Happy New Year!

Wheel bearings and race plans

Received about half the wheel bearings I'll need for the overhaul. Should get a few more next week.
With next years first event not happening until June, this buys me some extra time. I have given some thought to what races I would like to attend. Obviously Watkins Glen, would have preferred it had been the September race, but this is OK. I'm not going to Road America in July and have opted to fly to Oshkosh for Air Adventure instead. The year after will be Road America. As of now, not planning on the Bobby Rahal event in Canada and the 2 events in California are expensive and time consuming. So the other event I'll race at will be in NJ at the end of September. Keeping it at 2 events for next year.
Still many small details that need to be corrected and I plan to keep this car for a very long time. So I can now take my time, and do it right.

F5000 Race Schedule for 2011

• June 9-12: Watkins Glen - SVRA

• July 7-10: Circuit Mt. Tremblant, Canada – HMP Bobby Rahal Legends of
Motorsports

• July 14-17: Road America – Kohler International Challenge with
Brian Redman WI.

• September 23-25: Coronado Island Speed Festival– HMSA Calif.

• September 30 - October 2: Infineon Raceway – CSRG Charity Challenge Calif.

Yellow?

I just picked up the decal strips for the nose and should have taken a closer look. The yellow is no where near the sample I left off. Looks like it's back to the maker tomorrow.


The top is the original yellow I needed, and the bottom is new. Looks orange to me. These decals cost $14. per foot. Expensive mistake.

Time to Hunker Down

The snow is here, and it's time to hunker down. The earlier predictions set levels at 8-12 inch's, but now there down to 2-4 inch's. But still wind gust up to 35 mph.
On another note, I've ordered wheel bearings that are NOS(new old stock). I needed to order from 5 vendors, no single Co. had all the different sizes I needed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

A Christmas card from the Formula 5000 Drivers Association.

Patch's

Acquired a couple of vintage sponsor patch's. I'll add them to my drivers uniform.
L&M was the F5000 series sponsor for a number of years.


I also have these as decals on the side of the Lola now.

Avon vs Goodyear

There's been some new talk about tires. The last conversation was Avon tires only for F5000 race series in 2011. It appears that Goodyear might be the front runner now. Goodyear has promised more tires for 2011. Obviously I like this news, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Race Dates?

Still no news on next years race dates. It's always nice to get the travel arrangements out of the way. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer.

Working on picking up the nose mold in early January. It's just outside of Detroit, Michigan. Also plan on doing some antiquing in Toledo, OH. Maybe some other destinations too.

Goodyear decals

Received the Goodyear decals today. Very close, just a tinny bit bigger, but I have to replace both of them so it makes no difference.


We have a antique show this weekend that has kept me busy. Still looking at beginning work on the car in January.

Nose decal replacment

A couple of the decals I have in stock. The "AUTOMOTIVE CHEMICALS" decals I have 9 or so. The big "Justice Bros." decals I have a 2 or 3. I just order the "GOODYEAR" decals on ebay. Out of the red, white and blue long decal. I'll order another 10 feet that next week.

Waiting...

Waiting for the F5000 2011 race schedule. Should be released any day. I was hoping to go back to the Mitty and also to have the Watkins Glen September race added. But from what I have heard from unnamed sources is neither of these events will be on the 2011 schedule. My 2 race schedule just might end up being Watkins Glen in September and a SVRA event in South Jersey. The South Jersey event is about 100 miles from the house, and in October. That's about 850 miles closer than Road America. We'll see.

Lola parts search over???

My Lola parts search just might be over.

Eric, in his travels this past week in search of parts for his Lola T190 has come across not only parts in needs for his car, but parts I need for my car. He found a much needed radiator for me and also a mold for making a new front nose for my Lola T192. Plus various suspension pieces that we both are in need of. So far being patient and waiting has payed off.

Still on schedule to commence work on the car in the beginning of the new year.

Just Business

About the only thing to report is I did receive the paint. Otherwise no work on the car.
We do have a antique show coming up soon and also have been consigning some of our merchandise at a local auction(a total of 3 auctions). This should keep us busy through December.


Did have a chance the other day for a flight. This is Trinca, a grass field airport that's not to far from Hackettstown. It's a short (1800ft) bumpy runway and great place to practice and hone your skills. Lot of fun doing grass landings.
The best way to keep the critters out of the plane is to fly it more often.

November Update

As promised a November update.

I think my big find was on ebay a couple of weeks ago. You know how I go on and on about not having enough gear sets, or just the wrong ones. We'll I purchased a gear set for a very reasonable price, and the best part is it's 2nd gear. This is the ratio I needed, the one that I have now is unusable at any track I go to. So instead of only being able to use 3rd, 4th, and 5th. I will now have 2nd. This will be a big help coming out of some of the slower corners.


