[Robert Lawson]

^^^Please read above notice^^^^

Just noticed this….

On 1-16-17 I first posted about the possibility of an April 2017 Track Day. On that day there was 4158 views to this thread.

As of today, 3-17-17, there has been since then (8 weeks ago) 2900+ views here!

Going back to the begining, pg 1, 1-13-16 was 1 year and 8 weeks (+/-) and we have seen more than 7000 views.

That has to be somekind of record!!!!???? You could add all the threads on the first page, maybe 2, and not get that number of views.

I get it, many of the same people look in multiple times. But, isn’t that also the case with all the threads????
So, for the life of me, I don’t understand why we can’t get 100 guys to these test/track days.

A VERY WISE MAN once said:  “Nothing grows without rain…..”

I still dont follow, but it sounds really really smart and for some reason it fits here!!!!!! :)

 

PS: thanks for ALL the help with the video thing fellas!!!! ;)

[Robert Lawson]

Well Boys, the mail has come and the call must be made….

We will not be doing the full weekend.

Bummer, I know, I was really looking forward to just organizing on Saturday and doing all my testing on Sunday. The upside is IF we have to reschedule, its a single day, and our options are greater. Our first option would be Sunday the 9th IF it has not been booked by then now that its officially available. We will also now go back to the mid day lunch break.

No measurable amount of snow out there now so thats good.

I will be sending out refunds for the difference in cost for the weekend vs the single day. Those will go out first thing Monday morning.

I was working on my kart today, getting er ready! Down 25 lbs the suit is comfy again, thats a bonus.

Looking forward to it!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Bruce!

Yeah I got it, sent you a response!!

Bob,

I was there with you at Road Atlanta that weekend. You were the last to fall asleep on me while I was driving us all back to Columbus!!! Not only some awesome racing that weekend but man can those Germans drink!!!!! Wow!! They are lucky Rich wasn’t there, they would still be telling stories at Oktoberfest back in the Old Country about the crazy American with the “bubble glasses”!!!!! He would have altered their family trees with that JD!!!! :)

We had some good times at Mid-Ohio. All the Yamaha classes were huge, the 80/125 class was getting big, the B-ltd/Laydown Shifters had a big class and the 250 twins were all Rotax’s, and plenty of them! There was a small but solid following of Canadians too. Laydowns were the majority then, oh how times change.

That October race every year was good fun man. I always ran good at Mid-Ohio, even back in the day with the ole stocker. Don’t know why, it was never a favorite of mine. Rich and I, Francis, Jimmy McGee, Harry & all of his Boys, Dennis, Brad & Sandy, Frank Dawley, Roger, Doug ….. and anyone else heading out at the same time…. we would all stop at the Hill overlooking the keyhole. We would watch the next race start and have a beer together. The trees were all yellow, orange & red. Just awesome! We knew it would be ALL Winter before we would be back together at the track so we took our time and soaked it all in. One by one we would say our good bye’s and folks would leave. Me and Richie were always the last to get going!!! Good Times indeed. The Best! (I have film from that hill too!!!)

Guaranteed, if we get back there in June…. we’ll stop at that hill on the way out!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,
Well, the impossible has happened. I have joined the 21st Century and given in to progress….

I can now accept payments AND process them, through PayPal!!!! :)

Oh boy, what is the world coming to…

Robert Lawson

f-125@hotmail.com

(Thanks Dave!!!!)

 

PS: Now, can someone PLEASE tell me how to post video???!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Still can’t get video link up on here???

A few pages back the player was even visable, all I did then was copy & paste and it popped right up. For some reason even the “insert link” do-dad up there isn’t allowing a hyperlink to be added.

Oh well, if you go to the YT channel you can see the Waterford video. I have litterally TONS of vhs tapes filled with racing action from the sidelines of the Lawson Brothers and their cohorts from all over. Its amazing to look back at and see how huge Road Racing was in the 80’s & 90’s, all the classes were big back then, especially the Unlimiteds. Good Times!

Things are shaping up with the Test, we will certianly have enough participants for a Saturday. I’ll keep you informed of what to expect.

Until next time….

[Robert Lawson]

Greg,

It took awhile but I finally figured out the password and got back into my PayPal account.

How it operates I have no idea, never got a payment on it before. Quit laughing, I like the aniquated old school paper option…. its brainless!!!!

Now, can you tell me why the videos won’t load up here and how to fix it???

[Robert Lawson]

I do! Or did?

I don’t know!!! :)

Let me work on that, I’m pretty sure I do but its been years since I’ve used it.

[Robert Lawson]

Boys,

The countdown is on, we are 5 weeks away so get a check or money order in the mail sooner rather than later.

I’ll have to make the call on a 1 day or 2 day lease in just 2 weeks AND pay for it so time is running out.

Not throwing in the towel on a full weekend but it suddenly took a turn south. Many that made a verbal commitment to the full weekend have decided to pay for a single day and wait or have just changed their mind.

