massive Road Course that went well outside the Oval and back in. The Road Course we ran on the last few years is a mere abbreviation of that Historic Course. Yet again, its unfortunate for the later that the History was not enough to bring the numbers this Club and the Venue deserved.

So, I shot this today and though I’d get it up here now.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 11 months ago by Robert Lawson.

[Robert Lawson]

John,

Thanks for the tip and the heads up!

I believe YOU are in that clip as well, Black kart, 256 Rotax….. where IS that ride John???? :)

I’ll have a new video up at YT soon, and a message here before “refreshing” the topic.

Thanks Again!

RPM

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