Eric's home

It was a non[-event for the pickup of Eric's car, no 10 day wait.  So he's back home working on the engine change and will have plenty of time to make the first event in Calif.
   I just received the new dog rings and will begin work on the gearbox this week.

Eric update

Eric is on his way to Oakland, CA.  The ship arrived yesterday and I guess he came up with a way he doesn't have to wait 10 days for his car. 
On other news, I've added a piece of equipment to the arsenal.  It's a shear for cutting sheet metal.  John, my airplane mechanic is retiring and selling a few things he won't need.  This a tool that I can really use.

Spring cleaning

Finally tackled the race shop.  It had become a catch all for all the little projects I did over the winter.  With the shop back in order it's time to get back to the car.  Ordered more dogs rings and starting to work on gear ratios for my first event.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.

Eric update

Eric just received forms from customs.  The instructions say to allow 10 days for approval before the car is released.  The ship is to get to port May 19.  That now leaves no time for travel and engine replacement.  He's not going to make the first event on this schedule.

Lola T190 Reinhold Jung con't

Unfortunately Saturday was not his day.  In the opening session he spun and damaged the car.  The front and rear took a hit.  Reinhold has already started on the repairs, but not sure if he will be back in the car this year.  Time will tell.

Lola T190 Reinhold Jung

When I was talking to Chuck Haines in 2006 about purchasing a F5000 car.  The one below was the one I was talking to him about.  In fact, I called him to say I wanted to buy it, and he told me he just sold it.  So I immediately purchased my car.  Reinhold did a fantastic job in the restoration, it was in very bad shape when he got it.

 A report from Eric who attended Reinhold's first trip out yesterday.

"Reinhold Jung made it out for his first trip on track in his newly restored 1970 ex-Ron Grable Lola T190 at Pacific Raceways, near Seattle, WA.
His first outing was very calm as you would expect, just get it on track for a few shakedown laps to check things out and to get a feel for his beautifully restored Lola.
Just as Reinhold headed for the pre grid area for his second practice the rain started and he smartly withdrew form that session. The forecast is for improving weather for the rest of the weekend so Reinhold should have some quality time to acquaint himself with his new car.
The Grable Green Lola will surely attract attention and the car will be a welcome addition to our F5000 grid. I raced against Ron in that same car 41 years ago and I don't think that the car ever looked better than it does now!"

Lime Rock is a go

Just received confirmation from Lime Rock Park, my entry has been accepted.  Really looking forward to this event in September.

May update

Not really much new.  We just finished the most recent antique show this past weekend.  Business was up, a pleasant surprise.   Eric's car is still schedule to return May 16.  I plan to start on my car next week.   Still need to order a few new dog rings.
I came across a few old photos from the 1970's of a couple of cars I use to own.

1960 Corvette.  Powered by a 409cu. dual quad carb 425hp engine.  A real beast.

Next to the 1960 vette is my 1968 Corvette.  It was a coupe in very poor condition.  Total rebuilt it and then sold it(6 months later it was totaled).  The red 1964 Corvette belong to a guy I worked with.

Eric Haga Lola 190 Interview from New Zealand

Eric update

Well....Eric and Seb's cars are still in New Zealand.  Eric reported that they just arrived there from Australia.  Now the guys in NZ need to build the inside of the container to support the cars and parts.   Then ship it back to LA.  The first US F5000 race is in early June.
The delay is really going to hurt Eric.  He still needs to replace the engine.  Fingers crossed.

Eric driving the1946 Maybach Special, Mk. 1, in the Shannons Historic Demonstration at the Australian GP earlier this year

F5000 advertisement 2012

Really haven't done anything to the race car lately.  We have another antique show coming up at the end of this month, so that has been keeping me busy. 

 

New advertisement for this year race dates. I like it.

Pittsburghs confirmed

Just got a email from the Pittsburgh race event confirming my race entry.  They already have the race schedule published.  My race group is 1, that means up at the crack of dawn.  Friday consist of 6-15 minute practice sessions, Saturday is 4 session of a mix of qualifying and racing.  Sunday will be 2 races.  A lot of track time, that's good.
Haven't heard from Lime Rock yet.

End of March report

Still looking at grooving tires for the rain.  I have 2 sets of old tires, that gives me a couple of tires to practice the art of grooving.   Been kicking around the idea of having a trailer hitch added to the truck.  I could then get a small enclosed trailer for tools, parts and other race support stuff.  This would stop the many trips inside the back of the truck.  Placing the car in back of the truck on it's own is simple and not to time consuming.  It's all the other stuff that turns packing up the truck into a 2 hour project.  We'll see.
The only other project is the gearbox.  Need to replace the dogs and come up with a gear ratio for the Pittsburgh track.

Rain tires

Talked to Goodyear this morning about rain tires.  It was a short conversation, they don't make rain tires for my car.  Avon, the other tire company do have rain tires, but you know how I feel about running Avons.
I do have a third choice, groove my own tires.  I wood need to purchase a tire grooving iron,  there not much money and I could use a old set of my Goodyears.  This just might work.