[Robert Lawson]

STILL dodging it here, no massive snow fall in Roseville. We got 6″.

Not going to go through all the info here, if you want to understand the Keihin PWC carb we are using go to the YT channel and skim some videos. Went through all the parts I have for the big carb, found a spring that popped off at 30 (down from 60) and that puts it back in spec. Carb is back on the kart in storage where she is being spoiled by 63 degree temps! I have a few small inner bits to try if I’m unable to tune out any issue that might remain. After that I’ll go right back to the 30mm carb and see what the engine has to offer.

As I have said, I really want this PWC carb to work out. But if it doesn’t, a big carb won’t be necessary unless we return to Daytona. I have been offered a Lectron to use as long as I want it, no need to purchase, but that is an option if I so choose. If we know we are going back, I will take the kart to Chicago and work it out on the dyno.

We caught a flu bug, minor thing… a little body ache and lightheadedness for me but the Wife got the temp and a wet nasty cough. Perfect timing as it got me out of shoveling any snow!!!! Feel fine now, gonna take the weekend off too and get after the Yamaha this coming week.

Parts coming for that and did a bunch of leg work chasing brake hubs and rotors to “Americanize” or “RPM” our Anderson SK chassis. Also got the front wheel backspace and hub/rotor/caliper package worked out for the Emmick F-125 so we can move forward building this stuff up. At the very least to the point of being a roller so we can sell them off to someone who wants to finish them their way.

We’ll see, April first then I can start thinking about Summer!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well here we are, just about through January now and here in Roseville we got our first bit of snow. At least snow that will now stay. Up until this AM we had full grass showing here and started to think maybe we can sneak by without getting hit…. like Bob in Cleveland, who got 16″ in 1 go!!!! Yep, we got a full 1″ out there now and a total of 3″ by Monday PM. I  can “dig it”… pun intended!!

Heading over to the storage today, was going to do a little work there but I think we’ll just grab n go. Getting things in order to test in April, we’ll be ready this time.

On to April, our dates are the 9-10th weekend. I did a bunch of work on the changes then stashed it all away getting ready for Daytona so details of these changes/procedures are not completed yet. I hope to get a full weekend, and, with things being played right on the surface we all should get plenty of time in the karts.

Just about 11 weeks…. yikes, it WILL be here before you know it!

Back Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, “re entry” this week has not been as bad as I had thought it would be.

Lets see, where do I start…..

Didn’t bring the new wheels, one of the studs on the spare set of front hubs stripped and I just didn’t have the time or patients to deal with it. Didn’t “race” the kart! The engine still runs, I just gave up on working out the carb issue because the track was so rough. Really didn’t want to go back out there, had a splitting headache from the 1st practice run that hung around all the next day. We did help a few other guys get their stuff running, that made everything better.

When the engine DID run cleanly it was obvious the work Renne did was a BIG upgrade from what we had sent him. Now that Daytona has past and there really are no other “very long straight” tracks coming this Summer I can go right back to the 30mm carb if needed and not hurt the performance at all.

I have been researching the function and tuning of this Big Carb all week. Found very good info and made contact with multiple “Shops” or old tuners that know it very well. They have given me enough to think about in the way of things to try to work out the metering issue it had. Ran great on top, fell dead on its face in corners when back shifting, then would light back up and go like a banshee to the next brake zone. Rinse/Repeat……

To be honest I may have just had the needles WAY too fat out of fear of hurting the engine. I actually called Swedetech from our garage at the Speedway and ran everything by him. I was seeing EGT #’s well into the blow up range on the old set-up, after draining H2O and pulling the head it was super safe and fat. It just made no sense and caused my “gun shyness” to tuning. Renne told me to stop looking at it, “Just read the piston crown, head, plug and pull the damn pipe and look at it too!!!”

But the bumps were killin’ me, the Oval was rough too. I thought all my tires were badly out of balance, but others agreed, the place was rough it wasn’t just me.

I decided to Vacation, help others and enjoy myself…. the weather was FANTASTIC every day we were there. No sense in letting THAT go to waste!!!

