[Robert Lawson]

A quick video of some fiberglass work on Good Friday!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

HEY LOOK AT THIS!!!!!

Its back!!!

Well Bill, after 5 days the answer to your question is a resounding YES!!!!

The FULL weekend is a reality and I for one am really looking forward to it.

I plan to shoot MANY 2-3 minute videos containing every aspect of a “test day” from my perspective AND short conversations or interviews with as many participants as I can.

It really should be an awesome time, praying for good dry weather!!!!

I have a new video from the garage and more coming as the kart is almost ready to go!!!! Get um ready Boys, we have just 2 weeks remaining!!!

More Coming Soon!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Todays progress:

[Robert Lawson]

A quick update…

Sam has not gotten any calls for track time in April so there is no rush to call off the weekend booking just yet.

IF we do go to a 1 day program AND weather dictates running it Saturday we WILL be welcome to spend the night Saturday and leave Sunday. Any long haulers can crashout and hit the road for home well rested.

If that is the case, and the Doc has cleared me, I would probably stay over becasue I would run right ’till 5pm. (Aaaaaaand would have Curt cook up a little something extra for Dinner!!!! :) )

Working on my radiator air box today, more video coming!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

This will be a pivotal  week. Although I still hold out hope we can get the full weekend booked, its looking like that chance is now slim.

It may be a loosing proposition but I’m willing to call Sam and try to negotiate a better deal if we get close.

Every check that I have received to this point was for a full weekend, that alone is pretty amazing. Knowing that not everyone has 2 days to burn I expected a good number of single day entrants. Actually, more than the total of 2 days guys for sure. Without the single day support we just cant pay for 2 days, and, the single day guys on my list have been jumping off at an alarming rate this past weekend.

If I were in it for the dough I wouldn’t be getting much sleep here. As the weekend progressed I kept telling myself “a weekend is worth $500, I can do that” Then this “$700 is still not bad….” Finally to this “Sam will take the $$$ if I can just get us close….”

So, if you have been looking and had not made up your mind….. your time is running out.

We will make enough to do 1 day, thats a positive ending to this post!

More soon!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

You are an anomaly!

If you dont mind sharing with us…. how many other National Events per season did you run back then beside the one close to home?

2001 is well after the MSSS ended (Regional Series), Dart may still have run 2 races each year at that time with one each being Regional/Club & National.

I guess in an area with no Club level RR it is possible, but that was not the norm in 20th Century!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

I have been getting some continued interest in the full weekend program but we are not there yet.

We have plenty of verbal comits but it time to do something guys.

March 31st is the deadline for entries. I HAVE to give the track a definitive answer about what we intend to do no later than then. So, if you have been on the fence time to make a choice!

Thanks Boys!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bobby,

The only cameras I have ever been whitness to coming dislodged….have come off KARTS…. Not helmets!!!! Something to do with that Bobblehead/Vibration eliminator action compared to the massvie vibration of the kart itself.

Twice I put a gopro on my sidepanel and twice the camera was shook to death. Never had one come off my head AAAAAAND the film is Spectacular!!!!!! :)

I like this “agree to disagree” thingy!!!!

PS: GoPro is a multi M$$$ Co. If they designed a “helmet mount” you can bet it was done to be used ON a helmet!

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

Its a good thing I keep EVERY piece of paper and note, like ever!!!!

I looked on the gate sheet from October…. its there! I called on my other phone (long story!) and IT had the only contact for you. Obviously your old number!!!

I’ll buzz you tomorrow, I have a ton of text and calls to make.

[Robert Lawson]

Snell also says that any helmet that is re-painted loses it’s Snell certification

So THATS why all SCCA guys wear a dull, boring,  plain white wrapper??? :)

PS: No one was complaining, we were agreeing to disagree! :)
Daniel is a sprint guy, not sure if Deb & Fam are still racing or not, but the rest of us posting here are racing our karts. EKN does not have the following it once did either, unfortunately.

[Robert Lawson]

I spoke with JW this morning aaaaaand, HE’s IN! (with entourage)

There should be a handful or more of 250’s this Spring!!!

