[Robert Lawson]

Please give us a post race report!

Again, tell the Kids we wish them all Good Luck!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Mike,

You should be commended!

Offering Kids (and Parents) an option to karting that will not require part of their College savings as an investment is fantastic. At $150 with fuel, that is peanuts, AND, it requires NO financial commitment from Parents if the kids don’t “get it”.

Some would say “Its arrive and drive, it will ruin Road Racing…. he’s just in it for the $$$!!” Well, ANY way of getting more bodies in Karts at Road Race Events is a good thing AND I say GOOD FOR YOU for making a dime…. although I don’t see much coming your way at $150 per day. Which brings me back to my initial statement….

Thank You for sharing the love of our Sport/Hobby with the next Generation!

Safe trip to Savannah!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

5 Weeks to entry deadline!

We are getting a great many “views” but no action at the mailbox or email.

It was 50 degrees here Sunday, far nicer than our planned October date!

Snowing out there right now, of course! End of Feb weather is unpredictable anyway, but, I feel a beautiful weekend awaits us in April!

Be back Sunday!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I know my buddy Tony C. looks in here so I thought I’d share about a road trip him and I will be taking before the Test in April.

Will be visiting Johnny West in Illinois next month, he invited us out to do some Dyno tuning and testing. Super excited about trying some things in direct comparison to what we already run. Going to feed the ole Girl some different flavored fuel/oil “Cocktails” too and see what it produces.

I hope to share what I have been working on in the background here since August very soon! Don’t want to jinx it until its set in stone!

More to Come!!!!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

6 Weeks and counting….

We still have a week or so of Feb so I won’t freak just yet. The mailbox and Paypal have all but stopped dead, but come the 1st of March I am going to push very hard.

There is much more that goes into to this than typing and phone calls. I too would like to test and participate, along with the planning & logistics of things running smoothly and getting everyone fed.

I have a huge list of peeps that said “I’m in” but that number is not realistic, it never is. We’ll see, its still early but the time is flying by!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Happy Valentines Day to all the Karts out there!!!!!

I know you have been ignored since October but your special guy is gonna do something for you that will have you turning laps in no time!!!

Thats right, he will make a commitment to you to spend the WHOLE WEEKEND alone on the track in Grattan TWP in just a few more weeks! If yer patient, you might just get new Rings AND Shoes!!!!!!

We LOVE our ladies, do we not????

Enjoy the weekend fellas but remember…. if you take care of Her, she’ll take care of You!!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

T minus 7 Weeks and counting……

Things have slowed right down here at the mail box. The Paypal has been inspiring though! I set up a Paypal only account at a different bank than my Personal stuff and just trying to get comfortable with their online format.

Nothing new just yet, its the calm before the Storm!

BBS!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

8 Weeks to the entry deadline!!!

We are already 1 week into Feb, its flyin’ right by!!!!!

[Robert Lawson]

Its Official!!!!!!

Punxsutawney Phil has declared: “Spring will be early, it’s a certainty.”

What else do you need folks? Send that check or money order now, or hit us up on Paypal at f-125@hotmail.com

Packin’ up the long johns, I’m getting my shorts out early!

[Robert Lawson]

Things are slowly picking up.

We got another Paypal entry and spoke to some folks on the phone who are sending their entries in as well. LOTS of looks here on EKN too! Thanks to Y’all that have posted links on SM to get as many looking at this as possible!

Like last time we are getting more full weekend participation than single day guys… lets hope that continues!

I’m tearing it up in the garage building that “T” car. The 4 corners are mocked up, we’ll make a decision on what to do with the front width next time out. Then a ride height check/adjustment will lead to welding all of that in place very soon! Already have a couple guys asking about rides in it!

9 Weeks to go….

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Another week gone!

Between the gym and the garage I’m feeling pretty good. Sometimes I think its going to be a stretch getting in the kart by April. This is going to be a longer recovery time than a broken bone. Much more “growth” has to take place for the vertebra spacer to be stable. I keep plugging away though!

By this time next week I should have 4 corners on the Animal Project kart. From there the ride height can be tuned in and its a-welding-we-will-go! Things will really start happening quicker at that point.

Got my Primary engine completely rebuilt and sitting right here in the house with me! After testing I’ll get started building the kart for that engine and with any luck should be able to shake it down at Nelson, Gingerman, or Pitt. Worse case, we try to do a Grattan test in October again. This kart is my Daytona project and just needs a shake down before Dec. The plan was to run it with a rented Modena at Daytona so we’ll see if that works out.

Super busy! All kinds of things going on here but I still can’t explain yet.

Get off your wallets boys and send Big Daddy some $$$$$!!!!! I would really like to put this thing to rest EARLY!

See you soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Jerry Revely is our first Pay Pal entrant!