So, this weekend it is back to work. The Yamaha kart will get finished and off to storage before jumping into anything else…. although I have been sourcing alternatives in brake bits for the Anderson this week too! Big changes coming to that ride, why be like everyone else! We’ll have a 1 off when were done with it.

OK, off I go! New heat in the shop so better get to it!!!

Happy New Year Y’all!!!

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Finally getting the kart on the scales today, not happy with some of the results.

Listen, I knew I had gained a BUNCH of weight AND I had not been in this kart since April…. but I was a little freaked out at first. Too tight, too cramped, claustrophobic is a good word. I thought “What the hell am I doing??? HOW am I going to drive this thing!!!!” But, after a few minutes, I started to settle in. It wasn’t so bad, a bit longer and I started getting comfortable, and before finishing up maybe 20-25 minutes later, it was like an old glove!!!!

I can’t reach across my belly to the carb needles and my back won’t allow me to twist my torso to get there so we’ll have to improvise by semi-sitting and using my right hand to tune while driving. Most tuning will be done back in the pit! To be honest, now I just want to survive the practice and race and get back without any damage!

Getting out of the kart went a bit better than July, that was a bonus although I only had to do it once!!!!

If my City run Gym won’t let us back in without a mask or Vax ID I’ll have to bite the bullet and go to a “we’re here to…. Pump-you-Up” gym! But I have to get back to regular exercise/training. I have gained 25 pounds since they locked everything down and gave up that Keto deal when I went back to eating Sweets. Eating carbs AND high fat will kill you, one of them had to go…. the Keto is a very hard program to stay with. Reese’s Cups….. not so much!

Kart is in the trailer, spare wheel 1/2’s came from DWT (after 1st set was deemed junk!) so I have a few loose ends to tie up. We start heading South Friday AM and get to our hotel (fingers crossed) about 3pm Christmas Day. Weather looks great right now, still a week out for track time though.

Back Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

A week later and…..

The wish list is getting scratched off!
The kart is done, looking good, over at Rich’s place and ready for the scales.
I got a coat of WAX on the Trailer today!!!
Big head start on removing everything from the trailer not needed for Daytona (scooter, pop-ups, etc) and getting it cleaned up.

Also working on a new system to hold the kart in place during transit. I hate to use straps but since adding that huge tail to the car I have had no choice. No more! I’m adding removeable padded bits to keep the car from moving in any direction. The addition of threaded & pronged “T Nuts” to the underside of the floor will allow the bits to be quickly removed from the interior floor for unloading the kart and so I don’t trip over um on weekends when we live in the trailer!

I have thrown everything I possibly can at this last and final attempt at breaking the 2:00 minute lap time barrier. And, if we could win that race it would be a bonus. TALL order with the “overdrive” gearbox of the Pavesi, seemingly designed for Daytona, almost unbeatable. We will see. I will not be able to say “If only I had this” or “I should have gone with that” because everything and I mean everything we could obtain has been gathered and put in play. In 2013 we just touched 140mph on top with a snif and ran 2:03 dead on our next to last lap virtually alone. We need just a little bit more…. thats all I ask, just a little bit more!!!!!

Hope we have GOOD weather!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Little update…

Had a lil’ cold snap here but it’s moving out for the weekend. I just hate the cold weather and find excuses not to go out to the garage when it gets like this. The propane heat burns the eyes, electric is too pricey, and a permanent solution is out with plans of moving next Spring/Summer. We’ll be buttoning up the F-125 Friday/Saturday and tucking it away until it’s time to load her up. Still chasing some wish-list type things but nothing we can’t do without for a 1 race gig.

The Spring Test will seem to come more quickly with the distraction of Daytona breaking things up. And we have some new pavement on track to look forward too as well.

Back Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

With all the changes we made to the pedals/brake master mount on the TSR chassis I never took into consideration if it would affect driver foot clearance in the nose. After much fiddling AND contemplating paying my supply shop guy to make parts from my molds…. we have decided not to continue to work on the Yamaha kart and leave it home. The nose that was fit to the kart when we got it was just not going to work.

