tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72774329602563359372024-03-19T01:18:05.806-07:00SLAABS AND TRIATHLONSPhiliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-76413630863951981262012-03-05T07:59:00.011-08:002012-03-05T09:22:25.944-08:002012 Lemons RaceThe car ran....which is a great result considering!<div style="font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-size: 100%; ">RACE PREPARATION</b></div><div> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; ">Previous races that required an engine removal (i.e. two of the four races we have competed in) have always caused our team of nitwits issues, and this race was no different. Our engine imploded 12 months ago in our last race, and we needed to rebuild a bullet proof motor (yeah right), and we struggled to find the necessary parts for a 15 year old engine. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">We wasted 2 months looking for parts, and ultimately left ourselves little time to install the motor.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">When you consider that on Wednesday before the race (i.e. 2 days to go), we found a missing gasket (is water in the oil bad?) in the motor that required a complete removal and disassembly of the car, that timeframe got even shorter.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Wednesday night, we were actually considering not running the race due to the massive effort that was about to be required to remove, rebuild, and reinstall the motor….but being the nitwits we are, we decided to go for it.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Thankfully, Dad was already here and we had 36 hours of wrenching hell to get it done.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The result?</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The motor was installed by Friday at 4am (we were supposed to pack and leave that morning), and it never moved under its own power before putting it in the trailer to leave for the race thanks to a faulty clutch (who needs one?).</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">If there was ever a perfect lead-up to a Lemons race this was it.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">As Nick Pon from the Lemons organizers told us (when we asked if we could defer our entry fees to a later race) – “half of the fun of doing a Lemons race is in figuring out how to get your jalopy running.”</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Half of the fun indeed.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">More like none of the fun.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Its also worth mentioning that we installed a new gauge package, significantly upgraded the suspension, and fixed numerous “oh crap” issues with the car.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">We also had a case of brake cleaner to make the car look better than it was.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; ">One final note - the theme this year was Chinese, since at the time the Chinese were considering buying Saab out of bankruptcy. They clearly got smart and did not act upon this, but our theme was set. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>FRIDAY TEST SESSION<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; ">What test session? We barely moved the car on Friday at the track, and Nick took a few practice laps in his trusted Audi S4 Avant. We did manage to get the car running reliably that evening, and drove some around the pit area to prove it ran good and strong. Always a bad sign for us. We left the track with an always sense of false confidence.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>SATURDAY RACE<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; ">We were very confident (well, as confident as you can get starting a race with a car that hadn’t hardly turned a wheel in 12 months with a new unproven motor wrenched on by 3 orangutans), and starting a race with 60 of the crappiest cars on the planet on a track that we had no idea about. We were in the garage next to an orange Acura Integra whose team told us that between races they do oil changes and that’s about it. Us? Exactly the opposite. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">With Dad in the car ready to almost start, we realized our fuel system had a major leak in the engine bay (fire risk?</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">What fire risk?!?) </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">that would necessitate a fix.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Hence, we missed the start of the race while we attempted to JB Weld the fuel rail, while simultaneously sending Nick on a bonsai run to Houston to pick up a spare fuel rail from Tony (Nick claims he kept it under 100mph but we have serious doubts about this). </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">When we asked out loud in the garage if we could JB Weld a fuel rail, we had 2 other teams in the area loudly proclaim you could JB Weld anything.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">These are our people.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Needless to say, the JB Weld didn’t hold, but Nick found a great replacement.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The race started at 10am, and we hit the track officially around 12:30pm.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">We had sent Dad out with a questionable fuel rail until Nick returned from Houston, said our goodbyes to Dad if he burned up on the track (we also discovered a loose hub on the car, woops)….and saw him back in the pits about 10 laps later due to fuel leaks.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">It’s worth mentioning he spun too, but that was the least of our problems.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Once we got the fuel rail replaced, and Dad got an hour or so of driving in, we changed drivers to Nick (who already raced to Houston and back…does that count as track time?).</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Nick drove for a while, but started having electrical issues.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">We ended up buying a new battery (O’Reilly knew us by name by the end of the weekend), and kept the car somewhat running sporadically all day despite a myriad of battery and electrical issues.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">It was more or less as expected since Saturday ended up being a test session for us in running the car for the first time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-size: 100%; ">SUNDAY</b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; ">We thought we had the car sorted and ready to run a full day on Sunday, but immediately started having battery issues on Sunday. Enter the expert…Bruce. Anytime Bruce enters the picture, he immediately finds 37 things wrong with the car and in a matter of minutes discovered what was terminally wrong with the car. We had forgot to reinstall the alternator ground wire. Problem resolved and we reaffirmed our position in the mechanic food chain (i.e. the very bottom). </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Dave and I proceeded to drive almost the entire day, and the car was about as good as it was going to get. Highlights of Sunday:</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; "> </span><!--[endif]-->I spun the car (in front of family and friends) on the back part of the track after attempting to wave at the kids while navigating one of the tougher corners on the track. Lesson learned – wave with only one hand while steering with the other.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; "> </span><!--[endif]-->We turned up the boost a touch on Sunday to 12psi, and were hitting 130-135mph on the front straight, making our car one of the fastest cars (in a straight line). A typical lap would entail passing 3 cars on the front straight and getting repassed in the corners as our front wheel drive struggled for grip. Its also worth noting that 130mph in these cars is probably a touch too fast, given the stock 15 year old brakes that we hadn’t worked on. What could possibly go wrong?</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; "> </span><!--[endif]-->Dave suffered through driving a car that developed a really bad alignment issue (probably due to me abusing the car on the rumble strips), as well as loose tie rods. It seems that Dave is forever cursed in never getting a properly running car. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; "> </span><!--[endif]-->I inherited the misaligned car at the end of the day, and let me say, it was horrific to drive. It could turn right normally, but left turns made the car shudder and shake like it was a dancer at Carnival. I thought the car was going to shake itself to pieces (faster than normal that is).</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; "> </span><!--[endif]-->We achieved goal #1: have a car at the end of the day that we could cheaply (read: not rebuild a motor) in another race in 2012. Mission accomplished. We did not achieve any other of our goals, which is the norm for us.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Next up:</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">another race!</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">But this time we’re ready.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Have you heard that before?</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Pictures below (in reverse order). </span></p></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyq_MMSIV2X5Bdw0UnARhOuvzyD5hwKFaWOtoYVD7Y4IdjcLweG1Ow6hEgL4VTL4iHPwm5iWxUj4eT_x7J5KhaQY7Y-nfLz4OvGbzbM4-3OkldNmc3wwyxtqGryahHHKetOeGrTUKSQ4/s1600/DSC_0933.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GPX1tCZBr1a-0PKNwcekJMdZf4Xee71n0zGGQHKItJi4FzyhL0peyoQqY3gbk3LJdtIQdRdqwrrjzUXOke-MuEhLm7IpxD3Mdg71R8xtoJuSQBCU2Gwm1cJ4mEXOWpuiMOatQ1kGOro/s320/DSC_0903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716463206228273394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFineE0XtCiCl9-8WcahzZR47qTEJMYr_OyMuhy0Bp6SiuLL74CMzTLhIX5SOiHH4uCLFUOXWyicANuv8ZeFmTIo4ztxNvcuE7hed8aJiX2dkb1lcgiyQZOZLZ72wy5CGS1vJyHbtjElg/s1600/DSC_0895.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFineE0XtCiCl9-8WcahzZR47qTEJMYr_OyMuhy0Bp6SiuLL74CMzTLhIX5SOiHH4uCLFUOXWyicANuv8ZeFmTIo4ztxNvcuE7hed8aJiX2dkb1lcgiyQZOZLZ72wy5CGS1vJyHbtjElg/s320/DSC_0895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716462189497288226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp6kZ2qZrEVKpJTgTAhmlv9MTxsfqon419nCTBnHPaIuR67dUsyAHgiY6fJ45XL9jVNS6_SmQ1YuTuFBILKwJOe6G-gh8FXipBEDMR4mQfssvY7NpAP0PSkXqvGseH3BBNLJfCJ6G-sE/s1600/DSC_0870.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETu6vD8LHLLEEZ3MLIJm9UXj7HtDCVphvMYwEQiQSSpKc-nW8hj_HDkl1qEgOVy2FM2Uz17CRgmWDdD8BZVagbIFFE7FLo6AY1dxYhUHgiH5MwuLDvFbXESK8_0R-gF2EaIyMZJkwNoY/s320/DSC_0735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716456970881829442" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjL1JS0qyCpdoNFla0WB2rF-7W8u2PhVIj51mg9uwzWNGWuacFdAHkV66J3v_E_nBXC1HuyHsw6KMRhgQ3FkrdS4ko87PIv1AMe6213nntLm_IrK19QfIt1Kv8t3B_9OfiCjPwZ5l4nA/s1600/DSC_0728.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjL1JS0qyCpdoNFla0WB2rF-7W8u2PhVIj51mg9uwzWNGWuacFdAHkV66J3v_E_nBXC1HuyHsw6KMRhgQ3FkrdS4ko87PIv1AMe6213nntLm_IrK19QfIt1Kv8t3B_9OfiCjPwZ5l4nA/s320/DSC_0728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716456948174247538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51QictXSCG2yeRKR8EMlB3yPEZ-JQ-uzYu8og_Tk0Hk6sZWPV0Nqo1uDyVkS_lHMfWX_VROWHxCTUJW22qwtl8bNOVzSCYKH9L-Rg1Gi8gwCPuEOqpLiEb8ErH6youzJ9WpRks4tA8WE/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51QictXSCG2yeRKR8EMlB3yPEZ-JQ-uzYu8og_Tk0Hk6sZWPV0Nqo1uDyVkS_lHMfWX_VROWHxCTUJW22qwtl8bNOVzSCYKH9L-Rg1Gi8gwCPuEOqpLiEb8ErH6youzJ9WpRks4tA8WE/s320/DSC_0722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716456937191998754" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHtPVLT-rrfQyXYBqXlHkjehmMXZTRElTd6EMVeNwyXZsghxOKdwnf1hYWZC1_FfnnGGSalHMNB-ptsS5tVSoplCZY9gsfjAKzhNJhOdavPXqqreSRulgGGbPBsSWMGqtIAbbMslMK2w/s1600/DSC_0720.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHtPVLT-rrfQyXYBqXlHkjehmMXZTRElTd6EMVeNwyXZsghxOKdwnf1hYWZC1_FfnnGGSalHMNB-ptsS5tVSoplCZY9gsfjAKzhNJhOdavPXqqreSRulgGGbPBsSWMGqtIAbbMslMK2w/s320/DSC_0720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716456932878701986" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-28727897950903430282012-03-04T18:31:00.013-08:002012-03-04T19:47:48.389-08:00Viggen For Sale<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV8yBVSPtdEJf_1I4jeWIwjfxj-sqFrQrfj4edRBRb8ChVgOsPOcyPsf59yGwqBvoyvryI4mLkFj9urNcBJS1G4cJIR35KxNXYEAIek-ijcUED3Yys27-o-rc5PI8KZF4BeLodV0QY4A/s1600/IMG_0599.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Pictures below. The passenger side rear door is has the dent in it, and the drivers door has the wrinkled corner in it.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV8yBVSPtdEJf_1I4jeWIwjfxj-sqFrQrfj4edRBRb8ChVgOsPOcyPsf59yGwqBvoyvryI4mLkFj9urNcBJS1G4cJIR35KxNXYEAIek-ijcUED3Yys27-o-rc5PI8KZF4BeLodV0QY4A/s320/IMG_0599.