Todd, that temp cell # you gave me last fall is all I have for you. Shoot me an email with a current contact please. (PS: got the check)

I got an email from NASHVILLE TN today from an interested karter wanting to get involved…..for the full weekend! If Mark H were coming he might just give that rig a run for longest haul!!!! Wow, thats super cool.

Lets support the the USPS and put them to work in Roseville!!!!  :)

[Robert Lawson]

I think I can work that out….

“What are you trying to say there? I’m really not sure but surely you’re not somehow expecting local participation to fill out the fields.”

I would expect NEW local interest to ADD to the larger combined fields because its more attractive than what is offered now. That IS the philosophy behind the idea altogether. I think that was what Jerry was getting at too….

In my 4o years RR karts and a lifetime of being around it I have yet to see new karters join the sport/hobby jumping right in to the National level events. They start local, its where they go to check it out, ask questions, get ideas of cost and a feel for what they could potentially be getting into.

Lets face it, the format is confusing for new folks too.

Grattan allows folks off the street to enter the grounds and view the track out at the entrance. Its tradition for us to stop at the exit and watch the start and a few laps of the next race before heading out. Many times there are folks that were passing by that pulled in and are checking it out. They ask questions, how fast… engine size….lap time…. HOW MUCH $ !!!!! Almost always with a confused look on their face they watch for 5 minutes then leave.

I’m suggesting something, anything, to get Dad & the Boy, Families, young Adults, ex Bike or Car racers, etc. to look at an inviting, easy to enter Hobby that offers a competitive atmosphere….. and ANY kart package could have potential. I think that just defined local racing….. don’t you????

PS: Putnam has always been a tough draw. Darn shame they refuse to let you stay there.

[Robert Lawson]

Hmmm, I’m starting to get nervous……

I’m not the Gucci wearin, G6 flyin, Blue Diamond flashin type of guy! We do what we can with whom we can gather for these gigs and if the weather isn’t frozen or wet we do it!!!

Its 4:00 here, the mail has not arrived today but I haven’t seen anything incoming at all this week!

We have just 3 weeks before making the call on a 1 or 2 day program and we are not able to do either as of yet. Lets get it going guys, get something in the mail or hit that Paypal!!!!

As JW would say “Nothing says I’m in, like a check!!!!”

 

[Robert Lawson]

Daniel,

For all the reasons you just mentioned, I believe Sprint Racing IS a stepping stone to Cars IF that is what guys intend to use it for. RR, not so much.

RR involves much more time, effort, and $$$ in all aspects than Sprint Racing. The model is suited for turn over. It used to feed RR too.

Good points Bro.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

OK, Ladies & Gentelmen, welcome Legend #2!

Greg,

Your prime discriptive word here is IF.

Again, I’m speaking about local RR not big Org stuff. Losing 2 “stick & can” entries is a risk, but we haven’t done anything different historicaly in RR and its still fading. I think your estimate of 20 +/- is inflated, if there were that many in those classes they would have more participation (localy) than they do.

You were peeking when I asked everyone to “Imagine” weren’t you!!! :)

My belief is a bigger class of combined karts with rules that promote parity would be embraced by the folks participating now, and be attractive to the on looker or new RR enthusiast. I believe the experience of “racing” is what they are after not winning, by whatever means that may be…. there are many.

I could be wrong, I’ll agree with that. But we have done NOTHING different to try to gain back some of what our Hobby has lost. And that is a damn shame.

Just promoting Karting events is a risk, trust me, I know. But we can’t be unwilling to apply change because IF may happen. No risk, no reward.

If we do not face the chance of failure boldly, we have already failed.

Lets keep talking folks, maybe something will click……

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, no lynchings yet! Nice.

All made good points, a couple were on the same page but approach from different angles…. Kelly from a Promotional view and Jeremy from a Participant view.

Kelly from a KART perspective first, and how it differs from a WKA perspective. Interesting.

Jeremy from the Reward vs Return angle of wins & trophies vs fun & fulfillment. MORE interesting…. and, where the meat & taters are!

