[Robert Lawson]

Thanks for Responding.

Because something is lost in text that is obvious when speaking directly person to person, I just want to be clear.

I never called out You or Dave, it would be shortsighted for anyone to think the 2 of you run everything “EKN” or HMG and are solely responsible. I referred to the “glitch” as Censorship simply because none of the other Forum Groups are having this issue…. maybe due to the Road Racing Group being the only section used? But still, even this Group for example had updated 10 months ago with one of Linda Baldus’ additions. A sticky or “pinned” thread at the top of each Group page would have been helpful in knowing that the site was no longer moderated or active.

My point was/is, that the coincidence has a bias of sorts is all, and I have been a regular poster here for years.

Its all good, Safe Travels Bro!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Guys,

I just spent a good 15-20 minutes writing a thoughtful and intelligent message to you about this website. Just as I finished, it disappeared.

I’m going to seek another forum to post on, what’s happening here is BS. Go to the Main Forum Page and scroll down, look at how long its been since anyone has posted in each Subject. If you open each one they are accurate, except THIS ONE.

No one opening EKN to any page other than the ROAD RACING TOPIC FORUM Directly, with the subject being TRACK DAY DISCUSSION, would even get the true info that WE are the only active and recent subject on the entire sight, even more so than the Classifieds!

Why am I being censored like that? How long has it been going on for GOD sake??? I use this place, even though its a shell of what it once was, to spread the word of the track day happenings. Its no wonder when I hand out a flier at the races guys are flabbergasted. They have NO IDEA we hold these things!

So, I will be moving out. This forum will end like the others, with nothing but a 6 year old memory of when things were much better. But it won’t be because I haven’t brought the views, the traffic, nope…. it will be because EKN is suppressing a guy’s passion and hard work.

If you want info on where we will gather in the future, send me a note here:

f-125@hotmail.com

I may be back, if I have too……..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We ran into a bit of a snag here with the radiator on the Project kart and did not make it to Mid-Ohio. The rad has a leak after welding air conveyor mounts on it, and Rich has to do the welding at work due to our machine being on the fritz. He takes it in, brings it back, leak has moved, repeat! He dropped it off last night, I have not checked it this AM to see if we can finish off this deal and get it to JW.

So, another massive event at Mid-Ohio, 700+ race entries. This time, for the first time in a few years, no rash of red flags on Saturday. But, we lost another long time road racer, Dan Stowell in race 1 on Sunday. We still have no info from the “investigation” by WKA of the fire and eventual loss of David Lee’s life from Roebling Road back in February.

We all know there are risks. When someone makes a mistake, whether it be in kart prep leading to a failure or on the track in bad judgement/driving habits….. it can happen to you even if its not your doing. So how can you do what you enjoy (driving your kart) and lessen the risk? I’ll tell you, I feel much more at ease on a track day than at these Mega Events for sure. I don’t go to these Events with a trailer, sometimes not at as a spectator either. Personally, I’m no longer comfortable in a crowd. Also, if there are less drivers on the track, or at the event, your chances are better you’ll leave there the way you came. But, nothing is guaranteed in this life…..

Not sure we’ll make Grattan in July, this Project has to be delivered so we have the space to work on our own stuff, which there is plenty! We’ll see, maybe just a vacation to Camp and fish with the Youngin’s and watch. You just never know.

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

What an awesome day we had!!!

2 days for Dave Ahrens and Myself as we stayed over until Tuesday!!! After packing up most of our stuff except the karts we had Dinner (Venison Brats!) then a nice shower and a quiet bonfire until 11:30…. then off to bed! Got 8 hours of sleep, we had coffee and just relaxed enjoying the peace & quiet of a tranquil Grattan Raceway!!!

Super happy with our little Yamaha Sportsman ride. We straightened out the handing with the tiny 4.50 tires on all 4 corners, repaired the clutch leak for good as its not leaking days later, and got a good tune on the carb. Now I need to drop a bunch of weight so I can be comfortable in it again! Starting the new prescription weight loss plan 5 weeks ago I’m already down 10 lbs and have moved up to the next level of higher potency meds for the next 10 weeks. Very much looking forward to driving all our karts as the Summer progresses.