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716238471223645714" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30WkqAxE1MFPls4dx3b4ZE3K6DX1o2pmUM2xIteUK1OS-gKuhttjq8sJkrhc2KeEGwzAj0ZacKY6WMryXaLt5Rj9zfGenaOyPSGlhBj1MGmEUNhuUAaaNopEt0e2r7I9zscjkqWgTxtU/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30WkqAxE1MFPls4dx3b4ZE3K6DX1o2pmUM2xIteUK1OS-gKuhttjq8sJkrhc2KeEGwzAj0ZacKY6WMryXaLt5Rj9zfGenaOyPSGlhBj1MGmEUNhuUAaaNopEt0e2r7I9zscjkqWgTxtU/s320/IMG_0598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716237979052769122" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdDBdpL6g7BS9iLEXFdrZm3KAcGJIf680wWrZ8GxUtGE5bNQDYzyoTdTFEwN_9B0nSRs4i-aymDUzyLZDZNPdmIsll8_RqDEl4HbtZ82U1gkCN_n8T5N8GISqXkJHrkLT2THb6enzU6c/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdDBdpL6g7BS9iLEXFdrZm3KAcGJIf680wWrZ8GxUtGE5bNQDYzyoTdTFEwN_9B0nSRs4i-aymDUzyLZDZNPdmIsll8_RqDEl4HbtZ82U1gkCN_n8T5N8GISqXkJHrkLT2THb6enzU6c/s320/IMG_0629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716254381312383474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0wMVY1ySY93YBMxx8zxjBWgEcrCt1D8aFZEG1Du5GGc04TR32RxAP2VJDjUPO0vaBpdwzWKHrLkWnCVpjnzKWgMa1KfQE79I_rKhWw5c8XQqzK60NV7UDplAIEoBEhOEof-9EI54eoQ/s1600/IMG_0622.jpg"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP2xbt7o9jB9o2p2KscU9IjdlP5ZZnLdkTy8F9T5rl42ZZjxNlZmpamIejN7pbY0D1-dNkC8oaa3gD6-QxqO6iOaiD9PwcCv6QSG-JTOdE99uAb2wtZW6qhEn9RNTlKkLVSmazmHChAQ/s320/IMG_0620.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716251665407748786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADcxpMwP4zhgsZ7KOtNa36S1OpzTG7reAFsTsO32xOfGZEUMEKZGLiFQAh7Qn_jhd6SjncqBI1JX-89Uiu8X-E2D9pNmKJqK7VaF-nNN4iU2voj7_LmSjpIkQfD_uXnR8q_QXsbqasgs/s1600/IMG_0619.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADcxpMwP4zhgsZ7KOtNa36S1OpzTG7reAFsTsO32xOfGZEUMEKZGLiFQAh7Qn_jhd6SjncqBI1JX-89Uiu8X-E2D9pNmKJqK7VaF-nNN4iU2voj7_LmSjpIkQfD_uXnR8q_QXsbqasgs/s320/IMG_0619.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716251662602335618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12kC3mQPAU7mwtr4-SByn3WphioEk6eVI_iWuwTVyWXCjRMmTTlZDWA2WC9m4mnIQlQZobkgTQxBq4sdE0yqQoLhk3edWwHbcYQ1hMtfpz6ItWvwAf9xSn1hEn9_8idlK2hDi-feACs/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDDl9fDIaUY9yxQ5dcJpd8EmH_mwrz2tRKux_Kr5IngHrgv6IpbwUKdv4EIbRMLyDDJHgXxGjXyXmZwMotsUO-MZc8kz2BbMLpAPVVhiIDbNohfYqzWCJWsYc8buVPtsNw3-1_PrP9hE/s320/IMG_0614.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716247731218598962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQ7s3UH_gDCz7MpECxhY5hv-zqAvyDqFvmYhCqJqG22rpJHV-zHjINXAk-iaUpxJCh4wFh2eyxvGKkhgU4c-EXaPONTp4jrToLz1HzF-Yr3_7oYmmO7ARh7gOxVie_rK9UDJaCz4aqg/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQ7s3UH_gDCz7MpECxhY5hv-zqAvyDqFvmYhCqJqG22rpJHV-zHjINXAk-iaUpxJCh4wFh2eyxvGKkhgU4c-EXaPONTp4jrToLz1HzF-Yr3_7oYmmO7ARh7gOxVie_rK9UDJaCz4aqg/s320/IMG_0613.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716247704073601122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArouONXKpVsSd_65My9tN6vkbkyh7GKTc-YDSQ_V12w5IQg0rzIQ554H6JrVr1b5uwNN8LH5DRpcf_M86Lb0Hfe8WqZb4wzWVBdIGqPBmA7OjdyAnwoaL7GZnHBRo3g5hwBJ76W5CS7U/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ9Dn9DEmDbXg302IxlEH5fLLh6oWwbSSI1enISwd6HgZkMHlzotUMMZEtWVDG-KLM0f-3J7biZiq4n7jCEHzF8s7W5HMjB4KUry0RW2zhFITfW88Qr41eF7jOJ1X3gYIg2vQr8-ZAmE/s320/IMG_0604.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716243328571284706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFCAznpwWFH_D6mHxpjKrDhSYV-XMOZS1aomLpWXut1PrxJ2HeiKV2hBAzYIGTjmlwj994jLCDxGMf1Ig4ZFCGPGGt_MygLEpso20MbBqITcSCZWtX69qtz7Dz0nHp7AJkgXax2uvmM4/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFCAznpwWFH_D6mHxpjKrDhSYV-XMOZS1aomLpWXut1PrxJ2HeiKV2hBAzYIGTjmlwj994jLCDxGMf1Ig4ZFCGPGGt_MygLEpso20MbBqITcSCZWtX69qtz7Dz0nHp7AJkgXax2uvmM4/s320/IMG_0603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716240454063926722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGc5oUGfOTXpPRhRKH54JObYGIZsn63y8HLbpD-lGTufhtm9QIln3Cgcl1fLwwDQ1Ir1Oq9Lb59AS5ZJGs4ZwfX-OPMt_cql7m5CSaS0BWZFYt0TxkfjsPuX37idB1SSS2jn0Giuyc88/s1600/IMG_0602.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGc5oUGfOTXpPRhRKH54JObYGIZsn63y8HLbpD-lGTufhtm9QIln3Cgcl1fLwwDQ1Ir1Oq9Lb59AS5ZJGs4ZwfX-OPMt_cql7m5CSaS0BWZFYt0TxkfjsPuX37idB1SSS2jn0Giuyc88/s320/IMG_0602.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716240434967370866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl85Rw6WVee39nU9eFYYypc9TsD3cApaH97UVwhU3wMTD-lwauX0fukAIwdhOC6l9Dbnl28d7UougRGFZ1i0Kg6oB6qYvjKiH8sqsThsW9ukI5mAZaZFZINYkAEtxadCUzRMtvfnKSaAE/s1600/IMG_0601.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl85Rw6WVee39nU9eFYYypc9TsD3cApaH97UVwhU3wMTD-lwauX0fukAIwdhOC6l9Dbnl28d7UougRGFZ1i0Kg6oB6qYvjKiH8sqsThsW9ukI5mAZaZFZINYkAEtxadCUzRMtvfnKSaAE/s320/IMG_0601.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716239740162943426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Y8LHSVo_35qDlUURL8QBbzWiSX4wdihhcjOOq4-gOLFXZDdCWzQ_SCW6eCSI9eiK38EGyCHFDS1dml6K7i5Yy23ppXWtk987iE4y5Z8LkH6XcNpAvQ9JgVFRXtijl26-Fuq-CkX-Emc/s1600/IMG_0600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Y8LHSVo_35qDlUURL8QBbzWiSX4wdihhcjOOq4-gOLFXZDdCWzQ_SCW6eCSI9eiK38EGyCHFDS1dml6K7i5Yy23ppXWtk987iE4y5Z8LkH6XcNpAvQ9JgVFRXtijl26-Fuq-CkX-Emc/s320/IMG_0600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716239734329741298" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-32018385222991414562011-05-30T20:10:00.000-07:002011-05-30T20:48:33.878-07:00100 Miles of Nowhere – 77008 Petit Fondo<p class="MsoNormal">This past Saturday, we competed in the 100 Miles of Nowhere national cycling “event” put on by the Fat Cyclist (<a href="http://www.fatcyclist.com/">www.fatcyclist.com</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By "event", I mean a handful of people as stupid as us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is this “event”?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a Century Ride (i.e. a 100 mile bike ride).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Around an impossibly small loop.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCzcmLB9SM_1yfB0N_I0fs7Ldl_xDeO0BpCtXNBc3IaexjqOVkh5n3FomeKVwMDknw6Ae7c_2Ghq499-LxExK2VqbsC1lcpApQnlNcH3XKVH9_rQXgccvEIw495QduwWB1ZH2p4KH5ds/s320/100+map.bmp" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612713455109694370" /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our loop?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We rode around Section 5 of Timbergrove.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How small of a loop?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>0.91 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That equates to 110 laps of pure boredom, pain, and poorly paved streets.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The participants in this ridiculous day?</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><ul><li>The <b>“38 Year Old Male – Skeletal Issue” </b>division only had one participant in the group<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b>David Tessin</b>.</li><li>Likewise, the <b>"Jim Adler Texas Hammer</b>" division only had one partipant as well, the chronically short of sleep<b> Jeff Smith.</b></li><li><b></b>Finally, the "<b>37 Year Old Male 220 LB Plus"</b> division unfortunately only had 1 participant as well, <b>myself</b>.</li></ul><div>Here is a picture of the Petit Fondo starting line. The air was crackling with electricity and energy. Or not. But we did have a great chalk start-finish line and great mile markers. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ImO2SFtBJq1stDpkJkjzdKjYhb2GPVsB7R2JL4qYcj7GmyPkeb8rUiYnmqB-rJGQ4PpK1YU8fsvdStb6-RVR4yXWM9xD8DGjSqwM7hY_vz4qHgyImj4QSczfw_sb11QCcUK-7WNqzdc/s1600/100M1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ImO2SFtBJq1stDpkJkjzdKjYhb2GPVsB7R2JL4qYcj7GmyPkeb8rUiYnmqB-rJGQ4PpK1YU8fsvdStb6-RVR4yXWM9xD8DGjSqwM7hY_vz4qHgyImj4QSczfw_sb11QCcUK-7WNqzdc/s320/100M1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612714794788676770" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While we were short of participants, the good news was that we all<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>would each win our respective division handedly...IF we could finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why wouldn’t we finish?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two reasons, well three actually:</div> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1)<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Heat.</b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was friggin’ HOT and HUMID in Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were riding from 7am – 3pm, you know, the cool part of the day. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1">2<span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">)<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Boredom:</b> we weren’t the most verbose cyclists, and that’s an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After debating the merits of the New Soldier Field, how dirty Jeff’s bike was and whether it was slowing him down, and how much beer we would drink post-race….the conversation went very silent.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3)<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Fitness.</b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lets see here…I’ve ridden maybe 3 times this year after my knee surgery, with the longest ride being, oh, 30 miles, and the longest ride ever in my life at around 65 miles last year in triathlon training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dave – I think he’s ridden 4 times, ditto on the longest ride ever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jeff – he’s ridden more, but not by much, and has done many Century Rides in his past, more fit life.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">We had a massive aid station set up (i.e. it had a bunch of kids shooting us with water guns), we had a grill (mile 80 = burgers and hot dogs), we had a bunch of proud spouses and friends supporting us while simultaneously laughing at us, we had random neighbors wondering what the hell was going on, and we had a cooler full of beer waiting on Mile 100.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yes, we did finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfU22NP3w-Pb-i7Io4OSryCB_DSUrY17HneIkqAvM2n2z6_SOnZROHB_FBQWN5Ul7kERphZA7hrNSNC3LsE-JOUMGxoe6nbiwVFwYPirYEzYVMav3ojLhp4AF16Fr3Kw4wdVFUdIDSiA/s320/100m4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612715580666404034" /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">We all struggled at different times, and speaking for myself, it was harder than I thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For whatever reason, God chose to make the 77008 Petit Fondo race route have a headwind in all 4 directions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know it sounds impossible, but I have two other numb nuts who can vouch for this weather conundrum.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would say it was uphill in all directions too, but this is Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its dead-ass flat.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">My struggles came early around 45 miles, and it was probably nutrition related since I wasn’t taking this ride very seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jeff’s barrier probably came around mile 90 when he finally realized he was riding with idiots, and he pushed through admirably thanks to the Chef’s delicious offering of grease, cheese, and pig parts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dave – he’s like the Stig and doesn’t offer up weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All in all, we rode the 100 miles over 8 hours, and broke it into 4 sessions with 10-30 minute breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We rode 30 miles, then 25 miles, then 25 miles, then ate a lot of food, then rode the final 20 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, and we soaked our feet in the kiddie pool at the breaks, and we sincerely hope the kids never got into the pool afterwards because there were new forms of life being formed in there after our soaks.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cs9IjTKL7UjvsKxFNV9iZAZ1c9sqbxwrVCV4Y15edg1mjXlnUc7-dbgMTfNFjdl-j9aDsWFFYSFyf2CrhPeHlXwE3nZokZH78QH0sGat2Rculk-M80cZIKIDMWqtjRjRhCTOTjonniM/s320/100m3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612715586100212482" /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">We had 3 celebrity guest riders….Jeff Farmer on his mountain bike, Landon Croker rode 3 laps with us, and Connor Smith rode 1 lap.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I believe all three celebrity guest riders were disgusted with us, our smell, and Jeff’s dirty bicycle. One scheduled guest rider never showed up. Go figure.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The final lap was marked with kids strung across the finish line, all with water guns pointed our direction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Which presented a problem for us…how do we cross the finish line without taking out someone’s kid?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The answer?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We walked the bike across the finish line…a fitting end to this hard-to-understand-harder-to-summarize event. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Odometer proof below:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMaQyrzl5VpBCHdNhBz7snBdwKGijw9kEoDlvPi8w2oA6QhY3_4fEUShLtRbKT8TEmkIcwYiFvDaTIhDLi6VxzYJqFSfkTSmE1fC02eZ4nlaisPAGqs82pwhkshgEknOi7OZbXarJn4Q/s1600/100+Odometer.