Sunday Watkins Glen

I can tell you right now, the weekend did not improve for me.  We did dodge the rain for the race, but not the yellow flags.  For the race I started 5th out of 7 cars.  This was a split start, the other group consisted of Indy cars and Indy lights.  I still don't understand what a 2002 indy car is doing in Historic Racing.  So at the start I expected to drop back, but instead I made up a position.  We didn't have more than 2 race laps completed before the yellow flags came out.   A Indy lights car made heavy contract with the wall.  It must have taken 3 or 4 laps to clean up the mess.  When the green flag came out, I started to loose positions.  It was like I was standing still, the engine didn't seem to have the power to keep up.  Within a lap and a half I was dead last and that's where I finishd.  The expected end to a not so good weekend. 
More stories and photos to follow.

With only 3 cars in your class, dead last does get you a third place finish.




Saturday Watkins Glen

A wash  out.  It started raining around 10:30 and didn''t stop until 3pm.  The F5000 group was to be out at 1pm. With my rain tires installed I was ready.   Just before 1:00 it really started to rain heavy, all on track activity stopped.  The track was officially closed.  I waited for the next hour but it wasn't going to happen.  We covered the car and back to the hotel we went.
Sunday has 30% chance of rain.

Everyone else took the option not to go out in the rain and placed their cars in the trailers before the storm hit.  I chose to ride it out.   I guess it's the LBI(Long Beach Island) in me.



Friday Watkins Glen

Friday had qualifying in the morning and a qualify race in the afternoon.  My driving in the morning session was ragged.  I just could not concentrate on driving.  Did around 6 or 7 laps but still slower than last year.  The afternoon session went full course yellow after only 2 laps.  Rick spun and stalled in the middle of a turn.  After a couple of laps they stopped the race and that was Friday.   Today we are predicted to have bad weather.  So far this looks to be a lost weekend.  I think in hindsight, Lime Rock should have been my last event.

Eight cars showed up, only seven running now,  not a very good turnout.

If I can't go fast, at least I can look good.  Crew Chief working hard.

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.