tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50997579038712375542011-07-30T15:21:59.718-04:00Whereas a forty-(cough) year old guy gets re-bitten by the racing bug, and what he does about it. <p> <p> We belong to the brotherhood of the Hewland gearbox, the rewelded exhaust header, the crowded footwell and the slightly bent upper a-arm. - Peter Egan</p></p>Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-75270765494999253652010-04-06T12:21:00.003-04:002010-04-06T12:23:01.443-04:00

Since losing my job in Feb, my racing career has ground to a halt, but that's not going to stop me from working on the car. So, the winter 2010-2011 ground-up rebuild of the Van Diemen will, instead, happen this summer. Once I get some driveway work done in the next couple of weeks, Ill get the car in the garage, and Neal and I will start taking it apart. Nothing like knowing every nut and

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-67910502102395773602009-06-27T21:06:00.002-04:002009-06-27T21:08:36.475-04:00

We have an enclosed trailer. Don Denomme is selling his 16x7 trailer, because he got a great deal on a 20x8 with all the goodies. I went up and saw it today, liked it, and bought it. Its short, too, 5 1/2 feet, so it'll be the same height as the truck itself. Don will deliver it in the next couple of weeks, and then I need to wire up the truck for brakes and all.But, we're now enclosed, don't

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-67465327340617274672009-06-15T10:15:00.002-04:002009-06-15T10:43:25.043-04:00

Friday dawned clear. The truck was packed and car on the trailer, thanks to help from Will the night before, and we were ready to head out as soon as Neal showed up. 7:45am we were on the road. 3 hours into the trip, the right tire on the trailer blows, just before we hit NYC. 10 minutes on the side of the road, and we're off again, into traffic. It took us an hour and a half to get to the

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-69212084442830174882009-04-14T08:38:00.004-04:002009-04-14T08:46:00.236-04:00

Yep, it was everything I thought it would be, and more.Neal and I drove down Friday, leaving about 2pm. Got to the hotel right off the highway about 8, and had some dinner (nothing at the hotel, so we ate some of our own food). Up at 6 to shower, pack, and take advantage of the continental breakfast. Got to the track about 7:15. It was wet, but not rainy.Parked the truck and trailer, and

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-43812115369352403522009-04-10T10:59:00.002-04:002009-04-10T10:59:54.519-04:00

Trailer is hooked up, most of the stuff is in the truck, or at least in boxes. Neal should be showing up in an hour or so, we'll load the car, do a bit of grocery shopping, and head out.Full report Sunday!

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-34420508188437862592009-04-06T14:02:00.003-04:002009-04-06T14:08:57.997-04:00

Last Saturday was the classroom bit for the FRCCA. I also met my mentor, Andy Graham. He was the one that taught us about proper racing line in general, and Pocono, in particular. He even went over what gears for what part of the track. Neat. There were 3 of us in NJ, and I guess 3 more at VA, so 6 new drivers this year. That's GREAT!Neal and I spent a couple hours yesterday going over the

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-55368061023614549672009-03-27T16:22:00.001-04:002009-03-27T16:23:44.399-04:00

In 2 weeks, we'll be on our way to Pocono for FRCCA school. The car is in great shape, only one or two more things I want to do before we go (coolant tank is one).Neal and Matt will be with me. I really appreciate that they're willing to help me out. I couldn't race solo, i don't think. Not that any of us know what the hell we're doing, but at least we'll be able to learn together.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-89057211543313551582009-03-17T10:10:00.001-04:002009-03-17T10:12:17.192-04:00

An ApexSpeed member is selling off a bunch of boxes of FF parts, but only to newbies, and only to someone in CT or MA that can come and get them. I'm going to run down there this Saturday (more than likely) and get them. Here's the ad:Four boxes of AN hardware, a box of Earl's AN plumbing fittings, a box of misc brake plumbing, three more boxes of miscellaneous parts and three sets of prepped

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-10198182201734601812009-03-15T21:08:00.003-04:002009-03-15T21:09:49.586-04:00

Car came home yesterday, and today Will and I went up and got the rest of the tires, and cleaned out the storage unit. Work done this weekend includes installing the transponder, adjusting the DefNDer, removing the Hot Lap timer, de-winterizing the carb and exhaust, and getting ready to pour the new seat.I also broke my starter switch. Grrr.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-76149885912962753212009-03-12T12:16:00.000-04:002009-03-12T12:17:40.706-04:00

Ground was frozen today, but no snow anywhere, so I managed to get the trailer out of the side yard and up into the driveway.Saturday afternoon I'm heading up to get the car out of storage. I'm hoping to get up there right after work today, too, to get some stuff, and to check out that I can actual maneuver around up there, since there were snowbanks around the lot.I need to get an air pig