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMaQyrzl5VpBCHdNhBz7snBdwKGijw9kEoDlvPi8w2oA6QhY3_4fEUShLtRbKT8TEmkIcwYiFvDaTIhDLi6VxzYJqFSfkTSmE1fC02eZ4nlaisPAGqs82pwhkshgEknOi7OZbXarJn4Q/s320/100+Odometer.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612716425852597826" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Stay tuned for more stupid escapades. More stupid pictures below.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The fantastic Twin Six race shirt:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8wxvGnxDLivMUeszm2szy0ZWpcLruQdDVlRrqwbLc6o8dkdT16nNdKiofdj-87_4A9jFfRABHoYftSxdYIuX2JdTtMX3ixrzi4-n27YratpluywskyQ9hb-gIdkyKRKetr6hbNTFJ0o/s320/100+shirt.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 292px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612712825443217394" /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Caroline getting the Start-Finish line ready.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G0P1gZk_zF1dZgVpES_S6g7TAymLp7NOQ-8bTdcufIhxiJnXGQglYEckWKLIViwYcYrc0yYiO1arxBNDTvTGqOykTho5t2KpavDYMY6LUdmpKaji3rhNKm6JQd8m3WLi1XJpe-g13k0/s1600/100m7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G0P1gZk_zF1dZgVpES_S6g7TAymLp7NOQ-8bTdcufIhxiJnXGQglYEckWKLIViwYcYrc0yYiO1arxBNDTvTGqOykTho5t2KpavDYMY6LUdmpKaji3rhNKm6JQd8m3WLi1XJpe-g13k0/s320/100m7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612717408090912802" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G0P1gZk_zF1dZgVpES_S6g7TAymLp7NOQ-8bTdcufIhxiJnXGQglYEckWKLIViwYcYrc0yYiO1arxBNDTvTGqOykTho5t2KpavDYMY6LUdmpKaji3rhNKm6JQd8m3WLi1XJpe-g13k0/s1600/100m7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Landon getting ready to join us for a lap.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTxCDJIfs_3eGU7Hjs9PF9pBm33QdGvaSIll_gZ_4D99GWLl3PnlWTt9AXwg4fICuC2N-0Y7GepHnUq5_y55UQ8P0gfIHKkAyCP3CQLu-lWUVvhVREKp2TSvh55RZGWNcayC5_3pMsn4/s1600/100m6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTxCDJIfs_3eGU7Hjs9PF9pBm33QdGvaSIll_gZ_4D99GWLl3PnlWTt9AXwg4fICuC2N-0Y7GepHnUq5_y55UQ8P0gfIHKkAyCP3CQLu-lWUVvhVREKp2TSvh55RZGWNcayC5_3pMsn4/s320/100m6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612717402703732370" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTxCDJIfs_3eGU7Hjs9PF9pBm33QdGvaSIll_gZ_4D99GWLl3PnlWTt9AXwg4fICuC2N-0Y7GepHnUq5_y55UQ8P0gfIHKkAyCP3CQLu-lWUVvhVREKp2TSvh55RZGWNcayC5_3pMsn4/s1600/100m6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>The party, which looked more and more like a failed trailer park development.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BjNK3xwRwR1w1B7_Yfb1khJg9U75JTm3phtTL6L8E2oKRo0wIGp8y9EazdeAMpdRhYA3UM-E84St082LVa_B5XqAmXf8gxfFuxv0IS6YniUe-gVoY8YRlVnI3A-moUN9Fyl8H4w_wW8/s1600/199m5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BjNK3xwRwR1w1B7_Yfb1khJg9U75JTm3phtTL6L8E2oKRo0wIGp8y9EazdeAMpdRhYA3UM-E84St082LVa_B5XqAmXf8gxfFuxv0IS6YniUe-gVoY8YRlVnI3A-moUN9Fyl8H4w_wW8/s320/199m5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612717398002986626" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BjNK3xwRwR1w1B7_Yfb1khJg9U75JTm3phtTL6L8E2oKRo0wIGp8y9EazdeAMpdRhYA3UM-E84St082LVa_B5XqAmXf8gxfFuxv0IS6YniUe-gVoY8YRlVnI3A-moUN9Fyl8H4w_wW8/s1600/199m5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Three idiots, riding off into the hot sunset (into the wind).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4llhpoJY1-pW4RNRJPguT0W8cILWO-efT-bA1Mg2JgW0ng1CbuM8v-xxnkopTlgPzEqRt6_sUGJObpCxokhOxmqFLDZlByyPU-ZSbDmstJJkPlosLsMD9Agr2CFFOrjZEx_MgdmohMw/s1600/100m2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4llhpoJY1-pW4RNRJPguT0W8cILWO-efT-bA1Mg2JgW0ng1CbuM8v-xxnkopTlgPzEqRt6_sUGJObpCxokhOxmqFLDZlByyPU-ZSbDmstJJkPlosLsMD9Agr2CFFOrjZEx_MgdmohMw/s320/100m2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612717392757486402" /></a><br /></p>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-4613388851909139632011-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:002011-05-19T18:39:45.764-07:00<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">LEMONS RACE 2011</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiqMWzf-PKpZPmW6untjtS08RbUY7Q0TSWd6lQPggEllZ9JM25ZVMAE3HoVzDns5ZBz2lxXJZpYzOJqUwmyICGDoeiY0ed-P9UsldWTDIe22SK66b8m3s7ovSFYIFd5Esxm23_WH_LyM/s320/MEMO0056.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608604553856620706" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">Just to summarize our past experiences:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"" ><b>2008 Race #1 (Houston):<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></b>the unturbo Saab blows its motor after some, uhh, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“misuse” and two-wheel driving with the car.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does not finish the race.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"" ><b>2009 Race #2 (Houston):</b><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>the rebuilt, unturbo runs a good, Swedish problem infested race and finishes 29<sup>th</sup> out of 90 cars</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"" ><b>2010 Race #3 (Houston):<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></b>the turbo Slaab runs an incredible, unSwedish non-problematic race, wrecks while in 7<sup>th</sup> place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does not finish.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"" ><b>2011 Race #4 (Dallas):</b><span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>the turbo Slaab is officially jinxed, wins an award, blows up 15 minutes from end of race.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does not finish (unless being towed across the finish line counts, which in our eyes, does)</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This years summary will be a bit shorter than the usual affair, mainly because people don’t care anymore about reading the same summary of blown seals, driver error, poor mechanical aptitude, and gorilla driving technique.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But alas….</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">PRE-RACE PREPARATION</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With our new frankenfender (fender made out of scratch after our wreck last year), <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>new fuel pump, and otherwise generally the same rusted out heap, we had a fairly relaxed lead up to the race. Before and after frankenfender picture below:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AS3bsJI6rC7-_pESW192pQzGhqbHmdG1BriW7FagYU6xMGOslVYvwq6g8J9cy_rkuIBFFJFmBNgIlfWqDEY9orFVW9mjqxKpt9BZMjwuEmW1jcrfQOFzH9H6Vrx9moR20SsNG44Lvkc/s320/xxxxxxxxxxx.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608605341868518354" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaitYBTK1dIMKznD00g7C8ZokVEq0XHb5_7JWGyaiq8r1TpucSoaI58r8HIB8Bs9cfESOenMC-tqqaBLF-JgsKbkXVZG7D05QOi6DVTftjccv-58hw58IOQ9wAzXEKpzLuBjb_9naFao/s320/MEMO0007.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608605341039518882" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">FRIDAY WARMUP</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jinx #1:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Upon unloading the car on Friday into our newly downsized pit setup (we didn’t use the semi this year) and starting the car for warm-ups and practice, the car proceeded to blow the turbo seals immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mind you, this is after running for a couple of months with no issues whatsoever on the turbo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Luckily, we came to the race with two turbos, so we set out on an hour fix to replace the turbo (note – the blown seals is indicative of an ignored problem later).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Slaab HQ:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJrOHCOM8vzANnnuOymoZLil0ZiwE8OoepJPU_UZuKqbJEAZOdF_cofeYfzNNonoNAnn9pdNZijlkQd47rw4QNC1Op7YnbwK9f9HbpGM1EYU0x4D2vfG0k7tptsmlZUB3h024oWFgqeQ/s320/MEMO0005.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608597986481893474" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Fix #1 - new old turbo:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoatgYoKMHyc5yzEY5O91VzxoltpHQNGSdn1G_EJm_dADBfnVQw5Bc3_nBikXjqOUVwnyoad3Fh-Oov44U5RtdRr_AKbum62HE0Qo2rAR71_ZXksX2WuMcaxRxLcPhTy6wPdaQsCZjJso/s320/MEMO0009.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608598567283407986" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We drove 4 laps apiece for practice, and thoroughly enjoyed this track and the numerous</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "> challenges its layout presents.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has something foreign to us Houstonians….HILLS.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The car ran perfectly, albeit hot for some reason.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy3o4p7outykRfjr2XSBowsRYSJbcnP5gShcIiodhlYfmS1wmQbyudhvojUGuRhAt3yqFlyc6E0LL2QnggSIymaqziCe-XwXWCqqZGlFvUsbwpGES-gzhLUgpYLm7ilepmerNKkfxvHQ/s320/MEMO0027.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608598929135833442" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SATURDAY RACE DAY #1 (9 HR DRIVING DAY)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Saturday was Dave and my day to drive, and Dave started the race for Team Slaab.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is where the ominous, Swedish-laden issues continued.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jinx #2:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Dave drove up to the pit lane to get ready to start the race.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While in line, the car unceremoniously dies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While the race gets started, the tow truck takes the car back to our pits (yes, we began the race on the tow truck, and we finished the race on the tow truck).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Issue was a blown fuel pump relay, and luckily, we had a spare for this odd small part.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Fuel relay fix:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GfQI-Bjv67zSi3S7qSIwlE9Mv_Rkzl84ih-3_SyuJ3oTNVVbxDLwMYNOLy5b3ssWmjYHBGptHsG1W5j7NO4PUz3sio_cQ66hboByqkBr2VoRa27WerNTy-MiSzQ6V9yLxScwah5W5hw/s320/MEMO0036.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608600031557447394" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dave gets going, down only 2 laps, and proceeds to drive for almost his entire 2 hour stint.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He runs the entire session, and when he pits to change drivers, he tells me that the car has developed a similar fuel cutoff issue that plagued us in 2010, except now its at low RPMs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, and its running hawt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I drive my stint, and alternate between fast and slow laps in an attempt to modulate the temperate issues the engine appears to be having.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also the fuel cutoff issue is not good, and randomly cuts out in the middle of turns, under acceleration, and whenever I sneeze or scratch myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I notice while driving that the fuel cutoff issue is related to huge boost spikes that were happening on the car (engine boost was spiking around 20psi, whereas 10psi is normal, particularly on a junker).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the car is running, its pretty darned fast (its all relative).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jinx #3:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> After ab</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">out an hour into the session of fun driving, the car develops a very bad sounding exhaust note, it overheats, and I promptly come into the pits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Water is pouring out of the exhaust pipe (you know, where only exhaust fumes are supposed to come from).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blown head gasket from the high boost pressures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were in 6<sup>th</sup> place at this point in the race, and were now totally out of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the running.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">COMMENCE EPIC ENGINE FIX (5 HRS)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Luckily, we had a full set of gaskets for the engine (noticing a trend with our “luckily, we had a spare….”),and we tore apart the motor to replace the head gasket.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>FIVE HOURS LATER….Dave got back in the car and drove the final 15 minutes cautiously until the end of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>End of Day 1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The race session was c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">alled an hour early due </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">to approaching tornados, hail, and rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were in Autozone that night watching a large tornado form nearby with the loud tornado sirens going off, very surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were secretly wishing the tornado would take our car and drop it in Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, and lightening struck the scoring tower at the track that night and left a hole in the roof of the tower.