[Robert Lawson]

Shipped out the box to US Chrome and got the engine mounts squared away.

This new engine is tiny. I mean its small compared to the RVS, a full couple inches shorter in the cases! The rear mount was ok and it kept the chain as short as possible but had to make a longer front mount. Got that all done, welded up at Pop Moscones new shop yesterday (beautiful big new garage!) and fit/primed & painted today. The cut-away on the side panel isn’t close at all, the cylinder sits 3 inches back from the RVS. I have a special little project to fix that!!!! It will be sweet!

I’ll start cutting up the pipe to fit next week, gotta buzz Carbon Tech too and see where they are on my reeds and it will be ready to go. Can’t wait to see what shes got!!!!

I’ll post up a little video when I give it the first crank!!!!

Got a call back from Nelson but nothing from PittRace. I’m not ready yet so its not a big deal, I’ll chase these guys down when its time to go.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, plans change yet again!

 

The ports in that last cylinder looked terrible. Completely uncharicteristic of US Chrome from my past dealings with them. After sending pics & talking with a few different folks over there I got a call from the Owner himself. After some haggling he agreed to fix them so I’m sending all 3 back. Understand, I’m not poo-pooing US Chrome here. Obviously a new port dresser worked on all of these and the boss said he would make it right. I will continue to use US Chrome because the bore looks absolutely factory, no “porosity” like the other guys. BUT, I will request NO TOUCHY the ports and deal with that myself.

 

So, I started mounting up the new engine and hope to get all of that done as quick as possible. Got messages in to both venues and working on a free space between bookings that work for both.

 

Everything happens for a reason right? We’ll keep at it!!!!

 

RPM

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Had a super good time at Grattan on Saturday!

Chuck and I stole Cherri’s car, loaded it with a cooler full of H20 and Sammy’s, a couple chairs and a pop-up, and I tossed in the helmet bag just in case! ;)

We got to the track, parked, set up the shade and chairs, off loaded the cooler, grabbed a drink and headed out to say hello to some friends. We only came back to get more to drink, then again at lunch to fill up! Each time we came back someone was sitting there enjoying the shade and chairs!!!! It litterally took all day to visit and get caught up with everyone. Actually, there were a few folks we just ran out of time to speak with OR they were working away and we didn’t want to bother them. Got our hands dirty a couple times helping some guys too, that was fun! Larry was done working and was not going to drive until Sunday so there was not much to do over at his pit.

Before I go any further, my sincere condolences to the entire Faasen family for the loss of their patriarch and Father, EJ. He passed on earlier in the week. Although he was infirmed for quite some time now, and not doing well, we are always a bit numb when having to confront our mortality. My buddy Curt Faasen is also on the mend after being diagnosed with cancer and having his prostate removed. I have years of stories about EJ and his antics, also, growing up at THEIR track with HIS boys holds a special place in my heart.

Get well soon Curt, and GODSPEED EJ!!!!!!

Of course, these things start the rumor mill too. I heard all kinds of stories about how the track is being sold now and the many different offers being made. To quote Sam: “If I’m not telling you this, it isn’t happening!!!” I’ll also add this, IF any of these “big deals” I heard about were taking place, Sam would have been boasting about it!!!!!!! He CAN’T keep a secret!! :)

So, we were running around the paddock all day.  We really didn’t get to sit down until 4-4:30. Just long enough to finish the day and head out.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear from a good many folks we talked to that they LOOK IN HERE regularly! That was cool, and it explains the skyrocketing number of views we get here.

I’m excited. Thought a trip to the track would have had me missing the racing and going nuts but it just didn’t happen. Larry had the right game plan, work on it and prep on Saturday then visit, help, and do your racing on Sunday!!! The run, run, run schedule of a competitive weekend is not attractive to me. I AM infact excited about getting over to Nelson and Pittsburg in a week or so. All the specs and set up for the new engine are done, will be ordering some bits just to have in the AM tomorrow. Depending on when we get UPS, the old engine could be running tomorrow and we could be ready to go this week! Spoke to the guys at Grattan about slipping out there just to break it in so when we get to Pitt or Nelson we can drop the hammer right off the truck! Got to find out what their schedule looks like tomorrow too.

Will be a busy couple weeks.

