[Robert Lawson]

Well,

I had a change of heart.

Figured what do I have to lose…..and I started the repair of the engine cases. In my mind it’s scrap, if it doesn’t work it did cost anything but my time. Did the prep, knocked the dislodged bit of the case back in place and took it to Tony Cantenaro to let him finish it off….or not. It’s ugly but it’s in one piece again. Part 1 complete!

Tomorrow after Church it’s out to the garage to tear it down and try to repair the damage to the inside. If I’m able to keep the oil and water separate part 2 will be complete. The gasket surface will need some work due to the welding and if that goes ok part 3 will be accomplished.

Part 4: we seal it up and give each void a pressure check.

If it makes it that far we might just have a ride for Grattan after all!!!! With that said, I don’t expect this to work because it was damaged so severely.

Must say thanks to those whom offered engines and full rides, the karting community never ceases to amaze. You guys are awesome, I am truly grateful!!!

We’ll surely be there, just not sure what it is we’ll be driving yet.

I’ll keep updating ya.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I just couldn’t wait until the weekend. So I took an in depth peek……

Personally, when my kart is…..wounded, I can’t think straight! It truly is like a child, a creation that I know every little inch of.

It looked promising….at first. The problem was at the engine not the rad. After removing the engine I found catastrophic damage!

The Monday after the test date we got some very cold weather. The garage was full with Rich’s kart project and the transitional/seasonal junk as usual. I didn’t off load the karts and didn’t pay much mind to the weather.

The water froze in the cases, expanded and cracked the case on the very bottom of the engine. It lost all the water and the gearbox oil as well. It’s much worse than it sounds, if that’s possible… not only is it cracked but it pushed one side of the case down enough to expose about half the width of the mating surface. Simply welding it is not an option, at least not in time for the event in a few weeks. Because the crack starts at the seam and travels east/west from the north/south mating surface of the right and left halves it will need to be completely disassembled and machining done. Welding this material is not going to be favorable, we all know the quality of these types of castings.

I have a back up engine, it’s the previous homologation (VL125) and is not nearly as strong as this model (RVS). We ran it last year in July at Grattan and it was considerably down on power, revs, and more importantly lap time! To make this model compatible with the RVS would take quite a bit of machining to the intake tract and reed cage/carb boot mounting area.

So, in a nut shell, I’m finished. At least for awhile. Too bad, I was convinced we had a package that would run with the National guys next month.

I will try to be there in support!!!! We have to keep the chin up and march on….right???

The vintage Hartman may make a come back much sooner than I expected!!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Gene,

I apologize, somehow I missed your post.

The DKC will have 3 days of great weather I’m sure!!!!!!

My guess is you’ll be treated to some clouds & sun with temps in the 70’s. Passing precip will not slow the pace of the racing or the racers!!!!!!!

Won’t try to predict winners but I have a feeling we’ll see some tight races in all formulas. Jerry and Wayne looked as if their specific packages were running very well. I had a good day too, ran very competitive times with no grip at all. A few of the CIK guys were gettin’-it as well.

The locals will be ready!!!!

Had a bit of a set back, was going to pull the kart out of the trailer and clean it up and noticed quite a bit of water on the floor tray. The expansion bottle was empty so it’s certainly not a good problem. We’ll look into it this weekend and see if it can be fixed in a hurry.

Got a few weeks to go, hope everyone will make it out.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Mike,

Thank YOU!!! Obviously you are a “do’er”!!!!

It takes this kind of effort to get things done my friend!

How often can a small group of kart guys or girls get a shot at Mid-Ohio????

You are on the right path.

Again, good job bro!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Chad,

check here: http://cometkartsales.com/Fuel-Tanks-c-969/

They have different size/shape/capacity aluminum tanks online.

With a phone call you may be able to have them make one to order for you as well.

Good Luck,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Mike,

Although that doesn’t fit my schedule anyone local that has the time, $$$ and need to test should get involved.

Gingerman does a similar program on Summer evenings 5pm ’til dusk on weekdays.

If we don’t dig we can’t find the opportunities.

