[Robert Lawson]

I like the way you think Dave!!!

Checking into this and a few other things as well, right now.

I have a feeling a “weekend” lease is a take-what-you-get situation (short of snowfall!!) simply because there is 2 days of track time. The single day rentals are easier to reschedule, its only because the Sunday on a single day rental (early in the year) is usually still unbooked. When you try to move an April date to later in the year, more times than not, you get a weekday for the make-up date.

Just a heads up, the 16th is Easter.

More coming as soon as Sam calls back!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Here are a few things to chew on….

Available April dates: 1-2, 8-9, 0r 15-16

Need some feedback on your preferance.

I do have a plan for single day/full weekend participation costs if we do get enough interest to do a full weekend. Also, I am not against inviting the USGPRU guys out to share time with us to make the full weekend possible.

Been thinking about a “buddy drive” sometime on Saturday for friends, pit guys, or newbies to get a chance at turning a few laps so maybe we can get a hook in them!! Of course, even though I’m on a strict diet, we will have Dinner after track hours on Saturday for everyone. I should be ready to cheat by then. ;)

One change regardless of format is a formal Insurance program. We (Myself, JW, etc) have been treading dangerous waters according to Tim at AKRA and it really is time for all of us to be covered as we would at a Race Event. Don’t freak out…. I think I can work this out so its very cheap by comparison. We have had a stellar safety record to this point and now I want to guarantee if anyone IS injured that they get the best attention afforded to them.

More to come!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry,

Of course you will….. It wouldn’t be a “family reunion” with out you!!!! :)

 

[Robert Lawson]

Dennis,

Nothing like that first trip to the track with a new RV!!! Eric is my Bro, he will be fully “IN” I’m sure. ;)

Bruce,

I was going to ask you about that but figured the motor came as a package with good test notes as a base.

Back in the day I had a watercooled 100cc Open rotory valve engine and I started on a big gas carb to work out the bugs first. We then went to Colver mod Alky carb (360 deg fuel feed venturi) and she really went fast! Got greedy though, sent her out to Greg Campbell (may he rest in peace!) to be opened up to a 135cc. It thumped, that thing could pull a skid of bricks!!! Unfortunately I kept spinnin too many rev’s on that big bore and blew it up 1 too many times!!! Man those were good times…. Campbell lit me on fire with ether at Mid-Ohio when it backfired trying to start it in cold weather early one Spring. His last contraption was a highly modified TKM 130 (150cc!!!) with rotory valves and intakes/carbs on both sides of the bottom end!!  He was nuts, but in his day SUPER fast!!!!

Moral of the story? Stay away from the well meaning Campbell’s out there and get on that gas carb and have fun!! :)

Very much looking forward to running Mid-Ohio in June. Sooo many stories from down there over the years….. my return is overdue!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Happy New Year Guys!!!!

Watching the race-monitor for the event at Daytona got a few of us that didn’t attend fired up to play with the karts. I have been working on repairing my “good” pipe that broke 2 years ago!!!! Thankfully Larry had given me a bunch of prerolled cones and we found a portion that suitably replaced the shattered bit so…… we have something (a reason!!!) to TEST!!!

I have stayed in contact with the Boys at Grattan and just got a few dates for an April Test Day…… or 2!

Thats right, I said or 2….. meaning a complete weekend.
I can hear y’all thinking already :)

It would be the first ever 2 day TEST. Think about it….. I’ll have more very soon!!!!

Stay warm out there!!!

 

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Gingerman is out, they want 3K for 1/2 a day on a weekday this coming week.

I’m trying to raise someone at Waterford today, I’ll keep you informed!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Boys,

I just can’t let this go….

I called Gingerman, they really have nothing left to rent. This weekend is their last, next weekend they will be winterizing the buildings…. clearing water lines etc.  I asked if we could turn laps while this process was on going but the manager was not available. They will be calling to advise.

I also called Waterford Hills and left a message. Not sure what is happening over there just yet.

This may be, if it happens at all, a weekday gig….if anyone is interested.

I sent Dan Barth a note, he’s up for it!

Let me know guys…

[Robert Lawson]

Back home early and…..

Nope, I’m not losing it, the luster is still there and, ok, I might be getting a little tiny bit older, but thats all!!

Man, the downpoured began at 5:30 am and did not stop for 2.5 hours. It kept on at a decent rate for another couple hours then a sprinke turned to a mist and it all stopped near 11 am.

I should have taken GoPro video, the amount of standing (and flowing) water was insurmountable! I did get some cell video of the waterfall rushing down the monza…it was so deep and so fast it had waves in it!!!! If we were able to work in a dry line the mutiple flows would have made it impossible to “test” and get good data.
So, we never did get on the track….BUT, Larry came through with the groceries and Curt cooked it all up. At least we had a nice feast together!

Thanks to the guys, they all kept their word and showed up. Unfortunately I believe I’ll receive a call from Sam tomorrow. Curt sent a text just 20 minutes ago, he said “Good call, it never dried”.

If I do get out and surface test anything in the next couple weeks I’ll post it here.

See Y’all!

