[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I really hope they do come, I just dont think they will. The WKC crowd is pro-WKA and they generally will not “do” other events.

I think its fair to say the “gray area” thing happened in relation to the Vette track too. Nice new venue but its in a geographical dead spot. It isn’t a strech to say it didn’t do enough numbers to even try it again…. regardless of what is happening/happened with it even being available or suitable.

More over, lets not kid ourselves fellas. Venue or not, (AKRA, WKA, etc) we are not getting the event numbers across the board. Yes, here and there you will see what we now consider a BIG event number wise. (Mid-Ohio &  Grattan 2016)

I have talked with soooooo many people about “what happened” to RR over the past 10-15 years. The “lifers” have grown old! We dont travel much anymore, we just dont “race” much anymore. There has not been a group of new participation with any sustainability and that is just the truth. Why? Oh man, I wont even start, we will be here for hours!!! It certainly isnt a tough nut to crack though.

I know this much, the Track Day was as big as ever this April and being a “non competition event” the insurance is cheaper! Fully half of the Track Day guys are not, or no longer of, a “competitive spirit”. They go to race events because they have a kart and want to drive it, and that is really the only avenue available.

When you get older, the competition just isnt what attracts you anymore…. at least in my case.

No call on the cylinders yet, but we have lots of time!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Mike,

Maybe if Paul could make it “rain” on this subject…. it would grow! :)

PittRace, aka “the Beav”, is in a weird area there in PA. On the fringe, a gray area so to speak. The WKC folks won’t come (they didn’t come in 06′ either) and the CES guys won’t travel that far. It will be a shame if the event doesn’t get a worthwhile turn out.

We’ll have to wait and see…..

[Robert Lawson]

Jeremy,

Thats good news. I’m hoping we can get a good bunch of guys interested in a practice/test day out there.

Have you figured out how (or “if”) you will run the CIK in Unltd/F-125 with bodywork?

I spoke to the guy at US Chrome yesterday, they received our stuff and called to verify the instructions I sent. Should have it all back in 2 weeks, plenty of time to make Mid-Ohio….. which reminds me…. I better call Claudio and order another top end!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Off to the USPS this afternoon, cylinders are boxed up and headed to US Chrome.

Not a peep about PittRace huh? Is anyone planning that far out intending to  run the AKRA gig there? Man I certianly hope so! I have been there, we ran the original course and even though that  circuit was a bit short it was a nice place. The garages were awesome! The full course will be a great challenge and a very raceable layout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M84kH2LSvi8

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

OK, I’m over it!

Will be sending out my jug and one for Rich in the next few days. Will need to have a running kart for the next thing I’m going to throw out there.

Anyone interested in testing at PittRace (aka the Beav) prior to the AKRA event there? Maybe a week day, its cheaper for everyone involved and I might be able to get a combo going with some bikes too.

I still intend to get over there and cut some laps, (hense a “running kart”…) and talk with Dave very soon. Will also try that Pocono trip, maybe at the same time. WGI is out of the question. Can it be done? Sure. It would take a great number of prepaid interest WELL in advance of any possible date. Thats how WGI plays it, so sure its possible, but I wont gamble the 401K on it.

Well, at least not before the kart is running again!!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Damage report:

After removing the aluminum,  the Chrome is fine! The exhaust ribs are both cracked………… but the Chrome is fine!! :)

Hmmm, cordless drill….box of screws….clear a spot on the garage wall….

Its certianly the hassle free way to go!!! :)

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, sweet pic. I saw you there for a lap or 2!

Daniel, I know you waited a long time since getting rained out in October. It was worth the wait though, great weather, good food, and better Company!

Dennis, good to have you and “Mom” out for the day and a half!! How did you get on with the new RV? You both looked well rested!!!! :)

Jerry, hope you and Pops had a good time although cut a bit short. As usual the first kart to fire up and speed out onto the Track was that familiar white S/E!!!

You are all very welcome!