As I mentioned above, a mass combining should be done (IMHO) at the local & regional level to be tuned and tweeked to best relieve the disparity between packages. Leave the “national” stuff to the Reward group and make local road racing more for the enthusiasts, and, attractive to new growth.

Now, I know what some are thinking, “You just split up karting”… BUT, wouldn’t the National events eventually be able to weed out the low interest classes this way AND become more efficient? Maybe, just maybe you would then have TRUE National Champions instead of participant champions.

Daniel’s reasoning, ($$$) is not all wrong, even based on a speciality event like Laguna. Not knocking NKC or SKC or IKF for that matter, racing out West IS more expensive that back here in the East. I said cost was a factor to potential new participants that consider RR. Its absolutely true.

Motivations are also different now. Not everything is as it seems on the Organizational surface. I’ll say this though, when road race karting does become very difficult to participate in it won’t be because the bank of customers is dry. It will be considered to be not worth someones trouble to do it anymore ($$$)…. regardless of their “Love of the Sport”.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Here is the prep for the repair and the product I found.

…. and the result!!!

I dont know ’bout Y’all but I have lots of work to do!! More video comin!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Todd!
We are off to a good start!

I have that “pre track” checklist available to email. You will have to print it out and initial or circle each item in question. DO NOT sign or date it until you turn it in and receive your kart sticker at the track.

Just shoot me a note and I’ll send the file.

I have been watching video from October. I didn’t post to YT my only run last fall, it was not very impressive. But, it does show a troubling bump (actually the last of 3!) just as you get back in the gas off T3. I called Max, him and Curt will look at it before we get out there. I know you sit-uppity guys dont have much trouble with vision over the bumps but us laydown guys have a hard time seeing where we’re going with our head attached to the kart!

We also are getting some interest from the Sprint Track, which is good. I’m hoping we get some kids out there and start bringing in the drasticly needed Families to Road Racing. In my day these Families (Dad raced, kids raced, sometimes Mom too!) were plentiful, today they are extremely rare.

Soccer & Hockey parents have all but ruined Sprint racings Kid & Cadet classes with their arguring and online accusations. We NEED to find Dads that will bring Jr. and teach him not just about mechanics or engineering but about fair play, competitive comradery, and most of all to be a humble winner AND looser. My good buddy Paul Nickl is a fine example of an encouraging Jr. Dad/Racer.

OK, so lets get off our hands and get those karts ready!!!! My mail box has not fallen off the house out there either…. :)

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

After a soild afternoon of investigation and sending emails I got some answers and found a product that will repair that slight leaker in that Garage Talk 6 clip. I also found a replacement in the case the repair doesn’t work out.

Sent Ed at Jaguar Karts my dimentions for the new bumper so that is getting bent up and sent up here too. 220 going in the garage so I can at least weld steel anyway, and, I have done some good homework on Engine spec and set up too. I’m sure I have found what was holding it back at MIS.

Checks are arriving, all of them thus far for 2 days, which is incouraging!

Just a reminder:

2 Day entry, per driver: $300
1 Day entry, per driver: $200

I will accept Sunday only 1 Day entries. If we go to a single day program there is no telling which of the 2 days will be chosen by Mother Nature! We will just have to see how it turns out

NO, race fuel will not be available at the Track!

YES, Friday and Saturday night camping will be FREE!

IF we do a full weekend the lunch breaks will only be 30 minutes, Dinner will be served in the MX garage for all drivers and crew right AFTER the closing of on – track activities Saturday. ALL participants are welcome. (yes, you can dine & dash!)

Check or MO here:

Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St.
Roseville, MI. 48066

OR Paypal to f-125@hotmail.com (choose no fee/Friends & Fam)

Please include kart info/class for reference.

I should have the kart checklist ready to email out this week.

 

More coming…………

PS: Sunny H53 in Motown tomorrow! Is your kart ready???

[Robert Lawson]

Here are the results of the radiator pressure testing.

The “new” rad:

…and the leaker I removed:

Y’all better be sure your karts are ready for the track, I had every reason to believe the rad I had just aquired was good to go.

I have work to do!!! T – minus 7.5 weeks and counting!!!

