Post Hair of the Dawg

Well, that did not go as planned.

The hair of the dawg race at Laguna was a trial of parts and patience. We did go into the race with high hopes. The car seemed good after Arse-Freeze. No major damage. With only one car we ran through our check list quite quickly and thought, yeah we are ready. We were not.

On the first day we start of and immediately exceed track noise limits. For Laguna the limit was 92 dB. We were belching out 94+ dB low end noise. Now of course we packed light for this, so to fix this problem we ran into town to get additional muffle pipes. That, tool 45 minutes, before we could even start the race. Then as we ran, we seem to have lack of power that we could not figure out. So, we were slow all Saturday. That evening we did find problem. During the checks, we found 4 and 6 cylinder ignition coils flipped. Instant solution to the power problem.

On day two we started well. A lot more speed going through the front stretch and up the hills. The cars we were fighting the day before were no challenge. We were roaring. We got through 2 full stints. Then on the third stint, bang, Car dies on me coming out of the corkscrew and was able to coast it down of the hill and into the pits. Turns out the start cable was loose and fused onto the hot exhaust, grounding out the car. After 30 minutes of work, we were able to get back on track. Then during this stint, we developed a noticeable knocking from the rear drive system. I pulled the car in, and we found the differential mounting bolts had departed. They were two, long, fairly big bolt and bolts tot eh nose of the differential that were missing. I could not find any. We even ask and round and our neighbors couldn't help us. So we fabricated bolts. Again packing light burn us. For we did not bring my complete bolt collection or welder. This fix thus took an hour, so clear we were out of podium finish position. After the fix, Lugnut drove the car. However, after a few laps, the differential seized up, and we were required to be towed in, ending our Hair of the Dog experience.

So, with some lessons learned, we are starting in on getting ready for a May 2-3 run at Willows Spring with Lucky Dog Racing.

Prepping for Hair of the Dawg 2020

Yesterday, we had a great final work day.  Lugut, Queen, Picasso, and Torch join me in performing the last parts of the punchlist on the Z. The car is adjusted, topped off, charged, fueled, and painted in preparation for this weekend.  I am even talking to Sparky to see if we can get you video this weekend.  I do have one last item, that is needed. Tires.

Lucky Dog now runs a spec tire series, this is the first race for this, and acquiring of the spec tires has proven to be a bit of a challenge. I am run over to Fed Ex now to pick up the pallet, so we will see how this goes.

As for one interesting note from the last race, Torch brought me the rebuilt hub and knuckle replacement (below left). The hub on the right is the old one that seem to develop some separation issues (it not suppose to do that.)

Onto the Next Race (Hair of the Dog) January 4-5

Well, we are at it again. Like last year and with some luck, we were able to register the Z into the Lucky Dog Racing League race at Laguna Sec, this coming weekend. This is a short turn around and with the Holidays, it has been a little busy.

For this race we will bring just the Z. Lugnut and I will be piloting the Z, so it will be a busy weekend. Torch, Queen, and Picasso will also be there running in their Turbo Miata car #56, Schmatz Spatz Racing.

We have had a chance to go over the Z and found a small laundry list to work on. Rear left traction bar Rod end replacement, radiator cap replacement, clutch system flush, and oil exchange. There is a New Year's, day work party schedule to finish up the punch list and with luck will have the car track ready for loading on Friday.

In the meantime time Happy New Year to All!