Thanks Pop’s R and Jr. for being a staple in these Test & Tune Track Days!

Welcome back Eric Chappell!!! (PayPal #2!!)

I’m in the garage today, working on the Animal Project chassis. Next week we’ll make our first parts purchase for this rig and really start making ground for an April debut.

Yes, we finally got Winter here in Metro Detroit… it snowed. But 10 weeks will fly bye and I still have a feeling we will see fantastic weather for April in Western MI!

Back soon!

 

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

GREEN FLAG!!!

I wasn’t going to start the sales pitch, the fundraising and grandstanding, for a couple more weeks but I got a check today!

Adding to the October holdovers Chris West and Steve Pasteiner, John and Alan Brasher are first to send their entry for the April test weekend.

The gates have been opened, it’s on guys.

I will wear this fact out over the next 10 weeks but as soon as we clear the lease, its done. No more.

Don’t take the chance of being left out, do like John & Al, write the check & drop it in the box.

I’ll warn the Postman!!!

More to come…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I’ve been aware that Easter is April 12th for some time now…..

It was only a matter of time until someone else raised an eyebrow. Its too early to start changing up the date until we know how it will effect things.

The  4th & 5th of April were also available, as usual, so it isn’t off the table yet. I’ll have to call Sam to be sure its still open, AND get feed back from Y’all before making any changes.

Most of Y’all that know me know that I bring a Bible with me everywhere, especially the track. When I can’t be at a Church Service because I’m racing I just do it in my trailer!!! I know a few of you have overheard me in there making a video on a Sunday morning. Its all good. Last June my Bro Kenny and I hit a local Church for Sunday Worship Service on our way to the track in Mansfield. We were not racing so arriving late wasn’t an issue. To be honest I wish there WAS a group doing some sort of Church meeting at the track early in the AM on Sunday’s. Just in the last 2 seasons have I been pleasantly surprised to find others at the track that believe as I do. I thought I was on an Island!!!

Anyway, April 12th being Easter is not an issue for me personally. If feedback tells us it will become a deal breaker then we’ll see about changing it.

Send an email guys if this is something you just cant do.

Thanks!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

*** The info above has been updated! (1-9-20)

Yeah, this Ins. thing never goes well.

So I think were just gonna go with the Track waiver!

We’ve done it this way for 25 years or more with no issue. Our safety record is unblemished.

Looking over my lists and notes from 17′ when we pulled off the financing for a 2 fer, most participants were full weekend entries. If that is the case here we will be ok. I do not want Saturday overloaded with single day guys to be able to pay for Sunday. Again, Big Daddy will accept a couple bucks free & clear of the lease… but it is NOT my goal. And most certainly NOT if the safety of all involved is compromised.

So, I’ll cap it off.

There is a magic number of mixed Sat/Sun participation to still have the relaxed atmosphere we have all come to enjoy.  I’ll let you know as I start collecting fees how many of each are available.

Business is about to pick up boys!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, 1 down and 1 to go!

That “meeting of the minds” went about as I expected. The next is really a formality, maybe a tiny bit cheaper but much the same.

Dealing with Insurance Co’s is like sitting with a Lawyer. You get the feeling they do not have YOUR best interest in mind.

I’ll keep you updated.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Your Welcome Tom, that ballpark figure came from Steve Pasteiner a long time Yamaha pipe class guy.

I see you are from MN, long haul to Grattan Twp. MI but it will be worth the trip. You could come, make a weekend of it, even if you just run on Saturday. Sunday could be used to get back home. You’ll get as many laps as you can handle in 7 hrs!

Think about it, its 2 full months before Mid-Ohio.

[Robert Lawson]

Tom, I sent you a PM.

Boys, (and girls!)

Its just been 2 days since posting the info for April and we have more interest than all last winter. I’m cautiously optimistic, but, if this thing blows up, I will put a cap on participation.

The idea of a test day being Closed & Private is the fact that there is lots of open, uncongested track to work on.

Depending on the mix of 1 day / 2 day entry’s we could be as low as 25, or as high as 40 drivers to pull off a weekend lease. We won’t go over 40, that’s the limit.

Insurance meeting on Monday, should know more about how that plays in afterwards.

Were just getting started!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Closed Private Kart Test & Tune

Grattan Raceway April 11 – 12 2020

Friday 4-10:

6pm: Entry for Trailer drop off or Paddock/Garage entry and camping.

10pm: Gate closes.

 

Saturday 4-11:

7am: Gate opens.
Only Drivers and Crew Members will be admitted inside the Track unless prior arrangements for non participants/spectators have been made. ALL others will watch from outside the Circuit, Management may require signing a Waiver to be on the Track grounds.

