Congrats to the 2010 ITB Champion #55 Chris Marsh
Class points are calculated based on the first two races of each weekend at Waterford Hills. Maximum points for a weekend is 26 - two race wins and two track records, Chris doesn't even need to show up.
Driver TOTAL Made all races
#55 Marsh 86 *
#00 Thomas 74 *
#73 Kimi 57 *
#15 Jim 46
#47 Dave 44
#88 Bob 43 *
#83 Kenny 35
#3 Tim 22
#32 Franz 19
#77 Meritt 17
#49 Bill 15
#41 Sean 13
#0 Lee 11
#8 Dale 10
#81 Ron 0
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Weekend look back
Hello race fans of TF American Racing,
Well the weekend did not end very pretty. Tom ran out of brakes down the backstretch on the last lap of the Sunday class race at Waterford Hills. Hit the curb, hit Dave C. in the #47 car (more on that later), through the sand trap and into the tire wall...and onto my lid...the roof. I didn't sit there long and came out the passenger side...don't ask me why. Hit my helmet pretty good on the padded roll cage and I have some bruising on my left side shoulder and neck. Feeling very well after two days considering. Wish someone had pictures...no video...forgot to clear out the Mid-Ohio race on the disk...got only the first lap...I was leading!
Old Glory is bent pretty good. But all the safety equipment did exactly what it was suppose to do (Thanks again Chris). The floor pan by my feet is bent, the strut came through the shock tower on the driver's side, the whole front clip is tweaked, the windshield is smashed, the radiator is twisted and the roof is pushed down on the roll cage near the windshield. Both front fenders are damaged, the front fascia had a tear, the driver's side door is a mess, and the roof is not what it once was.
The hood is actually not bad considering the car was upside down on it. The engine even turned over when I got it back to the house...only about a quarter of oil leaked out the carb while it was upside down for 15 minutes.
The brakes...well I will let that information go to through the appeals process first...if that is what I do.
Thanks to all the corner workers and rescue team for a job well done as always.
The more later part...
I tried to apologize to Dave C. after the wreck but he didn't want to hear it. He said "that was stupid...a stupid move", all he heard were locked up tires and "Did you really think YOU could out-brake ME?". I told him "I wasn't even trying to pass" him and I was sorry and left. I guess the whole distance difference...he was maybe 20-30 feet into the sand trap...I went through the 70 foot sand trap AND still had enough energy to hit the tire barrier at such a force to flip the car on its roof. Didn't really show enough proof, I had NO BRAKES. I understand he was mad and angry, maybe I shouldn't have talked to him that soon...but...well Mom always told me to say nothing if you don't have anything nice to say...
Unfortunately the protest (which he didn't even tell me he was filing) was heard and I was found at fault. Its ok, maybe I should have just quit after Dave C. passed me and settled for third and maybe I should not have "showed the nose" all the way into the inside of the back stetch (a few of the old timers including Dave, like to drive down the middle), with no chance of getting him to drive off line. Of course, if I hit the rear of his car...he has no fuel cell and that could have been really bad. I understand I didn't make a great choice, but if I had brakes we wouldn't be talking about it. Oh...I also understand I am responsible for the car...I get it...it was poor prep on my part. The car had great brakes on Saturday and I knew...and was very surprised how they faded during the race on Sunday, but I braked the earliest on that last lap then I did at all during the whole race...350 mark. No brakes.
I could appeal...no flat spots on the tires, little brake fluid left in the reservior, and the distance difference. But I will (maybe) save the 50 bucks and put it towards repairing the car.
Not sure what to do now. Old Glory has a lot of work to do, but honestly not sure if I want to race in ITB. That might pass. I was offered to race with the Miata guys...LOL.
Despite all this...I am blessed,
I posted this bit on my "For sale" post on the Waterford Hills website.
"I have been very blessed to do this, I enjoy this and I think I do it quite well, I have no regrets and get to check racing off my bucket list and I don't know what my future holds...maybe it is a Miata."
Maybe it is back to demo derby, maybe I will sell everything, maybe I retire for a few years, maybe somebody will offer me a ride, maybe I win the lotto...of course I think I have to buy a ticket first. LOL.
It has only been about 48 hours, so I think I need a little time to think about this. Even though Bryan and my neighbor Tim helped pull the fenders, headlight assy and front fascia off the car on Sunday, I haven't been motivated to do much else.
