[Robert Lawson]

I’ll be taking just a little time off from the kart, to get some things I put on hold finished and out of here.

But, I am certianly looking forward to April, and testing some stuff myself. If we can put together a 2 day gig I would have a bunch of things lined up to try!

The Wife and I are going to enjoy a couple Koegels for dinner tonight. Best enjoy it while I can, will be crashing a strict diet and exercise program to get back to fightin weight again! No excuse, quit smoking almost 3 years ago now…. its well due time!

[Robert Lawson]

I need to thank Bruce Peck, he supplied the beacon so we could collect data!

Thank You Brewster, your beacon is safe and sound!

AIM actually called me today, looks like I’ll pay the $50 and get another one right from them. Have not seen any for sale.

Bob, we had a few new guys out there! Glad they had a good time, I started hearing from them right away on the ride home!!!

Got some e-mail & text from guys giving a heads-up already on time off for April too!!

One of the new guys had 2 CIK shifters of his own. Never been to a big track before, he sent a note just now… He is trading one of his shifter karts for an ENDURO! After one look watchin ole’ Puffy  blast down the front straight he says he “has to have one”!!!!

A full weekend lease will be a great deal of track time. I may have to make up an award for the person that does the most miles!!!

Jerry, as usual, you and Pops were ready willing and able to go right out there and be the ginny pig! Everyone watched and listened to you running around all alone…. when you made a lap THEN they started heading out too!!!!

Good fun, even if I didn’t get many laps!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

We had a great day at Grattan on Sunday!

Got started a bit late so we could dry the track with our vehicles. The sun was out and shining for the first 1/3 of the day and helped speed the process. It was tough going early on with cold tires and a very green cold track. It didn’t take Jerry too long and he was fully on the gas! One by one they took to the course, some spinning early, some later, but it all came together and we got loads of laps in.

Had a quick shut down for a huge Swan that landed on the grass between the front straight and armco…. it seemed a bit lost! After a few minutes Bob was able to shoo it away with a kart pusher and we went right back to open running.

My day did not go as well as anticipated. I ran 6 laps all day! Didn’t get on the track until 2 pm and the dark clouds has rolled in. The water on my visor at T1, T2 and on the way down to T9 had me tippy-toeing it around. After getting back to the garage I mentioned to the guys that the “rain” out there had my attention… “There wasn’t any rain!” Then it hit me, there was no debris flag (red & yellow striped) and pointing to the heavens in T1… hmmmm, same amount of grip as the remainder of the course too….

“Robert, you have water leaking up front here….”   and my day was done!

Yep, all the work, taking video, sharing with the world my “temporary plan” to cool down the water temp issue….. which by the way started with the evidence of a water leak…. and not finding one! I never pressure checked the radiator!!!!

If brother Rich would have done this I would never have let him live it down. Just plain oversight, stupid, foolish mistake. So I called him, told him about it and let him swing away!!! I deserved it!!!! :)

But, better in October than April. I did see very cool temps on water so the 6 laps were very valuable. Now, the question of a new radiator is answered and I’ll go a bit bigger and take the temp issue the other way. Always better to be too cool than too hot. That gear change felt better too.

All in all it was a good trip, everyone was safe and had a good time. We had a couple new folks out this time and they all said they are looking forward to April. Speaking of April,  I asked about the interest in a full weekend of testing and got an positive answer from those in attendance. Sam has penciled us in for one of the first 2 weekends in April 2018.

I want to thank Bob Cole for picking up the karts, all of those whom took their vehicles out to dry the track, and, most importantly the 5 or so guys that participated even though they decided not to come. If they didn’t commit to this late season date with their $$$ in advance the rest of us would not have been able to do it!

Hope everyone had a safe trip home!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its quite a bit later than expected but here I am!

Forcast is the same, we got rain here from 5pm on….. but nothing on the radar out West of here. Heading out in the AM.

Got 120 Koegel Viennas for Chuck to cook at lunch!!! (we may sample a few of those Saturday afternoon!)

I will call everyone tomorrow afternoon from the track with a final go-no go.

Talk to you tomorrow!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just off the phone with Max Faasen at the track, he said the track is dry and the grounds look real good.

The forcast has not changed, mid to upper 40s is completely workable guys. I have miles of laps and tons of video to convince you.

