Thursday Watkins Glen

Made it to Watkins Glen before 5pm.   Unloaded the car  and now just waiting for tomorrow.  Looks like it's going to be a nice day.

Lime Rock youtube

Larry is in the blue car.  He's part of Vintage Racing Services, Larry  at one time race F5000 cars.  Looks like Brian has some work ahead of him.

Larry's ok

Watkins Glen today

Could use another day, but that's not going to happen.  New tires mounted, gearbox ready.  Did more cleaning.  The wheels really need polishing, maybe Saturday. 

Registration closes at 5pm today. If we don't make it before 5, we can't enter the track.  I think we'll make it. 

Almost ready

Watkins Glen update

Schedule updated 8/30/12

Entry list updated 8/30/12

Talked to Eric, he's not going to make it to the glen.  Gearbox problem's.

What was I thinking?

Can't believe I'll be back in the car in 2 days.   This idea sure looked good on paper.  After getting the car out of the truck I found a few small problems.  Noticed a water puddle on the floor of the truck.  Actually had 2 water leaks, the tighten of a couple of hose clamps stopped that.  The bottom of the exhaust on the left side was hitting the track.  Much worse than Watkins Glen.  This will need repair in the winter overhaul.  So far two tires are mounted, oil changed and a little cleanup.  Planning on leaving tomorrow afternoon.  I will miss the practice session on Thursday, but under the circumstances not much I can do. 
Photos from Lime Rock.  Click here.

I know this must have been hitting the exhaust at the uphill right hander at LRP

Monday Lime Rock

Monday schedule was a warm up session in the morning and the race in the afternoon.  The one thing that I came away from the warm up session is, the tires we're going to be no help.   I think if I had brought my new tires with me, I would have had them mounted.  Anyway I was grided 8th.  At the start of the race I again lost one position, the same guy who by the way raced F5000 in the day.  Held my position for the remainder of the race. 
The car ran well and no problems with the gear box.  Good to be home and now it's onto Watkins Glen.  I'll added photos later.

Sunday Lime Rock

Sunday in the park.  For once we can have the time to walk around and see the sites.   A whole lot of great cars here.   They parked them all a long the track, and again another nice day.
By 2 o'clock it was time to get back to work.  The car still needed another 4 hours of work to get it ready for Monday. 
We really needed this time off,  I think I have more energy this morning(Monday)than I have had all weekend.
Monday will included a race in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Saturday Lime Rock

Weather wise, it's been warm but dry.  The morning qualifying session went smoothly.  I didn't improve on my lap time.  I really don't expect to at this point.  The tires are over a year old with almost 3 events on them.  Really needed to save the new ones for the glen next week.
I qualified 8th for the afternoon race.  At the start I lost a position but settled into a rhythm.  On the last lap I was giving a little room for a F1 car to pass and ended up off course.  By the time I got back on the track I had  lost one or two positions.  
Sunday is a day of rest.  No racing at Lime Rock today. But they will have close to a 1000 cars displayed on the track. 

The place was packed, traffic jams getting into the race track.  You would think there was a Indy car race going on here.
Lime Rock's Facebook Page click here

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.