Probably need to sit down to put together a budget. Determine what the "Fix-it" budget is.
I know I posted this a while ago but I will say it again. I won a few races this year. I adapted to a new car pretty quickly and I learned a lot along the way. I am blessed, if I never take another green flag, its ok, there is a lot God has blessed me with, gifts and talents. Maybe it is time to move on, maybe I still have work to do here, but time will tell. Still had a ton of fun and worth every penny.
Wouldn't have to talk about this if I ran half throttle down the back stretch and settled for third....oh wait I was going to settle for third....LOL
...as my date said last night "Everything happens for a reason". Very true.
God Bless and really....keep it on the road!
Well the weekend did not end very pretty. Tom ran out of brakes down the backstretch on the last lap of the Sunday class race at Waterford Hills. Hit the curb, hit Dave C. in the #47 car (more on that later), through the sand trap and into the tire wall...and onto my lid...the roof. I didn't sit there long and came out the passenger side...don't ask me why. Hit my helmet pretty good on the padded roll cage and I have some bruising on my left side shoulder and neck. Feeling very well after two days considering. Wish someone had pictures...no video...forgot to clear out the Mid-Ohio race on the disk...got only the first lap...I was leading!
Old Glory is bent pretty good. But all the safety equipment did exactly what it was suppose to do (Thanks again Chris). The floor pan by my feet is bent, the strut came through the shock tower on the driver's side, the whole front clip is tweaked, the windshield is smashed, the radiator is twisted and the roof is pushed down on the roll cage near the windshield. Both front fenders are damaged, the front fascia had a tear, the driver's side door is a mess, and the roof is not what it once was.
The hood is actually not bad considering the car was upside down on it. The engine even turned over when I got it back to the house...only about a quarter of oil leaked out the carb while it was upside down for 15 minutes.
The brakes...well I will let that information go to through the appeals process first...if that is what I do.
Thanks to all the corner workers and rescue team for a job well done as always.
The more later part...
I tried to apologize to Dave C. after the wreck but he didn't want to hear it. He said "that was stupid...a stupid move", all he heard were locked up tires and "Did you really think YOU could out-brake ME?". I told him "I wasn't even trying to pass" him and I was sorry and left. I guess the whole distance difference...he was maybe 20-30 feet into the sand trap...I went through the 70 foot sand trap AND still had enough energy to hit the tire barrier at such a force to flip the car on its roof. Didn't really show enough proof, I had NO BRAKES. I understand he was mad and angry, maybe I shouldn't have talked to him that soon...but...well Mom always told me to say nothing if you don't have anything nice to say...
Unfortunately the protest (which he didn't even tell me he was filing) was heard and I was found at fault. Its ok, maybe I should have just quit after Dave C. passed me and settled for third and maybe I should not have "showed the nose" all the way into the inside of the back stetch (a few of the old timers including Dave, like to drive down the middle), with no chance of getting him to drive off line. Of course, if I hit the rear of his car...he has no fuel cell and that could have been really bad. I understand I didn't make a great choice, but if I had brakes we wouldn't be talking about it. Oh...I also understand I am responsible for the car...I get it...it was poor prep on my part. The car had great brakes on Saturday and I knew...and was very surprised how they faded during the race on Sunday, but I braked the earliest on that last lap then I did at all during the whole race...350 mark. No brakes.
I could appeal...no flat spots on the tires, little brake fluid left in the reservior, and the distance difference. But I will (maybe) save the 50 bucks and put it towards repairing the car.
Not sure what to do now. Old Glory has a lot of work to do, but honestly not sure if I want to race in ITB. That might pass. I was offered to race with the Miata guys...LOL.
Despite all this...I am blessed,
I posted this bit on my "For sale" post on the Waterford Hills website.
"I have been very blessed to do this, I enjoy this and I think I do it quite well, I have no regrets and get to check racing off my bucket list and I don't know what my future holds...maybe it is a Miata."
Maybe it is back to demo derby, maybe I will sell everything, maybe I retire for a few years, maybe somebody will offer me a ride, maybe I win the lotto...of course I think I have to buy a ticket first. LOL.
It has only been about 48 hours, so I think I need a little time to think about this. Even though Bryan and my neighbor Tim helped pull the fenders, headlight assy and front fascia off the car on Sunday, I haven't been motivated to do much else.
Probably need to sit down to put together a budget. Determine what the "Fix-it" budget is.
