Friday Lime Rock

20 years have past since my last race at Lime Rock, the track has not change at all.   Friday would include 2 sessions.  My first session was left with a little concern.  I had a gear oil leak.  I noticed a little bit under the car when I removed it from the truck Thursday.  The other issue was a little more concerning.  I was smelling fuel once I got onto the track.  I was hoping just one of the fuel caps was not tight.  After about 10 laps the smell went away.  My fastest lap was a 56,  OK for the first session.   Back at our spot I discovered the fuel cap was not tight and side plate on the gearbox had a couple of loose nuts(beside the one behind the wheel).
The afternoon session went well,  I did get my lap time down into the 53's.  No gear oil leaks and no fuel smells.
Friday night included dinner for the drivers and crews.  Very nice, and after dinner Sir Stirling Moss told stories and answered questions.

Jim's F5000 car, here not to race but for Sunday's Concours.  He is racing his
Can-Am car

Now onto Saturday.

Thursday Lime Rock

Made it.  The trip took about 3 hours and no traffic problems.  It this event everyone has there own assigned spot.  I think we have a good one, close to the false grid.  Looking forward to tomorrow.

I like this one.



Our home away from home.  This is part of a bigger Inn.  Very nice.



Lime Rock or Bust

I thought this would get easier with time.  Having the extra vehicle and trailer has added to the work load not to mention the poster stuff.  Anyway, it's all packed and blastoff should be around 9:30 this morning, should arriving at the track around 1:00pm.  Not sure how the Internet is up there, but will try to post photos is possible.

Car in the hauler

Once the car is loaded, I know we're getting close.  For the most part, all the race stuff is ready.  Still have to pack the Suburban and load the Gator on the trailer.  On schedule to leave Thursday morning.  Around a 3 hour trip to Lime Rock. 

Watkins Glen F5000

Just received a update from the F5000 association, at least 12 cars and maybe 14.   The race start will be split between the F5000 cars and the other group nine, basically 2 pace cars.There also trying to move up the race time on Sunday.  I would like to see us with the F1 race group using the split start.  It work well last year at Road America.  At least I thought so.
As for Lime Rock, the truck is mostly packed minus the car.  That will go in Wednesday.

Lime Rock/Watkins Glen updates

For updates, click on links below.
Lime Rock event schedule
Lime Rock entry list (final)
Lime Rock final instructions
Watkins Glen entry list(8/24/12)

That's it for the car, it's ready.  After a quick trip to Geneva(NY), I'll start to pack when I get back.

Lime Rock in a week

7 days and counting.  Polished up the tire rims yesterday.  Not sure if I'm going to do the rims that the rain tires are mounted on.  By day's end the race car should be 100% ready.  The truck repair is done.  Get the truck home and start packing that too. 

Valve adjustment

Of those small items one was the valve adjustment.  Only one valve really needed adjustment, and a lot of adjustment at that.  I'll keep a eye on it.  Installed new spark plugs.  The engine runs rich and after a couple of races the plugs start to foul.  Ran the engine and tested the clutch pedal, all is good.  Not much left now.

Lime Rock...getting closer

The car is just about ready.  A few small things left and then just clean and polish. 
Sent the truck out for it's brake repair.  The job did require some specialized tools so I decided to leave it to the professionals. 

Trailer

Trailer completed.  Placed the Gator on the back and pulled it with the Suburban for a test ride.  Tows well and now I have a working trailer again for other purposes.

Lime Rock entry list

Just published, Lime Rock's entry list.  Staying in group 4, that's good.
Lime Rock list...click here

Watkins Glen entry list

Just started to publish the entry list for September's Watkins Glen event.  There are a few F5000 cars listed, be it's still early.  I'm not anticipating a large turnout, maybe 12 or so. 
Watkins Glen entry list...click here

Lime Rock race group 4?

Every couple of days I check the Lime Rock site for a car entry list.  This morning I noticed a change in the event schedule.  Group 4 it looks like only F1 cars now and I would be then in group 2.  The mix of cars in group 2 would be very similar to the Pittsburgh event.  Won't know for sure until I get a competitors list of what cars go into what groups. 
http://www.limerock.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=356&Itemid=98

2nd poster wall

The 2nd poster wall is done.

Something new for Lime Rock

Working on bringing our John Deere Gator(similar to a 2 seat golf cart) to Lime Rock.  I have a 15' trailer that I haven't used since 1995.  Just replaced all the lights and wiring, repacked the wheel bearings and ordered a couple of new tires.  We can pull this behind the Suburban and this will give us a pit vehicle at Lime Rock.  When your just there for a couple of days all the walking isn't to bad.  But after 5 days it does get tiresome.  Plus when you have a race car that gets 4mpg, that's a lot of trips to the gas pump.