We have a few events to visit in June/July, a couple in September, and ending things back at Grattan in October.

Plenty of action to report on, stay tuned, it will be an interesting few months!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Here we are, just over 10 days away from our now Annual Summer Test & Tune at Grattan Raceway!

I shared this note elsewhere today but for those who may not “do” social media, (and I don’t blame you!), I’m taking inspiration from others in just the past couple years that participate in these little Private track days. Short of the Weather not cooperating we WILL be on track June 5th even if I don’t get the number I need. Others…. like Brad Jackson, Ted Steffke, Dan Barth, Joe Barth, Joe Wallace, Steve Pasteiner, Eric Chappell, Wayne Rumsey, and I’m sure more, HAVE at some point paid their driver fee and was not able to make it out. They never ask for the $$$ back AND insist that its for the better/future of the group to continue to be able to do these Test’s. They have seen me take it in the rear financially in past years just to keep it going and were grateful….. thats humbling!

So, even though we have a few spots remaining I will make up whatever is necessary to make the full Lease payment, gladly!

With all thats going on out there in this corrupt and morally bankrupt World, when you have the chance to Play….. you’d better do it. The choice to do so may not be your own very soon.

I’ll bring the Yamaha kart home this weekend and get it ready to go. I’m actually looking forward to driving it!!! LOL!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We have about half of the June 5 lease paid now. Many of the “yes” answers I sent a note to about getting their payment in have not responded yet. With 3 weeks to go I’ll be all over um this week!!! LOL!

The finish line of the 250 project kart for John West is coming right down to the final tic’s on the clock. He wants the Kart for Mid-Ohio, which means I will have to run the Yamaha Sportsman kart with no time to mount the new body and floor tray. But, a ride is a ride and at this point I’ll drive anything!!!

Looking forward to pulling the helmet back on, hope we get a nice day out there!

More coming,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

And just like that….. we are on our way!

June 5th will be the date of our 2023 version of the Official Summer Kart Test!

It really works out well! Come out on Sunday and drop off or camp, do your test or tuning on Monday and get back home without needing a second day off work. It falls just before Mid-Ohio making it the last chance to get tuned up for this region’s largest karting event each year. It also happens to be after CES’s event at the Ozarks, WKA’s event at NCCAR, AND the track day at Nelson (in case they get rained out!). It really is the LAST chance to get your Kart/Package super tuned and running at its best for Mid-Ohio.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at: rpmspeedsport@protonmail.com

Although the Track has raised our lease price AGAIN for the 2nd time in 2023 we refuse to raise our driver fee from the past few years. $225 gets each driver the open testing format they have come to enjoy and expect at each Test Day event we provide.

We are taking payments now,

Personal Check or Money Order to

Robert Lawson
17731 Ivanhoe St.
Roseville, MI 48066

OR Pay Pal, using the Frens & Fam option, to

f-125@hotmail.com

AS ALWAYS, this is a prepay event, 100% refundable if cancelled!

Be Well Y’all,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just a quick note to clear the air….

I have been getting contact from many of you about the Grattan “test & tune” advertised on the News/Main page here at EKN.

NO, its not Me or any of our guys.
YES, I knew about it.

I wish him luck, he’ll need it with that date!

In the spirit of Competition, lets ramp up the conversation about Early June shall we? The week of June 5-6-7 are all open. I would choose Monday the 5th, it allows us to gather on the hill opposite the Paddock outside the track Sunday June 4th until the bikes are finished and leaving. ALSO, it gives us the foresight to call off or move to either the 6th or 7th if weather doesn’t play in our favor.

I’ll be sending this to everyone so, check your inbox guys!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Hey Y’all, just an update on what is happening….

I have weekday dates for the entire month of June. I know some will want PRE Mid-Ohio (16-18) dates, others that just want to turn laps don’t care either way. I’ll start sending out some info to see who may be interested very soon.

More to come,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well, the Spring Test has come and gone.

We did end up having the wrong date, and was moved to the 8-9 weekend just days before our false date of the 1-2. As you know, it was a blessing, as the 1-2 was a cold wash out!