I know I posted this a while ago but I will say it again. I won a few races this year. I adapted to a new car pretty quickly and I learned a lot along the way. I am blessed, if I never take another green flag, its ok, there is a lot God has blessed me with, gifts and talents. Maybe it is time to move on, maybe I still have work to do here, but time will tell. Still had a ton of fun and worth every penny.
Wouldn't have to talk about this if I ran half throttle down the back stretch and settled for third....oh wait I was going to settle for third....LOL
...as my date said last night "Everything happens for a reason". Very true.
God Bless and really....keep it on the road!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Season Review
Well the season came to a tumbling conclusion today. Unfortunately the car will not be out for the rest of season. Stay tuned for further developments.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Race results
Finished second today in class. I led the first lap but did not go as fast as I did in qualifying. Started and finished sixth overall. Unfortunately #55 Mr. Porsche went three tenths faster in the race today.
Stay tuned tomorrow is another day.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Qualifying results
Wow, fastest lap ever! 1:21.4, only a tenth off the ITB pole. 2nd in class, 6th overall.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Getting ready
High number count at the track this weekend.
I am ready to go!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Friday, August 27, 2010
Preparing for the weekend
Dropped off the car today. Looks like a great ITB field. Kenny is back and so is Bill and Lee. Merritt is back after skipping a weekend. The Couriers were there and I look forward to racing everyone...especially Marsh.
Looks like I will have a great fan base this weekend too. Bryan and Michelle are staying at "Hotel Forst". Kelly and Jason will be up and Scott (Woodward Cruising Scott) will be visiting too. Plenty of pit work too...LOL.
Stay turned here all weekend for updates!
Looks like I will have a great fan base this weekend too. Bryan and Michelle are staying at "Hotel Forst". Kelly and Jason will be up and Scott (Woodward Cruising Scott) will be visiting too. Plenty of pit work too...LOL.
Stay turned here all weekend for updates!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Old Glory is alive!
And so am I....being a passenger down Woodward at 1:15am in the morning...let's just say...good times!
Old Glory fired up today, I believe the battery is not as good as it once was.
I worked the Open Track Day at Waterford Hills today. I worked corner number seven. What an experience! Had a car roll over right in the turn! But also gave me a different perspective on the track.
Now, a big reminder. I hope I can get some people to come cheer me on next weekend! This is the ITB points leader!
Be safe, stay on the road and God Bless!
Old Glory fired up today, I believe the battery is not as good as it once was.
I worked the Open Track Day at Waterford Hills today. I worked corner number seven. What an experience! Had a car roll over right in the turn! But also gave me a different perspective on the track.
Now, a big reminder. I hope I can get some people to come cheer me on next weekend! This is the ITB points leader!
Be safe, stay on the road and God Bless!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Why does the racecar not want to start?
Absolutely crazy! Tried to start Old Glory tonight to put it in the garage and off the trailer. Maybe the battery was too low but it was a no go. No idea what is going on but it needs to stop! But I must say I am getting very good at rolling the racecar off the trailer by myself....hehehehehe. Got to look at the positive side, right?
Old Glory will get a new side marker and some fresh bearing grease between now and the end of the month. Probably should due a brake bleed as well. Mentally the driver is preparing for fast laps and proper lines to hold off a certain Porsche. ;-)
Some pictures from the last few months
Rusty and Old Glory sharing driveway space
Seemed like Old Glory was in this position a lot during the Mid-Ohio weekend.
An ITC battle throught the key hole on Sunday at Mid-Ohio
Sharing trailer space with Chris Child's Neon. Thanks sooooo much Chris!
A little out of place at the SCAMP charity car show. Only racecar there.
Old Glory will get a new side marker and some fresh bearing grease between now and the end of the month. Probably should due a brake bleed as well. Mentally the driver is preparing for fast laps and proper lines to hold off a certain Porsche. ;-)
Some pictures from the last few months
Rusty and Old Glory sharing driveway spaceSeemed like Old Glory was in this position a lot during the Mid-Ohio weekend. An ITC battle throught the key hole on Sunday at Mid-OhioSharing trailer space with Chris Child's Neon. Thanks sooooo much Chris! A little out of place at the SCAMP charity car show. Only racecar there.
More Pictures
More cars from the SCAMP car show in Depot Park
These cars were at the Knight of Columbus car show the next day
One of these cars is not like the other...Seriously.