8am: Drivers Meeting.
This is mandatory, do not arrive late to the Track. A required Track Prep List for each kart must be correctly filled out BY THE DRIVER of that kart before you can get on the track. It must be signed by an Official and a participant sticker will be issued. No sticker on kart, No kart on track.

9am: Track is Green!
We will run non stop until a kart is reported off Circuit by a Marshal. At that time a 15 minute clock will start, no one will have to sit for more than 15 min and upon going green if the first kart on track goes off we will always get at least 15 min of testing time before pick-up. Be aware, we may have 2 groups in the AM  for New or Young participants.

12:30pm: Lunch break.

5pm: On Track activity ends.

6pm: Dinner for Drivers and Crew.

11pm: Gate is Closed

 

Sunday 4-12:

7am: Gate opens

8am: Drivers Meeting

9am: Track is Green. 

12:30pm: Lunch Break. 

5pm: On Track activity ends. 

FEES:

Single Day Driver Fee: $225

Weekend Driver Fee: $325

**Single day entries will be limited, Saturday AND Sunday**

**Entry is NON transferable and NON negotiable!**

**Refunds will be sent if cancellation takes place PRIOR to the date of the event.**

**You must Prepay. No entries will be accepted at the Track.
Entry in-hand deadline is April 1st.

Send check or Money Order payable to:

Robert Lawson

17731 Ivanhoe

Roseville, MI. 48066

*Please include Driver name, number of Crew attending, and kart class*

 

*** NOTES:

> We will not stop Green running for gate traffic, BE ON TIME!

> PayPal payments welcome. (please use Friends & Family option)

>NO pit passes Issued, All must sign the Track Waiver before entering.

> Race Gas will NOT be available from the Track. BYOF

> 2 day Participants are required to date & sign their Prep List each day.

(this does NOT require a 2nd form, email of advance copy pending)

> Dinner will be provided Saturday Evening for all Drivers and Crew.

> Camping is Free.

> Garages are Free and open to First come.

> Participants may pit in the Upper OR Lower Paddock.

> All times are tentative and subject to weather and track conditions.

 

To inquire about late night arrival, format, scheduling, to pay by Paypal or other questions (Spectating, or bringing Children under 12)

Send email here: f-125@hotmail.com

April deadline is just 3 weeks away!

More to come,

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Got a text from JW, he did win the 8 lap Unltd race.

Denver was 2.38 seconds back in 2nd, and Wilhelm was 3rd,  22.64 sec behind the lead. All 3 turned in their best time on the last lap. Denver Liabenow getting the fastest time at 1:54.611, less than a full 10th better than Johnny’s.

He is going to buzz me later, I have to know why all class laps times were down this year. Of course the green track could have played a part, the warm humid air maybe, who knows.

Daytona is over, so its back to reality. My rehab along with diet and exercise program get started very soon. I’m actually looking forward to getting out of here with a goal to chase!

Happy New Year!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

All racing over…. by 2:45!

Last race group had the only Red Flag of the day. My eyes on the ground say it was at T3 and, it was “bad”.

I just asked if WKA was going to open the track for practice since it never rained and they cut everyone short. I got a laugh, and the expected answer…. NO.

Other behind the scenes story’s make this gig sound like a fiasco. I’m really starting to re consider this trip next year.

Still waiting on JW’s call.

More comin’

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The Unltd race is finished.

Like everything else down there the listings on the scoring was botched.

1st and 3rd place, as of right now, were unrecognizable as the were listed as “Waiting for Data”. Denver Liabenow was 2nd.

I’m guessing 1st and 3rd were JW and B. Wilhelm but I’m not sure of the order.

NO new track lap record this week, Jim Russell’s time is safe for another year!

I’ll be back with the who’s who from the Unltds.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Enduro group just finished a 25 minute race.

There must be something they see on radar I’m not seeing. Thats the only reason to cut races short all day…. especially after having everyone sit in the rain for 2 days!

A Sprint group is next, then the Unltd race. What I have been seeing for entries starting these races looks terrible. Where did everyone go????

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The 1st race had Stk. Honda in it. Its listed as race 2 on the schedule, and it was only a 15 min run. They actually started a bit early as the schedule also lists racing from 11-5 and that 1st race was already over at 11.

Not sure what they are dealing with down there so we’ll just have to wait until its over for someone to clue us on why things are not to schedule.

Cadet is up now, they too are a 15 minute race (normal)

Be back in 15 or so…..

[Robert Lawson]

Looks like the weather will cooperate in Daytona today.

Watching the Monitor I’m surprised that guys are only registering a couple laps. Everyone posting a lap has a transponder. With the few attempts they’ll get and all the down time they had one would just think they would be prepared to crank out some laps.

We’ll see what shakes.

I’ll be back…..

RPM

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