Lime Rock

My entry his been sent and accommodations made.  Looking forward to returning to Lime Rock Labor Day weekend.

Formula 5000 Drivers Association schedule for 2013

• April 25-28: The Mitty at Road Atlanta with HSR
• July 18-21: Road America – The Hawk with Brian Redman
• October 4-6: Charity Challenge at Sears Point with CSRG
• Maybe Austin, TX in October w/SVRA
  
  

Eric update in New Zealand

A photo that needs no caption. 
I haven't heard from Eric but did see the results of the 2 Friday practice sessions.  The first was only 3 laps and the second was just one lap.  I assume Eric is still having engine problems. 

Updates

Eric is on his way to New Zealand, his first race is next weekend.  He needed to get there a little early to take care of a few engine problems.  I'll keep you informed on his progress. 
When I dropped off the engine, Jim asked if I could send the remainder of the exhaust system.  He gets better data if the exhaust system is the same you use for racing.  Take care of that next week.
It's been a busy week, already put a 1000 miles on the truck and another 600 to add by Monday night.  Sure glad I got the engine delivery out of the way.  For once I'm little ahead of schedule.
Heard a little through the grapevine about the F5000 race dates.  As it stands, Road America would be the only one I would attend, and that's only if I skip Pittsburgh and or Oshkosh.  Still early for final decisions.

That's done

The engine was safely delivered to Jim yesterday.   Asked both Jim and Brian about the clutch plate cracking, they have never seen that problem before.  So the flywheel will be examined and we'll go from there.

Connecticut Tuesday

Off to Connecticut Tuesday morning with the engine.  Talked to Jim last week and said he would be ready for us.  Just have to tie it down and bring a box of misc. parts. 

Clutch disc cracked...again

Certainly one of the areas I wanted to inspect was the clutch discs.  In 2011 at Watkins Glen I had one of the disc shatter.  Unfortunately during inspection I found stress cracks in one of the discs.  The same location, that being the one that contacts the flywheel.  I think it's time to have the flywheel looked at by Jim, something is not right. 

If you look close you can see the crack coming from the circle. 

This is the one from Watkins Glen in 2011.  If you don't catch it in time, this is what happens.

2013

Header exhaust repair

I've had a exhaust leak on the right side of the engine from day one.  No matter how tight I make it, it just continues to leak.  Time for Brian at Vintage Racing Services to weld a small bead on the header flange.

You can see the darkening on the cylinder head from the exhaust gases around the second opening to the left.

Engine removed

No big surprises.  Now to get the engine ready for the trip to Connecticut in the next week or so.  I do have to gather up a few items for Brian to work on also. 

Engine removal con't

Been working on removing the engine, should have it out by the weekend.

Engine removal

I was going to do this later in January.  Thought I would get a head start and try to get the engine to Jim a little sooner. 

A start

Had a couple of spare hours today and used it on the race car.  Raised it off the ground onto the stands and removed the rear wing and tires.   Removed the battery and brought it inside the house.  It's a start.

December Update

Still no word on the F5000 schedule for next year.  I'm sure one race will be at Road America, the other that has been mentioned is "The Mitty" at Road Atlanta.  I thought this was a great event in 2010. Unfortunately it falls on the same weekend as one of our antique shows.  Can't miss the show, the contract has been signed and the money paid.

Talked to Jim Coleman(engine builder), said it's about time for a engine overhaul. I can just just drop it off, no appointment needed. Think I'll take care of that in January.

I was on the phone with Goodyear, no more tires for me.  Goodyear stopped producing that size tire.  I'm OK for next year, but after that I guess it's into the Avons. 

The Justice Bros. have a new web site.  I came across their history page and saw a familiar photo.
Justice Bros.(click here)