After talking it over with Rich, whom I really wanted to get a ride in that kart at Daytona, he said he really didn’t care to drive it down there. So, I’ll go back to working on it when we get back and shoot for April to get it on the track for the first time.

This free’s up a bunch more time over the next 3 weeks and allows me to really go over every last inch of the F-125 before packing up. I’m getting excited about the possibilities of the Swedetech mods, big carb and big pipe. We have made bits specific to each pipe & carb/intake set-up so if need be we can swap things out quickly. Hopefully we won’t need any of it!

The time is just flyin by, its December tomorrow!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Been super busy working on the karts prepping for Daytona.

The F-125 had the entire front end rebuilt/replaced. Adjustable King Pins & Bearings, New Stub Axles/Camber Adj on Spindles, new Hubs, Rotors, Pads and Bearings, we have “strung” the chassis and set toe. Everything is dead tight and spot on, way overdue!

The high volume pipe is fit and checked/repaired of leaks, gearing changed, carb issue solved, and fuel tank fab is finished and will be welded up and done by end of this weekend. Before loading it up it will have to be “tuned” on the scales.

I have also made some progress on the Yamaha kart, once the new side panels are laid-up its all minor “5 minute jobs” to get both karts finished with just under 5 weeks to go.

We took a few things off our to-do/wish list just to give us a bit of breathing room. Look forward to finishing early!!!!! (fingers crossed!)

It will be a VERY BUSY off season with the Anderson to build and the other 125 to at least get 4 corners on it so it can be sold or finished.

It will all go by so quick, April will be here before you know it!

Back Soon!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just a bit of an update on the changes for 22′.

* Access by Gate List!

We will have a full time Gate attendant! This individual will be placed outside the closed gate, keeping ALL whom are not “paid participants ON the Gate list” from entering. That alone will free up a bunch of my time and allow me to relax and participate myself. I have always had a list, primarily so if I were not workin the paddock radio or Gate I would know who of the paid participants had arrived. Once all were accounted for we could simply ignore the gate. Unfortunately that didn’t always work out. Curt, Sam, or even my own Bro’s would let people in just because they were looking on and asked to be let in. No more…. Closed Private means CLOSED PRIVATE and I’ll let the Management know that as well.

* The Lunch/Dinner program will be changed or discontinued!

When Curt does the meat smoking he also sets it all up and all I have to do is pay the bill. I didn’t realize how accustomed to this I had become. Going back to a self service deal, with all the help needed, added to the stress which led to my not getting any track time.

Idea:

I spoke to a local Belding small business, they are a Full Service Mobile Catering/Kitchen. I met these fine folks Sunday 10-24-21 AT Grattan as they were supporting the SCCA gig that weekend. Just a brief conversation to ask a couple questions and get contact info.

I’m excited about this and will continue to follow up with them and see what can be worked out. I LOVE the idea of me being 100% hands off!!!!

* No more cash deals!

Because of the lagging USPS a few guys couldn’t get a Check through to me AND cleared before the Track Date. This will no longer be offered. Everyone had plenty of time to get payment to my inbox or mailbox, From here on out, you make a way to get your entry here in time or you don’t get in. I had no less than 4 guys that just “Showed Up” without making ANY contact prior to arriving. Simply listing the day as a “CLOSED PRIVATE TEST” online doesn’t seem to be enough. They did come into the paddock but I would not allow these guys to off load. 1 driver had already been turning laps in paid drivers karts, so, that guy got informed and paid the fee. Yet another came with a kart, unannounced, unloaded and worked on it…. in a garage yet, reserved and paid for by first come Participants! Lastly, I had to address the “buddy ride” thing too. I made it clear that was a 1 RIDE ONLY deal, but, for some the Tag-Teamin’ went on the better part of the day.

NONE of this will be acceptable in the future.

