[Robert Lawson]

Things are coming along for Mid-Ohio.

Put in a call to my old friends at Goldspeed USA on Wednesday. I explained (pleaded!) how the Dunlop kart tires at this point have no US importer, which causes an issue for guys like me that utilize a 5.50 wide 5″ tire.

I still have 1 living set of 5.50 Maxxis HG3 tires. After sending a pic of the tire and date code we spoke at length about talking the Corp types into building these tires again. Not sure what the chances are but I’m not ready to toss all my 5″ wheels for 100’s of $$$ in 6″. Maxxis doesn’t offer the HG3 compound anymore but they do have a very similar new compound. I will be testing the rear tire in that compound at Mid-Ohio if all goes well.

Got more videos up at YT, more coming as we prep for June!

Check it out, been runnin’ the leaf blower!!!

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

[Robert Lawson]

Was having trouble getting back on here to post!

As young Luke mentioned above, the kart was “wicked fast” at Grattan. I was very pleased with the work we did and the direction taken after a long Winter of research.

The test results of the cooling system upgrade was not as expected. It ran hot again on H2O temp but did not result in a rev-limit due to overheating like it did at MIS last fall. In a long run of 30 straight laps last Sunday, high temps and all, no sign of that ignition issue and the engine ran very well.

Was up until 2 am last night working with an engineer at Davies-Craig (location: Australia) trying to figure out why my system runs hot (I use their pump). I sent pic’s of the rad, nose, airbox, etc. and spoke about the history of rad changes, mounting and location on all of our karts using the D-C booster pumps. But after attaching a video showing the entire system with the bodwork removed the answer came quickly from the engineer. A few more swapped notes and we have a solution to try.

Those Youtube videos come in handy!!!

So, with a bit of work and some new bits we should be ready to go for Mid-Ohio. It will be 12 years this June since I raced at Mid-Ohio, I have always run good there and my last race was an epic battle with my good friend Scotty Fiesler! Cher and I are really looking forward to getting back down there and seeing all our old friends.

Here is a clip for you….

This is my final run, it takes place the last 25 minutes of the day. We were experimenting a bit. I had changed up the….configuration, of the engine, and was just comparing some real time data. As always, read the description to get an inside look at some of the more interesting highlights. The track is getting rough again, July will not be nice to it that is for sure.

PS: Its too soon to say for sure, but, after Mid-Ohio it will be a priority to get over to Pocono to do a surface test. I’m sure finding a workable configuration is possible.

[Robert Lawson]

I HAD to share this with Y’all.

It explains in 2 words just how my day of Testing went.

Take a look……

[Robert Lawson]

I have a few things to load up in the morning, but other than that we are ready to go.

Had to adjust the height of load distrubution hitch for the new truck. The bolts had never been removed since assembling the kit waaaay back in the day of the Ole RV! 1996 I think??!!! Its good now but took an unintended chunk of time out of the day. Gotta load the bed in the AM and then adjust the number of links on the bars to get the trailer as level as possible. This truck is a 4×4, it just doesn’t drop like the old truck did.

So, we’ll be testing (and likely tweeking) the set-up on the truckster too!!!

Making a stop on the way but should be at the track by 3pm.

We are going to have awesome weather, Im really looking forward to getting a great deal of my list scratched off!

SAFE TRIP Y’all!!!!! See you Sunday Morning!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m ready!!!!

Bombed the trailer this afternoon, so, no pests dropping in on me while fast asleep!!!!

Forecasted conditions are perfect, you really couldn’t ask for better.

I already put my request in with Sam to hold THIS weekend for next year. April has been very good to us but the ice a few weeks ago and the snow delay in ’16 are enough for me to say good bye to April and Hello to MAY!!! Not having to deal with the antifreeze will be a bonus too.

Again, be aware there will be NO concessions out there and with the short mid day break we are not doing group lunch this time. Bring something to eat/drink!

ALSO… get there early! Prefferably by 8am (or earlier!) I have the kart prep sheet for you to fill out again and we will have a meeting with “Track Marshall Dave” on format/rules/flags & safety etc. ALL BEFORE OPENING THE TRACK.

Note: Race gas IS available at the track.

More tomorrow!

[Robert Lawson]

GO!

[Robert Lawson]

I had to pop in and share the very encouraging forecasts for Belding Michigan THIS Sunday.