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nice and indicative of our race so far.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">I don't think you should see your pistons in the middle of a race, just a thought. Yes, thats the cylinder head on the ground by my dad's feet:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgjwrU1xOdEzzPR3LcqM9WHOGqcQdqML6qCkG_WOfMm5PdFi81rCpfmIHBiVN7DGinPu0U_7Ojiig2G4NMHFANLI23pN4ufhyzlGGeP1Yd3oypbGaTazJNnnp7BSQ7lN_HVmXNXJpqx4/s320/MEMO0033.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608599346183942066" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">SUNDAY RACE DAY #2 (5 HRS)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">Dad and Nick were the drivers for Day 2, and we were now just there to drive, tune the car, and get it running properly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof:yes">Jinx #4:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"> we started the car up for the morning, and it was blowing smoke again as if it had a blown turbo seal (again).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The smoke went away eventually, and we held our breath for our only remaining turbo to blow.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">Nick started Day #2, and drove a full session somewhat cautiously.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He came in for a variety of small nagging issues, namely running out of water, leaking fuel line (woops) from a broken hose (twice), and also almost a lost wheel (our lug nuts came loose, sheered one off while driving, and ruined a wheel from the vibrations). Double woops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes, we had a spare wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Luckily.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">Notice something missing below?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p></o:p></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgowtFYFkomIWnQZQLxXcmIx-qiUVl0ef3TwuuNIeMct3DGlL5WhYprBi0TkPoHdf3U1v7BvCu26w3CgPG0WD3fCyTNADwTFVpkMU2vLvBEn1RqlkIcUqWtzASmh1HkPOr32upLGq0WcY/s320/MEMO0057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608600422944290658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">Dad took over from Nick, and drove for about an hour or so, drove a hard session on the car, and fought the same fuel cutoff issue as the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He ultimately came in for a leaking fuel line (again).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You know, because an engine bay on fire is never a good thing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">We had an hour or so left in the day, and Nick finished the race up for us and drove some fast, hard laps with little issue besides the fuel one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The car was running strong, the tires were good, and the car was not interested in lasting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ultimately, the car crapped its pants 15 minutes before the end, and unceremoniously ended the race on the tow truck.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We didn’t even lift the hood to see what was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was time for the awards ceremony and to go home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">SUMMARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">We finished in 27<sup>th</sup> place out of 43 cars, and we could have easily finished in the top 5 without the head gasket issue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also won the “Heroic Fix Award” for the weekend, given that we were constantly wrenching on the car, but kept the car running no matter what and did it with a smile on our face (probably a frown, but whatever).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes">We will rebuild this motor, tune it up a bit more, and add a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">bout 13 gauges to the car so we can monitor every aspect of it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hell, we might install a rust gauge too to watch the advance of the rotting metal on this car.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It will look like a WWII submarine inside with all the guages….and we’ll probably crash from looking at guages and not the road….but whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Watch here for the next race.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">A bunch of mildly happy, very tired, semi unprofessional race car drivers. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuwoX4R398hqb8oTerV_Zu3ZYQWp_mvb_kAijqLxkzsZHk89ONyvuWxUt94NOzQ7VHxZ3ydg_rlBg_BqGOJ9z3sx_1yrG80je8GkAGQrmfBvcajgsY1LZON2I1WCG9ENj9xqK30fCb3w/s320/MEMO0054.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608600998508444834" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-no-proof:yes"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSKWdmcR8BNLLQn9XqBai2UOyp9hOBZ7HxCsWystJcqxDaCZJbG5nq5mmmpBCGrTLJ_aYYODvsbiWJQ_WEjNnc2DPyMO1aU3XgXhF_BdpKoPmPhwYetOYpO133C6uIfkGms7O0jJ3-Pg/s1600/MEMO0045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSKWdmcR8BNLLQn9XqBai2UOyp9hOBZ7HxCsWystJcqxDaCZJbG5nq5mmmpBCGrTLJ_aYYODvsbiWJQ_WEjNnc2DPyMO1aU3XgXhF_BdpKoPmPhwYetOYpO133C6uIfkGms7O0jJ3-Pg/s320/MEMO0045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608602244543973410" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTayCG8KNb6WnsTPaaTv-ORVdtegNynY1NuB5YgoahjuH_7H1AMs3HuWwEdz75j6HrZzC_nPzMU_NKvVXUHruOI7LCZneo9Ef0uakiexk2H27VxdBv6lahGq7Q-UUpZuK50jpqUuB_8/s1600/MEMO0044.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTayCG8KNb6WnsTPaaTv-ORVdtegNynY1NuB5YgoahjuH_7H1AMs3HuWwEdz75j6HrZzC_nPzMU_NKvVXUHruOI7LCZneo9Ef0uakiexk2H27VxdBv6lahGq7Q-UUpZuK50jpqUuB_8/s320/MEMO0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608602226894371458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3uMr2ZBKZ7iSyXj1V5putG217oLMiW7ehHMe1Sz0B6wZCuM_2_slZcwad0KGoKBjad9QBj-VhMHGPgulD1-wQxMfe-ZsKtPwpTQ9HCGQFXZpfjYLzzohpGUFD6sEjnjrrj8-H6FhOLk/s1600/MEMO0024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3uMr2ZBKZ7iSyXj1V5putG217oLMiW7ehHMe1Sz0B6wZCuM_2_slZcwad0KGoKBjad9QBj-VhMHGPgulD1-wQxMfe-ZsKtPwpTQ9HCGQFXZpfjYLzzohpGUFD6sEjnjrrj8-H6FhOLk/s320/MEMO0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608602224301219090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5LlRjrAi8En2A-zkXtYyNPuRcbrNzWDbzkZesNu6OKUq8eZUK4_MXqH3GLUV69pqoLTIIPamxT6LlzXlGFrPPaOIyyevhKsG4Nohyr6atBTdOzJQPX62n8sDfz4lDp3qWbfuQhWmIrs/s1600/MEMO0022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5LlRjrAi8En2A-zkXtYyNPuRcbrNzWDbzkZesNu6OKUq8eZUK4_MXqH3GLUV69pqoLTIIPamxT6LlzXlGFrPPaOIyyevhKsG4Nohyr6atBTdOzJQPX62n8sDfz4lDp3qWbfuQhWmIrs/s320/MEMO0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608602216810760146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50iz3_JZznhyphenhyphenDhg_DyfKlYcUtDOilmCNLCyOOWqpOq7KAKJNwI98DtuB4HM6nB_XCEWkfNzaG2kjdneQRUDlWPzHZrPyi8fmBLMBV52hzHFT8OHD8Kdpo_dIirpKGBrzZhUPKkvEFu08/s1600/MEMO0012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50iz3_JZznhyphenhyphenDhg_DyfKlYcUtDOilmCNLCyOOWqpOq7KAKJNwI98DtuB4HM6nB_XCEWkfNzaG2kjdneQRUDlWPzHZrPyi8fmBLMBV52hzHFT8OHD8Kdpo_dIirpKGBrzZhUPKkvEFu08/s320/MEMO0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608602214549994802" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-51756891632277050332010-03-05T07:10:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:35:20.810-08:008TH PLACE!!!! AND THEN SOMEONE CRASHED INTO US.<div><br /></div>Below is the car that the Devil drives. I hate this car. It is the car that knocked us out of the top 10....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPvCkZCp0xHXovdeUwteKHRTuCR2DO9kBnEX3Mu9-QwltDSRHNojxCiGeaHy3pUtmp3H4RBFdYqOIXrAue33rTQMoVX1kCb6SBdE9F8dS0H9BfO0i5a4FhR0EjPjPBOKE3NQCPCJy08k/s1600-h/111111.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPvCkZCp0xHXovdeUwteKHRTuCR2DO9kBnEX3Mu9-QwltDSRHNojxCiGeaHy3pUtmp3H4RBFdYqOIXrAue33rTQMoVX1kCb6SBdE9F8dS0H9BfO0i5a4FhR0EjPjPBOKE3NQCPCJy08k/s320/111111.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446393506984128130" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">CLIF NOTES VERSION</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We raced hard…car was faultless…we got up to 8</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place out of 128 cars 2/3rds of the way into the race…108</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> car hit us….car damaged pretty heavily….fixed it…finished in 56</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> position after our clutch gave out with an hour left. But there is so much more to it than that…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Slaab at its finest:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_5k1okrODK5uBuBLs4ImGEHXz5xlkNyxKTVhm6LaHzqytEaxO23Vvlphc46sm8dXB4fCizAOI1xH8WLVBOV90v4Nop-I5gnC8c9Qo2LFxQhSd-RlnK0TMNusWYVynqVUNfQymKPEOEg/s1600-h/22222.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_5k1okrODK5uBuBLs4ImGEHXz5xlkNyxKTVhm6LaHzqytEaxO23Vvlphc46sm8dXB4fCizAOI1xH8WLVBOV90v4Nop-I5gnC8c9Qo2LFxQhSd-RlnK0TMNusWYVynqVUNfQymKPEOEg/s320/22222.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446393510533962322" /></a></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_5k1okrODK5uBuBLs4ImGEHXz5xlkNyxKTVhm6LaHzqytEaxO23Vvlphc46sm8dXB4fCizAOI1xH8WLVBOV90v4Nop-I5gnC8c9Qo2LFxQhSd-RlnK0TMNusWYVynqVUNfQymKPEOEg/s1600-h/22222.png"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); ">Picture of mostly happy team after the race</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTDZ0BTTDYvmpX4wih2qzALxP4bg68PuVyJoZlZW3ASlliwOGN8c1ZifZFdwOp2GrrULd-JLJxOIL8iZiH4K14qX_dQbZefcU-g6apEMrx5eXR0vymosi2ZIMdJCxd1IqAFKPlj2LoEg/s1600-h/asaasas.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTDZ0BTTDYvmpX4wih2qzALxP4bg68PuVyJoZlZW3ASlliwOGN8c1ZifZFdwOp2GrrULd-JLJxOIL8iZiH4K14qX_dQbZefcU-g6apEMrx5eXR0vymosi2ZIMdJCxd1IqAFKPlj2LoEg/s320/asaasas.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446354852064020898" /></a></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTDZ0BTTDYvmpX4wih2qzALxP4bg68PuVyJoZlZW3ASlliwOGN8c1ZifZFdwOp2GrrULd-JLJxOIL8iZiH4K14qX_dQbZefcU-g6apEMrx5eXR0vymosi2ZIMdJCxd1IqAFKPlj2LoEg/s1600-h/asaasas.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Picture of our beat up Slaab. And I do mean beat up.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz8aC2DmnEyCihWwN-2pgfXLB9KcsA2XhzCC0Z7dZmVqFbUSuUplpP65a_UimNaiy5-dQf9i1DP5CRzbQKD4p1sfxR-Cydo3HWh_IRqpSSYD-atPpqt-ulg9gABX8Wkur5ENnxqdSNic/s1600-h/afgasdasdas.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz8aC2DmnEyCihWwN-2pgfXLB9KcsA2XhzCC0Z7dZmVqFbUSuUplpP65a_UimNaiy5-dQf9i1DP5CRzbQKD4p1sfxR-Cydo3HWh_IRqpSSYD-atPpqt-ulg9gABX8Wkur5ENnxqdSNic/s320/afgasdasdas.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446354394063811138" /></a><br /></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">(all other photos are at the bottom of the post in a random order...this is a royal pain to get pictures in the right spot. Also - the formatting is all jacked up for some reason, and I am beginning to seriously hate Blogger.)</span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NON A.D.D. VERSION</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Like watching the Brit’s try to win Olympic medals…the build up to this race was strenuous, time consuming, and irritating…95% of which was work being done to make our Saab look like a proper Slaab. In other words, rolling on enamel paint, graphics, ground effects, and everything else that wasn’t related to actually racing well and reliably. There was a decent amount of risk that the car’s engine (a mostly unknown entity in terms of internal parts condition) would have all the teething / random burst hoses / leaking whatcha-ma-call-its that our last car had. Thus – we took the conservative approach to our goals for this race. </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">GOAL #1: Finish.<br />GOAL #2: Finish in the top 25 (some say top 25%, some say top 25. We’ll leave that gray.)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">We think those goals were pretty radical, given that we’re made up of 4 retards who in various times over the past 2 years have run the car empty of gas but couldn’t figure out why it was no longer running, went to the parts store for spark plugs and returned with lawn mower spark plugs, one person who had never even seen the car before, and someone who got a spare wheel procured but realized too late it didn’t fit the car. Geniuses all around.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">FRIDAY PRACTICE SESSION</span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fridays for us are typically dominated by setting up the International Slaab Racing Headquarters (also known as the truck) while other teams stand around and sneer at us from under their crooked, hole-ridden pop up tents. We all agreed (well, “agreed” is too strong of a word. How about “mandated’?) that we would each drive 4 laps in practice to learn the longer track layout being used for this race. Whereas our previous races had 70-80 cars in them and utilized a 1.2 mile track, this race had 128 cars and utilized a ~2.5 mile track.