 

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Kart Guys, they never cease to amaze me……

These guys are nuts, they all agreed to head over to Grattan knowing we will see AM rain over there!!!

Maybe I’m just loosing it, luster gone, fair weather fan…. or just gettin old!

So, were “on” for Sunday. Even though I feel like the Captian from Perfect Storm!
I’ll be prayin for a miracle!!!
Safe trip Y’all, see you Sunday Morning

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

I have been telling everyone to go through the motions, that we will wait until Saturday AM to make a decision to call it off if it looks too bad. I’m getting ready like I’m going, my plan is still to drive out Saturday early afternoon and work on the set up while waiting to get in the paddock.

Unfortunately, it will only take 1 guy not coming to shut this thing down.

On a side note, it will be 35 degrees or so here tonight….. so I put ANTIFREEZE in the hotrod just to be sure!!!!!!

 

We’ll keep a close eye on it for another 36 hours or so…..

[Robert Lawson]

Its only mid-day Wednesday.

Here is the current weather forecast for 10-16:

Accuweather: H 68, considerable cloudiness with little rain, chance 68%

TWC: H 66, steady rain early, then remaining cloudy with a few showers, chance 100%

Saturday looks beautiful! Hee, hee….. maybe the table will shift and Saturdays forcast will spill over on Sunday!!! Hear is to hoping!!!

We’ll keep watching it!!!!

 

 

[Robert Lawson]

Still looking for a guy or 2 to get on board.

We are back in the “no-go” zone as we were already short and lost one of our regular guys. I’m all for paying 1 spot and turning some laps but thats as far as my participation is going fellas.

I’m out of ideas, I called all that I know and best I can come up with is 1-2 that are still on the fence (and not looking good).

[Robert Lawson]

No problem Todd, lets be sure everyone runs all day so we can do a full group rolling start!!!!

 

Spoke to Sam, he WILL have 110 leaded race gas if needed.

 

Rich came by earlier, his Honda is stuck so he is out. I plan to be at the track between 2-3pm Saturday. While waiting for the “tuner car guys” to finish their day I’ll pull the kart out and get her prepped up. Will be camping out in the trailer in the upper paddock Saturday night if anyone wants to arrive early.

 

I hear Larry is going to bring lunch and cook for us??? Hmm, sounds good to me!!!!

 

Should be a good time, lets pray for nice weather!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

 

I have an OK from eveyone for Sunday 10-16-2016 @ $200 ea.

There is no time to mail checks so I will do the unthinkable and collect CASH at the track!  I’m trusting that all of you will show and not leave me hanging with the bill. The track requires payment in cash so please bring the right amount.

 

We will be watching the weather this week, and if need be, we’ll make a change no later than Friday PM.

I’m trying to get another guy or 2 involved, I didn’t intend to participate but if we’re short one…and I have to pay for it anyway…I may as well turn some laps…right???

I’ll keep you updated,

 

RPM

 
All the normal details apply. (will check on race gas availability)

Saturday night camping, on track 9am – 5pm, lunch break near noon.

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

 

Lets give it a few more days before sending any payments. We are still short of 15 (need 2 more) and if 15 is all we get I have a feeling a few will then back out because of the increase. Let me make some calls and see how many on this list that are not looking in here will go to $200 before making a decision.

* How many looking here would still be interested at $200??? Let me know.

Sometimes its like fighting a loosing battle, the faster you bail the quicker she sinks!

Chuck,

thats good to hear. A few other “veteran” karters have said much the same. Don’t get me wrong, I still dig the racing, but, for the $$$$ you can get a ton more on test/tune/track days.

I hope I can get this little tour worked out for the end of the month. Cher has not seen that part of the Country (Finger Lakes, Pocono’s) and I know she’ll really enjoy it.

OK, I’ll get to work and see if we can figure this out!

 

More soon

[Robert Lawson]

Dan, I’ll add the 3 of you in pen!!!! :)

 

I don’t think we’ll make 20, it may be tight to get 15.

At 15 the cost is now $200 each. For 8 hours of track time with only 14 others drivers thats still a bargin for sure. Its up to Y’all, some would pay more but I know that others are already thinking of going skiing instead at that rate.

Let me know, time is getting short.

[Robert Lawson]

:) The list of 50/50’s are longer than the 100% ers!!!!

But…. I hear ya…..you can only spend it once!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Guys,

 

Been working through this October gig. Have a list of 15 or so but almost 1/2 are not 100% and 20 is going to be the magic number (@ $150 ea.). We can go with less but it will cost more per driver. Its really up to Y’all.

 

On another note, I spoke to WGI today about cutting some laps. They worked it out with me to get it done, but, it has to be performed with a pace car keeping top speed down. :/

If I can set this up in the same trip with the other facilities we are looking into testing I’d do it. Just to be sure its a viable option. They did repave, professionally I was told ( :)! ), with no seams or transitions. I had to chuckle, and explain that even a paint stripe can be felt in a kart!

So, along with working on a day at Grattan I’m trying to settle and schedule all these evaluations at a few different Circuits.  Gettting a handle on the Insurance for events and this eval/testing, also working out a schedule to go and do it that works for all involved too. I’ve been busy this week already.