Scott's tight Woodward ride
These cars were at the Knight of Columbus car show the next day
One of these cars is not like the other...Seriously.
Scott's tight Woodward ride
More Pictures
Some cars from the Woodward ride
The vehicles I got to test on Belle Isle. 2010 VW GTi & 2010 Honda Civic Si
Please start, please.....paaallleaaaazzzzzzzze. I took this picture because the light was just right for it.
The vehicles I got to test on Belle Isle. 2010 VW GTi & 2010 Honda Civic Si
Please start, please.....paaallleaaaazzzzzzzze. I took this picture because the light was just right for it.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
What?! ITB points lead? Woodward, Test driver, The Shack and other random notes
So...wait a minute...this can't be right...65-62? I have the points lead? ITB class...me...#00 ITB Mustang Tom Forst - 65 points
#55 ITB Porsche Chris Marsh - 62 points
Wow!
I hold the points lead for ITB at Waterford Hills going into the last two race weekends. Wow, just wow...last year I was hoping to score more then one point a race and...finish...on the lead lap!
Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go "cruising" on Woodward. It was a blast sitting in the passenger seat and saying "Wanna race" all night long! :-) I will say hearing the tires chirp in third gear after sliding through first and second was a blast. I COULD NOT BELIEVE PEOPLE WERE ALREADY SITTING OUT IN LAWN CHAIRS! And there were plenty of cars to look at. I went with my buddy Scott from work. He has a quarter mile Mustang - Fox body of course... 331, 5.4L, no fuel injection, no nos, but it was a sleeper, he changed the tires ;-)
Last Sunday, in the early morning hours on Belle Isle, I had a great opportunity. Mike O. that I race against at Waterford Hills (and beat..soundly his ITS Golf...hehehehe) happens to be the road test coordinator at AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE (I wonder if they want to sponsor a vintage racecar? Hmmmm). Since we are all so technologically advanced, he facebooked me (is that a verb?) and asked if I would be willing to "Autocross" - drive a car really fast thru cones, like highway construction zones but without other cars, a 2010 VW GTi and a 2010 Honda Civic Si. Since I was a twenty something and drove a racecar, that I could see which one I liked better. Well of course I said I am in. So I went with helmet in hand, they took pictures of me...I don't know why...LOL. And I looked the cars over, sat in them, learned which gear was 1st, stalled the cars a few times, got comfortable in them, opened the hood, the trunk, play with the gadgets and knobs, drove them on the Autocross course...I felt bad for the other guy with the 2010 VW GTi...I made a better lap then him...hehehehe...of course he didn't stall it on the start line once. And I made a great pick....and you will have to pick up a copy of the November issue to find out.
It was a great opportunity and a great time. Thanks Mike.
Random Notes
*I still follow NASCAR, but I must say I watch races less and less. With technology I can watch the whole race in "10 minutes" on yahoo.com on Monday at work....no I mean...ummm, Sunday night at home ;-)...ok at work...during lunch! Oh and I can NOT stand "The Chase"...proof it is not working. Matt Kenseth will make "The Chase" more then likely...wins...zero. Jamie McMurray will NOT make "The Chase" but has won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400...I will remember Jamie McMurray's season 10 years from now...Matt's nope. The point...win the race, not finish somewhere in the Top 10 every week, that is the point of racing....hello NASCAR.
*It was cool sitting at the parents house watching "The Speed Report" on Sunday night and seeing the Indycars race around the Mid-Ohio track. I was like, "Yeah I was totally on that very track last week" (Wow, do I sound like blonde 14 year old). Wait...I think Milka Duno just got lapped again and just finally turned a faster lap then me...LOL
*I did both car shows listed in the other post. Some great cars, talked to a lot of people, handed out some Waterford Hill flyers, money was raised for charity...win, win. Very surprised at all the good words for my car. It seemed so out of place.
Lastly I leave with this. Life has thrown me a lot of...will say "stuff" lately (Thus the lack of posting). It is amazing the ups and downs of this roller coaster called life. God is never, ever going to give me more then I can handle, but wow, with the great comes with the not-so-great. But I guess it is how you look at it. I have been getting back to reading "The Shack". I am amazed at God's love and his faith in me. Ever time I start reading the book again, it is like He is speaking directly to me. Or any other faith based book. Surgeries, death, cancer, personal issues, and a lack of faith can bring you down quickly, but from those so much good can come from it. Hurricane Katrina...a lot of people effected by that storm are by far better off today, a stronger person today then 5 years ago. Same with this oil spill (both of them), same with Nashville flooding, Haiti and same with me, more opportunities to love, share my faith, be someone to help hold you up, be the answer to prayers by words you speak, by actions you take, just letting know we care and you have a family member praying for you, giving your talents and asking for advice to someone that now knows you trust them, and hold them up in high regard. It is not the "what" that happens to you, it is the "how" you deal with it that makes the difference.