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Our practice sessions were absolutely trouble free. If you re-read our previous race reports, you’ll remember that our previous practice sessions were dominated by, oh lets see here….a car that was almost flipped in turn #1, a car that lost all its radiator fluid and cooked its motor (twice), 4 burst radiator hoses, a faulty fuel pump, and a partridge in a pear tree.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We each drove 4 laps (Nick defiantly drove 5 out of protest for not winning the argument over driving significantly more laps in practice), and kept looking around for things to do Friday. No issues at all. The only issue we had all day was getting the Playstation 3 / Gran Turismo 5 / Projector setup that night to play…and then subsequently pummeling the British owner in his own game repeatedly and with extreme prejudice. But alas…I digress. After two years of giving Nick the Brit grief about his inability to write a personal summary for the blog (or even typing coherently)…he’s finally relented and added some foreign colour to the Blog:</span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">NICK – “After a 10 long weeks of fixing up the new super-duper Slaab, the level of excitement </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">was at an all time </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">high, mandated short stints didn’t go down well but set the right tone. Our </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">motto was “Mo Power.” It was there and I was keen to make amends and start passing. First, </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">though, there was set up…and despite age and fading </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">memory, the work to setup of the truck </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">came flooding back and team had the rig set up in what seemed like </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">less than an hour…</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">enough time for testing runs before tech and Phil’s limit of 4 laps - boooooo!!! Proved to be </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">the right call and sufficient for learning the new extended course, experiment with the “hump”, </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">and just enough of a taste of the new faster back stretch, which had a tricky braking point but </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">fun to work on after the long straight. The lap strategy worked, no problems with the car, </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">so </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">we spent the evening practicing on the PS3 [notice he didn’t acknowledge getting whooped], </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">eating curry and a sipping a few beers, appears that the only excuse I have is that not hearing </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">the game means I crash a lot, or is it the beer?</span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">SATURDAY – RACE DAY #1 (9 HOURS)</span></span></u></b></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We utilized a different strategy this year…we had Nick and Dad drive on Saturday (apart from the last 2 hours of the day), trading driving sessions back and forth. We put this strategy in place to deal with our Black-Flag-a-Palooza-thon from 2009, and unlike most dumb things we think of, it actually seemed to work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NICK HEATHER – DRIVER #1<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the third year in a row, Nick led our car out onto the track to begin the race. He had a pretty uneventful session, if you ignore all the spinning cars, flipping cars, and general carnage that seemed to be everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:36.0pt"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">NICK – “Woke early to fog, no last minute work on the car [unlike last year] so I chef’d up bacon and eggs to get the ball [farts] rolling. Out first out on the track, the high pressure slot, making sure not to mess up. Within a few laps it was apparent that staying clean was going to be tough, there had been a couple of large smashes one involving 5 cars with one ending on its roof (</span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYdsga9057E&feature=PlayList&p=418C297B758BB790&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=91"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYdsga9057E&feature=PlayList&p=418C297B758BB790&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=91</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">)</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">, car was performing well apart from the niggling fuel pressure issue and some slight skittishness under heavy braking. After a couple of near misses with slower cars I settled into a pace, not fast but safe, minor misunderstanding saw me on track for 2hrs, long periods under yellow, but a good steady start. More than happy with the first stint.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nick Session #1 Summary:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: 52</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (basically – wherever he was in the long line of cars below)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished: 16</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: 41 laps<br />Duration:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 hours<br />Other: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>60% of his laps were under yellow. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">DAD – DRIVER #2</span></span></u></b></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nick handed over to Dad (after a bungled pit stop that forced us to come through the pit lane twice), and quickly got Dad out onto the track. I gave Dad a lot of unnecessary grief last year about him “seeing the rear tires” a lot and driving too aggressively. That’s not saying he was driving poorly….just aggressively. This year, he listened to our calls for conservative driving. For 2 laps. Then he set our fastest lap over and over again…but did so cleanly and quickly. And to top it all off…he too managed to put some alphabetic letters together to summarize his driving session (unlike the last two races)!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">DAD – “After about 10 successful laps, another driver gave me a hard tap in the rear. That got </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">my attention since supposedly any contact with another car results in a 30 minute black flag </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">penalty for both cars. Luckily nobody saw the incident. I have a nagging thought that the team </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">leader would be very upset if I get a penalty [a </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">mild understatement]. So I decided to back off </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">a little bit. That lasted for about a lap.</span></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Dad came in after 90 minutes with little gas in the car…so after putting another 15 gallons of fuel in, Nick took over again.</span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dad Session #2 Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: 34</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (lost 28 places in this pits)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished: 20</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>31 laps<br />Duration:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1.5 hours</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NICK – DRIVER #3</span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nick’s goal for the session were to start picking up more spots…and push the car a bit more aggressively than the opening session.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">NICK – “After a review of the lap times, I was determined for a “safe” drive with an </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">improvement in lap time. I </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">pushed it in two of the new parts of the track which led to a number </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">of exhilarating passes, 105 mph at the end of the back straight and pushing 70+ around the </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">large carrousel turn led to what we had been looking for – fun while driving on the edge. All</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">looking good (so far) for the next race, definite that the 16V Turbo Slaab has what we need so </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">no major rebuilds, apart from dent and front end alignment (see Day 2 below), wife will be </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">happier.”</span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nick Session #3 Summary:</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>26</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (lost 6 places in this pits)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>17</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>36 laps<br />Duration:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1.5 hours<br />Other: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lap times getting faster every hour…</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">DAD – DRIVER #4</span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dad left the pits with the bit between his teeth, and immediately started setting faster lap times again (there goes our conservative strategy again).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">DAD – “Started my second session in about 23</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">rd</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> place after the driver change. I am convinced that our car can </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">keep up with the top ten cars on the track and that means continual passing of slower cars. It is much easier </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">looking forward and working to pass cars than it is to continually worry about who is about to pass you and </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">where they are on the track. After about 10 laps, I am heading into the “carousel” (a big sweeping left hand </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">corner). The car is handling excellently in this corner and I am able to pass cars either on the inside or outside. </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">There is a slower car heading into the middle of the road in this corner that I know I can pass. I moved to the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">inside and began to pass the other car. When we were side by side, the other car moved down the racetrack </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">and we had a hard side to side collision. Now I was convinced that we would get a penalty and I would have to </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">endure the wrath of the team Leader. So the next couple of laps I had to pay particular attention to the corner </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">workers near the incident and the start finish line to see if there was a black flag. Again, no penalty. Ended the </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">session in 11</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> position.</span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">During the second session I had a BMW 2002 that was following me very closely. We drove together for about </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">10 laps and the BMW tried everything to get past me but could not do it. This BMW eventually finished in </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">second or third position. The BMW driver was very courteous and professional as he tried to pass me. After the </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">race, the driver came over to our pit and we discussed the thrill of driving two equally matched cars and testing </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">our abilities to the max. This was the best experience of the race.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">Also in my second session, I was passing a slower car on one of the straight sections. As I was passing I </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">noticed that a faster car was passing both of us on the right and in fact was driving off the track in the dirt and </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">grass. I thought to myself that this would probably not end well……… As I was thinking this, the driver cut back onto the track with disastrous results, he spun out in front of my car and took out two other cars to my left. Cars were spinning everywhere and all I could see was the side of one of the cars directly in front of me and I KNEW that our race day was over and the leader would be upset [he makes me sound militant]. Somehow, I </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">missed the spinning car. Nothing to do after that except nail the throttle and go after more cars to pass!!!!