More to come, get after your friends and get them involved if Grattan is something you really want to do.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I have received a couple more inquiries about the Grattan/October track day.

Speaking with Sam today, he has leased all the Saturdays except the 29th.

Sunday the 16th is available if that works for Y’all.

Let me know, time is getting short. We can pow-wow at MIS this weekend.

Have a Safe trip!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all,

 

I’m making progress with WGI, as expected when questions get answered you generally have more questions!!! We are trudging through all that now. It will take a while to get this squared away, if thats even possible. I want to drive the circuit before investing too much time in this and that IS possible in late October…..we are working out just what THAT will involve. ($$$, insurance, etc.)

No weekend dates are likely, not impossible, just not likely. The annual lesees are offered renewal first and that window is open until some time in January 2017. They do not rent in single days, once in a blue moon a single does come available but they go very fast. So, a 2 day would be necessary. BUT, they DO allow bikes (I know right?) and there are plenty of car clubs up that way that already rent WGI so finding support will not be too tough. Weekdays are cheaper, obviously, and it would make a nice little vacation when combined with a few days off following an early week rental!

 

Pocono is FAR more affordable than I had thought! This is good news!!! After doing more work on it, getting a bike group out there with us may not be necessary. I’m waiting on a package from them now, they have 40 different configurations!!!  Again, that is still coming along.

We have some interest in doing an early October test/track day at Grattan  but currently not enough for me to get on the phone with the track. We need at least 20 for it to be affordable guys, if you are interested leave a note here or hit the email: f-125@hotamil.com

*** Rich and I DO plan to run MIS next week so look us up and let us know if you want to get involved with testing/track days.

Peace! RPM

[Robert Lawson]

C’mon Todd!!! You only need ONE of those kidney’s!!!! :)

Besides, that transaction would probably cover all the track days you could do….. with 1 kidney!!!! Hee, hee!!!

 

Will be back in touch with them next week, they have enough work to finish up with out me banging their phone. Right now, I have concerns/questions about the lease quoting they sent. It is broke down in multiple day pricing, I need to know if single day leasing is available or if multi days are all they offer. At that point I’ll have a better Idea what I’m working with.

Hey, the armco doesn’t concern me at all. We race/raced at places FAR MORE dangerous than this and are still here to talk about it. Although Karting is still just a hobby sport its only as dangerous as you make it.

More to come……

[Robert Lawson]

Here is a good video with perfect perspective of that “Special” thing that I’m working on.

They have been very busy up there the last few weeks with Indy Car so detailed discussion is taking some time. I do have a laundry list of what they expect and require.

Next conversation will be about the track surface and getting up there with the kart to cut some laps. The attached video is from 2013, you can see some vibration in the camera and some surface erosion from this pace car mounted view. They had some open dates in October, too late to do anything this year with a group but certianly time for Cher and I to take a little trip and check it out.

So, the question remains…. What would you pay to turn laps at a premier facility like this?

Personally, I’d pay whatever it took. I have been there as a kid, way back when they still had “The Bog” in the infield! I watched some of the greats of karting have big battles there. A few were very vocal about the danger of Watkins Glen and would not support going back there.

Its historic, like IMS I’d just about donate an organ to get out there.

 

When I get more I’ll pass it on!

[Robert Lawson]

Todd, just an FYI….

 

Spoke with PIRC (aka “the Beav”) today and they emailed a pdf with pricing etc. The South course was put in play last July, the North Course will get repaved this Fall. So, 2017 will open to a smooth 2.8 mile circuit.

Here is a good view of the full course:

Will have to ask some questions, if the North Course is to be repaved the pricing he sent may not be any good next year. Nice elevation change, good mix of low speed and high speed fun!

Still looking at this “Special” thing on my wish list. It carries a TALL price tag but….you get what you pay for. Bucket list stuff ya know, but not completely out of the question….which is why I continue to work on it!!!! ;)

 

[Robert Lawson]

Todd,

 

I sent an email but never got anything back from them. That doesn’t really mean anything, most all of the places I emailed I also had to call to actually get info.

I’ll buzz them and see what the fees are and what it entails.

We had a great time at Beaver, the bike guys were a TON of fun to race with.

I’m working on something special, if it comes to pass it might just bring some old timers out for an afternoon!!!

 

[Robert Lawson]

I have had just a couple emails about this. If we are to do it I agree on the earlier date being the best choice.

If weather were to be an issue the other dates would be available. That is assuming the same Sunday of that first weekend was not booked.

Let me look into it a bit more. The Management has claimed the EMT fee’s have gone up, that will be reflected in the lease cost of course. Funny, it went up the same amount I would have paid if we had stayed for the weekend!!!

Hmm…..coincidence???

As I had mentioned before, I continue to speak with other venues. Many are VERY open to a “track day” format.

 

But, you get what you pay for…for example…. What would you pay to turn laps all day at the Grande Course at say Pocono?

Like this:

 

 

 

 

There are many different Road Course configurations now, here is a diagram:

 

Pocono currently holds car and bike track days.

 

 

[Author]

Posts