To remedy some of this, we will go ALL Paypal after a certain date. No excuses or issues, your payment arrived, you are on the list, you gain access.
Its a Closed, Private Lease …… and, while we still have the opportunity to do them, we will KEEP it that way. Any and all of the above mentioned issues are not only cheating me, but each PAID PARTICIPANT in attendance as well!

My willingness and wanting to provide a place for newbies to get their feet wet has come to bite me in the ass…. guys took advantage, or tried to. Now, only free rides going through ME will be allowed.

I know this is a lot to digest but it needed to be said, and done. I worked out 2022 with Sam already. Our Spring Test is April 9-10, we also have Saturday October 22 as our Fall date.

Hope Y’all are Well!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Very early Monday AM for me…. been up for hours.

First, I never turned a lap… the kart never left the stand!

I got NO sleep Friday night… absolutely none.

Had a sick stomach Saturday AM and we had alot of new guys that required 2 run groups most of the day. Many stupid/dangerous moves in both groups led to just as many person-person conversations, then eventually PA announcements in the dead quiet. At times, it was a mess.

It was obvious I was not going to be able to turn my post over to anyone so I could get laps, even if I DID “feel it”…. which I didn’t!

I was “concerned” about this group, hence no sleep. After it was all over I finally ate something and went to bed at 8:15….. and slept for almost 12 hours! Kenny, Bob K and I all stayed over to Sunday before heading home. Hitting the bed early last night had me up at 4:30 but still got 8 more hours in!!!!

Live & Learn…. we’ll make wholesale changes from here on out.

If not, I’m not sure I can keep doing this anymore….. OR that I want to!

My Bro DID get the Flathead out to check the gear change (thanks to Bob K!!) so I have THAT video clip. Lunch and Pick-Up went smoothly so a BIG thank you to Bob Cole for draggin’ them in, Kevin Gillan, Sarah Pasteiner, Chuck Alband, Steve and Jan Pasteiner and everyone that helped with getting Lunch laid out and feeding all that came.

No complaints about the fog/late start OR time on the track. Also, although we did have 1 kart upside down our record is still clean…. no EMS rides!!

So I guess it was a success. Just tired as all get out after the past week!

Hope everyone made it home safely!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m loaded up, just getting some last minute things together this AM.

I’ll try to be West bound at Noon today. Again, the GR police are training on the track so we can not get in to the Paddock until after 6pm.

The gate will be open until I go to bed, around 11 pm. If you are close but may be late call me and I’ll see what can be done.

Safe Trip Y’all!!!

Robert

 

[Robert Lawson]

Well, nothing new…. Its Grattan, its October, and it’ll be Cold!

At least (still praying!) its going to be dry!

We have had much colder AM’s out there in October for sure, the current model is acceptable (L38-H52) and as long as its dry we will be successful.

Its “testing”…. no the conditions are not ideal for record lap times but you just don’t know. This weather will produce very good engine power, my personal best lap at Grattan came on a day very much like what is projected.

I’ll give it another day but we look good for Saturday right now.

I’ll be back!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just  in time for the October Test (tounge in cheek) we are entering that “weird time” of year that causes the trees to change color and everything prepares for the Winter. Literally, its happening THIS bloody week.

For example its the only time of year when the Ambient temp reads colder than the Real Feel temp! Winter and Spring its always colder feeling and Summer it feels hotter.

Our current forecast on darksky.net for Grattan October 23rd is:
Dark Sky – 7418–7678 Lessiter Rd NE, Belding, MI

At least its dry! Once in the kart, you really don’t care. Thank GOD, I can use the excuse of “administrating” the format and “overseeing” the safety of all involved to NOT GET INTO THE KART until after lunch!!!!

Have a feeling it will be a “Meteorologist” type week!!!

Stay tuned, more to come!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

As posted on FB we have reached the number of drivers necessary to pay the lease on the Track!

I hope everyone that wanted to attend did in fact get a note in and start the process of getting a payment to me.

If not, its going to be a LONG Winter!!!!

10 days to go…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’m very close to shutting down entries for the October Test Day. The response has been refreshing for sure, Its usually a bit of a struggle to get close to the number needed for the late season Test and I always just pay a bit more to make it happen…. when the weather plays along!