Short of a race entry how often can you get runs longer than 8-10 minutes without something like this???

Priceless, good work man!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Kelly, and others that “do”…..we don’t do it for the “Thanks You’s” but they do help the motivation!!!!

As always I forgot a bunch of folks that deserve a Thanks….

Bob Cole towed them in…
Larry Rumsey provided a ride….
Kenny Lawson (took an HOUR for B-fast!) got the coffee and signed them in ….
Rich Lawson (no kart) helped everyone in need….
Frank & Shawn Dawley supported anyone whom asked….
The Farr family also came out just because!!!!

The Fassen family allowed us to use their backyard, the EMT’s and corner personnel kept us safe and all the participants used there heads! Thanks to all of you for making it possible.

We had a small group of “new to karting” visitors that stumbled upon us and will return for the National to see and learn more, guys that have not been out came back to smell the fuel and caught the itch, karts resurrected as new packages with renewed drivers……

You get the picture. No, it wasn’t a big event with record numbers but we did what we could and got blessed with a decent day! It wound some folks up and got us some well needed attention.

There are those that do, and those that do not. It really is up to US as individuals to keep Road Racing as we know it alive. As the Original “MAN” Kenny D once said: “If 1 guy doesn’t make it, it’s a lesser event.” That has become very pronounced in this day and age, we have to stick together.

On that note we really missed our comrade (even if he is a Buckeye!) Scott Lowenstein. Unfortunately, like Rich, his kart was not complete.

Although coming out to watch or just to socialize was free on Saturday it sure was a good feeling to see folks in groups watching from different areas of the track. YES, I did see you out there watching while trying to stay on the black stuff!!!!!!!

I’m going to do my best to make M-O as a driver for the first time in 8 years. At worst, I will buy a pass and show up to help whomever I can and the DKC as well.

You never know when things may change and take all of this from us. Put in the effort, even if just to support your friends!

Brian, Mitch, Linda & family, Kelly and your “fans”……we look forward to having you guys and anyone else who may be able to make it supporting our local road course! We’ll try to do the same!!!!

I may have cleared $100, which looked good in the envelope on Sunday! :)

If that is all I ever get from it……it’s worth the trouble. (Ehhh, just don’t tell the Wife!)

Peace,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

……oh and, we were the absolute last rig to leave!!!!!!

Still can’t get over the remainder of a snow drift on the shore of the pond……

[Robert Lawson]

Thanks Linda,

I’ve been around this hobby of ours for a few years and really look up to the long term families like yours that keep plugin away year after year. It isn’t easy, obviously, we have seen soooo many families and individuals come and go. Recently we have seen a couple come back!!!!

There is only 1 “Man” and I have no problem bowing out to Kelly. He is a full throttle wide open guy that will do anything to get folks out to the track and involved. And passion??? I can’t match his level!!!!!

We had a young man come by and ask about a metric bolt or 2. My brother took care of it as I was busy swapping out parts but I did hear them offer to pay for it. When it comes to nuts and bolts, and we have something they need, as trivial as that……we give it away. It’s the culture we like to create and be a part of. Were all in it together!!!!

This time around I took Sam’s (track manager) advice and let them pull the strings and run the program. Glad I did because it allowed me to help many other guys get going and run more laps than I really needed. They even cooked the food for me!!!!!!!! (sorry, I forgot to send the coolers down with the food!!!)

I must give a HUGE shout out to Frank Dawley. He got out of bed Friday night to answer his phone and agree to my desperate request. I was at the track (3 hours from home) and forgot a side panel for my kart! He gratiously picked it up from my front porch on his way out……to WATCH!!!!!!

That may sound like a once in a life time favor from a good friend, right? Welp, back 10 years ago or so I need him to do THE EXACT SAME THING…..except it was a tail piece. He came through that time too, it’s why I called him this time.

Frank, today….JUST today…..you are “The MAN”!!!!!!!!!

We now refer back to Kelly…….

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Glad everyone made it there safely!

Not sure what happened to the weather, even at 5am this morning it was still a solid sunny forecast.