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-27490043620586763682009-03-11T11:10:00.002-04:002009-03-11T11:13:05.410-04:00

I installed the anchors for the DefNDer on my helmet yesterday. After a 10 minute "Don't panic" phone call with Joe Cooley of Circuit Motorsports, I drilled, reamed, and installed the 2 anchors. A dot of blue Loctite on each one, and Bob's your uncle.Something I hope I never need, but am glad I have. The FRCCA requires a H&N device (I think), and I'm sure the SCCA isn't too far behind.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-54433053114978555522009-03-09T20:37:00.001-04:002009-03-11T11:13:36.066-04:00

So, I didnt get the trailer out yesterday, and today, its snowing. GRR. Im gonna give my 10 days notice on the storage unit, so Ill have to get the car out this weekend, or Ill be paying another month for a unit I wont use.I need to get my crap together and figure out exactly what needs to be done before school on April 11, and/or if they have the test day on Mar 28.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-78958512925994485902009-03-07T11:49:00.001-05:002009-03-07T11:50:54.218-05:00

Snow is melting, I can see the deck of the trailer. I may get it out of the side yard tomorrow and go up and get the car.Sent in my paperwork for the FRCCA. I hope the March 28th test day comes through, that'd be great. If not, school is on April 11.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-72351441863809869172009-03-05T17:04:00.001-05:002009-03-05T17:05:15.545-05:00

A few of us in the NE are pondering a test/tune day at Thompson Speedway (South/Eastern CT) for sometime late March/early April. That would be BEFORE the FRCCA school. YAY

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-6052041382847849622009-02-16T20:29:00.000-05:002009-02-16T20:30:28.544-05:00

Another $500 heads its way to Pegasus Racing. Bought a transponder, and a bunch of other bits and bobs. I can't wait to get the car out of storage (probably as soon as I can get the trailer out of the side yard) and get it together. March 28th is coming up fast.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-39904315007225635732009-02-14T10:41:00.003-05:002009-02-14T10:45:28.409-05:00

I ordered the Psiclops Extreme tire gauge. Its very cool, since it balances two tires. Great for setting up the fronts and rears at the same time. Should speed things up.I'll need to get an air pig (the one I have doesn't have a great valve system), and make sure the compressor is up to the task.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-42113212465677672562009-02-13T11:24:00.001-05:002009-02-13T11:27:16.102-05:00

In addition to the SCCA, I'll be running with the FRCCA this year, at Pocono. I've been talking with John Heckman, and they have a great deal where you can pay over the year for your racing. So 3 races at Pocono, school, membership, etc, is pretty cheap.School is April 11, but they may have a test/tune day on March 28. Stay tuned.Bought the DefNDer, its on the way. Last of the safety

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-53032601754965539552009-01-30T16:58:00.002-05:002009-01-30T17:00:28.272-05:00

I have everything I need/want, except the H&N brace. The HANS is the premier one, but at $1000, its pricey. It's also the first-to-market, and there are a bunch of other ones out there. After several threads on ApexSpeed about them, I've decided on the DefNder. Its about $600, and it addresses a lot of the issues with the HANS. It's also adjustable, so I don't have to decide beforehand if I

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-8688749770780864052009-01-15T10:03:00.002-05:002009-01-15T10:04:45.981-05:00

I've been reading up on the data system. If I get serious enough in this racing thing, I'll want to upgrade to the System 2, as the 1 is just too limited in how long it can record.Got an email from Don Denomme a few weeks ago. Ric Racing is going to have various classes on car setup, work, etc, probably in March. Neal is up for one of them, too. Should be interesting.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-11300679936970433412009-01-07T12:31:00.004-05:002009-01-07T15:27:14.048-05:00

Data systems arrived last week. Big box, lots of stuff, I bet I can build a spare system out of what I have, and sell it off to recoup some money.I got the PDF for the ops manual and forwarded it to Neal and Matt to take a look at. I probably won't get the data system set up for school (no need, really), but I'd like to get it going for racing.I'll also have the HotLap timer setup to sell

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-65646216055163741552008-12-16T14:37:00.002-05:002008-12-16T14:39:37.083-05:00

The data system (Pi System 1) is on the way, should be here this week. Also found a digital dash for it, and some sensors for $150. Hopefully I'll get that, too.I need to get a canopy, or fix the beast I have now. Probably spring for a new one, as the one I have weighs a ton.I need to build a tire rack onto the trailer, and cut the rest of the top of it off. I want to find some boxes for in