I do have a tip for you to keep your hands and fingers warm. Wearing rubber mechanic/surgical gloves under your driving gloves will keep the cold air from freezing your fingers! You can do serious damage if you are not careful. Harbor Freight has these gloves, I use the black HD model.

I’ll be back again this evening with a final look.

Packing up now!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its actually 2:30pm but I have better news! The weather outlets are coming back in sync.

TWC: 47,  A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. Slight chance of a rain shower.  Chance 20%

Accuweather: 48, Low clouds, then perhaps some clearing and chilly with a shower in spots. Chance 40%

Accuweather is calling for a 50/50 chance of scattered rain on Saturday, otherwise the forcast today and Friday are dry on both. That is good for the grounds, need time to get dryed out a bit.

Sam returned my message from the office this morning, this is what he said about the grounds: “Blubbb, blub, blubbbb, blub, gurrrrgle grurggggle, gurgle, gurgle…..” I said what was that??? “Thats what is sounds like when you are under water!!!” It was pretty bad out there after a few days of rain, he thinks about 12″, the island “was almost under water!” Since April they put some drain tile in at T1 and that area is no longer an issue. There is standing water at the very outside coming off T10, before the little left jot there, before coming up the hill. That is the lowest point on the entire property, I have swept it MANY times! If you kneel and put your ear to the ground looking out to the North at the lake, its actually lower than the surface. The natural spring leaks there too.

If that is all we have to deal with, its a piece of cake! The overnight temp is going to be cold, they call for anywhere between 32-37. Chuck, Todd and Myself are the only guys I know of silly enough to camp in that weather. I put 50/50 in my kart because of my luck. I’ll drain it and add water before getting on the track. So, ya’ll have to add water when you arrive I guess.

This still all prelim. Tomorrow is another day, we’ll keep watching it. Personally I will go through the motions like we are heading out Saturday AM. Been holding off on the grocery shopping ’till Friday evening.

Again, at the latest, I’ll call each of you and have someone post here
LIVE FROM THE TRACK Saturday if the grounds are pissing/leaking/streaming water.

There you go, I’m heading back out to package things up and get ready to load.

Talk again tomorrow!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks for that report Bob! :)

Thats Bob Cole “live” from West Michigan…..

In other news, Max called back and gave a decent account of the saturation out there. He claims: “We got hit pretty good, but, its drained off well and looks good at this point.”

This just in, he also said: “There is a “chance” on Saturday and Sunday, but, everyday has a chance this time of year…..”

A wealth of knowledge that Max!!!! :)

Seriously though, we’ll continue to look at it. We have at least 2 more days to watch things from home here. They will get more rain yet so, as I mentioned to Daniel, we need to Pray! If any of y’all have looked at the videos, I have done a bunch of work and I would sure like to give it a try.

I’ll give you this much, I won’t wait to make a decision at the track Sunday morning. Y’all will know one way or another by Saturday afternoon at the latest.

To my peanut gallery (Brent, Brown, etc…) YES! I put 50/50 in it today!!!!!

Talk to Y’all again in the AM!!!

[Robert Lawson]

We all must be getting old!

I have been getting calls and notes about the forcast and now even I’m getting spooked! :)

The 2 weather outlets are now at odds with one another.

TWC: 46, 20% and AccuWeather: 49, 60%

The real issue will be the grounds. They have been getting rain on and off the last few days and we all know what that means for having a dry track even without falling precip!

I just tried the Office, and Max, no answer. I’ll keep after them until i get an update on the grounds and how its holdiing up.

(9am) Back Soon!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

I remember that morning, we watched the waterfall run down from the front straight across the Monza…. that water had rapids in it!!!

The forecast looks good to me. It won’t be warm but we will get laps!

Belding, MI  Sun 29th

TWC:
Mostly Cloudy, 45
20% chance of shower of rain or wet snow

Accuweather:
Partly cloudy and chilly,  43
25% chance of precip

Again, not warm but we’ll be fine, The engine runs great in these conditions! If its wet in the AM we will get out there and dry it off with our vehicles.

Been working away on it, take a look at the YT channel. I’m loading up more video right now.  https://www.youtube.com/user/F125yourself

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

I have received a few e-mail about friends coming out to look and watch.