We held on to enough drivers after the date change to STILL run both days. Sunday being Easter, we cut a deal to skip the lunch break in exchange for ending an hour early. That worked out great for the 12 drivers that paid for the full weekend as the last running kart/driver said “No Mas” at 4:28pm!!!

Sarah got her first taste of feeding the group, her rendition of the American classic “Sloppy Joe” was very well accepted! Some Saturday only folks went home earlier in the day so she had an excess to take home. That is not going to happen on a Single Day Test where everyone comes to eat.

So a big Thanks to:

Chuck Alband, my buddy doing tow back on his Quad WITH a walking cast on his foot!

Bob Cole, our main-stay at tow back AND provider of a ride (CIK LO206) for a driver with a terminally broken kart!!!

Bobby K, who spray paints the aging reference cones and argues with me about their placement round the track!

Al Brasher and Pat McIntyre, who helped sweep rocks and squeegee water off the track surface Friday evening!!!

Max & Sarah Pasteiner, for taking the food service off my back (mind!) and doing a Great Job with it.

AND: George Argiris, Steve Pasteiner, John Brasher, John DeBats, Sean Swisz, and all the others who were concerned with my recovering health and offered to do anything needed to keep things running smoothly.

I’m grateful to have these folks as friends!

More coming…..

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its been brought to my attention (thanks Steve!) that I have failed to post the (correct) date for our April Test!!!!!

ALL THE WAY BACK in November of 22 I posted April 8-9…. since then I have not posted the date!!!! I mention “April” quite often, even “X” amount of weeks to go…. but no mention of the correct date!!!!

Our Annual Spring Training “Closed Private Test” is……………….

APRIL 1-2!

You know, I was all over FB with this stuff and never really sent out emails OR posted much here as I have in the past. All I can say for ALL of this is I blame the Anistesia!!!!!

Stay with me Y’all, I’m starting to come out of it!!!!! LOL

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

As posted on FB we are FULL for Saturday and will be running the FULL WEEKEND.

I’m still taking Sunday only entries and will consider group runs on Saturday if we get a bunch more Weekend drivers.

I may actually walk away from this thing in the Black!!!!

Little nervous bout my first ride post surgery but looking forward to it just the same. If I change my mind I’ll have plenty of volunteers ready to test the bits I have ready in my place.

The latest pattern of winter weather is a bummer but we still have a couple weeks to go. Let all pray for a good weekend, it doesnt have to be hot, or even warn… just dry and sunny. And over 45!!!!

Hang in there, more coming!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

We are now into March, just inside of 4 weeks to go.

The full weekend is well in reach but its not a done deal. Because the 2nd day is discounted it requires more entries to pull it off that a single day alone. If it all stops today, we don’t make it. We’ll see, still some time for warmer weather to get some guys wound up to go.

Although I’m still over 2 weeks from officially going back to work, I feel ready now. I’ll ease my way in from here so come the 19th I should be able to go full speed.

Plenty to do, watching the weather, hoping to have a nice weekend at the Track!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Its been 2 weeks and we are REALLY kicking ass on the Test Day entries!

Looks like a FULL Weekend is very possible, I’m getting payments and email regularly! MOST of the $$$ I have here is for a 2 day gig. I just hope it continues.

We have a LOT to offer this April, that new bit of paving last fall will make all the difference when it comes to having a fast and enjoyable track to run on. It makes looking at 2 days a little more motivating!!!!

IF I’m able (and willing!) we’ll have the Yamaha kart with us to amuse ourselves. Too much has to be done to the F-125 to get us in a comfortable seating position, so no chance that it will be coming with us.

Still a few weeks out from getting back to work, I’m sticking to the Dr’s schedule. Once turned loose I have the JW project to finish and get out of here 1st. Then, right after that, we’ll be getting the Cadet’s together (basically buying parts) along with the rebuilding/resurrecting of the Renspeed CIK shifter to our “Fashion Show” level of standards! Hoping to have the Shifter ready for shakedown in July at Grattan then loading as much as we can into the trailer for Nelson a couple weeks later.

Really want to enjoy ourselves at Nelson. Run as much as we can and spend quality time with Paul & Jimmy Anthony, Rick Gunther, George Sunderland and anyone else who will put up with us as we camp out for the weekend in late July. After that, God willing, we’ll head back to Gingerman in Sept and play a bit there too.