Thats all for now, stay tuned, things are about to pick up!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Chuck and I are heading out to Grattan in the AM.

Larry can use some help I’m sure and I have some homework to do!

The 2nd cylinder for the old ICC is on its way back, will be here Monday. Looks like THAT engine will get the break-in and test runs at Nelson and PittRace.

Not sure about going all the way over to Pocono on this same trip. I have to do more research on the car and bike groups over there then figure out if we can pull this off. I’m fairly sure we won’t get anywhere near enough karts alone to do a day or 2 over there. At least not the first time out. So, more work to do on that yet.

The new engine has me a little freaked out. I DO NOT want to blow this thing up so we have been going the extra mile, getting all info I can before assembling it for a long track. With the old engine we just winged it! Never gave any thought to port timing or “degrees of angle”  blah, blah, blah… In all the advice I ever got involving specs for that engine no one ever asked “By the way Lawson, is the port timing in spec or…….”

So, because this engine is sooo like new I want to do it right. Of course I have had offers to help “If you need any assistance modding it to a proper spec engine.”  :)

Once again this one will remain in KZ spec. I think we made our point that in spec these engines are plenty fast.

Kenny reports a big crowd out there in Grand Rapids today. The MX track is running all weekend too so there will be sounds and smells to please all!

More coming VERY soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bummer, won’t make Grattan!!!

The work over the weekend went well, long, but well. I had been up to my ears with “stuff” to do and just had to clear the air. I was sufficating!!!

There is just too much to get right with this new engine package before next weekend. The 2nd RVS cylinder won’t be back in time so no help there either.

Its all good, we’ll look next to Gingerman for racing. Until then I can turn my attention to getting this engine right & mounted, correct carb parts, pipe cut-fit-welded, and rear bumper extended.

Looks like first runs will be at these surface/facility tests. I may just hit up Fred on the way out AND back!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

It was like Christmas Day this morning!!!

I couldn’t get ANY work done until I checked & spec’d it all out!!!

What an AWESOME deal I got on a virtually brand new Vortex RVXX. The seller (Thanks Andy!!!) never ran it and the history he gave checked out 100%. The only time on this engine is by the owner of the shop from which it originated, 2 Wild Karting in Laguna Hills, CA. That time is comprised of “practice” for the Super Nats prior to the “Factory Guys” removing it and installing their engine for qualifying and racing.

It may have 4 hours of total time on it.

I’ll leave it stock/standard KZ spec, PVL, 30mm carb, etc. All we’ll change is the squish and static timing. Rich is as excited about his new stuff as I am about mine. Maybe this was the spark we needed to go another few years…who knows!

Mounting should be simple modification to the other mounts. I’ll get started on that Monday. Rich’s too, it won’t take a completely new set-up to get the RVS on his chassis either. Unfortunately he is not going to make Grattan regardless.

Will have to work ALL weekend now since I got nothing done today!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Andy,

Thank You, it was a pleasure dealing with you!

My impatients was a little overwelming at times I’m sure…

Great packing job as well, over and above!!!!

Again, Thank You!!!

 

Robert

[Robert Lawson]

I’ll do that Todd.

Ofcourse I have had plenty of offers to take my place or just join me in testing out there! My brother being one of them!!! I will be insured for these “tests” and they are done for more than just the thrill of spinning laps. There are mutiple pages of Insurance forms to complete about each Venue and its grounds, not just the track itself. Getting all of it on video will keep me from having to take a ton of notes and asking the Management of each Circuit about specifics pertaining to the grounds and safety of all areas.

Its, involved!

It does any Club coming in afterwards a great favor, if they use the same Insurance. The “certification” of the Venue per that Insurance provider is submitted by my having already done it. Hmm, I need to make a call, maybe I don’t need to go to PittRace afterall???

Anyway, watching the UPS tracking like an 1100 mile race! My packages are said to be delivered Friday, by end of day. The timing doesn’t seem to work out that way though, watching it travel North. We’ll see tomorrow. (Postman, Postman, don’t delay….do the Cha-Cha all the way!!!)

Yeah, I’m a teenie bit excited about this….. just a teenie bit!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all, if you search at Youtube “Pocono Southeast option 3” there is plenty of on board of the above configuration.