This time, I think it best if we kept it to drivers and crew. The added liability of spectators, especially those with no track etiquette or experience, is a risk I am just not willing to take.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

H,

I can e-mail the file but you will need to print in legal size, its a big form!

Y’all,

I will have copies at the gate for all drivers, just let me know if you may be driving multiple karts. Each form is per kart, AND its driver.

Currently, this insurance issue is an EU problem. Amazingly it is derived from litigation, not involving a racing incident, but, the claimant suffering injury due to an accident with a tractor/trailer ON a farm! I do not know the particulars of the case but it shouldn’t be used as precedent for principle or rule in Insurance policy of Motorsport activities.

The Insurance “industry” is looking more and more like a system of control and less like a security blanket!

PS: Linus says:

Bring your Go-Pro,  HELMET MOUNTED CAMERAS ARE ENCOURAGED! (it may just be necesarry to prove your case in court! :) )

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, Got the box this AM. I’ll take care of it!!!

Folks,

I urge you to read that document I linked to. And watch the video.

I checked the MIA website yesterday and did not see a report on the result of their petition/summary but the original call to action was for members to respond by the 20th. We may not know what happened for some time yet. Common sense sayes the EU’s EC made a knee jerk decision. After looking at the massive extent of damage this new insurance rule will cause to employment in ALL facets of motorsport (motorsport/aviation-marine-aerospace-automotive) in the UK and the greater EU, they will certianly have to reconsider. Right?

The “Pre Track Prep List” form you filled out in April will again be manditory for each kart. Each Driver must initial every line on the form and date/sign. By signing it you agree to “full and sole responsibility” of its condition AND function (that includes the nut behind the wheel) each time you/it takes to the circuit.

Because of the mentality and approach taken by the guys that do these track/test days, I do not expect to see the EMT’s leave their rig except at Lunch break!

More Soon!

[Robert Lawson]

Todd Stoffer and Steve Pasteiner, please e-mail your mobile contact #. I want to be able to save you the trip if we have to call off Sunday AM.

Todd, I’m sure you are coming Saturday but I don’t have a number for you.

Thanks Guys!

f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Bruce!!! (batteries included!!!)  :)

H,

I would LOVE to go deep into this subject and share what I have learned over the past year…. and more over this past week! But, its very political, which means some are going to get their toes stepped on. So, I’ll talk your ear off next Sunday but I won’t post anything here. Well… here is a teaser:

This is from our Brothers in Motorsport, in the UK, read carefully! :

“All involved in the business and organisation of European motorsport need to act NOW to overcome this genuine threat to our own future and that of our employees and sport, from the unintended consequences of action taken by the European Commission (EC).

 

The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), along with others including the UK Department for Transport, has been fighting to resolve this issue for more than two years, on behalf of our members and the wider EU motorsport community. Now, with your personal leadership and action, it is possible for us to resolve this, as I fully explain in the documents linked at the top and bottom of the page.

 

In simple terms, the EC plans to issue a new Motor Insurance Directive, as a result of which all EU Member States must put into their National Law compulsory and unlimited third-party liability insurance to cover personal injury between motorsport competitors and car-to-car damage during any competition – from Formula One, Moto GP, World Rally to karting, historic and grass roots, whether regulated by the FIA or FIM or not.

 

However such widespread unlimited new insurance is not currently, and, we understand, will not in the future be available – so motorsport will be unable to continue anywhere in the EU. Please read the summary if you wish to fully understand the serious nature of this problem.”

Here is the full write -up: https://www.the-mia.com/Vnuk-Update

Scroll down to the bottom and watch the 2:00 video. With today being the 20th, I wonder what will be the result of this overreach, typical of the EU, and the beast thats been created known as the “Insurance” industry……..

They cant stop us from tearing it up next Sunday though!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Got a couple more clips posted to the YT channel. None of this is monitized, I find it irritating that people try to make money on YT. Remember the “promise” of Cable TV? Commercial free TV….. yeah right! The internet has gone off the deep end with advertising.

Anyway, the next to last video (rad mounts part 2) is funny…. wear your safety glasses!!!! :)

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

 

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce,

I have been so busy, no time to look for one yet! If you could, send it up and we will definately put it to use! I’ll put you at the top of the April list with a star next to your name! ;)

Jerry,

I plan on getting out there early on Saturday. Maybe by noon. Will have plenty to do all afternoon.