Accuweather: Partial Sunshine, HI 68, real feel 71, precip 4%
The Weather Channel: Abundant Sunshine, HI 67, precip 0%
Local ABC 13: A Few Clouds, HI 69, precip 10%

We will take another look in the AM.

I’m just about packed up to go. Drained and flushed all the antifreeze & topped it off with fresh H2O. Did find a brake pad retaining clip that had made a bit of contact with the sidewall of my left front tire. So, I’ll install new clip/pins on both fronts and make sure they don’t protrude from the caliper. I may just put a new one on the rear too…..just to be sure they are all fresh!!!!

Next time is go/no go…

See Y’all in the AM!

[Robert Lawson]

Trying a different browser, the site just takes forever on “Explorer” AND it looks different. Using Firefox I can see “pages” again and it loads up 100X faster.

Continuing to act as though we are getting this in on Sunday and packing up today. The National Weather outlets are useful but not as accurate as the local stuff.

Take a look here too guys: https://www.wzzm13.com/10-day

Sunday isn’t the bulk of the problem, its the overnight and all the rain they will get between now and then.

Fingers crossed, not making plans for Mid-Ohio just yet!!!! :)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The extended forecast for the 13th isn’t great.

I won’t mess around in making a decision. Wednesday AM is as far as I’m willing to go before admitting defeat and conceding to some Greater Meaning than could possibly be comprehended by mere mortals. IF infact the weather does not allow us to leave the garage, I may just haul the entire kart down and check every nut & bolt! I would suggest Y’all still hangin with this thing do the same! There would HAVE to be a diabolical reason for being shut down yet again a full month later!!!!!

We will see in just 3 days.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I’m shooting for mid afternoon, 1-2pm.

Guys,

The particulars for this Test Day are a bit unique. Yes, we have done Sundays in the past but not a week before the Season kicks off in the region. With time at a premium, and, to get as much of it ON the track as possible, I’m not doing lunch. Bring something along to feed on!!!! We will take as short a break as allowed for the Marshals & EMT’s to hit the can and grab a bite….then go right back to it until 5pm.

This will be very strange as I’m always looking forward to breaking bread & chatting with Y’all.

Small group this time, it will be all business out there!!!!

Looking forward to it!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I have good news and bad news…..

Bad News first…. we are not going to get enough support. And… upping the anti ALSO was not enough!

SO, how can there be ANY good news right???

Good News is….. Sam will accept what I currently have come up with! It was still a fair bit short but I threw more $$$ at it because I NEED that full day of long runs. He wants me to keep promoting and try to get to the lease agreement… and I will… anyone interested can still get involved. BUT, we can load um up Boys because either way we are ON!

Get um ready, there will be PLENTY of open track with just 12 or 13 of us!!!

More to come…

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, thats cool…thanks Bro!

Yeah I didn’t spend much time reading anything on the site, just looking at the layout of the proposed track. These guys are….. different! They will build ALL the condo’s and man-cave/gearhead stuff before ever purchasing the remainder of the land to build the track!!!????!!! That tells me they hold the track in far less regard than the condos, sports bar, indoor karting and all the other proposed entities.

MIS is close to home but I don’t want to pay $150 just to get 1 long run on this cooling system upgrade. I’d much rather double that and have all day to work it out and continue to make attempts. I do believe its fixed, and if that is the case I have a host of things to get through and 30 or 45 minutes will just not do it.

We’ll see, maybe we will get a few more guys and great weather for Mothers Day!

[Robert Lawson]

Checks should be well on their way now.

I had something lined up to show you but its not moving forward very quickly at this time. They have not aquired the property yet and are seeking investors. It peaked my interest because its super close to home for me!

Take a look: http://www.heritagefarmsmotorplex.com/

 

Spoke with a few of the guys trying to get financing for this place yesterday, I guess the land is over priced because of a tax lien. Too bad, it is only 35-40 minutes from here!!!!

I sent out a note to most of the guys holding over from the April dates to May. Specificaly asking if those already “in” were willing to up the anti if we do not get another 6 or so guys. If you didn’t get a note tell me what you think here.

 

Back soon….

[Robert Lawson]

Refunds going out Monday.

Thanks Again to all whom sent weekend entries, we almost pulled it off!

To the guys that are on hold for May, IF we get that going I’ll refund your entry difference in cash at the track. If not, I’ll send you a full refund via check. We’ll know in 3 weeks!