ALL of my plans hinge on the Kids, if they have the bug then I may just step aside to make room for them.

As I wrote, more $$$ coming in at Paypal!!! Back to work, see you soon!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

The trip went great, got the kids each a kart and a pile of bits… even Cherri bought something!!!!

Nice guy from Cleveland/Chagrin Falls made me a deal I just couldn’t pass up. He kept throwing things in until ALL of it was included…. the sweet rolling stand too! We didn’t pay asking price AND got a Vortex Mini Rok engine with the package. Best part is, I pulled up the truck and they loaded it all up!!!!

Beyond all that I spoke to a few other Road Racing guys there that asked about April. We will start taking entries now, I actually have a few in the drawer here from October that are ahead of Y’all right now.

The hold overs that couldn’t make it last October paid $225 each so I’m going with that for April too. I expect Sam to hit me for more $$$ but we’ll just have to work harder at getting a bigger crowd to cover it!!!!

Things will start happening quickly now, its staying light longer and we can see April coming.

Back soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I either STILL have it, or, the Wife doesn’t know who I am!!!

Well, somehow I talked the Wife into going to the OVKA swap with me!!! I did throw a Friday night at the Hampton/Hilton at her to sweeten the deal but I still can’t believe I pulled it off!

I have meetings set-up with Paul Martin and parts coming from Brad at MCP. Also picking up some Horstman axle clutch bits for John at Fox Valley Kart AND my new CIK bodywork from Doug marsh at Rocketech Motorsports. I’ll also have a PILE of $$$ on hand just incase there is a deal I can’t pass up, I’ve been looking for a sweet deal on a Cadet Kart for the Niece/Nephew…. so I’m taking the Truck just incase!!!!!

Had a 6 week check with the Cardiologist 1-31-23, he said NO WORKIE for another 6 weeks so….. a Shopping we will go!! 6 more weeks of Vacation folks, I may not have enough cash to make it!!!!!

More soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I like “Shopping Season”!!!!

Now I know why women love to shop! Man, when I get started it just snowballs. I’m looking at a few more things yet, I don’t really NEED them, but the deals are crazy out there right now!!!!

Super excited about this old CIK kart. Larry will never recognize it when I’m done. I have in the works new bodywork, new fuel tank, rebuilt brakes, new brake lines, new tires, wheels and chassis recoated, billet pedals, new seat, new steering wheel, fresh engine…. I can’t wait to drive it!!!!!!

I have so much I want to get done this year, get the bodywork on both the Yamaha and 4 banger karts, finally build the Emmick F-125 and get around to our own 250!!! With the CIK shifter finished the need for another sit up kart (Anderson) in running condition won’t be super important. I’ll know after 1 weekend if the sit up position will be easier on my back. At that point we’ll know what to finish and SELL and what to hang on to!

5 weeks post-surgery, I feel good, bout 70%! I’ll work on building muscle and stamina when this bone is fully back together. I’m doing a bit now but not as much as I’m capable, and, well under the pace of getting hurt and going backward! It’s cold, I don’t mind being the “Tortoise”.

Hang in there Y’all!!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Just 10 weeks until the Spring Test at Grattan!

It may be hard to think about this in January, but, here in the Detroit Burbs…. we have NO snow! I spoke to Harry West who is just north of the snow belt line in Harrison Mi., he also has NO snow…. and THAT is really amazing! Not sure Larry Rumsey way over on the West Coast of MI has snow either. Hey, I dig it!

10 weeks will fly right by. I intend to get out in the garage, even if briefly, to pop pistons out of CIK calipers to get info on rebuilds. Then go shopping! The CIK brake lines and fittings suck, literally! The system is well known for leaking and needing constant bleeding and work. I’ll fix that buy RPM’n this pig and using AMERICAN Fittings, Hoses and Masters! This is an old kart, its not worth anything so I will only be helping it to be track worthy into the future.

As soon as I’m able and cleared by the Doc I’ll be finishing the JW Secret Project (hope you enjoy the build clips on you tube!) that got put on hold for Surgery Season. Looking forward to moving on, in every aspect of life, and running it WFO to the finish!