H,

You tell Sis and her new Hubby we said Congratulations…. can’t think of a better wedding gift than a nice new helmet and suit!!!

Guys,

This past April, for the very first time, I obtained and provided very affordable insurance for all in attendance. That insurance is no longer affordable. Not going to talk about it here.

The lack of insurance changes nothing. A wrist band does not lessen the risk.

I am currently looking into something else, when I know more I’ll post it here.

If this is a problem for anyone, send me a note.

f-125@hotmail.com

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just 2 weeks now and its time to load up and go.

Still a bit early for accurate weather but it certianly looks doable to this point.

I was hoping to get all the financial bit of this done by the 18th (next Wednesday) So, if you were looking at coming its time to put pen to check/MO and get it in the mail.

Thanks to all whom have already done so, it helps the Wife sleep at night!!! ;)

More coming….

[Robert Lawson]

H,

No extra charge for gettin’ Y’all that day off buddy!!!!! :)

Just get that kart together Boss and get ‘er to the track!

PS: I have some info for you on that purchase you were interested in.  I’ll call you!

Tell the Fam we said Hey!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Bruce!

Keep and eye on the thread here, if you don’t see a positive response in a week or so just send it. I promise not to “cook” it!!!! :)

MyChron offered to sell me another one, used I think, but I figured I’d look around first.

I have been documenting the work being done to my cooling system on video. I posted a few very short clips to a playlist on the YT channel. They are in sequence after each part of the old system was removed.

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

Does anyone coming have a timing beacon? I sent mine back to MyChron, its cooked! I assumed (don’t do that) plugging it in like a portable radio with the batteries still installed would just overide the internal batteries…. I was mistaken! I pluged in the external 12v power supply without removing internal batteries (don’t do that either) and it fryed!!!!

Let me know, I’ll buy another one if necessary.

 

[Robert Lawson]

Mark, Todd, got your envelopes yesterday!

Spoke to my “Cook” at Grattan, he is starting radiation next week and isn’t sure how he will feel 3 weeks from now. So, I’ll hold off with lunch plans at least 2 weeks to see how Curt is doing and make a decision on what to do then. I do not eat much if any beef but man do I look forward to these test day lunch breaks!

I’m still chasing a few guys on my end but the mailman is bringinig the goods thus far so we are on the right track (pun intented!).

More soon,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Mark!

I got a message from Chris too, he’ll enjoy the track day format.

Lunch Menu coming soon!!!  :)

[Robert Lawson]

OK, slight change of plans!

We are now fully looking just at Sunday 10-29.

I have 5 guys that just can not make it on that Friday AND we will need every one of them (and a few more) to get enough participation to pull this off.

“Good interest” is not “a Great deal of interest”! Am I jumping the gun? Naw. I know how these things run their course and October always struggles after an initial surge. Go back a few pages and check it out,  the history is all there.

We still need 4-5 solid commitments (lets call them checks!) over and above what I have here in front of me. Its only 10-2 so I won’t get wound up yet!!! ;)

Congratulations Brother Jerry! He is top of the heap, HIS check was here on Saturday! I can guarantee you, he will be first ON the track and will hit it at FULL speed!!! :)

RPM

 

PS: If you put something in the mail over the weekend hoping for a Friday and CAN’T make it on Sunday let me know, I’ll send it right back.

[Robert Lawson]

Just a reminder Guys, be prepared for EITHER day …. Friday OR Sunday.

I have some guys calling that are not able to make a Friday. Bummer for them, but, we do need to pay the lease so…. As I mentioned, have a plan for both days.

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I hear ya! Tony left me his 5’er of unmixed Turbo Blue after melting down all his spares at MIS. We didn’t use any of it there but, as a good friend should, we intend to help him get a return on that investment in October!!!!

Look forward to seeing you out there!

Hey Steve! Good to hear from you guys!!

I think Y’all will enjoy the atmosphere of a test/track day. Glad to hear its a Family outing!!!

Got a call this AM from Bob K, he is at Pitt Race this weekend. Loves the track, especially that down hill section on the new bit. Hope the turnout is strong enough that they return.

We have good interest in this late season gig, lets pray the weather holds out and we get 1 more nice sunny day before tuning up the snowblower!

RPM

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