After much thought I decided to build that project kart into an F-125/T-car with the spare Vortex. Its just too nice to cut up for a Briggs! We may have found another deal but until its done we are STILL looking for a cheap chassis to build that laydown 4 stroke. The idea is an inexpensive intro ride for newbie’s. No driving the carb with your foot, no tuning,  just get in and go.

That stuff will keep us busy, but, there is still the matter of testing this new cooling system set up. Its just a bummer we got pimped by MoNat.

I did find a bit of something new….. until I check it out Monday to be sure you’ll have to stop back to find out!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Still chipping …. count is at 13!

The weather is going to turn, at least around here, this weekend! A good dose of Sun and heat will get folks looking at their karts again. Confidence is growing!! We need 5-7 more!

[Robert Lawson]

I just spoke to Curt at the track.

He said the Track is STILL covered in Ice! They got about 1.5″ of it!!!

Noah and his guys got pummeled, 12.9″ of snow reported in Minneapolis!

We got a glazing here that was gone by 2pm. The old basement here was leaking a bit from all the rain and the garage has a big puddle in the center of it where there was once a drain. I really need to pitch the bit outside the roll up doors the other way, getting tired of working around a puddle each time it rains from the East!!

On a happy note, we got one more on the list!

Chipping away…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We are a long way from 20, but, after just 2 days we are 1/2 way to 18!

I know the May 13th date will be a tough sell. Anything can happen!

Tell your karting buddies that are able to get free on Mothers Day that we need some help!!!

In the mean time, I will work on plan B…..

Man, the weather over at the track is horrendous! Ice and a bit of snow…. a mess until late Monday. Nice and warm here at Home!!!! I got a bit of a cold this week so it worked out, I would have been dead sick Monday exposed to that weather!!!!

To the guys that said to pencil them in, and use their April entry… Thanks Guys! I will get your balance out when that box gets here this week!

The countdown begins again…..

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

After checking into things, weekdays would only make sense if large numbers of guys prefered them over weekends…. no break on $$$ for weekdays or Mothers Day.

So, I did make contact with the Car group guys. Good News is they are very interested in doing combined gigs… Bad News is they claim to have a large group in May. They offer 3 or 4 groups or levels of experience, like a Bike format. That just wont work with a single grouping of karts. We would get waxed on time for the same cost. I suggested they combine to 2 groups with our 1 group, we could each lease a day and rotate all weekend. They like that idea, but, with the number of participants that have no experience at a track they are not willing to combine at this time. Being that most of their participants drive their track vehicle TO the track… they also run rain or shine. Again, we would get waxed there too. For the future, a condensed format with them is a viable option though. Something to think about.

Gingerman, short of CES in Sept, is anti-kart! “No more Karts at twilight test & tune” I was told. The rent there by the way is double that of Grattan for a day. I then asked, Why don’t YOU schedule a kart specific test day? Their answer was: “There ARE no karts!!!” In their defense, you can’t hold time for a formula with no participation.

Well, there is always the new project kart out there to dump $$$ into!!!!!

We are waiting on a new box of checks to arrive, as soon as they are here I will burn through them!!! You paypal guys should get your refund today.

I’m not giving up on Y’all that still want to test, but I’m not confident we can gather 18-20 guys on Moms Day.

We’ll see…….

[Robert Lawson]

So, yes…. its official.

I just hate it, what took 10 weeks to pull together only took 10 minutes to tear down.

But, with Todd here and a few others that have messaged back this AM we have a good start to putting that May date together.

I will call the Car guy that has the track on 5-12 to see if there is any room for a few guys to split time with them. If he is willing it wouldn’t require 20 guys to do. Also, a weekday has been suggested. I have never had any luck doing that in the past but if we plan for it maybe that is something that could work. Will ask about the $$$ of that this evening.

Guess I’m spoiled, not willing to give up on the chance to test items back-to-back. So, its BACK to the drawing board!!!!!

Thanks for the words guys, but, its Y’all that need to be thanked! Without EVERY ONE of you stepping up, this wouldn’t have had a shot!!!!

Again, thanks to Bob Cole, (who now has 16 GL of race gas!!!). Also Dennis Bernier and Brother Kenny whom where coming out to help all of us get on and off the track, and Bobby K for offering to document it in photos.

Believe it or not….. there is More to Come!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Not making it official just yet!!!!

But, as promised, I will post our plans about 24 hours from now. Until then, take a look at this:

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry, she sounds crisp!!!!

I know where to go when I’m in need of some tires!

