Checker flag

As the checkers fly both cars are still running!  We had a couple black flags for the D so it fell back a little. The z had 312 laps and finished in 45th place, picking up that final spot from the neighbors on the last lap. The D completed 302 laps and finished in 52th place.  Very happy both cars had more than 300 laps and finished both days under the checker.  Thats a "W" for us.

Last driver change done

The D was in and out. We put new tires on as Picasso said the car was very unhappy. Tires don't have flat spots so hoping it was suspension issues.  In any case, Queen is on the track and we are in our final stints. The Z is ahead in 50th and the D is in 54th. 

250 laps down

After 250 laps, the cars are 10 seconds apart and on the same lap. The D is ahead, but I don't expect that to last more than one more lap. 

Drivers changes

Swapping in the thrid set of drivers. Lugnut is in the Z and about 5 laps down on the D. Muddy will be coming into the pits in a few minutes and Picasso is headed out. 

Penalty time

A trip to the penalty box has the cars 3 laps apart now with the D in front. Something about a spin and another car. 

Day 2

Sorry I didn't kick off the day with a post but I was the lead-off driver in the Z, while Torch lead us off in the D.

The drivers meeting was kicked off with a big lecture about how we drive in lemons. Several teams have been kicked out after apparently some sort of altercation yesterday.  Overall, our whole team has been impressed with how the judges have kept things low key (and fun) so it was a well received reminder.

Not sure things were less aggressive on track, but certainly in the pits we have seen much friendlier pits as folks are coming by an apologizing for contact and complimenting good driving.

The new hole in the Z's bumper seems to have cooled the car off and we had no temp issues. That allowed the car to be run full speed without having to slow down watching the temps. 

Queen and muddy are out now as we have cars in 48th and 49th place at the moment

Post Day one.

I did not find out how we ran at the end of day one. After 2 served black flags for the Z, 1 questionable fuel leak assessment for the Z and one phantom black flag drive through, I estimate that we will be around 70ish place. On top of all that the Z was running a bit hot.  To drive it lugnut needed to chanel his inner D momental driving and nurse it home.  We did get to the goal of two checker finishes. 

After the days session we set to work on repairs. What in sued was both cars having a lundry of nicks and various jerry rig repairs done. 

The D needed sway bar mount weld, fenders pulled out, and fluid change.

The Z we needed to complete the vent for the fuel tank, replace the radiator fan, add a screen to get the radiator more air, and change fluids. 

All in a days work and now might be ready for the next day. 

First driver changes are done

There were a lot of yellows and the usual cars breaking down in the first hour. Both cars got through their sessions without any issues and Muddy and Picasso are out of the cars and Queen and Torch are now spinning laps. 

Race day

The drivers order is posted and we are waiting for the drivers meeting to get the race day running. 

We are still having some issues with the fan in the Z, but given the temps today, that shouldn't be a problem. 

The intermittent cutout on the D was chased down to a lose ground wire. 

Drivers meeting is starting and we will get the show running.

Tech complete

Both cars made i through tech with no issues. We were blowing fuses on the fan for the z last race so we are busy trying to swap out a replacement. Hopefully we'll be done soon and waiting for the track to open. 

Sears pointless 2015 the weekend is here

Most of the crew assembled last night and packed everything into the cars. We showed up at Muddy's at 5:30 and Cindy sent us off with banana bread and in the pre-dawn dark we were off. We left Muddy's house at 6:00 am today and had an easy commute up to the track.  

Lugnut, Muddy and Sparky have put the pits together without breaking too much or damaging too many vehicles in the process. Given our track record, this is a very good start to the weekend. 

Muddy is getting the paperwork finished so we can have an early visit to tech and hopefully lots of time for practice drives today. 

They announced over the intercom real race cars have the track this morning and lemons this afternoon. 

Sears Pointless Prep Done

Ready or not it is that time.  The trailers are here.  The RV in my neibghors parking spot.  Piccaso, Lugnut, Troch, and myself have them all packed by 7:00pm.

  I just might get some sleep tonight.

See you in the morning. 

Hotel Reservation For Sears Pointless 2015

RAMADA VALLEJO NEAR SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM 1000 Admiral Callaghan Lane I-80 and Highway 37 Vallejo, CA 94591 US Phone: 1-707-643-2700 Fax: 1-707-642-1148 E-mail  *Rate Information Other charges may apply for local amenities like safe warranties and telephone access. Please check with the property for further details. Local surcharges or services charges are not included in the total room rate. Local taxes may be additional. Please note that a change in the length or dates of your reservation may result in a rate change. Please check with the property for further details. Traveling with Children or Several Guests There may be limits on the number of guests who may occupy the room type you selected which could impact the number of rooms needed and/or room rates for a reservation even if you receive a confirmation number. Please check with the property or our central reservation number for further details.