UPDATE: Entry Poduim – Top Step: Jerry Reveley
AND Jr. & Sr. are in for the full weekend!!! Thanks Guys!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Here is a quick clip from out in the garage today:

I’ll have to hit up the supply joint in the AM and pick up some bits to pressure check the radiators. That big fat rad I just picked up is not as plug-n-play as I had hoped.
More Garage Talk coming soon!

[Robert Lawson]

* (^ Please see Pricing/Breakdown above ^) *

A couple more details:

 

NO, race fuel will not be available at the Track!

YES, Friday and Saturday night camping will be FREE!

IF we do a full weekend the lunch breaks will only be 30 minutes, Dinner will be served in the MX garage for all drivers and crew right AFTER the closing of on – track activities Saturday. ALL participants are welcome. (yes, you can dine & dash!)

I am back in the garage today, spent a few hours reassembling the joint after working on snowblowers and other junk. Got my new Rad mount/retainer all fab’d up and ready to install. Will need yet another air box, the changes need to the last temp box is more work than making a new one! Carbon this time… I’m confident this entire set up is going to work!

We will start taking entries Monday 2-19-18. I’m going to try to get a pdf ready to email out with the “pre-track checklist” so y’all can fill it out before arriving & save time.

More soon!

PS: Larry Rumsey and I both celebrate our birthdays today!!!!! (LAR is older than me!!!) Happy Birthday Larry!!!!

Check or MO here:

Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St.
Roseville, MI. 48066

OR Paypal to f-125@hotmail.com (choose no fee/Friends & Fam)

Please include kart info/class for reference.

[Robert Lawson]

OK,

I nailed down what needed to be worked out, here is some info for you!

As of now, just like last April, I will plan on a full weekend program. If we don’t have enough participation for that to take place the call will be made 2 weeks prior to the 14-15 weekend. I will refund the difference to all whom paid for a 2-fer if we only get the 1 day.

2 Day entry, per driver: $300
1 Day entry, per driver: $200

I will accept Sunday only 1 Day entries. If we go to a single day program there is no telling which of the 2 days will be chosen by Mother Nature! We will just have to see how it turns out.

The costs have gone up a bit but the math still proves this to be the best $ per hour you will find ANYWHERE.

I’ll break it down for Y’all:

2 Day entry = $21. 43 per hour @ 14 total hours (8 hr days,  – lunch breaks)
1 Day entry = $28.58 per hour @ 7 hours (8 hr day,  – lunch break)

Again, the Indoor rentals charge $20 @ 8-10 minutes ($120-$150 per hr!)
Actually, they are not far off what you pay to chase a piece of wood, or beer mug at your local Road Race events per hour either. ($150 @ 3 x 8 min practice runs and a 30 minute trophy dash)

Hey, we can’t complain about the bathrooms anymore so you have no reason NOT to get involved! As always, lunch OR Dinner is on me.

I will answer all your questions here or email here: f-125@hotmail.com

April will be here before you know it! ( 8.5 weeks???)

More to come!

 

RPM

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Just wanted to stop in and let you know I’m still working on it!!!

I was out blowing snow and just loving it! Got my fix, I topped off the little Snapper with race gas and WOW did the entire neighborhood smell like the track!!!! That little blower was running awesome!

Hope to have all this stuff hashed out by the weekend and get final pricing for entry early next week.

Thanks for your Patience boys!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its now after 5pm and I have not gotten an answer back from my Insurance
provider so details are gonna have to wait a few more days.

I am planning on getting out to the garage, doin’ a bit of work and shooting a quick video. I got to feeling good last week, then, like most of us do, I did too much…….. and hurt my back! 3-4 days of heat and rest was all I could do. Sittin’, standin’ or anything else just lit me up. SO, slowly going back to playing games out there with the kart.

You HAVE to see how smooth that Phase 2 portion of Grattans repave was. The 2nd Phase was from exit of T3 all the way back to the front straight. SUPER slick, had to short shift or you’d just lose it!

If you have never driven a perfectly smooth Grattan, you have to go for a ride with me!!! Trust me, it will not look or feel anything like this in April!

Part 1:

Part 2:

RPM

[Author]

Posts