Possible Team Racing Options in December

Lemons are headed down to Chuckwalla in December. That trip seems like a terribly difficult road trip, so we are not doing that. However, this leaves a hole in the schedule. To deal with this, several options have been brought to my attention. Let me know if any of these are of interest:

December 31 Chumpcar race.  One day run ($900 per car) at Laguna Seca.  Registration is past so not sure if we can get.
Informtion: http://www.chumpcar.com/register/supplementalrules/52.pdf

December 14 - Skipbarber @ Laguna Seca 1-day Advanced Racing School ($1,800)
http://www.skipbarber.com/default.asp

December 15 - Skipbarber @ Laguna Seca 2-day Advanced Racing School ($3,500)
http://www.skipbarber.com/default.asp

December - Karting School - Sonoma 1-3 day ($495-$695 a day)
http://www.jimrussellusa.com/programs/karting/sprint-courses

(Note: If any of the driving school are of interest we could look at a special Corporate event option.)

Race over, 2 checkers

Both cars finished the race strong. Rod was in the Z and Tony was in the D. We ended up in 28th and 42nd with the D being ahead.

The drivers all put in their fastest times in the Z but put in their most consistent times in the D and the speeds on the D are pretty close to those in the Z now.

They are on the trailers and we are headed off to the awards.

2:00

We are 2 hours from the checkered flag. Doug is running in the Z and Claus is in the D.

The D continues to be trouble free, except we had a quick black flag incident when Kirsten spun the car. Since the course was under a full course yellow, we didn't lose much time.

I took the next stint in the D and turned it over to Claus when a car pulled over and caught the hill on fire. the fire patrol got the fire out in a hurry and the driver was unhurt.

Tony took the same stint in the Z and we now have most of the straw blown out an the car is running very well.

Doug took over at 1:30 and had a black flag stop for a fuel leak, but we had him back on the track a minute or two later.

One more drivers change coming up at 2:30 and we'll race to the end.

Sunday morning

I dropped my phone yesterday so i probably can't put any photos until tomorrow.

Today got off to a smooth start. We fired up the compressor to attempt to blow all the straw out of the Z then picked the least allergic driver to head out first to clear put the car. I was selected and had a clean run and cleared things out.

Brandon took the first shift in the D and also had a nice and smooth run.

First round of put stops also went very smooth and we put Kirsten in the D and Claus in the Z.

Knock on wood, we are in the low thirties and forties between the two cars. The D continues the trend of being ahead as it has done the best avoiding penalties.

Vodden the Hell Day One Final.

Good overall day.  A lot of good racing in some late summer days.  We did fall just a little short of expectations, in that we only had one car finish out the day.  But, from the character of the nature of the cars is not surprising. The D encurages steadily driving and thus logs in the laps and encourages good behavior.  The Z is old crotchety and inspires... well bad behavior with the results of today not disproving that Theory.

As for the Butchers Bill not bad for considering the possibilities.  As of now we are looking at:

• 75 gallons of gas.
• Front Brakes pads for the D
• Rim and Tire for the Z
• Rear Brake Pads for the Z
• Brake pad locking pin
• Hay needs to be remove from the Z

Overall not a bad first day.

5:45 and things are less well

Muddy called in at 5:30 low on gas in the D. Since the track was green till 6:00 we told him to stretch it as far as he could. Funny thing is he set the fast lap for the car while trying to save on gas. We were ready for a splash and go, but didn't need it in the end as he ran to the checker on the day and finished so we saved the 10 minute pit stop.

Kirsten was having a nice run in the Z but was hit by another car about ten minutes from the end. Things seemed fine, but a little later, the rear rim failed from the damage and Kirsten ended with a big off. She managed to get the car started and limped it back into the pits.

The damage is limited to a shot rim and a ton of grass in the car. We were worried about damage to the radiator and undercarriage, but everything checked out ok, so we are cleaning, new tire, and doing the bearings just in case.

The D needs new brakes, but this is the third race on the same pads, so hard to fault that.

The cars were ready by dinner, which was fabulous lamb on the grill and quite lovely.

Race starts at 9:30 tomorrow.

5:00 and all's well

The Z drivers seemed to have settled down and we have been running for almost 5 hours. We have had to bring the car in to watch a growing bearing noise and still have fuel vent issue. Those have been quick stops fortunately. Running till 6:00 tonight. We've run through the driver order and kirsten is going to finish out the day. When Claus gets tired.

The D continues its flawless run and is a bit higher in the rankings. Rod picked up a passing under yellow black flag at the end of his session, but since the car has been running clean they let him drive through and we swapped to muddy and sent Doug out to finish the day.