</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dad Session #4 Summary:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>23</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (lost 6 places in this pits)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>11</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (almost top 10!)<br />Laps: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>41 laps<br />Duration:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1.5 hours<br />Other: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Dad had very little yellow flag racing during both of his sessions</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PHILIP – DRIVER #5<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I took over after Dad, and with a full tank of gas, a car full of Swedish anger, and 2 hours to go until the Day 1 checkered flag. I left the pits knowing we were way up in the rankings (top 10 was in sight), and that any silly errors (very likely), spins (always a threat), or accidents (hadn’t had one of those before!) would be devastating to moral, beer consumption, and my blasted position as team leader. During this long session, what stands out is how many spins occurred either behind me, in front of me, or next to me….and we snaked through each and every one of them without incident. There was a lot of sloppy driving, but also a lot of aggressive driving…but overall, it still seemed way better than previous races. About an hour into the session, I started driving too aggressively, and almost had a massive pileup in turn 1 when I locked up the brakes trying to make a stupid inside corner pass. Very Stupid. I cursed for the entire lap at myself about almost throwing it away on testosterone. I could just hear Dave and Nick shouting Swedish curse words from the grandstands. I finished the session trouble free, and we achieved a first for our bedeviled team: no mechanical issues / penalties / spins / black flags / or any massive stupidity. Exactly according to Master Dave’s plan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Philip Session #5 Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: 13</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place (lost 2 places in this pits)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished: 8</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: 42 laps<br />Duration: 2 hours</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SATURDAY NIGHT</span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Normally, Saturday night between the two race days is full of wrenching, bitching, duct taping parts, discarding used oil discreetly, and dreaming of what more could possibly go wrong. This year? We parked the car, checked the oil (not a drop burned), topped off the transmission, rotated tires, and then lounged around all night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">SUNDAY – DAY 2</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">DAVE – DRIVER #6<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sunday started off with an unexpected event – the organizers wanted the top 10 cars to lineup up front (normally it’s a first come first served approach to getting back on the track), do a parade lap, then start the race. Being the 8</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place car, we were part of the parade lap. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Day 2 was going to be a moderately more aggressive driving plan for us…with only 6 hours to go until the finish. The cars in front of us were several laps ahead, so we needed mechanical issues for them for us to pass them in the standings (we were the slowest car in the top 10 based on our best lap time achieved). Dave started the session well, had some great lap times……..then…..</span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">DAVE – “Why would that guy slam on his brakes on a straightaway? Wow, he put himself sideways. Gee he </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">is pretty close to … f*@#, *@! dammit! (pounding the steering wheel a few times). Right, what’s the damage? </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">Try to start car. Car starts, great! Engage the clutch, does not want to role… f*@#, *@! dammit! Wait for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">flatbed to show up. </span></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dave Session #6 Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>8</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crashed:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>7</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>11 laps<br />Duration: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>45 minutes</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; color:navy;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was eating some left over Chili (fuel for farting and driving in 60 minutes) when I got a phone call from Nick. Dave was off the track in the infield and the car isn’t moving. We all congregated to watch the horror in front of us, watched the flatbed drive up to the car (bad sign…normally the tow truck takes cars off the track), and then finally saw the car in the pits. Norwegian Trouble. The 108</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place Celica (pictured below) hit the car hard in both the front and back of the car, and seriously bent the front suspension. While watching the car sit in the infield, Bruce and I were surrounded by the numnuts from the Celica team laugh and joke about the wreck….we were ready to give them a Swedish roundhouse to their fat heads. Anyway – we got the car back to the truck, and Bruce immediately went into hyper-repair mode with hydraulic jacks to push the bent suspension more or less into place, bend the fender away from the tires, and get Dave back on track. All in all, we lost 37 places in the race fixing the car.</span></span></span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">DAVE – DRIVER #7<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Da</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ve has the unenviable task of driving the car back onto the track….with a bent suspension that might fail at any moment from fatigue….in the rain….and in a bad mood. Dave does a huge job of driving a giant unknown, and gets 20 laps in before having to come back in due to the front tire rubbing on the damaged fender.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">Dave - "Under yellow for a looooong time. Got going at speed and the tire was rubbing on the fender. Brought </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">the car into the pits to avoid damaging the car further. Done."</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dave Session #7 Summary:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: 44</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished: 37</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: 20 laps<br />Duration: 60 minutes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At this point – we quickly bang on the fender to reshape it again, and I get into the car. At this point, we have about 2 hours left in the race, and our goal of finishing in the top 25% is still viable (32</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place), but just barely.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PHILIP – DRIVER#8<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was still raining, still a wet track, car was bent, and the track was still full of idiots. I couldn’t believe how much spinning / bad driving / dumbass maneuvers were still being done on the track in VERY slick conditions. Our car…with a bent front end…was ridiculously bad in right hand wet corners. I had numerous near misses with cars on right handers. I also had the car completely sideways three laps in a row on the same exact corner (no spin though). In other words – it was tiring, a handful, and mentally we’re still expecting the suspension to fail. OH! And the front tire had to be put on backwards due to a monkey-mechanic mistake on our part…so the front bent suspension tire couldn’t deal with water because the tread pattern was going the wrong way. REAL FUN. I also had to come in for a quick pit stop to fill up the brake/clutch fluid (bad omen), as the warning light was telling me it was low. My plan was to drive for an hour, and hand it back over to Dave to get more driving time in the Bent Beast. I was 2 laps from coming in to switch drivers, and the clutch went totally dead. Instantly. Which sucks…because at that point in time….we were in 32</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place….TOP 25%!!!! I brought the car into the pits, and our day was done, an hour from the end. Our first mechanical issue…and might have been related to the accident.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Phil Session #8 Summary:</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Started: 37</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finished: 32</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place<br />Laps: 25 laps<br />Duration: 60 minutes</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192); "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ultimately, we finished in 56</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> place after sitting in the pits for the final hour. Were we disappointed? Yeah…but mostly at having a damaged car. We proved we could run a clean, good race….we proved that our Turbo Saab was strong, and handled incredibly well. Now we have to straighten out the bent car, fix some turbo boost issues, and then onto the next race (if you are reading this wives….the next one will be sooooo CHEAP!!! Yes, we blew our budget by 50% this race). Still lots of room for improvement!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nick in the car in line for the start of Day #1 </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi2xN9WxFJ1XhlBudQ_db_9RRSBpRdrkS4KMFmGtjxInHsGE9YIkOvgv-5et0ItlP0XvRxTjx5Wk_TEA3BjliBs0-GqWmIMi-VLH1O8FWzZWsFetbqffJaPcoYJn1dX0_EHo8V7qhY6w/s1600-h/GGGG.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi2xN9WxFJ1XhlBudQ_db_9RRSBpRdrkS4KMFmGtjxInHsGE9YIkOvgv-5et0ItlP0XvRxTjx5Wk_TEA3BjliBs0-GqWmIMi-VLH1O8FWzZWsFetbqffJaPcoYJn1dX0_EHo8V7qhY6w/s320/GGGG.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445169609775736690" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Bruce probably saying "the car looks great....from 10' away"</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTI4oC7ZPXur4QWRR1eH3Rp-4yCxkBrAsGBkxgbh4UpSv_U_ntFnqqrrj8DmRpcMtRI7QGHwngnFsikxdQwcOEzRA_pF5TemO1hkWiHoPn671lZFv0W7A8QGFNaPpbmXhnrj29X_kQ-4/s1600-h/FFFF.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTI4oC7ZPXur4QWRR1eH3Rp-4yCxkBrAsGBkxgbh4UpSv_U_ntFnqqrrj8DmRpcMtRI7QGHwngnFsikxdQwcOEzRA_pF5TemO1hkWiHoPn671lZFv0W7A8QGFNaPpbmXhnrj29X_kQ-4/s320/FFFF.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168730654592594" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTI4oC7ZPXur4QWRR1eH3Rp-4yCxkBrAsGBkxgbh4UpSv_U_ntFnqqrrj8DmRpcMtRI7QGHwngnFsikxdQwcOEzRA_pF5TemO1hkWiHoPn671lZFv0W7A8QGFNaPpbmXhnrj29X_kQ-4/s1600-h/FFFF.JPG"></a>Relaxing Friday night...and beating Nick like a drum at his own game.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemURdKB4Ie-nHwCRjGaON_JjLZhCmL-V-20V90hzuojEFPyZABIJAyhVJqA0_mgJlUoJRvNiTm3a6tJ5DIz1I9UCbdkU1V9OAhhdFSPpz1Ij1m62i05QEpGd_AguAc58v2-P2rxhZDwU/s1600-h/EEEE.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemURdKB4Ie-nHwCRjGaON_JjLZhCmL-V-20V90hzuojEFPyZABIJAyhVJqA0_mgJlUoJRvNiTm3a6tJ5DIz1I9UCbdkU1V9OAhhdFSPpz1Ij1m62i05QEpGd_AguAc58v2-P2rxhZDwU/s320/EEEE.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168728343423330" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemURdKB4Ie-nHwCRjGaON_JjLZhCmL-V-20V90hzuojEFPyZABIJAyhVJqA0_mgJlUoJRvNiTm3a6tJ5DIz1I9UCbdkU1V9OAhhdFSPpz1Ij1m62i05QEpGd_AguAc58v2-P2rxhZDwU/s1600-h/EEEE.JPG"></a>Car in the paddock Friday night<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjMhQvtFlmMSA9b_TXBmjAFdlhLrtDPVfwQJXXSh6NGDzIS3Bmes4Q7Ce1zQlr0r69dV8d9ng1YMYtfzCg9a20vI6CokrJkpOmBAymd0s70fSYjsRvzDrUDY12V-p_FYuF1A33ZB-IHo/s1600-h/DDDD.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjMhQvtFlmMSA9b_TXBmjAFdlhLrtDPVfwQJXXSh6NGDzIS3Bmes4Q7Ce1zQlr0r69dV8d9ng1YMYtfzCg9a20vI6CokrJkpOmBAymd0s70fSYjsRvzDrUDY12V-p_FYuF1A33ZB-IHo/s320/DDDD.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168724529305746" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjMhQvtFlmMSA9b_TXBmjAFdlhLrtDPVfwQJXXSh6NGDzIS3Bmes4Q7Ce1zQlr0r69dV8d9ng1YMYtfzCg9a20vI6CokrJkpOmBAymd0s70fSYjsRvzDrUDY12V-p_FYuF1A33ZB-IHo/s1600-h/DDDD.JPG"></a>Car heading out to the first laps during practice on Friday. To say we're nervous is an understatement.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LTvQg31_ec8JiABrDkcG96MRI3biPJ39kzy7Ie15Qv-WD50iZwLAIeanp0cBz01JETnsh2eQJjML6GDjZg8wt0Sx75dfPjPxwccUfqElgRacPZ7anfSX63kbnXSTAmU57SEqIWnDAdY/s1600-h/CCCC.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LTvQg31_ec8JiABrDkcG96MRI3biPJ39kzy7Ie15Qv-WD50iZwLAIeanp0cBz01JETnsh2eQJjML6GDjZg8wt0Sx75dfPjPxwccUfqElgRacPZ7anfSX63kbnXSTAmU57SEqIWnDAdY/s320/CCCC.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168337997032098" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LTvQg31_ec8JiABrDkcG96MRI3biPJ39kzy7Ie15Qv-WD50iZwLAIeanp0cBz01JETnsh2eQJjML6GDjZg8wt0Sx75dfPjPxwccUfqElgRacPZ7anfSX63kbnXSTAmU57SEqIWnDAdY/s1600-h/CCCC.JPG"></a>Car in pits. Again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SubntooeGmmxUgtPLNgXfud9Lmt45qF-tysC31vv7ZTqzwjQFoAbrMqaiGApxlGORvUKb0J4ggvLXHGrMCOnNxdeksvxLMPcwbWLQIN98OxTDE5IIdxB-qu-tAUbR4HmEbukRHG9QjE/s1600-h/BBBb.