We just continue to Pray for dry weather and hope to get a nice 60+ degree day. GOOD to see some 250’s coming out! We have a JR Enduro, a few NEW drivers, a friend or 2 that has been out of it for awhile coming back AND at least a handful of experienced road racers New to the TEST format joining in for their first time.

I’ll have the Flathead out there for any Sprint guy to get a taste of laying down and the qualified newbie to take a spin too.

Right now I’m pretty optimistic we’ll see a nice day out there!!!

Dont sit home and watch the destruction of our Country and World… ENJOY life while you can!!!!! You are not guaranteed this freedom  tomorrow.

Bless Y’all,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I posted this on FB a day or 2 ago…..

We are 1/2 way to paying the lease. Keep in mind this is a CLOSED PRIVATE TEST…. I only take enough drivers to pay the bill then I shut it down. The small number is what makes this a unique and desirable format.

PS: AS ALWAYS…. You must pre pay, I will not accept any amount of $$$ at the gate!

If we have to cancel before 10-22-21 (Friday) your $225 will be REFUNDED in Full!!!!! Try to find THAT deal anywhere else.

Don’t get left out, send an email for payment details!

f-125@hotmail.com

I’m going to be too busy prepping my own stuff to chase y’all. Help a brother out, send yer fee so we can all plan to have a seamless weekend!

Peace Y’all

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

My paypal started blowing up without even asking for October entries!

So, its time to get this thing together I guess.

We can not offer a 2 day with the booked schedule, not that I think we’d get that many guys anyway. Everyone will be put together on the single Saturday October 23rd date.

Yes, you can come out/get in to drop or camp Friday 22nd, most likely after 6pm. Yes, you can stay overnight and bail out on Sunday the 24th at no cost. No, do not count on any race gas/fuel being available. Yes, the Garage’s are available at no cost on the first come basis. Etc,etc,etc!!!

Not sure about Lunch, we may go old school and do something ourselves instead of having Curt do it for us. I’ll keep you informed.

So get that check or paypal to me soon and lets put this thing to bed early!!

$225 per driver

Check:
Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St
Roseville, MI 48066

Paypal:
f-125@hotmail.com (select Frens & Fam please!)

Back Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Little Update, I have been using the replacement TIG but only on steel to this point. I’m sure it will be fine on AC as well, the cooling fan actually cycles on and off now.

Pluggin’ away on the adjustable sub assembly for pedals/brake masters:

[Robert Lawson]

Busy – Busy!

Getting all the bits fab’d up for welding on the Yamaha Project Kart. While Rich is here welding all that together I’ll be at his house taping, masking and painting the remainder of the trailer.

Sent the RVXX out to Swedetech to have their very best hop-up done to it. No corners cut, I told him to give me the Full Superbalistic Mod! Hope to break it in at Grattan then off to Chicago to Johnny West’s for dyno comparison of a bunch of parts to find the package that works best.  Super excited about that!!!

GOD willing we will have all the karts mentioned in above posts ready to run at Grattan. Only the Flatty will have been previously run!

Just about a month to have everything “trackable” for Test day, right now we look good. It will be non stop busy until Daytona though…. all Winter actually.

Back Soon!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

GOOD NEWS!!!

Our October test date has been changed to Saturday the 23rd!

We had been given the weekend of 10/30-31, then moved to the 24th before getting the call and locking us in on the 23rd.

For anyone wanting to stay over and leave Sunday this IS possible. The SCCA will be running a Solo event, their start point is beyond the Gate so we will be just fine to stay, camp, load and leave without having to move at all!!!!! I guess they dont use the paddock??? Arriving Friday evening to drop or Camp is open too.

Now we just pray for decent dry weather. I’ll bring the Flatty for anyone wanting to take a ride, I’m actually gonna buy some gearing for that rig and try to get it going a bit better. Surely a lighter weight guy/girl would have a better ride than a 215 lb’r!!!!

Todd, we haven’t seen you in awhile…. time to get yer can out here and play a bit before they sell the joint!!!!