I do sometimes wonder why I have such a passion to race. I am frankly going to be bouncing off walls this weekend not being able to be in a car and drive it to its limit (I have the last three weekends). But I always continue to wonder... what would happen without it. My family doesn't meet at the track (an opportunity to bond, get closer), I miss the great and I mean great and talented people at the track, that become friends, I find out my true friends that travel far and wide to watch the race or crew, or help in the garage. And I get confidence in myself that...well I can...do this...and do it well...that I can do anything I put my mind to and enjoy with a passion. But I get to do it because He gave me the passion, the desire and the talent. And I share my faith by showing everyone, who I am, a reflection of Him (Wait...I am not perfect..but He does show through). I am not hear to preach (not one of my talents), I just show my faith through my actions, my emotions, and I try to keep it as simple as possible. I don't know how else to do it.
I just have been shaking my head lately and just smiling. I was a test driver for an automobile magazine! I was running 3rd at Mid-Ohio out of 12 and braking so, so, so early at the end of the straight, and it was my first time...SEEING the track! I am leading the ITB points at Waterford Hills...oh my! I was a shoulder to lean on, I called a person I trusted for advice. I was the answer to prayer, and I said so many prayers the last few weeks for so many. It is humbling.
If it all ends tomorrow, it was His choice and frankly I am happy. If I never win a race again, its ok, I am, have, and will be blessed. My faith is strong and that will always be comforting.
Be safe, keep it on the road and see you at the track!
#55 ITB Porsche Chris Marsh - 62 points
Wow!
I hold the points lead for ITB at Waterford Hills going into the last two race weekends. Wow, just wow...last year I was hoping to score more then one point a race and...finish...on the lead lap!
Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go "cruising" on Woodward. It was a blast sitting in the passenger seat and saying "Wanna race" all night long! :-) I will say hearing the tires chirp in third gear after sliding through first and second was a blast. I COULD NOT BELIEVE PEOPLE WERE ALREADY SITTING OUT IN LAWN CHAIRS! And there were plenty of cars to look at. I went with my buddy Scott from work. He has a quarter mile Mustang - Fox body of course... 331, 5.4L, no fuel injection, no nos, but it was a sleeper, he changed the tires ;-)
Last Sunday, in the early morning hours on Belle Isle, I had a great opportunity. Mike O. that I race against at Waterford Hills (and beat..soundly his ITS Golf...hehehehe) happens to be the road test coordinator at AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE (I wonder if they want to sponsor a vintage racecar? Hmmmm). Since we are all so technologically advanced, he facebooked me (is that a verb?) and asked if I would be willing to "Autocross" - drive a car really fast thru cones, like highway construction zones but without other cars, a 2010 VW GTi and a 2010 Honda Civic Si. Since I was a twenty something and drove a racecar, that I could see which one I liked better. Well of course I said I am in. So I went with helmet in hand, they took pictures of me...I don't know why...LOL. And I looked the cars over, sat in them, learned which gear was 1st, stalled the cars a few times, got comfortable in them, opened the hood, the trunk, play with the gadgets and knobs, drove them on the Autocross course...I felt bad for the other guy with the 2010 VW GTi...I made a better lap then him...hehehehe...of course he didn't stall it on the start line once. And I made a great pick....and you will have to pick up a copy of the November issue to find out.
It was a great opportunity and a great time. Thanks Mike.
Random Notes
*I still follow NASCAR, but I must say I watch races less and less. With technology I can watch the whole race in "10 minutes" on yahoo.com on Monday at work....no I mean...ummm, Sunday night at home ;-)...ok at work...during lunch! Oh and I can NOT stand "The Chase"...proof it is not working. Matt Kenseth will make "The Chase" more then likely...wins...zero. Jamie McMurray will NOT make "The Chase" but has won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400...I will remember Jamie McMurray's season 10 years from now...Matt's nope. The point...win the race, not finish somewhere in the Top 10 every week, that is the point of racing....hello NASCAR.