The hard work and stress over the Insurance, being properly protected, concocting rules and forms of Liability, and at the last minute that dreaded rain earlier in the week that tried to ruin everything just took its toll. I only got 2 hours of sleep at the track.

Got out there today to take a look at the damaged engine. I’m going to blame this on simple stupidity and a lack of sleep….. I ran it out of gas and it stuck! The tank had 1/2″ of fuel, just enough to cover the pick-up. Any surging and it was drawing air. The lines were empty and the carb had 13ML of fuel…. just under 1/2 an ounce. Rich and I did throw fuel in it well before that last run but we didn’t fill it up, I never intended to run that entire session. It just kinda happened!!!

Rookies take note, you can play with these things most of your life and still pull bone head moves! :)

If the chrome isnt hurt we will have done no harm…. it was due for a top end anyhow.

This has fueled my interest in getting another engine again. There is the possibility of putting the Vortex on Richies kart and getting…. something else, for me! We’ll see….

Last run of the day:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFAjyI_uOwk

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey, YOU are the man Bob!!! That goes for Dennis too!!!

Anyone that has a smile on their face all day, at the track, with NO kart….and WORKING, has to be sick or just simply LOVES the Sport!!!!

My brother Kenny got his long awaited ride in Dennis Bernier’s Anderson TM KV95. I was so busy that I missed it, would love to have followed him around and got some film!!!! They said “He kept trying to find 7th gear!!!!” Hiliarious!!! :)

That ride got the ole juice flowin. In the Monday recap phone call he claims he feels he “Can Win” in that kart….. amazing what 5 laps will do!!! Too funny!

On a different note, I was stunned at how many people come out with a kart and no cash. Thanks to Greg for the heads up on that PayPal thingy, it seems like everyone has a smartphone and a credit card (or a friend/relative in the next vehicle with cash) so for the most part it worked out. I’ll tell you this, if Cherri was sitting out there it might have been a different story.

We had more than 60 folks for Lunch, a bit more than I anticipated! Not sure how it happened but we had exactly enough Beef to feed everyone! Reminds me of a Sermon!!!! :)

We dont usually see a group that size for these Test Days. Of course there were problems, liability issues, with folks just not using their heads, but as I said I learned a bunch.

I have to thank everyone involved. The Marshalls were great and worked with Kenny and Rich in the Paddock to get announcements out about on track infractions and procedure. My buddy Chuck came along, as usual, and helped not just me with the kart but with the Tech too. Its good to have a couple Bro’s you can trust to help out. Never had to be concerned about pick-up with the Cole Brothers on the job, thanks Guys!!

Curt and Max Faasen worked double overtime on the track Friday and Saturday. They dug out an area in the sandtrap outside T1 and ran a pump all night Friday to remove any excess water. There was damage to the surface where the water was seeping up through and they did everything they could to prepare it so we could run all day Sunday. They may be “Down Home” type Boys at a “local road course” but they went the extra mile for us and THAT was very much appreciated. I avoided that repair as much as possible but inevidablely did run right over it without issue. Max was very concerned about it, not HIS track but OUR saftey. He said ” I know how damn fast you guys are running down there and….. just be careful tomorrow.”  As I was parked outside the gate selling wristbands Curt wandered out of the MX garage when the first session got underway. He tilted his head up and took a big wiff & smiled… “Man I love that smell, its been a long Winter!!!” These are good hearted guys, they do care about us and I wanted to share that with Y’all.

We did the rolling start with a few karts for the last run of the day. I only intended to run 5-6 laps then get a start on loading up…. but that didn’t happen! For some reason I just decided to go until they kicked me off at 5pm, a good 20 – 30 minute run. We took off, ran a couple laps, I slowed to get karts on the film, no one came by, slowed again, finally a few karts to play with. I was trying to run down Jason in Larry’s B-stk, I was gaining but he pulled off…. so I decided to finish it up. On the last lap of the day, going back to the gas in T1 it locked up hard. It sounded and felt just like the last time the Rod went out of it. Funny thing is, when it went out that first time, I was on the last lap of Practice at a May event preping the kart for Mid-Ohio. Although it was scheduled for a topend after Grattan this weekend, we were doinig the exact same thing! I missed the race at Mid-Ohio that year……

Well, we will find out just what kind of damage was done later in the week.