Rich stopped by today and picked up the replated cylinder to repair the damaged area with the H2O leak. I mixed up some soap & water and poured it into the sealed head & cylinder combo….then put some PSI to it. The leaks are plainly visable and will take some creative material removal and welding to repair correctly. We will have to use a longer stud in that corner as well.

I am prepared for bad news though. A spare cylinder is preped for replating and will get boxed up tonight and shipped to US Chrome tomorrow regardless. Rich wants this engine, I wanted to keep it for a spare. Either way, it has so many new parts in it that going 10/10ths on a 2nd cylinder is just sound reasoning.

We may just take the kart with the RVS on it to do the Circuit testing simply because it will require NO additional work. And, Rich doesn’t mind if I “break it in” for him. :)

Spoke to our good friend Fred at Nelson Friday, that may be the best place to start since he’ll give me all the laps I need. I knew going to Nelson when no one in their right mind would, would pay off some day. We (he!) laughed about my last trip over there, “Man, I could hear the revs on that thing jumpin all over….you got the s**t knocked out of you that day!!!” Yep, sure did, and, all for the low-low price of $150!!!!  Those days are now history!

New engine will be on a truck headed this way tomorrow. Not sure how long it will take to get here and get mounted up so no plans for it just yet.

Fun, fun!!!

[Robert Lawson]

It won’t be official until Monday, but, the busy weekend involved hunting down a new engine.

I know, I know, I can be quoted saying this:

“I have started calling this Summer the “Retirement Tour” as I wont be doing the “race events” anymore and really concentrating on a Track Day program.”

AND this:

“I always figured when our “stuff” became irrelevent and without a class or participation we would be done. I’m not moving to another class or upgrading just to turn laps….”

So, what the *%@&!!!! am I doing then, right? I guess, extending the Tour!!!

Last quote:

“Love my kart. Its cheaper than a Car and safer than a Bike. If I only get to drive it for fun a couple times a year and racing a clock, thats OK with me.”

Nothing wrong with having a super fast Track Day Kart!!!! :)

Hee, hee, hee!!! And the best part….the WIFE suggested I look for something! I love it when a plan comes together!!!!!

IF all things work out, we will make Grattan with it. If not, I will take it on the road to do some Circuit testing at Nelson, Pitt, and….fingers crossed, Pocono. (Dude, you know the Long Pond straight is over 3,ooo ft long, right?)

Being a “laydown guy” my wish list is what they call Southeast Option 3, let me explain.   Direction is CCW, exit the infield onto the Oval at Nascar Pit exit (blue course) and proceed through the 1st turn down the Long Pond Straight to the last infield entrance (white course) turning left. Follow the white course past the infield pit lane and right kink straight to the yellow course, then turn hard right back onto the blue course to complete the lap. Its 2.15 miles.

I here the transition from the oval to the infield at the last entrance before the tunnel turn is…. abrupt. Karts would have trouble there. So, maybe something can be done to slow or change the approach to it. Like what is done at MIS. or go CW? Can’t speculate until we try it. Thats why we have to go and test it.

As you can see there are numerous options! I’m sure something can be configured that would be fun, fast, and best of all NEW.  By choosing one end of the facility and leaving the other open, makes this place unbelieveably affordable.

So, I have a lot of work to do!

More to come….

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

#369 Nice pic of “the Kid” wearing the do-rag!!!! :)

https://postimg.org/image/w1vxeq2od/

He did 95% of pre tech and 100% of the scale work…. without participating!

THAT is dedication! Way to go Kid, yer the MAN!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

A very busy weekend.

I did watch some racing on Race Monitor and had to make a few calls to guys at the track to find out why the times were all over the place. I assumed weather conditions were at play but it didn’t explain why a few, in different classes, were still running expected times for that classification. The few that looked to hit it right, were just gone, and won by large margins! Crazy!

Most impressive were Andy Kiker and Ron White on Saturday. Just wow!

As I said, I was busy this weekend. But that story will have to wait another few days……..  :)

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Nice Bob!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Andy,

send pic’s and history here:

f-125@hotmail.com

Thanks

[Robert Lawson]

Moving on, sent Tony a text to just get himself loaded to go… we are “out”.

I hope and pray Y’all have great weather, great racing, and most of all a safe enjoyable weekend!

TRAVEL SAFELY & Good Luck to all at Mid-Ohio!!!!!