*It was cool sitting at the parents house watching "The Speed Report" on Sunday night and seeing the Indycars race around the Mid-Ohio track. I was like, "Yeah I was totally on that very track last week" (Wow, do I sound like blonde 14 year old). Wait...I think Milka Duno just got lapped again and just finally turned a faster lap then me...LOL
*I did both car shows listed in the other post. Some great cars, talked to a lot of people, handed out some Waterford Hill flyers, money was raised for charity...win, win. Very surprised at all the good words for my car. It seemed so out of place.
Lastly I leave with this. Life has thrown me a lot of...will say "stuff" lately (Thus the lack of posting). It is amazing the ups and downs of this roller coaster called life. God is never, ever going to give me more then I can handle, but wow, with the great comes with the not-so-great. But I guess it is how you look at it. I have been getting back to reading "The Shack". I am amazed at God's love and his faith in me. Ever time I start reading the book again, it is like He is speaking directly to me. Or any other faith based book. Surgeries, death, cancer, personal issues, and a lack of faith can bring you down quickly, but from those so much good can come from it. Hurricane Katrina...a lot of people effected by that storm are by far better off today, a stronger person today then 5 years ago. Same with this oil spill (both of them), same with Nashville flooding, Haiti and same with me, more opportunities to love, share my faith, be someone to help hold you up, be the answer to prayers by words you speak, by actions you take, just letting know we care and you have a family member praying for you, giving your talents and asking for advice to someone that now knows you trust them, and hold them up in high regard. It is not the "what" that happens to you, it is the "how" you deal with it that makes the difference.
I do sometimes wonder why I have such a passion to race. I am frankly going to be bouncing off walls this weekend not being able to be in a car and drive it to its limit (I have the last three weekends). But I always continue to wonder... what would happen without it. My family doesn't meet at the track (an opportunity to bond, get closer), I miss the great and I mean great and talented people at the track, that become friends, I find out my true friends that travel far and wide to watch the race or crew, or help in the garage. And I get confidence in myself that...well I can...do this...and do it well...that I can do anything I put my mind to and enjoy with a passion. But I get to do it because He gave me the passion, the desire and the talent. And I share my faith by showing everyone, who I am, a reflection of Him (Wait...I am not perfect..but He does show through). I am not hear to preach (not one of my talents), I just show my faith through my actions, my emotions, and I try to keep it as simple as possible. I don't know how else to do it.
I just have been shaking my head lately and just smiling. I was a test driver for an automobile magazine! I was running 3rd at Mid-Ohio out of 12 and braking so, so, so early at the end of the straight, and it was my first time...SEEING the track! I am leading the ITB points at Waterford Hills...oh my! I was a shoulder to lean on, I called a person I trusted for advice. I was the answer to prayer, and I said so many prayers the last few weeks for so many. It is humbling.
If it all ends tomorrow, it was His choice and frankly I am happy. If I never win a race again, its ok, I am, have, and will be blessed. My faith is strong and that will always be comforting.
Be safe, keep it on the road and see you at the track!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A look back in time
When I was a young, small child....kidding.
Ok so let’s step back in time a bit. Friday before Waterford Hills weekend. I had the day off due to work moving….no, no. I was working from home that day due to work moving buildings. ;-) I got up early to get the car on the trailer but I had to finish putting on the new brake pads with the freshly turned rotors. Trying to put the right side brake pads on proved difficult due to the hole being smaller then the bolt needing to go through them. A little drilling and it got the job done but took some time. I then wanted to load up the racecar onto the trailer and take to breakfast with the family visiting from Arkansas (Kim, Holly, Shane) and West Virginia (Sis and Tony). Of course the derby car was in the way and did not want to start. I pushed it off…with two flat tires. The racecar then went on the trailer but there was collateral damage. The exhaust pipe broke a weld when the muffler hit the trailer.
So off to breakfast I go and my blessing called Chris Childs, text me asking if I was still going to the Mid-Ohio race. I called and told him yes but I might not make this weekend.
Took the car over to Chris’ raceshop and got the pipe re-welded on. Tried to see how it would sound….the starter went bad. Off to Autozone for the warranty replacement….just bought the starter in June!
Once everything was put back together, off to the track I went for practice. Got on the track and in the second lap, decide 3rd gear wasn’t as good as fifth gear going into turn one and it broke my concentration. Off the track I go and into a half spin. Got back onto the track and hear a horrible sound. Turn 5, a right hander it got worst. I came into the pits.