It warmed quickly but then got overcast. After lunch we got a heads up that rain was coming from Chicago over the lake and should arrive near the end of the day. Unfortunately it came earlier, between 2:30 & 3!

The dry track was extremely slick as we were the first to turn laps in 2014. In the wet…..forget it. A few continued but it did come down harder and ended the day early. We did get very long green flag runs to that point, it was a free for all out there!!!!!

The guys I spoke with were satisfied, as was I. Continuing all day would have just put more time on the engine with a slick surface. My program was complete with the first run after lunch. It was good fun turning the kart with the rear, especially after getting the chassis tuned for that condition. It didn’t make for great lap times but as mentioned all the testing was finished.

The track is in good shape, it always is in the Spring. The new bathrooms were a HUGE success as everyone agreed they were very well done. Going to show the Wife the video so we can make plans for May/July to weekend there with the dogs! She really didn’t like going out there simply because the potty was less than attractive. So that is good news for sure.

The National is just a month away so make plans to join us!

Hope everyone made it back home safe, thanks for coming out and we’ll see you next month!!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Dennis,

I was just going to wish everyone a safe ride out, then decided to check that forecast 1 last time……

Are you all sitting down?????

The overnight low (for those hanging with us Friday night) is 55.
Saturday were still on track to see partly sunny skies BUT…..the high is now 73!!!!!!!!!!

Chance of precip down to 10% with a wind out of the South at 14mph.

So, I’ll be applying for all local weather jobs here in the Detroit area!!!!! :)

Can you believe it????? An absolute miracle! Perfect conditions for an afternoon with friends!!!!

Our epic long trek from January to now turns out better than anyone could have expected. I do have a few guys coming that still have 2 feet of snow on the ground at their homes. THEY will enjoy this most of all.

Safe trip to all, look forward to letting everyone know ALL DAY LONG just how right the Maestro is!!!!!!

Move over Kelly, there is a new “MAN” in town!!!!!!!!

Love it when a plan comes together!

See ya’ll Saturday,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, just checked the forecast again and just keeps getting better folks!

Here is the latest:

Partly Cloudy High 66
Humidity 63%
Chance of “precipitation” (ha ha! ;D) 20%
Overnight low is mid to upper 40’s

IF we see 68 degrees I will be running around bragging how I should be a Meteorologist!!!!! :)

Hope everyone is “getting er done”!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The latest forecast update:

Saturday 4-12
AM clouds/PM sun
Partly sunny 58
wind SE 11mph
Low 48
Humidity 72%
chance of “R” 20%

The radar looks good for the 12th as well.

Not much in the way of rain out there all week so fingers crossed that the turf will remain in good shape too.

Cleaning out the trailer today, few things to button up yet but should be loaded up tomorrow.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Things are looking good at the moment.

Belding weather for the 12th is 53 & partly cloudy, ESE wind at 10mph with 66% humidity and a 10% chance of the “R” word. Overnight Friday will see a low of 38 with a 30% chance of “R” and sunrise at 7:04.

That’s a bit better than it was just yesterday and better yet than the day before. If it follows that trend it might just have a shot at my January prediction of 68 and sun!!!!!! :)

As long as its dry we’ll get it in. Low to mid 50’s isn’t too bad and should be warm enough to learn a few things.

Sam said the grounds look good and everything is ready to go.

Any news or changes will come here, stay tuned!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just 2 weeks out now and it’s looking a bit better here.

I’m NE of Detroit and we have no snow besides where it was piled up. And that isn’t much.

On the West side of the State it’s similar, at least from my reports further West of the track. I’ll be speaking with Sam again tomorrow morning but I expect the same report there.

More coming…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Jim,

If you move the rods closer to the shaft it will in effect slow down. It will require more input (rotation) of the steering wheel to do the same amount of turning but also requires much less effort.

The on track timing is slightly different, obviously. Shouldn’t take much practice to have it down. You will feel a noticeable difference in arm stamina.

My laydown 125 is set up this way. I prefer it to the quick steering as we shift on a butterfly at the wheel. The 2 combined can lead to vicious arm pump!!!

My shift leverage is the same way, it travels quite far but it’s effortless.