What are Brothers for???? :)

Guys,

Like Y’all we are watching the deteriorating weather forecast for this weekend unfold. I have contacted our fellow participant from PHOENIX whom was planning to fly-in and run a kart belonging to a friend, also our Brothers from Nashville and Minneapolis to let them know I will not subject them to a massive gas bill and miserable trip driving to GR only to sit in the rain.

I called Sam, even though I knew his answer, and found NO available weekends to use as a rain date until October. So, I will keep praying and watch the weather for a positive change until Wednesday, at which time I will call Sam and let him know our plans.

IF we cancel on Wednesday I will refund, in FULL, your entry via personal check or PayPal if you prefer.

Let Us Pray……

PS: there is 1 weekend day available at Grattan before MIS. Its Sunday May 13th…. yes, Mothers Day! If we do cancel on Wednesday I will be looking to do something on this date myself. 1/2 day, a couple hours, whatever I can weasel out of them, if anything at all! I need the test time! If this is something you may be up for let me know.

[Robert Lawson]

I shot a couple short videos out in the garage this afternoon. You can view the others at the YT channel.

The kart is ready to be buttoned up and loaded in the trailer!

 

Just a week away guys!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Bummer, looks like we wont get to do that snow running after all. :)

Its still early but….. here is the Accuweather forcast for next weekend:

Fri 4-13 H 60,  “Rain & Drizzle possible”  Precip Chance: 30%
overnight: L 40
 Sat 4-14 H59,  “Cloudy with a chance of Rain” Precip Chance: 35%
overnight: L31
Sun 4-15 H53, “Times of Clouds & Sun” Precip Chance: 3%

Other than the overnight Saturday to Sunday its not bad at all. I’ll take a 35% chance at Grattan ANYTIME!!!

Bobby hooked us up with the Sunoco Race Gas website. If you go here you’ll find a few places on the way to the track from either the East or West.

https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/

Just click the menu top left and look at the products they offer if you are not familiar. Then, click the “fuel finder” top right to find a place with that product. There is a place in Holland south of Grand Rapids off I-94 if coming from the West, Another West of GR  and one over near Ionia if coming from the East. GR and Ionia both carry 110 (Standard) leaded & 112 (Supreme) leaded in 5 gallon cans. The Holland location is a Speedway station with 110 at the pump.

I’d call them to be sure they have stock if going this direction. Holland Speedway Station: 616-772-6688, GR: Van Manen Petrolem 616-453-6344 or Ionia: Felice Automotive 616-527-3227.

More coming, stay tuned!!!

*this site still not working very well!

[Robert Lawson]

For those concerned about the weather….

If the Brits can do it, so can we! Its America Baby YEAH!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Im obviously not a Tech guy but what a mess going on with the site here. Been trying to post for 2 days and just getting the text to work now.

The Dr. took me off the meds so I can drive the kart all weekend. Kart is ready to fire up, filled it with 50/50 because the weather is still too cold for just H2O. I will drain and replace at the track Saturday AM then probably put it back in for the overnight. The low temps will be close to freezing and I want no issues with the new engine! Must run it here this week though just to be sure of no-leaky!!!

NO ANTIFREEZE on the track guys so be prepared to drain or swap out from AM to PM. The system may be OK in these temps if indoors but I’m not taking a chance. I’m also bringing my big bottle of Propane for the garage heater incase we need to work on things late.

Put in the Grocery order with Curt at the track, we may have him do a bit of Pork with all that Brisket too. I ate that stuff for a week last year, it was worth every penny!!!!

I’ll have Bottled Water & Coffee but Y’all should bring drinks and lunch or snacks for the afternoon Saturday & Sunday. Dinner will be available for all @ 5pm Saturday evening. If you want to bring a little something to share that is welcome too.

Brewster was good enough to let me hang on to his Beacon so we are all set there. If you have your own and want to do sector times or something please get with me early and we can set that up. We will locate the timing area in a different place this time so you can get times on ALL of your laps, even your “in lap”. Probably in T10 or exiting the Bowl. Drivers Right.

Our SUPER COOL track pick-up guy, Bob Cole, will bring a few extra gallons of Sunoco Turbo Blue 110 leaded race gas for sale if anyone needs an extra gallon or 2. As far as I can find out, there is no local gas station that offers race gas for sale near the Track so bring CASH. Thanks Bob! Yer the best!!!!!

More coming, as long as the gremlins allow!!! :)

[Author]

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