Now the muffler and exhaust pipe was rubbing against the drive shaft. So 90 minutes later that was fixed just in time to go to my two gatherings for the night.
Saturday the rain came, but I left the slicks on thanks to the radar map on the fancy phone. It stopped just before group four went out and didn’t rain when we hit the track. I pulled a great lap late in the session and started fifth overall, third in class.
More to come….
Ok so let’s step back in time a bit. Friday before Waterford Hills weekend. I had the day off due to work moving….no, no. I was working from home that day due to work moving buildings. ;-) I got up early to get the car on the trailer but I had to finish putting on the new brake pads with the freshly turned rotors. Trying to put the right side brake pads on proved difficult due to the hole being smaller then the bolt needing to go through them. A little drilling and it got the job done but took some time. I then wanted to load up the racecar onto the trailer and take to breakfast with the family visiting from Arkansas (Kim, Holly, Shane) and West Virginia (Sis and Tony). Of course the derby car was in the way and did not want to start. I pushed it off…with two flat tires. The racecar then went on the trailer but there was collateral damage. The exhaust pipe broke a weld when the muffler hit the trailer.
So off to breakfast I go and my blessing called Chris Childs, text me asking if I was still going to the Mid-Ohio race. I called and told him yes but I might not make this weekend.
Took the car over to Chris’ raceshop and got the pipe re-welded on. Tried to see how it would sound….the starter went bad. Off to Autozone for the warranty replacement….just bought the starter in June!
Once everything was put back together, off to the track I went for practice. Got on the track and in the second lap, decide 3rd gear wasn’t as good as fifth gear going into turn one and it broke my concentration. Off the track I go and into a half spin. Got back onto the track and hear a horrible sound. Turn 5, a right hander it got worst. I came into the pits.
Now the muffler and exhaust pipe was rubbing against the drive shaft. So 90 minutes later that was fixed just in time to go to my two gatherings for the night.
Saturday the rain came, but I left the slicks on thanks to the radar map on the fancy phone. It stopped just before group four went out and didn’t rain when we hit the track. I pulled a great lap late in the session and started fifth overall, third in class.
More to come….
Monday, August 2, 2010
Car Shows
If I can get the racecar running again....
I will be at the SCAMP car show at Depot Park Friday August 6th. I believe the show runs from 6pm to 8pm.
Also Saturday, August 7th at the Knight of Columbus at Maybee and Sashabaw, there is a charity car show. Runs from 2pm until 6pm.
TF American Racing
I will be at the SCAMP car show at Depot Park Friday August 6th. I believe the show runs from 6pm to 8pm.
Also Saturday, August 7th at the Knight of Columbus at Maybee and Sashabaw, there is a charity car show. Runs from 2pm until 6pm.
TF American Racing
The past two weeks and Mid-Ohio recap
So a lot has gone on the last two weeks. This is a brief review on the weekend at Mid-Ohio. I will try to update the stories through out the week. Pictures to come too. Got to go pick up my racecar now!
I arrived late on Friday but got one practice session in. I am quite sure Vern (#24 Southern Motors Corvette) passed me but he was such a blur, I missed it. LOL Learned how to shift into fifth gear and had a vibration. Saturday morning I rotated the driveshaft and it fixed that problem. Installed the new tires and I was ready to go.
Chris Childs told me if I ran under 2 minutes during qualifying I would be doing ok. I ran a 1:53.2 during qualifying, started 22nd overall 7th in class. During qualifying witness a nice four wheel off by a Dodge Charger ITB avoiding an ITR rookie going into the chinane before the key hole.
I blew up the starter before the Saturday race, found a loose ground wire bolt on the block later. I was late to grid and had to start last. Passed 7 cars into the first corner, lasted only five laps as the clamp holding the downpipe to the exhaust pipe came loose and pulled in. Ran a lap .05 seconds faster then my qualifying lap. Found the loose ground wire and melted the 3 day old starter solenoid. Found other items loose, must have been the whole running at 7000 rpm thing shaking everything loose.
Sunday morning qualifying race I finished 22nd overall and 8th in class. Ran one second faster then the previous best. Ran with about five other ITB cars, kinda being held up by a ITS car. After pulling into the pits, found the muffler missing.