Not as hot today, but the sun is still taking its toll. The crew is hanging out in the shade watching the standings and the comings and goings of all of our neighbors.

Mid day update

Muddy was screaming around the track, but had to come in to deal with our fuel issue. Went back on track and then we had to deal with our first black flag issue. Oops, no cookie for you.

Doug tapped another car, but no damage. Both cars spun off and that resulted in our first trip to the judges.

Tony then too the Z out and was also putting in fast laps. Like muddy, he spun and we had our second trip back to the box. We blew a get out of jail card, and put tony back on track.

Brandon meanwhile has been merrily turning laps in the D and came in right at noon for the DS's first stop of the day.

Green flag racing

The cars were sorted out before the tri-tip was finished yesterday, so we had a very pleasant dinner before heading off to the best accommodations willows had to offer (apparently a working shower is optional).

This morning the RV AC has been acting up, but the cars were on the track by 9:30 and the green flag hit at 10:00 sharp.

Muddy is on the Z and blueberry in the D. Both cars are running fine even with more than 190 cars on track.

Track shots

Couple of shots of the cars running around the track.

Day one, couple problems

We spent the whole day trading drivers every 20 minutes. Generally both cars were working very well and we had a lot of happy drivers with the exception of the temps at the track being close to 100 degrees. Lots of water seemed to be taking care of that problem.

The Z came in at one point with fuel spilling past the gas cap. The thought with the temps as high as they were, is the tank was pressurizing and pushing the gas out in the turns. So a vent line was added and the last driver hit the track.

The vent line was up front, and as soon as the car was up and running, gas was pouring out the vent onto the windshield, right above the exhaust manifold. I'm been told before it is the oil leaks that catch a car on fire, not gas leaks. I wasn't brave enough to put that concept to the test. I brought the car in as I wasn't interested in turning the elf into a car-b-q.

I think rod would have preferred I did cook the car though as he is the one now standing in the pits shaking his head asking why we thought racing was a good idea in the first place.

Also (as if we needed more) I was complaining that the brake pedal had too much travel. Peter checked out all the wheels and we are short a rear pad. I was driving with just the piston pushing on that brake. Not sure how we lost a pad, but Claus is wrenching away putting the breaks back together.

Meanwhile the D just sits. It finished the day without any issues.

Friday practice

We have made it to the track and thru tech. The only issue to date was the truck is burning a ton of transmission fluid. We made a couple of stops to check it, but it seems our $500 budget includes the tow vehicles.

Tech went very smooth. We ended up with 0 laps on both cars, but we did end up in A class (likely to finish) as opposed to our usual B class (likely to fail). Not sure that is a good thing, but happy to be through tech fast.

Both cars are now running around the track as we try to shake them out and make sure the drivers know where the track goes.

Zoom-zoom

On the Road

Vodden the hell we are doing? What a good question. Right now on the road but soon to be "Racing"

New Sponsor

I proudly would like to announce that 41st Parameter has agreed (some think conned) to sponsor our type D. To honor this partnership the D will be sporting the new theme. We are working on the finishing touches, but thought you would like a sneak preview.

We are excited about this new partnership, and think this will prove to be a fabulous associate to inspire fun, and encourage a path for both to great success (at least for 41st Parameter)

Weather Report For Vodden the Hell We are Doing?

Not Bad.  It could be worse.  Like today it is 97°F, so the potential of a hot day is not impossible.

• Friday

  Sep 14

  Bright and sunny87°Lo 59°

• Saturday

  Sep 15

  Mostly sunny85°Lo 59°

  more

• Sunday

  Sep 16

  Mostly sunny85°Lo 59°

  more

• Monday

  Sep 17

  Sunny86°Lo 61°

  more

Hotel Reservation Information

I have made team hotel reservation for Friday September 14, and Saturday September 15, at the Travelodge in Willows (address below).  This track is a bit out of the way, so I did not expect many visitors.  We currently have 5 rooms, and that should cover drivers and know guest.  If you have any additional visitors that needs accommodations let me know in the comment section, and I can add additional rooms.