We’ll stay after it until we’re out of time. Anyone who paid for the weekend will get reimbursed the $75 difference if we can’t make a full weekend lease.

I don’t “do” social media, heck, texting is not something I enjoy! But, I did hi-jack the Wife’s FB account and send a note with info on the Test to Larry. He has a lot of karting “friends”. If you happen to be into that, let your friends know what we have going on.

I haven’t uploaded any of the other video yet but I’m working on it. Back in 09′ and again in 2010 Grattan was repaved in segments. In the fall of 09′ brought phase 1 which started at the begining of the front straight and ended as you came off T3. Obviously phase 2 was from T3 back to the front straight. Each time Sam had called me, and asked if we would come out and turn some laps, absolutely free. Of course I accepted AND invited a few friends to come out as well. They just wanted our oppinion on a couple spots they reworked and how it felt compared to how it always was. I have video of these invitational pavement tests. I also found early tests of the ICC from Waterford Hills. That track is very short, very narrow, and very rough…but it is so close to home that we couldn’t pass up a chance to test brake rotors and pad material. We installed a new floor tray after that Test!!!

That pavement at Grattan was brand spankin new & super duper slick, man you had your hands full. And Waterford…. I never used 6th gear and just barely touched 100 mph.

I’ll try to get some of it up soon!

[Robert Lawson]

Maybe…… hey, look at that!!! It only took about 8 attempts!!!!!!

Off to MIS you go….. enjoy the ride!

 

https://youtu.be/e1nPVb1bFog

[Robert Lawson]

Geo,

I have not got any e mail yet…. still have some of your stuff here though!!!! (pipe/cases)

Ran out of time last Fall, we’ll look into it again in the Spring here.

Todd,

Yer Fam, just get ‘er here asap Bro. We got some time.

I’ve tried posting more video right here 4 times now….. screw it…. I give up!

Even the “inset link” dont work…… I give.

[Robert Lawson]

The “podium” is complete!!!

Top step goes to Eric Chappell!!

2nd Dean Axe (has 2 drivers)

3rd Larry Cole

Bruce Peck and Mike Burrill were post marked the same as Larry, but,  Mr. Cole had the tie breaker with an earlier date on his check!!!! :)

Its all good fun!! Been getting texts and email so I’m leaning past hopeful to optimistic that the full weekend will take place.

More to come……

[Robert Lawson]

Hey guys,

I think I figured this out….

I posted a note and video a bunch of times and it kept kicking me back to the first page?? And NO post or video!!

Anyway, I found more lost video today. Thought I’d share with y’all!!!

This is an uneventful clip but I want to see if you can catch when someone is in my tow. Its clearly noticeable, (rev lights) you can almost feel it!

Who is it you say??? Oh no you don’t!!! You will have to watch to find out!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnwF5_Df6Ag

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I’m sorry to hear that, I feel your pain bro!

You know Cher and I are dog folks too and our girls are getting older as well. Its tough, Harry had to put his little buddy down just a few weeks ago, he is still a bit lost without “Chance”, (Jack Russell),  following him everywhere.

I’m really hoping for GOOD weather so I can bring the girls AND Cher!!!! The dogs just love Grattan and do not seem to mind the noise while at the track.

Hang in there buddy!!! When one door closes, another opens….

Stay in touch,

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Sounds good Bruce, I’ll be scoring the race here at the mail box!!!! :)

 

I finalized all the Insurance requirements, made some consessions, and this is what I came up with:

Drivers – 2 day $20,  1 day – $15
Crew/Spectator – 2 day $15 – 1 day $10

I’m happy with this, it was important to me that I find a way to make this affordable for everyone AND provide quality coverage.

So, now we just need to pull this thing off. Lets not make the Boss nervous, get your check here early!!!! (She Thanks You :) )

Thanks Guys,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

I STILL have not heard back from the Insurance guy! Will be calling again tomorrow to get these last few questions answered before time to apply and pay fees.

Sorry for the delay!

Still waiting on the mail to see who makes this years “podium” as first, second, and third envelopes to arrive!! :)

As soon as I hear from the “guy” I’ll pass on that info.

Thanks Guys,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I fully intended to get the Insurance pass details squared up and posted today but its just going to have to wait one more day….. or until I get a call back!!!

Being that its my first trip down this path I want to be absolutely sure ALL the “T’s are crossed and I’s dotted”. Next time….. the training wheels will be off!!!

I got a few calls this AM about when to send a check, must have been that nice weather yesterday!!  So, we will now start accepting payment for the April 8-9 weekend. We will not take entries at the gate, you must be prepaid to participate, this is a “Closed Private Test”. All passes will be paid for and issued at the gate.

Send entry here: Robert Lawson 17731 Ivanhoe St. Roseville, MI. 48066

*please include all driver names, kart class, and if single day what day you intend to participate.*

Thanks, I’ll have more soon.

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

The “Boss” pointed this out to me, I need to clairify a previous statement….

