Monday, June 14, 2010

Rain Out

After about what seemed to be an eternity in the shop, the car was alll back together. Sat morning after about 60 hours of labour we tested the car on our private secret test track. The car ran well, did everything it was asked and was quite fast. Just ask Dave. Thanks to everyone that helped repair the car. We used an auto body tech, welder, machinist, small engine tech, and even had a trailer tech help us out. Not to mention our tire specialist, chassis specialist and even the kids helped out. After all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears we loaded the Hudson Hornet up and were ready to go. Just moments into our trip the sky opened up and down came the rain. They called the race shortly after that. Thanks again to all those that helped make the repairs. See you at Sauble.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

And then the wheels came off the wagon

What a rough night for the apprenticesearch team. The car was very well prepared and very fast. The troubles started early in the first heat. The car in front on the starting grid was leaking gas all over the track and my car. I called on the radio to have him black flagged, but no luck. We went into the first corner and he slid in his own gas, so did I. I spun him around and we didn't even make it half a lap. We managed to come back and finish fourth place. In the feature we had the car to beat. We started quickly moving past the cars in front of us. With about 5 laps to go we had a caution for a couple of spun out cars. On the restart I was pressuring the leader when my car took off up the track. We hit the front stretch wall and that ended our night. The centre of the wheel broke and the whole rim and tire went flying high in the air and down the racetrack. I am just glad that there were no injuries. Our safety equipment was put to the test as I had lots of sparks inside the car and a pretty Good hit into the wall. I am glad that I have invested in quality equipment. Overall it didn't even hurt too much. Just mad that we were running so good and to have a $150 rim cause so much extra work. Looks like we will be back on track for Varney next Sat. The guys at the shop have one busy week ahead of them.