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-86584736999161226682008-12-01T12:48:00.003-05:002008-12-01T12:56:50.723-05:00

Lots has happened since my last post. Don't even know where to begin.I didn't get to school in October. In order to get the homologation papers, I had to build a front crush structure, and send in pictures. That took a couple of weeks, and the papers didnt arrive until AFTER the school date. I still need to get the first tech inspection (Ric Racing in NH, where Don Denomme works) will take

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-41994471864805203302008-08-29T00:12:00.003-04:002008-08-29T00:17:00.298-04:00

A few tidbits.Got my Novice Permit in the mail the other day.I have all (I think) the information for SCCA homologation. I had a lot of the car apart for pictures (Needed to get to the fuel cell). I need to package it up and send it off. I'll need it homologated for the school at The Glen in October. If not, I'll just run with the EMRA for a while.Leak in the oil tank. It looks like it got

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-58559263099185089322008-07-31T20:01:00.002-04:002008-07-31T20:03:51.465-04:00

Car arrived yesterday, but I never got a call from the trucking company, so I called today. They didnt have any contact information for me at all. Good thing I called.So, I went there with the UHaul trailer, and loaded it up. Took a bit of forklifting and jacking, the trailer is tall, and the car is low. But got it on, the tires in the truck, and off I went.Just unloaded it into the garage now

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-34107478016615915782008-07-15T15:16:00.002-04:002008-07-15T15:19:03.421-04:00

Just cut a deal for a Van Diemen RF81. The money goes out tomorrow, and the car should be shipped next Tuesday. Should be here a week after that.Car was completely rebuilt March 07, and has 3 races on it. Even with shipping (car is in the Seattle area) its cheaper than the cars around here. Figure that one out.Also found a trailer, and I'm hoping to go grab that tomorrow evening, or, if not,

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-709315998823769472008-07-02T16:14:00.000-04:002008-07-02T16:15:09.754-04:00

The guy that Tod was buying his new car from, to replace the Hawke, isn't selling, so Tod isn't selling, so that means I'm not buying.PharkThe search goes on...

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-29123142015450907602008-06-30T09:36:00.001-04:002008-06-30T09:38:20.384-04:00

Supposed to have the money sorted out this morning.And, this weekend, an inexpensive open trailer shows up, also in CT. For $900. I may be spending this Saturday driving all over CT in pursuit of a dream.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-85514986219435923432008-06-24T14:35:00.005-04:002008-06-24T14:39:38.089-04:00

Well, I looked at the Crossle 45F. Spent a lot of time, but we couldn't come to an agreement on the price.I've also looked at a Crossle 34/35F, but its in not-raced condition for about 6 years, and I dont want to spend a lot of time updating a car.But then last week, a Hawke DL-12 shows up, at an incredibly great price. I emailed the guy a couple times, have talked on the phone with him about 3

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-74951602968370241302008-05-29T10:08:00.001-04:002008-05-29T10:10:11.133-04:00

Car owner is going to be away this weekend: I'm leaving Saturday morning around 9AM and won't be back until 4PM on Sunday.But he's available after 7:30pm at night, so I may skip over there tomorrow evening. If not, Ill give him a ring Sunday and go in the evening then.Paperwork for moving the money should be here today. Then is about 10 working days to get it in the right account.Getting closer!

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-22753087459121288312008-05-28T10:41:00.003-04:002008-05-28T10:43:59.638-04:00

Finally figured out how to move the money around. In a day or two I should have access to about $15,000 for car, trailer, gear, etc. I'm going to email Peter today about looking a the Crossle this weekend, hearing it run, checking the transmission, differential, and suspension play, and check out the frame for any cracks. Maybe Saturday.

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-1135205873275817922008-05-20T17:15:00.004-04:002008-05-20T17:17:13.471-04:00

This post just showed up over on SpecRacer.com. Re-posted here in its entirety. This is why i want to race. What a great race we were able to see at Roebling Road in the Sunday part of a double race weekend!Put yourself in the driver suit of the guys that run just out of the top 5, maybe just eeking into the top 10 every now and then. You know, the guys in the "second group".Take a race where

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5099757903871237554.post-22989387448260132962008-05-20T13:04:00.001-04:002008-05-20T14:03:24.617-04:00

Or, at least, I hope I am. First, some history~~~wavy lines~~~About 20mumble years ago, I got bitten by the racing bug. I've always been interested in it, but it always seemed to be a 'professional' thing. You never saw, or even heard about, club racing on TV, and I never had any friends or whatever that were into club racing. Then, about 1980, I went to LRP for their Fall Festival, and

Bob Mccownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06994387637365273408noreply@blogger.com0