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SubntooeGmmxUgtPLNgXfud9Lmt45qF-tysC31vv7ZTqzwjQFoAbrMqaiGApxlGORvUKb0J4ggvLXHGrMCOnNxdeksvxLMPcwbWLQIN98OxTDE5IIdxB-qu-tAUbR4HmEbukRHG9QjE/s320/BBBb.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168327427610178" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SubntooeGmmxUgtPLNgXfud9Lmt45qF-tysC31vv7ZTqzwjQFoAbrMqaiGApxlGORvUKb0J4ggvLXHGrMCOnNxdeksvxLMPcwbWLQIN98OxTDE5IIdxB-qu-tAUbR4HmEbukRHG9QjE/s1600-h/BBBb.JPG"></a>Unloading the trailer early Friday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4LZAbY4EbDwYYwDnhmuBl8PttVBL87BP3evbvjbSPceRTxJODxiaz2usZdtT3_JBonanFMlZK42ArF2JbwQiH9dOURSP3-til6VjOoNvuIZ-QMOknt0oxNUdrzDdfcSh1IJ7CuMMMC4/s1600-h/AAAA.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4LZAbY4EbDwYYwDnhmuBl8PttVBL87BP3evbvjbSPceRTxJODxiaz2usZdtT3_JBonanFMlZK42ArF2JbwQiH9dOURSP3-til6VjOoNvuIZ-QMOknt0oxNUdrzDdfcSh1IJ7CuMMMC4/s320/AAAA.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445168083106526402" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Damage from the wreck on Sunday,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSIB1i1OW6zh2CMqk157osNsq9LwDupsUXhPbcJCUmutRIQ8KT2wxFL4NI8szta1rD4H3JsnYyygKOoIsc8X7hTJzhl1C8n4IHA0qEkCgFWTbczHJcUIqQmEeRRNo2qJa2BzY6RUsXNQ/s1600-h/P1000154.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSIB1i1OW6zh2CMqk157osNsq9LwDupsUXhPbcJCUmutRIQ8KT2wxFL4NI8szta1rD4H3JsnYyygKOoIsc8X7hTJzhl1C8n4IHA0qEkCgFWTbczHJcUIqQmEeRRNo2qJa2BzY6RUsXNQ/s320/P1000154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446387929976606050" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSIB1i1OW6zh2CMqk157osNsq9LwDupsUXhPbcJCUmutRIQ8KT2wxFL4NI8szta1rD4H3JsnYyygKOoIsc8X7hTJzhl1C8n4IHA0qEkCgFWTbczHJcUIqQmEeRRNo2qJa2BzY6RUsXNQ/s1600-h/P1000154.JPG"></a>Car is officially done for the weekend...1 hour from the finish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7Hwabe4Bg0xDoBCnpl0Z05KH0ABTjwkjl3S8Ih2W1ZoAIGIkggHhZgdIxATUxlSUqPnTT-Puann6QNo6qLy8_dHaq497Tv7urZAAnLS32y7-aywvN0DGypj1fNgSFI-EBIboOEpPC5M/s1600-h/P1000157.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7Hwabe4Bg0xDoBCnpl0Z05KH0ABTjwkjl3S8Ih2W1ZoAIGIkggHhZgdIxATUxlSUqPnTT-Puann6QNo6qLy8_dHaq497Tv7urZAAnLS32y7-aywvN0DGypj1fNgSFI-EBIboOEpPC5M/s320/P1000157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446387925438596162" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7Hwabe4Bg0xDoBCnpl0Z05KH0ABTjwkjl3S8Ih2W1ZoAIGIkggHhZgdIxATUxlSUqPnTT-Puann6QNo6qLy8_dHaq497Tv7urZAAnLS32y7-aywvN0DGypj1fNgSFI-EBIboOEpPC5M/s1600-h/P1000157.JPG"></a>Bruce and Tony attacking the bent suspension<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DZcSqry9SUbIW34tPhyphenhyphenNRNTLmjDYwJx-a3ZsEuLbxiChmj6N_idP7Zfx17DsrZ5yEYUmz44MxdBfcX7R0ZHO4RVEsWgDcoHS1Gycwek0lTpW2JJceycZXaiUWuJspmwl_ZadzhGIVwk/s1600-h/P1000153.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DZcSqry9SUbIW34tPhyphenhyphenNRNTLmjDYwJx-a3ZsEuLbxiChmj6N_idP7Zfx17DsrZ5yEYUmz44MxdBfcX7R0ZHO4RVEsWgDcoHS1Gycwek0lTpW2JJceycZXaiUWuJspmwl_ZadzhGIVwk/s320/P1000153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446385504306046722" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DZcSqry9SUbIW34tPhyphenhyphenNRNTLmjDYwJx-a3ZsEuLbxiChmj6N_idP7Zfx17DsrZ5yEYUmz44MxdBfcX7R0ZHO4RVEsWgDcoHS1Gycwek0lTpW2JJceycZXaiUWuJspmwl_ZadzhGIVwk/s1600-h/P1000153.JPG"></a>Dave driving Sunday morning before the wreck<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1P8U9YhtaZr6nTf3-kPA0rqiOEDk5VhDWzR5LWHTsw_rjUdNfrBPpjcS8rb_7ftMN03R8Z_I2svpsIDNCFYEymtr4nc5nEg6mKnfSYq64FICu3e-Sw9uLT-OvQkmNo-wuUHUq4rGtIw/s1600-h/P1000150.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1P8U9YhtaZr6nTf3-kPA0rqiOEDk5VhDWzR5LWHTsw_rjUdNfrBPpjcS8rb_7ftMN03R8Z_I2svpsIDNCFYEymtr4nc5nEg6mKnfSYq64FICu3e-Sw9uLT-OvQkmNo-wuUHUq4rGtIw/s320/P1000150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446385492338398850" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1P8U9YhtaZr6nTf3-kPA0rqiOEDk5VhDWzR5LWHTsw_rjUdNfrBPpjcS8rb_7ftMN03R8Z_I2svpsIDNCFYEymtr4nc5nEg6mKnfSYq64FICu3e-Sw9uLT-OvQkmNo-wuUHUq4rGtIw/s1600-h/P1000150.JPG"></a>Dave in Corner 1/2<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchOIU1rlDARPyPkk86uOZdQ856oP-_4MjyfiEsg9ZE3wFIBwMCj19teOqRaA6I8HGRFheJBnXD5Jk-uTm7hIsIA-KrpipklUOb0A_Z55WmAeAEywReNoDeuCdu0q7vI-g02ZPpP1Ay4g/s1600-h/P1000151.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchOIU1rlDARPyPkk86uOZdQ856oP-_4MjyfiEsg9ZE3wFIBwMCj19teOqRaA6I8HGRFheJBnXD5Jk-uTm7hIsIA-KrpipklUOb0A_Z55WmAeAEywReNoDeuCdu0q7vI-g02ZPpP1Ay4g/s320/P1000151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446385487672094226" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchOIU1rlDARPyPkk86uOZdQ856oP-_4MjyfiEsg9ZE3wFIBwMCj19teOqRaA6I8HGRFheJBnXD5Jk-uTm7hIsIA-KrpipklUOb0A_Z55WmAeAEywReNoDeuCdu0q7vI-g02ZPpP1Ay4g/s1600-h/P1000151.JPG"></a>Still in the corner....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNFcSFJg51MpACa5HiEfw_hA4F0CF8oRoT1J6CpYlXAcaDNmCU8MOGc46m_yGvT03f7L5v4oxGAIVEeKd-yEGrfSs8AgXgkx2MDrvYAGVRQS1xmdawoQS_CxReOKAefcWh6OY2TMTYd8/s1600-h/P1000147.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNFcSFJg51MpACa5HiEfw_hA4F0CF8oRoT1J6CpYlXAcaDNmCU8MOGc46m_yGvT03f7L5v4oxGAIVEeKd-yEGrfSs8AgXgkx2MDrvYAGVRQS1xmdawoQS_CxReOKAefcWh6OY2TMTYd8/s320/P1000147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446383554449922002" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNFcSFJg51MpACa5HiEfw_hA4F0CF8oRoT1J6CpYlXAcaDNmCU8MOGc46m_yGvT03f7L5v4oxGAIVEeKd-yEGrfSs8AgXgkx2MDrvYAGVRQS1xmdawoQS_CxReOKAefcWh6OY2TMTYd8/s1600-h/P1000147.JPG"></a>same corner<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeamSPQL6RAhea53M-LWvTkJCAczHAG5IKD9pnnu5uuUwJ3hRveERWb8UzHH7G8dBTvqIeSp1hs5xmctDv7JBwDq8InKVG9P8KCmLpc3sl118ubVMDKM5ruzJF1LlGjkgf77yYDqM9FZc/s1600-h/P1000146.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeamSPQL6RAhea53M-LWvTkJCAczHAG5IKD9pnnu5uuUwJ3hRveERWb8UzHH7G8dBTvqIeSp1hs5xmctDv7JBwDq8InKVG9P8KCmLpc3sl118ubVMDKM5ruzJF1LlGjkgf77yYDqM9FZc/s320/P1000146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446383540859506610" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeamSPQL6RAhea53M-LWvTkJCAczHAG5IKD9pnnu5uuUwJ3hRveERWb8UzHH7G8dBTvqIeSp1hs5xmctDv7JBwDq8InKVG9P8KCmLpc3sl118ubVMDKM5ruzJF1LlGjkgf77yYDqM9FZc/s1600-h/P1000146.JPG"></a>Car waiting to start Day #2 in 8th place.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6De5NYkuOXOrEeDM1nx83XVasmIGgjHhsMZboqy9i08OgSRyWbCdA2oqpkexmYyYSZ6H2gY1f9Hd2_NlfvKK4sEHCzg_i6zxNOtlmFb_T0OtpTiier696KntEg5S1GSDCkAW6fmaG0xg/s1600-h/P1000142.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6De5NYkuOXOrEeDM1nx83XVasmIGgjHhsMZboqy9i08OgSRyWbCdA2oqpkexmYyYSZ6H2gY1f9Hd2_NlfvKK4sEHCzg_i6zxNOtlmFb_T0OtpTiier696KntEg5S1GSDCkAW6fmaG0xg/s320/P1000142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446383537370285042" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6De5NYkuOXOrEeDM1nx83XVasmIGgjHhsMZboqy9i08OgSRyWbCdA2oqpkexmYyYSZ6H2gY1f9Hd2_NlfvKK4sEHCzg_i6zxNOtlmFb_T0OtpTiier696KntEg5S1GSDCkAW6fmaG0xg/s1600-h/P1000142.JPG"></a>An example of the cars ahead of us on Sunday...a very fast Golf.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTkxpTrrlWoRoVrfoVYMJBzsSK9K62BRxLSDle39z2kw3l1EXy4BvKz3GEtv9Cs0kSLMEDO79P7QPGlhP2I2neuzxqU8EEJe3zXf9-n3WTbj7Hvl96HMEoJWSDEqB4tyha8U2GICWMEA/s1600-h/P1000139.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTkxpTrrlWoRoVrfoVYMJBzsSK9K62BRxLSDle39z2kw3l1EXy4BvKz3GEtv9Cs0kSLMEDO79P7QPGlhP2I2neuzxqU8EEJe3zXf9-n3WTbj7Hvl96HMEoJWSDEqB4tyha8U2GICWMEA/s320/P1000139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446360997921796850" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTkxpTrrlWoRoVrfoVYMJBzsSK9K62BRxLSDle39z2kw3l1EXy4BvKz3GEtv9Cs0kSLMEDO79P7QPGlhP2I2neuzxqU8EEJe3zXf9-n3WTbj7Hvl96HMEoJWSDEqB4tyha8U2GICWMEA/s1600-h/P1000139.JPG"></a>Car ready to go Sunday<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQidsFb4j42TlzdSorSNnPgREy8fHr9lm39044ZX9gwQcCOpCw6yDbDzzTkcEmavdfMEavFAzcL3aZsqH8_tuzFkgigOPCa0QZM8z6uhTkGlJ6Xf-a_r8z68UVUKNdSyTBUlb3RrZOU/s1600-h/P1000136.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQidsFb4j42TlzdSorSNnPgREy8fHr9lm39044ZX9gwQcCOpCw6yDbDzzTkcEmavdfMEavFAzcL3aZsqH8_tuzFkgigOPCa0QZM8z6uhTkGlJ6Xf-a_r8z68UVUKNdSyTBUlb3RrZOU/s320/P1000136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446360986575396210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQidsFb4j42TlzdSorSNnPgREy8fHr9lm39044ZX9gwQcCOpCw6yDbDzzTkcEmavdfMEavFAzcL3aZsqH8_tuzFkgigOPCa0QZM8z6uhTkGlJ6Xf-a_r8z68UVUKNdSyTBUlb3RrZOU/s1600-h/P1000136.JPG"></a>Dave...he's laughing now. Not later.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAVl0VuG7mlRv8NSytmimMKUI6jYQDFmAH53CEONfkmJyWKKAhWuIVxjvdXtsdrRETzFliuVDx8486ku5xpr3nUXqyZ266OJ4tU8mWwYIKKMgKc_bLAKH8M8x0gIck-wy1H77ceAhDAs/s1600-h/P1000135.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAVl0VuG7mlRv8NSytmimMKUI6jYQDFmAH53CEONfkmJyWKKAhWuIVxjvdXtsdrRETzFliuVDx8486ku5xpr3nUXqyZ266OJ4tU8mWwYIKKMgKc_bLAKH8M8x0gIck-wy1H77ceAhDAs/s320/P1000135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446360985714572994" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAVl0VuG7mlRv8NSytmimMKUI6jYQDFmAH53CEONfkmJyWKKAhWuIVxjvdXtsdrRETzFliuVDx8486ku5xpr3nUXqyZ266OJ4tU8mWwYIKKMgKc_bLAKH8M8x0gIck-wy1H77ceAhDAs/s1600-h/P1000135.JPG"></a>Car in pits after Day #1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FE1klHXX-eQZfJ5wb_hHkYZsywej-4HIqBm2eX5J3i7vaYJWLSiTulg3rlVKd2w1nZnP59scZMw7Bpi8GOBikvjWR3bYNNv87p4v0Se4u_LdkyYEXVFU_EVyvzrLqE3vL5gqBTKsYL0/s1600-h/P1000130.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FE1klHXX-eQZfJ5wb_hHkYZsywej-4HIqBm2eX5J3i7vaYJWLSiTulg3rlVKd2w1nZnP59scZMw7Bpi8GOBikvjWR3bYNNv87p4v0Se4u_LdkyYEXVFU_EVyvzrLqE3vL5gqBTKsYL0/s320/P1000130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446359734816927170" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FE1klHXX-eQZfJ5wb_hHkYZsywej-4HIqBm2eX5J3i7vaYJWLSiTulg3rlVKd2w1nZnP59scZMw7Bpi8GOBikvjWR3bYNNv87p4v0Se4u_LdkyYEXVFU_EVyvzrLqE3vL5gqBTKsYL0/s1600-h/P1000130.JPG"></a>A typical Slaab-like pit stop<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUrgjqWZ3anJVeWdpN95BH2nYrtka87j8o_mJ43pDCBdnYvy9xgqFCAOXvsxN7eaugGMLzXLJFUUpdFVslOTNjTunISMCItoDJoUb7sUVJ2acahWyo6B6RLiObh1nHF9mWBjmp07lXhw/s1600-h/P1000124.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUrgjqWZ3anJVeWdpN95BH2nYrtka87j8o_mJ43pDCBdnYvy9xgqFCAOXvsxN7eaugGMLzXLJFUUpdFVslOTNjTunISMCItoDJoUb7sUVJ2acahWyo6B6RLiObh1nHF9mWBjmp07lXhw/s320/P1000124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446359730926693010" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUrgjqWZ3anJVeWdpN95BH2nYrtka87j8o_mJ43pDCBdnYvy9xgqFCAOXvsxN7eaugGMLzXLJFUUpdFVslOTNjTunISMCItoDJoUb7sUVJ2acahWyo6B6RLiObh1nHF9mWBjmp07lXhw/s1600-h/P1000124.JPG"></a>Typical look on the track....under yellow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TrhrF47oyHFdbZFvdtgZfHdYxu_QuGmBjvl5JYxhkbK1xcOoLVmlXcP1vzaTXrkzekN_QAgP_hKkNtGNiWpprEulLh-WSMc_9BA-EkxHsnLcL5hJfUgjLdXITKDDFRWzczRYhgz31VU/s1600-h/P1000122.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TrhrF47oyHFdbZFvdtgZfHdYxu_QuGmBjvl5JYxhkbK1xcOoLVmlXcP1vzaTXrkzekN_QAgP_hKkNtGNiWpprEulLh-WSMc_9BA-EkxHsnLcL5hJfUgjLdXITKDDFRWzczRYhgz31VU/s320/P1000122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446359719776172818" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCFvaNNr1VavRe9TDy-svJHTki0JxEjaon9fW3vf3nV-7zjqGuW6GyDmJRC85NTBKRrfW_C2yCr4VUDoOfXnzbCnM8C0vdRafhZCd6t-n5QVkCfL3BmagakA58UA_kCQVN78kTVzkQwM/s1600-h/4444.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCFvaNNr1VavRe9TDy-svJHTki0JxEjaon9fW3vf3nV-7zjqGuW6GyDmJRC85NTBKRrfW_C2yCr4VUDoOfXnzbCnM8C0vdRafhZCd6t-n5QVkCfL3BmagakA58UA_kCQVN78kTVzkQwM/s320/4444.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446393851171532050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxPLENhjB-lw2ELFg1_XAnJ-3V8ibS-kd_QpN6cn7fRIwh0IciTXBSqPC7IUewYLa_UJtcx_IXa41d2b7GV_6Oo7BHM9e0jKIS6zOaEYBJkoVizmSxFFYVGw0PPwxCJcjSekYE50jWWc/s1600-h/3333.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxPLENhjB-lw2ELFg1_XAnJ-3V8ibS-kd_QpN6cn7fRIwh0IciTXBSqPC7IUewYLa_UJtcx_IXa41d2b7GV_6Oo7BHM9e0jKIS6zOaEYBJkoVizmSxFFYVGw0PPwxCJcjSekYE50jWWc/s320/3333.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446393846664500962" /></a><br /><br /></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-29565536684585975032010-02-16T07:45:00.000-08:002010-02-16T08:20:03.702-08:00RACE WEEK!Race week is officially here. Basically, that means that:<br /><ul><li>We've run out of things to argue about, which for this build, has been numerous.</li><li>Like Aggies, we didn't lose, we've run out of time to make the car a winner.</li><li>We ran out of paint. And lets be honest, anything besides painting, we suck at (with no offense directed to the fab man Nick and his exquisite body work...and I'm not referring to his body, nor the front mesh job)</li><li>The neighbors are threatening to call the cops over too many late night testing sessions.</li><li>Our wives have disowned us and are dating authentic Swedes named Sven, Torkel, and Olaf.