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

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

So, the tune is changing…..

Yesterday Che’ and I went to see the Surgeon. He gave me a clean bill, still on a limited/regulated program of none of this, very little of that, at least for the next few weeks. Last night I slept IN bed instead of on the Lazyboy, I had been in bed early on but wasn’t getting any sleep. Was able to roll onto my right side without too much pain and slept pretty good. Left side, not so much. Dont know why but it just caused a nagging pain in the Sternum. The Doc also asked about the Karts, “when do you get started again?” I said April and he said “no problem, you’ll be stronger than before”.

So as it turns out, it was pretty bad. My Left Anterior Descending artery (had 2 stents) otherwise known as the “Widowmaker” was completely replaced, 2 other arteries had Issues, the Circumflex artery had 2 stents in it as well and it was completely bypassed along with another on that same left side. He removed a portion of my heart on the bottom, a branch of the Acute Marginal artery on the lower right. In all he took 10″ of artery out of my left forearm, a good bit out of my right thigh and an artery from my chest cavity wall. He said I should be good to go for at least 20 years, and, if something needed attention long down the road that Stents will be used. I assured him, NO ONE will ever crack me open again… no chance I’ll go through this a second time!

Now I’m off to the Rec Center to re-up my membership and start on a treadmill…. then the bike, then machines & eventually weights. Dont know that I’ll have anything to drive come April that doesn’t need a bunch of work but we’ll see how I’m feeling. Maybe we’ll play with the 4 banger or the Yamaha!!!

Back soon,

 

RPM

 

[Robert Lawson]

Man, the view from 2 months later is nothing as I expected.

Middle of Nov I started having “symptoms” that I thought were long in my past. By the end of November I cancelled my Hotel reservations, called WKA to give up my garage and entered Dr. Appointment/Pre Surgical Test Season!

To shorten it right up, I chose to believe the Surgeon and have a coronary triple bypass. The alternative was more stents to open the clogged stents from 17-20 years ago. Looking back, I should have insisted on the stents. My Cardiologist said if I went with the stents I’d be back in 3-5 years…. which was what he used to point, or scare me, to the bypass instead. I wish I would have gave it more thought, I actually sat home for a full week with no activity allowed and a bottle of Nitro “just incase” before my surgery date so it couldn’t have been too damn bad. It certainly was not handled as an Emergency situation.

So, the Secret Project did not make Daytona. I did not make Daytona. And now I have this lap full of sour grapes. My tune will change as I heal and get stronger, I hate the cold of Winter anyway, but I’m having a hard time dealing with the feeling I made the wrong choice.

The week before going in I DID make it to Grattan to measure up the parking/display area for a potential swap meet. We’ll see, the weather will play a major part in anyone really getting involved in this.

So, with NOTHING but time on my hands for the next couple months I may be back sooner than later!

Talk Soon,

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Wow, looking back at some of the video clips here….. I need to get back to that shape!

I got our Weekend Dates for 2023…

April 8-9 and October 28-29

We seem to be getting pushed back later and later in the season. There was a time when we ran our Fall date in mid September!!! This is the down side to getting a price break, anyone comes along with full pay and out you go!!!!

As mentioned, I would like to plan on a Summer weekday date as well, just as we did this year. ALSO I have been contacted about doing a “Swap Meet” in April along with the Track Activity. I’m working out how to handle this because I think its a great idea, just need to keep a solid separation of the 2 so things still run smoothly On-Track.

We continue to stay busy here, its Election Day so I’ll soon know if Daytona is out of the question and how things will shake out in the foreseeable future.

Hang with me Y’all, it’ll get better!!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Well into “re-entry” week here in Roseville, its tough but I have made progress! The F-125 is full of -20 antifreeze, the Yamaha kart is at the Storage unit, the Secret Project has turned a corner and is now heading for the finish, and I have a ton of room in the Garage to get things done.