Thanks to all those who helped out, and to the drivers and families that participated. We had a pretty nice day, it was safe and everyone made it back home in one piece!!!!

Peace Y’all!!!!
Here is an early run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAKbbdLuBfQ

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, I’m still exhausted!

Short version:

*Perfect weather, a bit of wind later but no biggie.
*Curt and Max did a great job to prepare the track for us, NO water issues!!!!
*I learned ALOT about “this side” of the fence!! (kudos to the Clubs, Orgs, and Promoters – its an absolutely thankless job at times!)
**Higher volume pipe made kart “zoom-zoom”!!!
***I believe the crank went out of it at 4:59 PM local time!!! :)

Attendance was awesome! The upper paddock was packed!!!! Curt completely out did himself, that Brisket was incredable.

Will check out the damage later this week but I have no complaints. The Kart was SUPER FAST. All in all it was a very productive day for everyone. The EMT’s had a quiet day, the Tow guys got a nice “color” to them, and the Marshall’s didn’t mind working with Kenny this time!!! (just kidding Bro!)

Long version and video later….

Thanks everyone!

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Greg!

Dean and I are playing a bit of tag right now, I just gave his answering machine a detailed update!!! :)

Im getting out there to finish loading so we are ready to head out as early as possible tomorrow AM. Got a last minute trip to the grocery for soda’s and BBQ sauce too!!! Looking forward to comparing these pipes on a DRY track!!!
Y’all have a SAFE trip out, we will see you Sunday morning!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I was able to reach everyone except Randy McDaniel, and Dean Axe.

If anyone looking in here know these guys please give them a heads-up.

Dennis, I’m going to leave here as early as I can Saturday. We’ll check it out on arrival and start sweeping if we have to!!!!

With the added paperwork of waivers, passes, and a tech sheet, please get to the track as early as possible. Gate should be open by 7am and we want to have a meeting no later than 8:30.

Thanks Again Guys!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,
I just spoke to both Brothers at the Track. It has rained out there for 4-5 days and the ground in the known trouble areas are absolutely saturated. The chance of water draining across the track in T1 is very likely.

So, I called a few of the “long distance” guys and they have no problem with waiting it out until Sunday. It puts them back home rather late but a dry track is worth waiting for. This buys us the most amount of time for the Facility to potentially dry and have a consistant track to test on.

We are officially moving the test from Saturday April 8th TO Sunday April 9th.

 

I will be at the track Saturday afternoon by 3pm and staying overnight.

Any questions please ask here or shoot me an email: f-125@hotmail.com

 

Thanks Guys!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Albert, welcome!

It was good to speak with you this AM and I’m sure you will enjoy the format and atmosphere of these Test Days.

Greg,

I hear ya. I will have to hustle now as well with the set backs. We do not intend to go racing until M-O. Worst case, we use the Friday down there to work things out. REALLY looking forward to M-O, last race/drive there was 07′!!!!

Good News: Belding Weather, Saturday April 8th:

Warmer with plenty of sunshine

High: 54, Real Feel: 58, Precip: 6% 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys and to whom it may concern,

 

I will be closing the registration for the April 8th Test Day at noon (eastern) tomorrow (4-3-17).

We will NOT take entries after then, or at the gate the day of the test. This is a “closed private test” for the limited number of pre paid entrants. If your name is not on the gate list you will be welcome to watch from outside the track at no charge or buy a spectator pass to enter the paddock. Only the drivers on the gate list will be allowed on the track. I can’t believe I’m going to say this after years of poo-pooing it myself…. but…. “For Insurance Reasons Only The Paid Legal Entrants Will Be Allowed On The Track.”