As far as getting the radiator repaired, I've showed it to a couple of shops and have gotten the thumbs down. It would be far less expensive to have a new one made. So for now, I'll keep looking for a used one.

Should have the paint this week. The only thing is I have to do all my bodywork outside, no spray booth. So this repair and repaint won't happen until next spring when it's warm. But now I won't have to worry about getting the paint colors I need.

Race schedule.
Still no word on next years F5000 race events. Should hear this month.

I'll continue to search for parts and expecting to be back working on the car in January.

Radiator support

Went to pickup the radiator support from Chris today, finally. If looks like less work to make it fit than I originally thought. Plus it's in very good condition, much better than my old one.

This is a photo of the old one. I'm going to have to add those tabs on the top right to the newer one I just got, and a couple of other small modifications. But all in all, no big deal.

Paint ordered

Ordered a gallon of each color. I use two different yellows, one is for a 1974 GMC motor home and the other comes from a 2000 Ford. The Ford color is the base coat, an extra expense but produces the desired color. A gallon is more than I need, but always worried one day they will outlaw acrylic lacquer paint.

Goodyear tires

I've placed a order with Goodyear tires for 2 sets. This should put me on top of the list for next years tire supply. Not taking any chances. The set I have now should be ok for one more event.

Flying with a unwanted passenger?

Since the purchase of the race car 3 years ago, my flying has gone from 3 times a week to once a month. The biggest problem of using the plane only once a month are birds like to make nest in areas like the wings and tail. Mice are also looking for a place to make a nest for the winter. If you're flying all the time, this isn't a big problem. Less time invites more trouble.

The other day I planned a short trip and arrived at the airport expecting a uneventful day.
After starting the engine and beginning to taxi to the runway for a engine run up, I noticed a little less power than I'm use to. This small decrease in power continued during the engine run- up and mag check. Also was picking up a faint vibration. A passenger would not notice the problem, but having over 1000 hrs flight time in this plane, you just know something is not right.
So back it went to it's tie down spot, no flying today.

The next day I removed the cowling to look for the problem. The first place to look was the carburetor air box which is underneath the engine.


Ah ha!, a nest inside the carburetor air cleaner box.

The culprit is caught on camera. A non-paying passenger. This mouse was getting ready for winter. He had build a complete nest inside the air cleaner box.

This was the problem, blocking the carburetor and sucking in some nest material. Once this was all cleaned out the plane again purred like a kitten(which I could of used).

News Flash

Just received my copy of Road & Track magazine(Nov. issue) and found a very nice article written by Sam Posey on the recent Bobby Rahal event at Watkins Glen this past June. I also just received notice that the Watkins Glen event has been cancelled for next year. The old "I have good news and bad news".
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Link to Road and Track article.

Next update November 1st

The car is going to take a back seat to other projects that have a higher priority. Next update will be November 1st.

A day at Hershey

Wow, what a nice day, not a cloud in the sky. When I first get there, I stop at 3 vendors who might have F5000 race programs and photos. My main race program guy was going out of business and this was going to be his last show. He had already disposed of 22,000 race programs to one person. His booth was basically empty. This is starting to be the same story over and over again. Most of the guys selling this stuff are 70+ years old. There's no one to pass the torch too, so they just end up quiting. The other 2 vendors had nothing. Spent the day, but went home empty.

One of those "what is it" cars.

Saw this guy while I was in the parking lot eating my lunch. I don't think he's looking for a starter motor for his "39" Plymouth.

Hershey next week

Back to the old car meet/flea market located in Hershey, PA next week. This is the big one, got to have a good pair of walking shoes to shop this one. The pickin's are very slim for race stuff, but I might just get lucky this year.

Need a headlight for your Model "T"? He's probably got it.

http://www.hersheyaaca.org/fallmeet.html

F5000 Photo Book

A very nice book of F5000 photos and race results on the Mitty and Road America events this past summer. The book and photos are designed by Linda Kramer, a photographer with the zest for racing. It's a hard cover book with 36 pages produced by http://www.shutterfly.com/

Radiator

Eric found another source for radiators, a California outfit. The radiator in the Lola T190 is the same as a T192. Eric also has one that is damaged and is planning on having it repaired by this company. I guess I'll wait for the results.
The aluminium radiator support will be coming via a race team that's in Easton, PA. They race prep a F5000 car and are in California for the last F5000 event next weekend. I expect they should be back the second week of October. Easton is less than 40 miles from me so it's a close pickup.