A quick update on our Fall Test last weekend, Patrick McIntyre had emergency surgery, Joe Wallace and Charlie Tobin were both down with the “sickies” so all 3 missed out. Steve Pasteiner finished his 10 day project mounting a “left over” IAME Leopard on his old enduro. Literally had to pull it out and reassemble the entire kart as it was put away for good! Max Pasteiner shook it down and did a few runs with it but Steve never got on-track!!!???? Charlie Tackett took Charlie Tobin’s place and got behind the wheel after 30 years out of a kart! That was cool to watch!!!  Bob Cole finally took some laps after my urging him to do so for the past 3 years! Paul Nickl’s girlfriend Jennifer Smith (daughter of Russ Smith, former enduro racer) drove a CIK TAG most of the day. It had been 10-15 years since she was in a kart, I kept telling her “there is no extra charge for the smile!!!” She had a great time. And our resident photographer Bob Kurkowski found out what has been ailing his Rotax Evo all year….. low battery voltage! After a quick peak charge all his issues were gone! Time for a new battery Bob!!!!

What a beautiful few days out at Grattan, Bob and I along with Sean Swisz camped out (more like passed out!) near the Pool by the front gate Saturday night. Took my time loading up and started for home well after Noon.

Sure hope we get a record temp weekend in April as well!!! The track is now in really good shape and should be fun to drive fast on again with the really bad stuff being repaired. With the sucess of the June weekday deal last year I’m going to get a date going for that as well as our Annual April dates (2023: 4-1/2 or 4- 8/9) in the next week or 2.

Next year Sarah and Max Pasteiner have agreed to be our “Caterer’s” and handle the lunch (or dinner on full weekends) in trade for some track time! Which is well worth it to me to be completely hands off. Looking forward to that!!!

Thanks to all who participated, it doesn’t happen without EVERY ONE OF YOU getting involved!!!!

See you here soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

I froze my a$$ off today loading the trailer! It just kept getting colder as the day went, actually had a bit of snow/rain at one point.

Took a break, warmed up, packed my helmet bag and clothes, re checked the weather, gathered up some food, had lunch! Later, Rich helped me load the karts in and you could feel a change, the sky had big blue sections to it. From here to next Wednesday, it will just get better and better.

The partial repave was finished yesterday afternoon so BONUS…. we’ll have Sun, Heat AND a smooth track!!!! It just gets better if we look forward to April…. very little if any running will be done on it between Sunday and our Date in April!!!!!

I’m out tomorrow by 11am and after a stop to visit with a friend I should be at the track by 3pm. Looking very much forward to seeing everyone and getting a ton of laps on Saturday!

Safe Trip Y’all!!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Here it is Friday 10-14-22 and the forecast for Monday & Tuesday do not look good for the resurfacing scheduled at Grattan. A smooth portion of track surface would make dealing with less than perfect weather conditions more tolerable.

We’ll see how it shakes out.

The F-125 is all but finished. I have a couple minor things to do but it will be done before the end of this weekend. Did some more shopping for the CIK 125 today. Have a cylinder & head coming that will drop on ready to run, the cylinder that is on it now was cleaned up but needs to be replated. I’ll do that sometime but for now this was a cheaper alternative. (another smokin’ deal!)

On track or not, I’m really looking forward to getting past this Test weekend and getting back to the Daytona Secret Project. It really needs to be done and delivered so we can get busy on OUR STUFF for the off season!

Again, I’ll be watching the weather out at Grattan and contact you all before Thursday Night…. Go or No-Go.

Dark Sky – 7418–7678 Lessiter Rd NE, Belding, MI

Back Soon!

RPM

[Robert Lawson]

Heading toward completion of the F-125 AND participants for our Test in just 2.5 weeks.

The weather has turned a bit, the hurricane has been pulling cold air down from the Great White North. Looks like a bounce back is coming though, I don’t mind running heat in the trailer at night as long as its sunny and mild during the day!

I had the mind set of letting the result from this Test decide if we go to Daytona or not. I’m starting to look past it, the track was a mess for me last year and seeing the flooding at the Speedway has me thinking its just gonna be worse. All the dough I’d spend could build up the CIK125 and the Anderson, so I’m a bit torn right now. We’ll see, if its super comfy and ballistic fast the decision will be that much harder!

Watch the weather Y’all….

More soon,

RPM

[Author]

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