Borrow a muffler and clamp from Merritt/Vaughan (#77 ITB, she was going home early due to a gas tank crack, but SCCA found my muffler on the track and returned it to me. Finished installing the muffler and the starter (probably damaged from the previous day) died. Replaced the starter...with one that spun but didn't engage...so got a push start and was last to grid but made it.
I avoided the "Big One" on the first lap coming out of Thunder Valley. Had three ITB cars wreck and a ITR car. One driver took a ride to the hospital, but heard nothing serious. I was running fourth in class during the caution. on the restart made a pass for third, but I still was braking a mile early at the end of the straight away and gave it back. Raced back and forth with an ITB VW from PA. Had a great race, had a Honda pass both of us. Finished 5th in ITB and ran a lap time best of 1:51.1
So, I kept the car on the track, didn't hit anything or anybody and ran pretty fast.
Mid-Ohio is a great facility (well minus the bathroom left a little bit to be desired) and enjoyed the view and the people and fellowship.
I had some mixed reviews on the SCCA and the event itself. It was a great event very friendly people and overall I will go back. Too much misinformation. Practice was $200 not $150. Dinner on Saturday night, while free...a 1/2 cup of spagetti and salad is not much of a dinner. And my big thing was getting to grid and no one checked my belts!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Chris Childs for letting me stay in the toter and hauling my car down and all the help you provided this weekend. Thanks Charlie for all the help. Vaughan, Merritt and crew thanks for the food and the pointers. Kristian and Vern thanks for the advice too!
I will go back, not sure if it won't be until next year, but I will go back.
Be safe and keep it on the track.
I arrived late on Friday but got one practice session in. I am quite sure Vern (#24 Southern Motors Corvette) passed me but he was such a blur, I missed it. LOL Learned how to shift into fifth gear and had a vibration. Saturday morning I rotated the driveshaft and it fixed that problem. Installed the new tires and I was ready to go.
Chris Childs told me if I ran under 2 minutes during qualifying I would be doing ok. I ran a 1:53.2 during qualifying, started 22nd overall 7th in class. During qualifying witness a nice four wheel off by a Dodge Charger ITB avoiding an ITR rookie going into the chinane before the key hole.
I blew up the starter before the Saturday race, found a loose ground wire bolt on the block later. I was late to grid and had to start last. Passed 7 cars into the first corner, lasted only five laps as the clamp holding the downpipe to the exhaust pipe came loose and pulled in. Ran a lap .05 seconds faster then my qualifying lap. Found the loose ground wire and melted the 3 day old starter solenoid. Found other items loose, must have been the whole running at 7000 rpm thing shaking everything loose.
Sunday morning qualifying race I finished 22nd overall and 8th in class. Ran one second faster then the previous best. Ran with about five other ITB cars, kinda being held up by a ITS car. After pulling into the pits, found the muffler missing.
Borrow a muffler and clamp from Merritt/Vaughan (#77 ITB, she was going home early due to a gas tank crack, but SCCA found my muffler on the track and returned it to me. Finished installing the muffler and the starter (probably damaged from the previous day) died. Replaced the starter...with one that spun but didn't engage...so got a push start and was last to grid but made it.
I avoided the "Big One" on the first lap coming out of Thunder Valley. Had three ITB cars wreck and a ITR car. One driver took a ride to the hospital, but heard nothing serious. I was running fourth in class during the caution. on the restart made a pass for third, but I still was braking a mile early at the end of the straight away and gave it back. Raced back and forth with an ITB VW from PA. Had a great race, had a Honda pass both of us. Finished 5th in ITB and ran a lap time best of 1:51.1
So, I kept the car on the track, didn't hit anything or anybody and ran pretty fast.
Mid-Ohio is a great facility (well minus the bathroom left a little bit to be desired) and enjoyed the view and the people and fellowship.
I had some mixed reviews on the SCCA and the event itself. It was a great event very friendly people and overall I will go back. Too much misinformation. Practice was $200 not $150. Dinner on Saturday night, while free...a 1/2 cup of spagetti and salad is not much of a dinner. And my big thing was getting to grid and no one checked my belts!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Chris Childs for letting me stay in the toter and hauling my car down and all the help you provided this weekend. Thanks Charlie for all the help. Vaughan, Merritt and crew thanks for the food and the pointers. Kristian and Vern thanks for the advice too!
I will go back, not sure if it won't be until next year, but I will go back.
Be safe and keep it on the track.
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