As for the last part of your question……no! Without relocating the attachment point at either component you can’t make a change in speed.

Good Luck,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Good News….

Spoke with the Management at Grattan today.

Got the “snow report” from Sam, he said the accumulation is now down by 50% from where it was just a week or so ago. He seemed confident it would be cleared up but is concerned about the deep frost and drainage of the melting snow. Thus far what has melted has not puddled and the grounds continue to absorb it.

More good news…..

The rumor of new or remodeled restrooms for this season is realized! Each of the Men’s and Ladies rooms will be 50% larger and contain PRIVATE shower/dressing stalls! With the rest of the remodel it is welcomed and long overdue. We will be the first to see the new restrooms, I think I’m more excited about that than driving the kart!!!!!

I’ll be in regular contact with Sam and will pass any updates along as I get them.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

It’s relentless!

Another 5″ yesterday and yet another round coming next week!!!!!!!

Between snowfall it has been melting away, we don’t have anywhere near the amount on the ground as we did just a week or 2 ago.

Were all so damn sick of it though. 4 feet over average is just ridiculous, we may break a record set in the 1880’s for God sakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good thing is, we have 4 weeks to go. All this stuff can be gone in a matter of days if Mother Nature cooperates. We’ll see, stay tuned………………

[Robert Lawson]

Nuts what is happening with the weather worldwide.

KC had a forecast of 70 then 45 the next day!

With a swing like that anything goes!!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Man, is this weather EVER going to get better?????

The super extended forecast for April 12th is Sunny and 48. At least it had sun in the description! ;)

I don’t get it, last Summer record high’s and now we won’t see 70 any time soon. You know it’s bad when you get excited about 40’s!!!!

To All Climate Scientists: Call it what it is!!! Warmer waters that cause a freakin ICE AGE should not be called Global “Warming”. Idiots. Who started this anyway??? Was it the “fuzzy math” guy????? Someone needs to take his keys!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I had a 86 TRX 250 engine a bunch of years back and looked into this.

At the time I was using DDR to do my RS 125 stuff and he said it would make a great engine……with a bit of updating.

“Updating” is a nice word for “Credit Card number please….” ;)

Needed certain model CR cylinder, aft market ign./head/pipe/reeds/cage….etc., etc…..

It’s a package……it’s always a package!!!!!

Yes, the counter shaft and 6 speeds was nice but the engine was very heavy. For the $$$$ and work, your better off with the CR dude.

Never did the mods but we did run it twice, on a laydown at Grattan and Gingerman. The guy driving it was just 150lbs, it was quite a handful. He never drove it again!!!!! :)

Just put 2 – CR 250’s on that thing man!!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Looks like an older multi cylinder sled pipe.

Could be an inline twin cylinder front pipe too.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I had a visit from a long time karting friend Saturday. He took the final 3 places for the test but did not want his/family name in print.

So, the test is now full!

The 250’s usually have the biggest number but it’s the F-125’s that have made up the largest group this time with 8!

5 – CIK 125’s
4 – Enduro’s
4 – Sprint/Enduro’s
3 – 250’s
1 – TAG

Any updates or info will be posted here.

Thanks everyone for participating!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I have responded to everyone that has made an inquiry and notified them of the “Musical Chairs” situation that will soon take place.

Not looking forward to the fallout but it should at least be entertaining! ;)

Good Luck boys!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Mailman was no help.

I’ll update this list as they come.

1. Wayne Rumsey
2. Larry Rumsey
3. Dennis Bernier
4. Eric Chappell
5. Chris Filmore
6. Everest Guerra
7. Ty Johnson
8. Jordan Johnson
9. Dillon Johnson
10. John Brasher
11. Alan Brasher
12. Eric Brasher
13. Scott Loewenstine
14. Jerry Revely
15. Frank Moscone Sr.
16. Jamal Rogers
17. Jaren West
18. Ryan West
19. Harry West
20. Racer X
21. Racer Y
22. Racer Z
23. Kenny Lawson
24. Rich Lawson
25. Robert Lawson

*Updated 2-10-14

RPM

[Author]

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