A Tinsmith I'm not

Started to tackle the rad. support. First used the hydraulic press for the big creases, then switch to a hammer and block for the rest.

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Looking better, but still a lot more work is needed.

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On another subject, the antique show went well, lots of sales.

Antiques

We have another antique show this weekend. Then next week I hope to spend a little more time on the car.
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Had mentioned this before. Here's one of the aluminum pieces from the shroud with "Waco" written on it. Mark Waco drove the car in 1973. Another case of the radiator shroud being repaired. When trying to confirm a cars history, always like to find evidence like this.

More rivets removed

Drilled out the rivets that hold the 4 directional pieces that control the air flow into the radiator. I will straightened them, but I might make new ones anyway.

The 4 pieces are in the middle of the radiator support.
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Not the first time the nose has been repaired. This photo is from 1975 taken by Ed Justice Jr. The damage to the front appears not to be to bad, until you look at the right suspension and see some parts have been torn off.

Up on stands

Had a couple of spare hours today and placed the car back on the stands and removed the wheels. Also do a little more work on the radiator support drilling out rivets.

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I've been looking on eBay for the past 3 years in search of Justice Bros. fender covers. At last I found one, it's never been used and was still in the original bag. I date these from the 1970's of 80's. Now I just need one more for the other side.

Watkins Glen

Spent Saturday at Watkins Glen for the vintage race weekend. The weather was perfect and the cars were many. I think about 500 vintage racers. I did find Paul Dudiak working on his F5000 McKee getting it ready for his late afternoon race. His was the only F5000 car there. Had a chance to talk to him about tires. Most everyone is using Avons and he mentioned that the F5000 series is considering mandating that all competitors in the series use ONLY Avon tires for 2011. I will be very disappointed if this ruling goes in effect for next year. Historically my car with the majority of all F5000 cars used Goodyears back in the day. Avon started to make race tires in 1985. Nine years after the F5000 series ended in the US. Plus a set of Avons cost more.

Update

Still planning on heading up to Watkins Glen this weekend. Looks like one F5000 car will be there along with 400+ other cars.
Heard from Eric, he ran into problems with his clutch and then found a crack in his brake caliper causing it to leak brake fluid. So the car never left his garage. Said he has another event in 2 weeks, hopes to be ready by then.
The past antique show wasn't to bad, sold some stuff, made some money and will hope the next show is as good.

More spares

Added 2 new dog rings to the spares box. Got these on eBay. In fact Eric, who has the Lola T190 and Reto, who is rebuilding a Lola T142 in Switzerland both pointed me to the eBay listing. Their new old stock at half the price. I should be in good shape for next year with 2 spares and the one in the gear box only has a few laps on it from Road America.

Ok, just a little bit of work.

Needed a break from the prep for the antique show. Did a little more rivet removal on the nose. Last week I was talking to my airplane mechanic, John. He said he would help me re-rivet the aluminium structure once I got it all straightened out. He's semi- retired and goes to Florida for the winter, so this I can't put off.

The more I remove the worst it gets.

Right side


Left side.

U.S. Vintage Grand Prix September 9-12

I've attended as a spectator the last 3 years. Great event and probably the largest historic gathering on the East coast. I had hoped the F5000 series would return to this event this year. But that was not to be. I might consider participating in this race next year, even if the F5000 cars don't come, it's a great track and it's close.

We have a antique show over labor day weekend, a week off, then another show the following weekend. If I get the time, sure would like to go up to Watkins Glen for this event. I belong to the club that organizes it, so my ticket is free. We'll see what happens.

The race car, still under the cover. I did work a little on the aluminum shroud that holds the nose and radiator. Starting to drill out the many rivets that it's assembled with. Still hoping the one from Eric is a good match, but I know it's not a perfect match.

Update

I did contact the race shop to see about a radiator and nose. He said he might have the radiator and a mold for the nose. It's large warehouse and might be a week or two before in can take a look. These guys are still busy, it's just the middle of the race season for them.
The next couple of months will be focused on business and home. I think the car will turn into a winter project.

Radiator

Certainly at top of the parts list is the radiator. The choices are, replace with a used one, replace with a new one or repair what I have. The easiest would replace with a used one. I called a race shop that carries a few Lola T192 parts in Michigan. Should hear from them Monday, but I think they sold their last one last year. Option 2, have one custom made. Haven't explored this idea yet, but keeping it in mind. Last would be repair it. Think I will give Brian a call next week to see what he thinks.

Having time on my side, leaves a lot of options. I'll move slowly on this one.

Starting the list

Still a couple of months away before I start any work on the car. So now I'm starting to make a list. Beside the obvious repairs, I do want to replace all the wheel bearings. Right now I'm using the ones that came with the car. I think I will feel better with new bearings. Also want to look into new brake pads, same story, using the ones that came with the car. That's just the start.