(I will be watching on Race Monitor)

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Paul,

Didn’t see your post there. Its been a long time!

With the latest mechanical development on my end, “surface testing” may be next on the schedule for me. I’m still trying to find a 4 day stretch in a week that works for all these facilities so we can do them all in 1 trip.

Nelson was great fun even when it was rough. The full PittRace course will be super competitive. I’m very interested in Pocono. There is great potential there if we can put together a suitable configuration. AND, its very affordable in comparison. Have to get out there and run on it and get some answers.

I’ll post info and video here. Good to hear from you!

[Robert Lawson]

Gutwrenching, completely deflating………

Worked my tail off today getting Rich’s car just right, dont want him to have any issues to complain about! Just finishing up there were a couple minor things to nail down and wanted to know his preference on their location. While waiting for him to call after work I decided to put water in my kart and see if it would start…..

Never got that far. After adding water I noticed a crack in the cylinder. Its a water leak, in a difficult area to repair. I took it to Tony, he welded it up ok but I had to remove some weld to get the nut on the stud and now it leaks worse. JW believes the cylinder cracked at that area because it had stuck really hard.

I’ll take it back to Tony tomorrow evening, but I don’t expect to get a different result. I have an older homologation cylinder but it will need replating before use.

Funny thing is, I wasn’t even mad. A bit beside myself at how my stupidity seems to have piled up. 1 quart of fuel back in April…. 1 quart…. and I’m not having this conversation. That could very well be $500 quart of fuel!

I will absolutely offer to be, as Harry would say, “Rich’s Pit Man” (RPM) for the weekend and get him running. I don’t think he’ll go for it though. We’ll see but it looks like we may miss our “Retirement Party”!!!!

On the upside, YES, there is an upside!!! The Trailer looks AWESOME!!!  :)

“RPM”

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys, Yes! I did see that!

I have re-fired the planned road trip from last Fall to include Nelson too.

Need to get through the weekend at Mid-Ohio with a running kart first though!!! Just finishing Rich’s engine today, have not started mine yet either but will do so later today.

Everything looks good, I have started calling this Summer the “Retirement Tour” as I wont be doing the “race events” anymore and really concentrating on a Track Day program.

I always figured when our “stuff” became irrelevent and without a class or participation we would be done. I’m not moving to another class or upgrading just to turn laps…. I get plenty of that at a better rate on Track Days.

Competitive Karting has truly turned into a stepping stone to other things. Road Racing has suffered for quite some time now and pop culture is continuing to change in that same direction. Drones, Video and Internet gaming…. even less invasive “racing” like indoor RC seems to be more attractive and lets be honest, less work, than karting. Especially karting that takes up more than an afternoon of their time and requires long travel with trailers and RV’s. I’m not poo-pooing here, just giving you what I have heard from folks who were here for a season or 2 then disapeared. Even some from families of a long history of karting, now grown up and finding other interests. They get into tuner cars or sport bikes because they can do it everyday, it can be financed, requires no days off or travel. There has been alot of that in the past 20 – 30 years.

I have plenty of friends that have karts sitting, leaning, covered, that are not being used or are not going to be used again.

Love my kart. Its cheaper than a Car and safer than a Bike. If I only get to drive it for fun a couple times a year and racing a clock, thats OK with me.

Gotta get to work!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

1 down 1 to go!

My engine is finished and install is all buttoned up. Have not started it yet, that will follow tomorrow…. watch for the coming video. ;)

Rich’s freeze plug debacle continues, they ordered the wrong size!!! I will drill/tap those holes and use aluminum NPT plugs, tired of screwing around.

Been cleaning the dreaded “grey/stained aluminum” on the trailer. I got 1/2 of 1 side cleaned up today and ran out of cleaner AND energy! Has anyone tried the “LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner”??? It sells at most dollar stores and the reviews and results on YouTube are…. well, awesome! Spray it on, wipe it off! The dark streaks and generally greyed over white panels have always been a pain in the rear to clean up so I’m getting some of this stuff tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it works! I had been using Carquest brand “purple cleaner” which is great but you better wear gloves!!!

We will be pitting in the upper paddock, “Up on the hill, with the rest of the Hill Billy’s” I was told!!! Bringing the generator too, figured we should probably get some use out of it, right??