Thank you. Your room reservation has been confirmed. Your confirmation number is 44997292                                                44999413  Name: Muddy Confirmation Number: 44997292 44999413 Reservation: 2 Queen Beds Room No smoking;2 Queen Beds Non-Smoking Room with free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator and microwave; Maximum occupancy: 4 people Stay: 3 Room(s), 2 Night(s) Occupancy: 2 Adult(s), 0 Children 0-17 Check in: Friday, 03/20/2015 After 3:00 PM Check Out: Sunday, 03/22/2015 Before 12:00 PM As a valued member, you could earn up to 3,840 Wyndham Rewards when you book this qualified rate. Cancellation Policy: TO AVOID BEING BILLED CANCEL BY 4:00 PM 20-MAR-15; PENALTY AMOUNT 64.00 USD PER ROOM PLUS TAXES. Payment Method: We require a valid credit card to confirm your reservation and guarantee your room. Any required deposit or pre-payment will be charged to this card immediately.  NEW PASSPORT RULES: Learn More

Sears Pointless Schedule 2015

I put together a schedule for the up comming Race weekend.  If all goes here is the plan.

Friday, 20 March 2014

    6:00 am: Leave Dublin to get to track 

    7:00 am: Sonoma Raceway gates open

    8:00 am: Setup and get car ready for Tech Inspection

  10:00 am: Targeted Tech and BS Inspections for the D and Z

  11:30 am: Lunch

    1:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Testing Session

Day 1  Practice
D						Z
Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes		Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes
1:00 PM	1:38 PM	Driver	1	Estimated       12 laps		1:00 PM	1:46 PM	Driver	1	Estimated    12 laps
1:53 PM	2:21 PM	Driver	2	Estimated       12 laps		2:01 PM	2:27 PM	Driver	2	Estimated    12 laps
2:36 PM	3:04 PM	Driver	3	Estimated       12 laps		2:42 PM	3:08 PM	Driver	3	Estimated    12 laps
3:19 PM	3:47 PM	Driver	4	Estimated       12 laps		3:23 PM	3:49 PM	Driver	4	Estimated    12 laps
4:02 PM	4:30 PM	Driver	5	Estimated       12 laps		4:04 PM	4:30 PM	Driver	5	Estimated    12 laps

    6:30 pm: Dinner 


Saturday, 21 March 2014
     7:00 am: Gates open
     8:00 am: Breakfast
     9:30 am: Mandatory drivers' meeting
   10:00 am - 5:30 pm: Race Session I

Day 2  Race Session I
D						Z
Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes		Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes
10:00 AM	11:11 AM	Piccaso	1	Estimated   23 laps		10:00 AM	11:25 AM	Muddy	1	Estimated   34 laps
11:23 AM	12:46 PM	Queen	2	Estimated  30 laps		11:37 AM	1:02 PM	Torch	2	Estimated   34 laps
12:58 PM	2:21 PM	Claus	3	Estimated   30 laps		1:14 PM	2:39 PM	Sparky	3	Estimated   24 laps
2:33 PM	3:56 PM	Torch	4	Estimated   30 laps		2:51 PM	3:51 PM	Piccaso	4	Estimated   34 laps
4:08 PM	5:30 PM	Sparky	5	Estimated   30 laps		4:03 PM	5:30 PM	Claus	5	Estimated   34 laps

   12:00 pm: Lunch
     6:30 pm: Dinner


            Sunday, 22 March 2014

   7:00 am: Gates open

   8:00 am: Breakfast
   8:45 am: Mandatory drivers' meeting
   9:30 am - 4:30 pm: Race Session II

Day 3 Race Session II
D						Z
Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes		Start	Finish	Pilot		Notes
9:30 AM	10:39 AM	Driver	1	Estimated   25 laps		9:30 AM	11:06 AM	Driver	1	Estimated   38 laps
10:51 AM	12:36 PM	Driver	2	Estimated   38 laps		11:18 AM	12:54 PM	Driver	2	Estimated   38 laps
12:48 PM	2:33 PM	Driver	3	Estimated   38 laps		1:06 PM	2:42 PM	Driver	3	Estimated   38 laps
2:45 PM	4:30 PM	Driver	4	Estimated   38 laps		2:54 PM	4:30 PM	Driver	4	Estimated   38 laps

   12:00 pm: Lunch
     5:00 pm: Awards