Its weird standing on this side of the fence …. I have become “one of them”.  :)

So, at this point the only way to get registered before the cut-off is that thingy called PayPal! (please choose the “friends & family” payment option)

Thank You for your understanding,

RPM

f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

PS: On a positive note, the weather forecast is getting better!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

That was quick!

Just like that Rich is out! The cylinder on loan was sketchy, a few of the ribs between ports were paper thin. I told him with his luck he would be repairing that one along with the A-kit cylinder we intend to send out.

Also, my pipe is still leaking! I had to rib Richie a bit and tell him RLV will not be calling him for a job anytime soon!!!! Of course he claims that RLV is not welding used junk pipes either!! Touche’ Richie…. touche’!!!! ;)

Worst case I’ll run the spare pipe…. wont learn anything but I’ll have a ride! Just to add insult to injury the EGT probe broke off in that spare pipe and I had to buy another one.

How is it going for Y’all???

[Robert Lawson]

Brewster,

Thats a bummer! Hope it works out, you have another ride right???

I will be out there tomorrow, bright and early, running the guts out of the 90 with a 3 ply scotchbrite wheel polishing up the pipe so I can snap it all back together.

Dont know what I’m more wound up over…. turning laps or breaking from the diet for some of that smokey goodness Curt is cooking for lunch!!!!

Looking forward to it. After all that hand grinding and filing to make this early homologation engine accept the later model reed cage I’m hoping this pipe will make some difference. The old model pipe did not get it done at MIS, she was a dud! Or, as “Brownie” says… “It’s junk!”

[Robert Lawson]

Got a bit more info for y’all.

There will be NO fuel available at the Track in April. You will need to bring your own race fuel.

The Track IS rented on FRIDAY 4-7-17 so paddock access, trailer drop off, or camping can not commence until after 5pm on Friday.

Sunday has NOT been leased as of now so that will remain the first choice as a rain date. The weather looks OK for that weekend still but we will watch it as next week unfolds.

There are 6 or so guys that have not done a Test Day with us before. Also, some have never driven the karts they are bringing. I think they should have a session or 2 of their own to be sure they know the procedure and get familiar with things before getting out there with the group. We will work that out at the driver meeting with the lead marshall before we start for the day.

More to come…..

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I had a couple others ask about trailer drop off or camping on Friday. My intention is to be at the track on Friday by 3pm and no later than 5pm. So, anytime after we arrive you can drop off and unload. Hotel or camping is up to y’all, we will be staying at the track. There is no cost to camp.

Per usual, we ask that all participants pit in the upper paddock. As a single day event it is easier to communicate and safer for everyone to be pitted in the same area. Garages are available at no cost.

A “pre track readiness” form will be issued. This is simply your acknowledgement that your kart/gear is in a prepared condition for the track. Standard stuff, brakes, steering, wheels, helmet & personal gear, etc. YOU will be responsible to maintain this standard as you test/work on your kart during the day. It must be signed by the driver of each kart.

WE WILL START PROMPTLY AT 9AM (WEATHER PERMITTING)

It is to your advantage to arrive BEFORE 9AM as we will not stop a green flag track for gate traffic. Once green, we run non stop and will uphold a 15 minute clock for disabled karts. The first kart off the track will start this clock, sessions will never be shorter than 15 minutes and you will not have to wait longer than that to be towed in. This is a very important aspect of testing.

Saturday morning the gate will be open no later than 7am.

I’m guessing that track fuel will not be available but I will confirm.

If you have any questions just ask or hit the e-mail: f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Good Point Jim, I forgot that!

Maybe not as critical at full fuel load but easily overlooked none the less.

[Robert Lawson]

Tim,

Just from your description it sounds like your float level is too low.

I have had experience with the PJ and the PWM Keihin carburators. They will run just fine while puking fuel out from a high float level. Your competitors may not like you though!

The PJ needed the inlet needle and seat changed (machined out and replaced) to work properly on a RR track. Even then, the float level was extremely critical and very sensitive when it came to cornering at any speed.