WILLOWS TRAVELODGE 249 North Humboldt Ave, Willows, CA 95988 US Phone: 1-530-934-4603 Fax: 1-530-9344275

Thank you. Your room reservation has been confirmed. Your confirmation number is 66192705. Confirmation Number: 66192705 Rewards Number: Not Applicable Used For This Transaction: Not Applicable Remaining Balance: Not Applicable Reservation: 2 Queen Beds Room No smoking;2 Queen Beds Non-Smoking Room with free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, coffee maker and hair dryer; Maximum occupancy: 5 people Stay: 5 Room(s), 2 Night(s) Occupancy: 2 Adult(s), 0 Children 13-17, 0 Children 0-12 Check in: Friday, 09/14/2012 After 3:00 PM Check Out: Sunday, 09/16/2012 Before 11:00 AM Cancellation Policy: There will be no credit or refund for early departures, cancellations, no shows, or changes in your reservation for any reason. Guests will not receive any refund or credit.. Payment Method: We require a valid credit card to confirm your reservation and guarantee your room. Any require deposit or pre-payment will be charged to this card immediately. Otherwise, your card will not be charged until you check out. NEW PASSPORT RULES: Learn More

Work List for Vodden in the Hell

We have been working for some time, so the must repair work is done.  Last weekend Lugnut, Torch, and I finished up some repairs and started to get the final checks worked on.  Here is the current work list for each car with 40 days left.   

2012 Vodden the hell we doing?
Electrical Systems			Status
		Items	Type D		300Z	Comments
	1	Descuzzify wires
	2	Battery Box check
	3	Check brake light
	4	Fuel Pump ECU	Done			Install
	5	Check Traqmate	Done
	6	Battery Charged
	7	Check charging system
	8	Check ECU Error codes
Engine and Driver Train
		Items				Comments
	1	Engine compress test	Done		Done	Z: 1- 180, 2 -180, 3- 180, 4-180, 5-180, 6-180                                     D1-180,2-180, 3-180, 4-190
	2	Spark Plug	Done		Done
	3	Replace oil filter	Done		Done	Filters in hand
	4	Replace oil	Done		Done	D-Need oil
	5	Check transmission oil	Done			Have Gear Oil
	6	Check Differential Oil	Done			Have Gear Oil
	7	Check Clutch Fluid	Done		Done
	8	Inspect Timing Belt				D-Have Plugs
	9	Inspect Water and Alt Belt	Done		Done	D-Have Belt
	10	Replace Gear shift	Done		Done	D- Replace
	11	Check and add Water to Radiator	Done		Done
	12	Inspect and replace throttle Cable	Done		Done
	13	Wipers
	14	Run engine to temperature
	15	Test Drive
	16	Fuel Filter	Done		Done	Z- Order
Suspension and Brakes
		Items				Comments
	1	Check strut and tighten				Strut ordered
	2	Inspection Ball Joint
	3	Check Wheel bearings			Done	Have parts
	4	Front Sway bar mount	Done			Have parts
	5	Check rear and front bushing
	6	Inspect rotors	Done		Done	Check D System
	7	Check Brake Pads	Done		Done	Replace Z pads & order
	8	Bleed brake lines
	9	Check bias			Done	D-Proportioning Valve
	10	Alignment
	11	Tires and Rims				D- 1 sets ordered                         Z- 1 sets order
	12	Check Tire Pressures				40-45 PSI
	13	Strut Tower Support	Done		Done	D-Repair
Safety Systems
		Items				Comments
	1	Install Fire Extinguisher
	2	Inspect Seat
	3	Inspect Back Rest
	4	Inspect Seat Harness
	5	Inspect Mirror
	6	Inspect Roll Bar Pad
	7	Install Tow Hitch
	8	Cover Remaining Glass
	9	Secure Roll Cage
	10	Arm Restraints / Driver Net
	11	Fire Wall Inspection
	12	Test Battery Manual Disconnect
	13	Rear Fire wall
Car Body
		Items				Comments
	1	Diffuser				D&Z- Added
	2	Fender Repair
	3	Driver Heat Abatement				Cooling system
Pit and Logistics Systems
		Items				Comments
	1	Hotel room confirmation and number of rooms confirmed				5 Room at Travelodge Blog
	2	Reserve tow truck	Done		Done	Robert / Daws
	3	Reserve trailer
	4	RV rental	Done		Done	32 A El Monte
	5	T-shirt printing
	6	Team Hats and jackets
	7	Menu
	8	Residual value memo to Jay
	9	Check Radio harness				In Each Car
	10	Determine Jack Points
	11	Ear Buds for radio
	12	Radio				7 Radios
	13	Drivers Schedule
	14	5x5-gallon carboy				Review
	15	Fuel Storage	Done		Done	55 gallon + 5x5 gallon
	16	Pump	Done		Done
	17	Spare Parts				Check
	18	Pack for the track
	19	Test drive
	20	Binder
Décor
		Items				Comments
	1	Car Number			Done	Have 11x17 label
	2	Team Logo				Review
	3	Paint