Goodyear tires

If I'm going to use Goodyear tires next year, I better start thinking about stocking up on them. Only two other F5000 cars are using Goodyear's, Eric in his 1969 Lola T190 and Steve in his 1969 Eagle. I talked to Eric after Road America and he said in had a slow leak in one of his tires and found that Goodyear had no tires for his car and he switch to Avon tires. Looks like Goodyear lost another customer.
The F5000 cars are racing in Portland in September. See if I can get some feedback from Eric on the Avon tires after the event.

Lola back in the shop

Got around to unloading the truck yesterday. Car's back in the shop, and the truck is being converted back to a full time antique hauler.

The truck worked well as a race car transporter. The only problem arises at the track. The truck is our transportation to the hotel in the evening. So when you come back in the morning, someone steals your parking spot.

Road America review

While my time at RA was limited to a day, I did enjoy driving the track. Definitely a horsepower track with those 3 long straightaways. This is the first track that the gears ratios seemed right and the problem with 3rd gear seemed to be fixed. I should be able to use these ratios at Watkins Glen next year.

AirVenture Oshkosh, WI

Next Monday starts AirVenture, the gathering 10,000 airplanes and hundreds of thousands of aviation lovers. I had to pick between Road America or Oshkosh this year. I can't attended both events because of time constraints. I guess if I had a crystal ball, I would be packing the plane getting ready to go. Anyway, I think I will alternating events, next year it's Oshkosh.

More Winter time work.

It's ugly, but repairable.

A jigsaw puzzle for later. I think you start with the corners and work your way inward.

Radiator.....Ouch!

The radiator has a little damage that I hope is repairable. Eric told me at the track that he might have the radiator support, his car came with some T192 parts. If not, I have all winter to straighten it out. I figure 10 months before my next event. Still haven't taken the car out of the truck yet. Trying to catch up on a lost weekend.

Back home again

Loaded up the truck Thursday evening, came back to the track Friday Morning for a few more photos. Then said our goodbyes and headed East to NJ. I've had these rides before with a broken race car in tow, lots to think about on the way home.

Going through Chicago wasn't as bad as when we came up Wednesday. A long but uneventful trip. Got home early Saturday morning.

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Not too many photos this time. But I do have a couple more to add this week.

A Short race weekend

Unfortunately my race event ended yesterday. I was in the afternoon test session, spun and damage the radiator. The radiator was not repairable and I don't have a spare. Also when I had the car jacked up I noticed the front right wheel bearing was very loose. This is another item I don't have.
So, I guess I had 3 great race weekends and one very disappointing one. I really wasn't planning on going home today.
This winter I have a very long list of work and spare parts to search for.

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

Arrived at Road America around 3pm, unloaded the car and setup what we could. Weather forecasts had nasty storms heading our way. By evening they had arrived along with a tornado watch. Won't know the condition of the race track until we get there today.

Fremont, Indiana

Arrived in Fremont, Indiana yesterday evening. A uneventful trip, that's good. Still have another 300 miles to Road America, planning to arrive late afternoon. Eric called yesterday, he left Seattle Monday afternoon and was in Montana when he called. He plans to arrive this evening. He's a driving machine.

Been following the weather forecast, mostly mid 80's for race weekend.

Ready for Road America

The car is all packed along with tools and supplies. The truck has worked well carrying the car. The only negative is I don't have room for my lower tool box. Eric, who has the Lola T190, has a very large trailer and lots of tools. If needed, I can borrow from him. Leaving tomorrow and will overnight in Indiana. I'm limited to how many hours I can drive a day by the USDOT. Because the truck is registered commercial, I come under the same requirements as an 18 wheeler. It's a real pain in the neck, driving log books etc.

Planning to arrive at Road America Wednesday afternoon.

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It should work, if I hear a loud crash, I'll know what it is.

No Ron Dykes

Unfortunately I won't be able to reunite Ron with his old Lola T192 at Road America this year. His travel plans won't be bringing him close to Elkhart Lake next weekend. Thought it would be great to have him drive the car at the Concours d’Elegance on Friday. Maybe next year?

Packing

Starting to pack the truck, used it the other week to transport antiques (it's primary job) and had to unload all the racing gear. Should have it all loaded by day's end.

Car's back together, just need to check suspension settings and then it can be loaded in the truck.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

It's been a scorcher these past couple of days. I'm lucky that most of the work left to do on the car can be completed in the shop, with the A/C on high.

103 in the shade.

However, the wheels had to be polished outside; the material I use has strong fumes.