The PWM is far more user friendly. Pump/fuel line set-up is straight forward too. (see below)

If you are using a round Mikuni pump with dual outlets I would suggest running one line straight to your carb, and the other as an unrestricted return back to your tank. This is a standard starting set up. (50/50) *** -> Pulse line as short as possible!

Set your floats (bowl off, carb upside down) so the fuel shuts off when the float seam is just past that seal/gasket surface on the carb body. This will be a little on the high side but a safe starting point.  This is easy to do, put a piece of fuel line on the carb, turn it upside down, blow into fuel line and work the float arm with your finger, finding the point where the fuel (air) will shut off. Do it a few times and adjust it to be just beyond view hidden by the carb body at that gasket surface.

Float level on the Keihin is crucial and will change transporting your kart to and from the track. Once you get it right you may not have to check or adjust it everytime but it is something you will have to manage. I would keep multiple float arm assemblies preset to different levels and just swap them out instead of adjusting them all the time.

I am not an advocate of the “pump around”, never used one and never really needed to. It just takes some testing to figure out the fuel line configuration that suit your fuel system. Not sure you will get that PJ to work consistantly on a RR track but I wish you the best of luck!

Can’t believe there were over 130 views and no one bothered to throw something at you here. Not sure where you are located but we are testing all day at Grattan Raceway in Western MI  April 8th if you want to work it out. Plenty of CIK shifter guys will be there to assist you.

Again, good luck!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The forecast looks pretty good for the entire weekend at this point.

Sat 8th: Partly Cloudy H 58, Chance of R 20%, Humidity 67%

Sunday is slightly better: Clouds & Sun, H 62, Chance of R 10%, Humidity 65%

Some sun would be a bonus!

Rich’s parts are arriving tomorrow, my pipe will be back then too. Fingers crossed, everything should be together and running this weekend!!

Should be a good time, lots of laps!!!

More soon!

[Robert Lawson]

We made the trip out to the track yesterday but did not get to turn a lap.

The Grand Rapids Police were training all day and had been doing so since Monday!

We did do a good bit of shooting AND I took my girls for a nice long walk out there which was worth the trip altogether! The brisk, fresh air, must have done their old body’s some good…. they are still sleeping it off at 9:45 am this morning!!!

The track surface is starting to look like the old Grattan. There are large areas of sealer out there now and the Po-Po looked to be staying off of it where they could. Its bone dry out there, thats a good sign. If you watched the rescheduled video from last April there were huge areas of standing water just off the track in the grass. There is a bit of rain forcast, much like this side of the State, for the next couple days but it is “occasional”. I wont make a prediction yet but the 14 day forcast is “Cloudy & 56”. I’ll take that!

Its early in the game of playing  Meterologist but keep Sunday the 9th open in your schedule just incase.

Stay tuned!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

No problem Greg, if you don’t end up getting it together you still accomplished something. You got me to get that dusty old PayPal thingy up and working!!!!

It was a beautiful day here today, sunny and 57!!! The kart started on the 1st rip of the strap! Pipe needs touching up but for the most part I’m ready to go.

Rich’s rig is another story. No time to get a jug out and back from the plater and the stocker we intended to bolt on for the day is not usable as it sits either. Will have to knock the sticky off his current jug and see if the plating is intact. If not I have already put a call in to Pops Moscone and he has a stock jug Rich can use for the day.

We’ll be busy this weekend and next getting everything together!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

Checks went out this AM refunding the difference to those whom paid for the full weekend.
Will be heading to the track on Thursday to sign the lease and work out the plans for lunch with Curt. After business is settled its time to play, will be joining Curt in an afternoon of target practice!!!

I’ll get some video and give you an update later this week.

We are forcast to have a sunny 50 deg day tomorrow, I plan on finishing up a couple things on the kart and running it for a bit. Gotta check Rich’s welding for leaks and give myself time to get it over to him if it needs touching up. Have some parts to order yet too, still have to get Rich’s engine running!

Start getting geared up fellas, its just 2 weeks from this weekend!!!!

[Author]

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