Watkins Glen

I did plan this one.  Was returning from one of my many trips to Geneva and plan a stop at WG.  I knew Mike and Nancy would be there with their F5000 car for a race event.  Spent a very nice afternoon chatting and taking photos.  Mike was testing a new set of radiators.  Last year he was having overheating problems.  Also Ken B. was in attendance, his Brother Steve and Steve's son Mitch are responsible for all the fantastic photos of the F5000 group at Watkins Glen. 

Mike's 1970 Chinook

WWII Weekend Sunday

Sunday's weather started out very nice.  Early in the afternoon the sky's started to get threatening.  An announcement was made that a major storm was on it's way and to take cover. I took refuge under the wing of a C-47.  In about 10 minutes the winds kicked up and it just poured rain.  Didn't last to long and there was no damage.  The sun returned and the show went on.

"FIFI" The only flying B-29 in the World.

 

  

Running for cover.





WWII Weekend Saturday

Perfect weather.

WW II weekend in Reading, PA

Back at Reading for the air show.  Working on the flight line.  Missed last year because of the conflict with the WG race. 
Friday's weather forcast was rain most of the day.  The rain stayed away.   Today should be a lot better.

Gearbox time

Pulled the gearbox apart and found my third gear (dogs) very worn.  This was the obvious reason for the problem at Road America last year.  Much more than the dog rings.  When the transmission was rebuilt, the re builder used gears from a FT200 trans(I think)and had to grind the dog faces down.  This could be the problem with premature wear.
   I've been working on gear ratios for the Pittsburgh event.  The track is 1.53 miles, and third gear will be used in 6 of the 12 turns.  Think I will talk to Brian to see if the gears can be repaired. 

Had no reverse or first gear at Road America last year.
Adjusted the shift linkage and now it works fine

  

Justice Bros. poster

Here's a nice purchase I made on eBay.  A large advertising poster featuring the Justice Bros. Lola in 1973.    The cars in 1974 required the side impact structures, this photo is basically how the car came from the Lola.  Mark Waco was the driver.  Poster was still in it's original tube, never hung up.  Photo by Ed Justice Jr.

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.