Racing in 2012

Looking at running 3 events this year.  I've come to the decision that the California F5000 race isn't going to happen for us this year.   So that still leaves me 3 races.  Lime Rock is one, Watkins Glen is two and the third is...Pittsburgh, PA(July 13-15).  That's right, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix   Ok, I'm 90% sure on this event.  The one small road block is they have a 100db limit on the race track.  I've gotten my car under 104db with mufflers, so 100db should not be to difficult to reach.  The Vintage Racing Group oversees the race weekend and has a 1972 or older race vehicle rule.  Again I just make it. 

Pittsburgh is a lot closer than Road America and the entry fee is much cheaper.  I can attend both Lime Rock and Pittsburgh for the same cost as RA.

I like to try different things and the Pittsburgh event looks like a lot of fun.  Nothing is written in stone and no decisions need to come before April.

Justice Bros. memorabilia

Here's just a few Justice Bros. items I received.

Neon clock. 
Not real old, but it's no longer available from Justice Bros.

This now makes a pair, I can replace these with the Champion Spark plug fender covers.

A good size banner.

Lime Rock Park

Mailed in my "request for entry" as the LRP promoters states it.  No idea when I  will hear back from them. 
As for the race car, still haven't started anything yet.  Have a antique show next weekend, then a trip out to the Mid-West which will bring us into March.  Time sure is flying.

More JB stuff on the way

A guy out in Iowa contacted me a couple of weeks ago.  Said he use to be a distributor of the Justice Bros automotive products back in the 1980's.  Anyway, he still had some advertising banners, a neon clock and some other stuff.  Struck a deal and now there on a UPS truck heading to Jersey.  Hopes it good.

A new member added to the fleet

After many years of service, I retired our 1995 Bronco last year. We bought it new and mechanically it had run fine over the years. But had turned into a pile of rust. The undercarriage was just rotting away and became to dangerous to drive.

I’ve been searching Craig’s list and ebay for the last 5 months and finally came up with a replacement. It had to be 4 wheel drive.  Also, no rust and not needing a lot of work. A tall order for sure.  It would be used as a second vehicle and not travel very far. 

I found a 1999 Suburban, 1 owner, garage kept, non-smoker, no accidents, 4 wheel drive with all the service records. The only drawback was it had 224,000 miles on the odometer. The engine was replaced at 160k, and never used for towing. The Suburban was used for trips to South Carolina. 

 The owner had passed away and I was buying it from his son. After a 45 minute drive I could not find one thing wrong. The truck was in showroom condition, inside and out. So it’s now ours, the wife will use it for local trips and auctions that she attends herself. With the rear seat removed it has a vast amount of space. I think this vehicle will work just fine. 

Lime Rock Park

I'm adding Lime Rock Park to the race events.  This is the Labor day weekend race that I've had on the table for a while.  Accommodations have been made and now to start on my event application, yes application.  The LRP event is much more restricted as far as age of race cars.  The races I attend now have cars that might not even be 10 years old(Indy cars from the '90's).  This application must be in by May 15.  I really don't see any problems. 
LRP event runs 4 days. Friday-Monday with no racing on Sunday.  The following weekend would be Watkins Glen, that would give me Tuesday to work on the car and leave Wednesday. 

This will be our room at the Lime Rock event, only a couple of miles from the track.  We stayed here at the "Wake Robin Inn" back in the day when I raced FF and SV's.  But only during the fall races, in the summer we pitched a tent at the track.  Along the track runs a stream, that's where you would find the campers bathing in the morning.  Those were the days.

Eric homeword bound

Eric should be on his way home.  Said his experience in New Zealand was a once in a life time opportunity and enjoyed it immensely.  I'm looking forward to hearing more about his adventure.

A little R&R

Sometimes you just have to get away.  Usually by now, the snow is deep and the winds are cold.  But it's been a mild winter and I took advantage if it yesterday.  Went flying, something I don't do to often anymore.  

Flying along the Delaware river.  Sure is fun.

I haven't heard from Eric, but I do know he finished both races this weekend.  I'm not sure what his plans are now.  I don't think they race again until March.