“Let me add, if anyone pays for *Saturday only then decides to stay for Sunday as well, they will only be required to pay the difference of the additional $75.”

I should have been clear that this option will only be available if we had gotten enough pre paid participation and interest to lease for the full weekend in advance. There is no guarantee Sunday will be available if it isn’t part of the original lease agreement.

 

Anyway, we are looking pretty good right now. I hope we can get enough 2 day guys that this won’t be an issue.

Thanks Boys!!!

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Think I’ll take the bike for a rip on Saturday!!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I have a feeling we picked the wrong weekend!!!!

Grattan weather Feb 18-19:

Feb 18  Sunny, High 57F

 

Feb 19  Partly Cloudy, High 54F

So, its gonna be like 80 in April????? :)

[Robert Lawson]

Cool. Thanks Bob, I’ll pencil him in!

Ya know, you have a LONG LOST SON around here somewhere….. ah, forget it, he’s probably got more rust than Titanic!!!!!

I’d pay money to see him give that Vintage Twin a go!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Greg, I’ll make a note of that.

Guys,

Let me add, if anyone pays for *Saturday only then decides to stay for Sunday as well, they will only be required to pay the difference of the additional $75.

*You are also welcome and invited to stay for Dinner and camp, then drive home Sunday if you like.

Because the Management has been gratious enough to allow us to camp at no charge you will be responsible for keeping your general area free of garbage. If you park/pit/camp in the lower paddock you will be responsible to aquire a provided trash container AND return it to where you got it. Being April, and early in the season schedule, there is a chance that Potty’s and trash cans may not have been distributed so just keep this in mind if you prefer to park in the lower paddock area.

We have about 12 full weekend participants and 5 single day folks as of now, a couple of these plan on Sunday only. This is a very optimistic start, there is a lot of enthusiasm for a full weekend with the open format!!!

Any questions, post here or hit my email: f-125@hotmail.com

[Robert Lawson]

Things are starting to come a bit more in to focus. Here is what I have at the moment…..

The numbers I’m shooting for to do a full weekend is 35-40 guys/karts @ $175 each for 1 day or $250 each for a full weekend.

An event entry on average is $125, for a sprint chassis that is 1 – 30 minute race and a couple 8 minute runs in practice. (About $142 per hour, or $125 per hour of track time if you got 4 / 8 min runs of practice)

We will have open track time from 9-5 with the usual 30-45 minutes for EMT’s and Corner Personel to get lunch. So, 7 hours per day or 14 total hours of all the laps you can do for $175 – $250.

For a single day, thats $25 per hour, for the weekend…. $17.85 per hour.

Guys, the indoor joint wants $20+ for 8 minutes in a rental…… @35mph.

If we do pull off the full weekend Dinner is on me! It will directly follow the days activity on Saturday at 5pm in the MX garage. If not, Lunch is on me!!!! Either way we will have Curt setting up that yummy smoked beast & fixin’s for us!!!

Still working over the Insurance, trying to figure how to get spectator pricing cheaper than driver cost. I’ll figure it out!!!!

Got a list going, let me know what your intentions are so I can keep score at home. There are 10 or so 2 day guys, 3 single day and 1 not sure yet but we’re just getting started.

Hang in there, its gonna warm up!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I had Sam pencil us in for the April 8-9 weekend. The guys in town here were ok with any available date so I chose the one we had been booking annually.

We had 80 “looks” at the USGPRU website but not 1 response. Long story short their Eastern US series did not compete last year as the participation was so low going in that they scheduled no events!

So, its all karts or we’ll have to dial it back to a single day. I’m not giving up on a full weekend, there is a good number of guys that really want this 2 day option to come about so I’ll stay at it until we’re out of time.

I’m still throwing figures around, not everyone will be able or willing to do a full weekend (bro Rich…). So, trying to figure how many singles vs full weekend entries will be needed to pull off the double is like a moving target!

I’ll have more soon!

[Robert Lawson]

I spoke with Sam, good news….. he will honor all the “perks” of the single day gig for a full weekend as well.

He finds it hard to believe that Y’all would drive all the way back there on consecutive weekends but…..

He is willing to reschedule us IF another weekend is still available. Thats a BIG if…. I would bet at least the Saturdays will be booked for all of April before we actually get out there. Of course, this would ONLY apply if we had to cancel/reschedule before the weekend in question (like last April). If we cancel before 7am on the morning of the Saturday of the lease, I’m off the hook for the EMT but the marshalls will have to be paid for coming out.

Enough talk about rescheduling…. we have not picked a date yet! Besides, the once in a millenium weather issue was LAST year!!!! We will be good to go!!!

I’m calling my guys here in town to get an idea on the date too.

Keep looking in, I’ll have more coming soon!!!!

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

I have been having trouble with this cell phone, the spare is in the shop and will be ready tomorrow.

Sam called but I missed him. I’ll get some questions answered tomorrow and get back here to let Y’all know what’s going on.

Dave, is it safe to say if we do just a single day gig that the 15th is OK????

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