I have sent my newer model engine out to be modified for Daytona, it will be back in time to test so I am really looking forward to it!!!!!

ON THE SOAP BOX:

Not running Pittsburg, that is going to be a bigger cluster F*^@$ than Mid Ohio. Someone is going to get hurt if the Club/Org doesn’t change the race groups back to the way it was before “lack of total entries” changed everything.

NO NEED to have these dangerous group pairings anymore, with BIG overall entry numbers they can no longer justify race groups set up so ALL classes/formula can run multiple times a day. (which was done to pay the lease in hard times!)

Unfortunately I think a massive liability lawsuit resulting from a life ending accident due to 100+ race group kart counts, of different formula & speeds/skill levels, racing now for CASH PURSES, will result in Insurance providers telling Track Owners and Management that they will not Insure them.

It will be No Karts or No Insurance! Guess who they’ll pick???? Although Tracks compete for the same customers they DO have 1 thing they all share…. INSURANCE. There are many underwriters but only a handful of Motorsport/Racing Insurance Company’s the most prevalent being K&K. Once a track cuts off the Karts, that info will spread to others and soon just about ALL venues will not take the chance of allowing Karts. Example: Road America, Road Atlanta…. also a couple others that simply say “Were Booked” instead of telling you No Karts!

So I will not participate in that mess, although, it shouldn’t have any affect on a “Closed Private Test” of karts in smaller numbers.

We’ll see, I hope I’m wrong but the “Mega Events” are not on my to-do list.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

 

[Robert Lawson]

Ah the pleasures of spraying paint outside!!! It could be worse, dealing with a bit of gusty wind is tricky AND it sucks, but having all your possessions blown away by a hurricane is probably worse!!! So, no temper tantrum complaints!

Every bit of this is taking longer than I ever imagined. When you are young you have tons of time, you feel things cant happen quick enough, you are impatient. When you age somehow that becomes a phenomenon and everything you do takes forever because everything has slowed down, and you are MORE impatient!

I will get 1/2 of this thing done over this extended weekend…. 1/2! What I see I like so there is that…… bring you a clip later.

Hang in there Y’all…. “It’ll get Better”.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We are out for Gingerman.

I’m going to gamble on October, testing the RVXX/Big carb/Big pipe on my TSR and get THAT package ready for December. Hanging up the other 125 chassis for now and getting the Yamaha Pipe ride ready to test as well as the Vintage Open….. all with plans to take them to Daytona.

Rich will run Mike Krambs Quicksilver in Vintage Open, we will each have a run in the Yamaha Senior/Pipe, and I’ll run F-125.

I’m taking a step-by-step approach to the Trailer painting. The logo letters are done, I’ll now do that front/center panel, then do 1 side at a time and finish with the front panel. Door jam, side door mount & fit, diamond plate and repaint the tongue and its done…… for now!

Here’s an update…

[Robert Lawson]

The Anderson has arrived, that trip took almost a full month!!!

Got very good bits with that deal so we’re excited about next year. It went directly on the wall and out of the way so as not to distract from the short term things we need to finish.

Still no trailer paint, I missed the last window of perfect weather procrastinating. Its a big job, now I know why no one else wanted to do it!!!

With just a couple weeks to Gingerman, I have a choice to make… and quickly. Get the kart ready to go OR paint this trailer and possibly miss it?

I have October… thats the kicker. I can do everything I intend to do at G-man in October….. if the weather cooperates!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Have not unboxed the replacement Welder yet but I did try to use the original to see if it would work on DC. It did! It also worked on AC…. then it went on the fritz again!

We DID burn up a roll of MIG wire today though. We built 2 new rolling kart stands! When finished, we’d have paid less than 1/2 the cost of buying them AND we can pick any color we want!!!

With the side door finished I will get right to work prepping the trailer skin for Paint. The Wrap place never responded with an estimate so I’m just going to get it done. We should get a couple nice days this week, piece of  cake right???!!!!

We’ll see, I’ll take video and be back….

RPM

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