Weather looks pretty good for 15-18 at this point!

We’ll see!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Right on Chuck.

 

Dang, Fernando had a shot there at Indy…. I wonder if he ran it out of gas and blew it up??? It happens ya know!

We are getting things together here. New clutch and reeds are on the way and I took the bike for a little rip and picked up Rich’s little freeze plugs. Hmm, freeze plugs…. aww forget it!!! :)  Tires on order tomorrow.

I certianly hope we get the best possible weather down there. How is the parking/paddock set up now? Do we have to pit way up top if we dont have a garage??? No “free pitting” down below????

Let me know!

[Robert Lawson]

Back at it today.

We use a TM piston in both the RS Honda and Vortex ICC and I sent one with the cylinders to be replated. There is a range of piston size choices available. I chose one in the middle of that range so I could tighten up or free up the wall clearance as I wanted.

Something told me to check the ring end gap. In most cases of just changing out a worn topend for new bits I dont even look at this. Talking to some other guys I find I’m not alone! But, in this case, with new plating and having sent a larger piston along to be used for “fitting”, I took a look. Glad I did!

The wall clearance is good but that end gap looked tight, so I measured it. At .009 its too tight so we have some work to do on both of them. Not sure if its due to the larger piston size or what but I’m glad I checked.

Rich is waiting on a couple 3/8″ “freeze plugs” to arrive at the Auto Parts store, they dont stock them that small! The plugs are for the base gasket surface H2O passages. His engine model year is 94′ and the cylinder is from an 03′. The 94′ didnt pass H2O through the bottom end like the 95′ and up RS 125’s so we plug that off just to be sure of no-leaky.

So, we should be able to have things back together and running this weekend.

Its been a long time since I have looked forward to Indy but I have a “horse in the race”…. GO FERNANDO!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Bruce, that made me laugh! I needed that after hearing this news….

Nicky Hayden has died in Italy this morning after suffering traumatic cerebral and chest injuries sustained in a cycling accident. Last Wednesday he was hit by a car while riding a bicycle on the streets of Rimini coast in Italy.

Man, this hurts. I pray his family can somehow find peace.

[Robert Lawson]

The Cylinders arrived yesterday and they look fabulous!!!! :)

We have used all the plating shops in the past but US Chrome is the best!

Thanks to Jim Anthony for giving me that tip back at Road Atlanta in 07′ (08′???). He was fresh out of the care center after a rolling start gone bad in the 250 race, as we helped get him loaded up I explained  that I had cracked my A Kit cylinder and though it was junk. Jim assured me that US Chrome would fix it right and do the best job, been using them ever since! Jim, I know you are lurking around out here!! You need to get that kart together and come race with me at Mid-Ohio buddy!!!

Sean, ssssshhhh….. you’ll blow my cover!!! Seriously, I will talk with the DKC guys and find out whats up with that Friday as that IS the direction I was headed.

My age has nothing to do with my karting ambition, or change in that ambition. I still LOVE driving the kart, and its super good fun smoking you guys at these test days!!! :)

That wont change, I really enjoy myself at the tests… the format, lack of urgency, the food, and most of all the people! But, the race events are not fun anymore. So little time and so great an expense…. I guess I got spoiled!

There has been talk here in town…. Rich and I will splurge on the M-O trip and really try to enjoy ourselves because it may just be our last “race” we attend as competitors. I just bought my kart back from its short term owner, it was time for it to come home to stay…. even though it never left.

Now, we get ready for Mid-Ohio. We’ll give it everything we got, leaning it on its bloody ear, and not leave anything on the table. I just hope we get dry weather!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

US Chrome called, cylinders are on the way!!!!

4 weeks and counting to Mid-Ohio.

Can’t wait, really looking forward to it!

[Robert Lawson]

Charles,

First, thanks for the input and info about scheduling. With all the “modification” you have done above you are either an engine builder or Todd and I touched a sore spot.

We are probably much alike Charles. I sat here wasting my time writing and epic then realized…. it doesn’t matter. My stating WKC wouldn’t attend was not intended to be dig…. it is what it is bro.

Can’t speak for Todd, but his frustration is valid.

I need to pay more attention. It seems, as Charles mentioned, the “schedule” has already spoken.

Happy Mothers Day Ladies!!!! :)

[Author]

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