</li></ul>Anyhow - the race is this weekend. Weather outlook is pretty good, car reliability outlook is cloudy with a chance for sunshine, and the fun outlook is very sunny. Hope to see you there this weekend. If you want to know how to find us in the paddock area...look for this, as it will be the only one there (you could also look for the cloud of white smoke and oil spills):<div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_YpygifesM_o05dgmwdJ3UScm4JPC7n5C56VFtlK4Z2BeRLS_qfS5G0q4S_TOnYr8R0BAAWEeQ6bTVhopFmx0iznSLjhCboFwwlCLY6SyVQRWRlTtAc_Pbbyzme3PGwYy6BaIBXOkDI/s1600-h/paintjob+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_YpygifesM_o05dgmwdJ3UScm4JPC7n5C56VFtlK4Z2BeRLS_qfS5G0q4S_TOnYr8R0BAAWEeQ6bTVhopFmx0iznSLjhCboFwwlCLY6SyVQRWRlTtAc_Pbbyzme3PGwYy6BaIBXOkDI/s320/paintjob+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438874166152302450" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are the finished photos of the car...that is, finished as long as I am successful in beating back the dogs on the team who want more and more graphics on the car:<div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwt0i7Z_m5Udmp78papzU8WPkjToVkwemYWq6_60dqo3GVht0I6k9Tfz1v6oMJgdn3j0mahPUxA-v5ksFV5v9SRf8lyzpmCOS6UQa0jCnhy8UBmEAQ0RsAPIC0NrCU-f7HGw5_-vyjgc/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwt0i7Z_m5Udmp78papzU8WPkjToVkwemYWq6_60dqo3GVht0I6k9Tfz1v6oMJgdn3j0mahPUxA-v5ksFV5v9SRf8lyzpmCOS6UQa0jCnhy8UBmEAQ0RsAPIC0NrCU-f7HGw5_-vyjgc/s320/1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869049442162546" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwt0i7Z_m5Udmp78papzU8WPkjToVkwemYWq6_60dqo3GVht0I6k9Tfz1v6oMJgdn3j0mahPUxA-v5ksFV5v9SRf8lyzpmCOS6UQa0jCnhy8UBmEAQ0RsAPIC0NrCU-f7HGw5_-vyjgc/s1600-h/1.JPG"></a>(By the way...."KILL" is not what we're trying to do to each other)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Fa5lOziVzLvu5vbOqTnF1H_ib8_xg-Pim6hFOpfl3RRAs3inC_x_Nq5as5SyLmdBr_dhQVbrPD296oNINBqLJS-QCa9fA2VDEX5xOqVZAuHKsNWUSU9K9G6qQWSudMepu6gOjZDDNT4/s1600-h/9.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Fa5lOziVzLvu5vbOqTnF1H_ib8_xg-Pim6hFOpfl3RRAs3inC_x_Nq5as5SyLmdBr_dhQVbrPD296oNINBqLJS-QCa9fA2VDEX5xOqVZAuHKsNWUSU9K9G6qQWSudMepu6gOjZDDNT4/s320/9.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869541902396834" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Fa5lOziVzLvu5vbOqTnF1H_ib8_xg-Pim6hFOpfl3RRAs3inC_x_Nq5as5SyLmdBr_dhQVbrPD296oNINBqLJS-QCa9fA2VDEX5xOqVZAuHKsNWUSU9K9G6qQWSudMepu6gOjZDDNT4/s1600-h/9.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS9QWC8h2xlZ_lfS5UbuclrJscd98B_QZfbSnVWzt50dwAS_-bWSzmyas9y37_GZEFQC0ID-WCIQrTcnxyQR-AtZsrJ5zNqS2YHzSWNEXL-X4jM3Y1IdE6qB_7pJOpFR8wx_MPAtvt7Q/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS9QWC8h2xlZ_lfS5UbuclrJscd98B_QZfbSnVWzt50dwAS_-bWSzmyas9y37_GZEFQC0ID-WCIQrTcnxyQR-AtZsrJ5zNqS2YHzSWNEXL-X4jM3Y1IdE6qB_7pJOpFR8wx_MPAtvt7Q/s320/8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869536598969570" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS9QWC8h2xlZ_lfS5UbuclrJscd98B_QZfbSnVWzt50dwAS_-bWSzmyas9y37_GZEFQC0ID-WCIQrTcnxyQR-AtZsrJ5zNqS2YHzSWNEXL-X4jM3Y1IdE6qB_7pJOpFR8wx_MPAtvt7Q/s1600-h/8.JPG"></a>Just like a F18 cockpit, except with a Pac Man style boost gauge added. And holes in the floor boards.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLcUCJf7t4WTivx2eavn9b6kBDZ9ekJPhxhc804iOhWod76Qu8Mbpxge99KwpjrJ5CBRqVuF6D07BSAGvMEnNgMZUTQ3WH754QTSMK5UTeUDGNGTCPwWln14VfUNcKnlLWvv3cRTts8/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLcUCJf7t4WTivx2eavn9b6kBDZ9ekJPhxhc804iOhWod76Qu8Mbpxge99KwpjrJ5CBRqVuF6D07BSAGvMEnNgMZUTQ3WH754QTSMK5UTeUDGNGTCPwWln14VfUNcKnlLWvv3cRTts8/s320/7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869528321184050" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLcUCJf7t4WTivx2eavn9b6kBDZ9ekJPhxhc804iOhWod76Qu8Mbpxge99KwpjrJ5CBRqVuF6D07BSAGvMEnNgMZUTQ3WH754QTSMK5UTeUDGNGTCPwWln14VfUNcKnlLWvv3cRTts8/s1600-h/7.JPG"></a>Dual exhaust pipes...kind of. Like a Lexus IS-F....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo5hIJ8FV0ly8kL7xA0zOY_FYLpA51R747jDopih2YU-zXxR_ft0_FJV0MMEBgzD_ZOoclQjpLuXjIV3ffiWN4rZK6fOzyHq7A5ZXr1DLqyjR621Wlom_aaBhO1d4sNWw89yzYISx1qI/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo5hIJ8FV0ly8kL7xA0zOY_FYLpA51R747jDopih2YU-zXxR_ft0_FJV0MMEBgzD_ZOoclQjpLuXjIV3ffiWN4rZK6fOzyHq7A5ZXr1DLqyjR621Wlom_aaBhO1d4sNWw89yzYISx1qI/s320/6.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869527480237458" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo5hIJ8FV0ly8kL7xA0zOY_FYLpA51R747jDopih2YU-zXxR_ft0_FJV0MMEBgzD_ZOoclQjpLuXjIV3ffiWN4rZK6fOzyHq7A5ZXr1DLqyjR621Wlom_aaBhO1d4sNWw89yzYISx1qI/s1600-h/6.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL4W8VosO6VcqaSL5lE5TXdvYEYFK2UUzcG0-3MQHObq04AI-pTwjt629HuAt7IPpcofElhnBgRPF4GX9-fteJpvj8ddxHEhJxz_LF_WWbGoGs5-4oPUvHHfUU293j-M8YxLY7mUBDjw/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL4W8VosO6VcqaSL5lE5TXdvYEYFK2UUzcG0-3MQHObq04AI-pTwjt629HuAt7IPpcofElhnBgRPF4GX9-fteJpvj8ddxHEhJxz_LF_WWbGoGs5-4oPUvHHfUU293j-M8YxLY7mUBDjw/s320/5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869078460476018" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL4W8VosO6VcqaSL5lE5TXdvYEYFK2UUzcG0-3MQHObq04AI-pTwjt629HuAt7IPpcofElhnBgRPF4GX9-fteJpvj8ddxHEhJxz_LF_WWbGoGs5-4oPUvHHfUU293j-M8YxLY7mUBDjw/s1600-h/5.JPG"></a>Our motto. Show - No Go.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCdUesU72YvcH6yPUam68JF8wLNwe3_-1yRzwU_qDmuapOFmjMGoUsdVd3fwxU-NlBb8N6kcBHVDDCLQmLrIW2_27TADeLPq_rARW1oEi1mfMFkEtl6UmifV1mK0hCj5DLn5pICBDQfA/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCdUesU72YvcH6yPUam68JF8wLNwe3_-1yRzwU_qDmuapOFmjMGoUsdVd3fwxU-NlBb8N6kcBHVDDCLQmLrIW2_27TADeLPq_rARW1oEi1mfMFkEtl6UmifV1mK0hCj5DLn5pICBDQfA/s320/4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869072685117154" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCdUesU72YvcH6yPUam68JF8wLNwe3_-1yRzwU_qDmuapOFmjMGoUsdVd3fwxU-NlBb8N6kcBHVDDCLQmLrIW2_27TADeLPq_rARW1oEi1mfMFkEtl6UmifV1mK0hCj5DLn5pICBDQfA/s1600-h/4.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3TBflTltTHVLQv6W98CEaipsvO862nm_7UnecMkRNom7u6JNnKlVKA6-lzfbF9M_FJho4N9cNZnYdfOxcUGplavHMwewrdmWCb2Y5IxbU5dA5eqO3SMa1qwNuxbo7QOpCEd0z_Vdsdo/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3TBflTltTHVLQv6W98CEaipsvO862nm_7UnecMkRNom7u6JNnKlVKA6-lzfbF9M_FJho4N9cNZnYdfOxcUGplavHMwewrdmWCb2Y5IxbU5dA5eqO3SMa1qwNuxbo7QOpCEd0z_Vdsdo/s320/3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869061690976210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3TBflTltTHVLQv6W98CEaipsvO862nm_7UnecMkRNom7u6JNnKlVKA6-lzfbF9M_FJho4N9cNZnYdfOxcUGplavHMwewrdmWCb2Y5IxbU5dA5eqO3SMa1qwNuxbo7QOpCEd0z_Vdsdo/s1600-h/3.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ7-X7XIT0715Un3B_4vd9X3XU22jGK7fNMiW_Qb5ZRz99vyN4BoVf14UWkLFeHzEFpRV5rX72Td-usFNCS3CsCdEDfK1J18weiWknYYlQbtzUDJi3nBbXejsogGi1rUGf73Jaeg51Rk/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ7-X7XIT0715Un3B_4vd9X3XU22jGK7fNMiW_Qb5ZRz99vyN4BoVf14UWkLFeHzEFpRV5rX72Td-usFNCS3CsCdEDfK1J18weiWknYYlQbtzUDJi3nBbXejsogGi1rUGf73Jaeg51Rk/s320/2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438869059858068162" /></a><br /></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-44421788650964079262010-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:002010-02-09T12:53:25.943-08:00LEMONS RACE IS AROUND THE CORNERWe've failed at keeping regular updates on the car build in 2010...which is not surprising since we suck at most things we do. But since we last posted on here...we now have a roll cage, racing-ish tires, a junk-yard spec racing body kit, an engine that runs (for now), and we're now midway done on the paintjob (which means we've gotten tired of working on reliability / engine related items). Some crappy BlackBerry photos at the bottom for your enjoyment / headshaking "those boys have issues" comments. <div><br /></div><div>Before looking at the photos....the race is NEXT WEEKEND. We'd love if you came out to cheer for us, or to drink beer with us, or to laugh at us, or to find us engine parts:</div><div><br /></div><div>When: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>February 20-21</div><div>Where:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>MSR Houston (<a href="http://www.msrhouston.com/">http://www.msrhouston.com/</a>)</div><div>Time:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Best to show up on Saturday around lunch. Sunday is good too, but we might be out by then.</div><div>How do I find you: Easy. Look for the HUGE white semi truck and trailer.</div><br /><br /><div><b>PICTURES</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The last dance with the original 900 race car. Farewell crappy car.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pItkmx-7GU5P70sSSttra3Qt-6BtRT4ff2h2D8MrYLvxXqtdFMcy1SPau88ZrZgyErKXEX0lf9TxY0-B1AvtvyKrTF7Nk-9F4w8BsZFAaB0zNk8kgALtz6m4OmI-Tt1Am95BVqHzdt4/s1600-h/SLAAB+part+2+014.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pItkmx-7GU5P70sSSttra3Qt-6BtRT4ff2h2D8MrYLvxXqtdFMcy1SPau88ZrZgyErKXEX0lf9TxY0-B1AvtvyKrTF7Nk-9F4w8BsZFAaB0zNk8kgALtz6m4OmI-Tt1Am95BVqHzdt4/s320/SLAAB+part+2+014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333492524603826" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pItkmx-7GU5P70sSSttra3Qt-6BtRT4ff2h2D8MrYLvxXqtdFMcy1SPau88ZrZgyErKXEX0lf9TxY0-B1AvtvyKrTF7Nk-9F4w8BsZFAaB0zNk8kgALtz6m4OmI-Tt1Am95BVqHzdt4/s1600-h/SLAAB+part+2+014.jpg"></a>Welding in the roll cage in Dallas:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTqgYL8nmz4I_mKhQZt63yRomxM7ZrhpTOrptdPDKv3tjPfy1yvzGSKHtkJj9HMOf9fL3Pyc2bSZzTrdjATA0hxNZ6KfDpk2WOXdjbEyP3pS_rvYXJf7ZGn4_LqEoLUpxq0aR8pYeoV4/s1600-h/SLAAB+part+2+006.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTqgYL8nmz4I_mKhQZt63yRomxM7ZrhpTOrptdPDKv3tjPfy1yvzGSKHtkJj9HMOf9fL3Pyc2bSZzTrdjATA0hxNZ6KfDpk2WOXdjbEyP3pS_rvYXJf7ZGn4_LqEoLUpxq0aR8pYeoV4/s320/SLAAB+part+2+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333484158547010" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Driving to Tony's for some maintenance work. This car is not exactly street legal, nor quiet. And it has a huge wing on the back.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTqgYL8nmz4I_mKhQZt63yRomxM7ZrhpTOrptdPDKv3tjPfy1yvzGSKHtkJj9HMOf9fL3Pyc2bSZzTrdjATA0hxNZ6KfDpk2WOXdjbEyP3pS_rvYXJf7ZGn4_LqEoLUpxq0aR8pYeoV4/s1600-h/SLAAB+part+2+006.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4imMpzFRdYu2OZsMRL7ufS9XfAX0c4cJmzZfWTkqLBGhZr5_Mt2FRE4Coj2M09onbs-JVfXd_VUoA2Andg0QeSC7AswjFoclWlqur_JqOPJIrToAQl8kd9b4rYdt2vUSozcPDaXNUY1A/s1600-h/IMG00028.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4imMpzFRdYu2OZsMRL7ufS9XfAX0c4cJmzZfWTkqLBGhZr5_Mt2FRE4Coj2M09onbs-JVfXd_VUoA2Andg0QeSC7AswjFoclWlqur_JqOPJIrToAQl8kd9b4rYdt2vUSozcPDaXNUY1A/s320/IMG00028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333315310929906" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4imMpzFRdYu2OZsMRL7ufS9XfAX0c4cJmzZfWTkqLBGhZr5_Mt2FRE4Coj2M09onbs-JVfXd_VUoA2Andg0QeSC7AswjFoclWlqur_JqOPJIrToAQl8kd9b4rYdt2vUSozcPDaXNUY1A/s1600-h/IMG00028.jpg"></a>Body work partially complete:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrGUi8GiTxjrxhqNYSzjXV5kT0WstoxphSbFlaJ4vz9lfIqj6MhUWjsWWgzuRa_Vt6tIFiVmmVdVmtArghHxljU73xYVJLLJDs-OSBRXkawc1DsqZLmYQ_wiWH8bnR0RB9wTApM1EKL8/s1600-h/IMG00027.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrGUi8GiTxjrxhqNYSzjXV5kT0WstoxphSbFlaJ4vz9lfIqj6MhUWjsWWgzuRa_Vt6tIFiVmmVdVmtArghHxljU73xYVJLLJDs-OSBRXkawc1DsqZLmYQ_wiWH8bnR0RB9wTApM1EKL8/s320/IMG00027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333303037986978" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrGUi8GiTxjrxhqNYSzjXV5kT0WstoxphSbFlaJ4vz9lfIqj6MhUWjsWWgzuRa_Vt6tIFiVmmVdVmtArghHxljU73xYVJLLJDs-OSBRXkawc1DsqZLmYQ_wiWH8bnR0RB9wTApM1EKL8/s1600-h/IMG00027.jpg"></a>Super racy valve cover:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxssOy_1p2l-aCQSRyPl-ZgSC3GgAnqKkfmq4DwiM5J8dhuY2P4QGfGtPYWMT6U7EJUY1wGMyAw0f-YytD7zj9I37J1_kuowDg_q44raDBqwasxvXlS8fOKrLqie8D-BiG0xugcs2-TIQ/s1600-h/IMG00026.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxssOy_1p2l-aCQSRyPl-ZgSC3GgAnqKkfmq4DwiM5J8dhuY2P4QGfGtPYWMT6U7EJUY1wGMyAw0f-YytD7zj9I37J1_kuowDg_q44raDBqwasxvXlS8fOKrLqie8D-BiG0xugcs2-TIQ/s320/IMG00026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333299151461234" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxssOy_1p2l-aCQSRyPl-ZgSC3GgAnqKkfmq4DwiM5J8dhuY2P4QGfGtPYWMT6U7EJUY1wGMyAw0f-YytD7zj9I37J1_kuowDg_q44raDBqwasxvXlS8fOKrLqie8D-BiG0xugcs2-TIQ/s1600-h/IMG00026.jpg"></a>Notice the wall art (thats the roof from the original 900)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKYW0If79XFdDsH77onr7yVuzRHHUp6ljAnrHXABaDYP5ImZURXYoEXdDNuZORIVzoQeSRKpH9W1Dt4_rOSO0Q_dWYV3Sa8uXcdici1hWz5FRyehgJaMlmAbJi9xCuFvepVs_7VWOn6Y/s1600-h/IMG00025.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKYW0If79XFdDsH77onr7yVuzRHHUp6ljAnrHXABaDYP5ImZURXYoEXdDNuZORIVzoQeSRKpH9W1Dt4_rOSO0Q_dWYV3Sa8uXcdici1hWz5FRyehgJaMlmAbJi9xCuFvepVs_7VWOn6Y/s320/IMG00025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333297029630514" /></a></div><br /><div>Paint job 50% complete as of last night:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvdQTY3LnXDk78CvDSi7zHKd_qJdrqOUeNLCLf561QXviEiWy7nTXXyQszQqlIT0vvQ6yKlQ2DvHbRRgB2TYYMy99ICps-uozWgbwpa-lKTTvrpdnmpwdmZEZo0wB2eHwDKpKCxWOUE4/s1600-h/IMG00034.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvdQTY3LnXDk78CvDSi7zHKd_qJdrqOUeNLCLf561QXviEiWy7nTXXyQszQqlIT0vvQ6yKlQ2DvHbRRgB2TYYMy99ICps-uozWgbwpa-lKTTvrpdnmpwdmZEZo0wB2eHwDKpKCxWOUE4/s320/IMG00034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436333312070496738" /></a></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-7960221264978687922009-11-16T10:16:00.000-08:002009-11-16T10:26:56.341-08:00DEATH OF A SAAB<div>So the question goes - how do you kill a Saab? Well...besides just driving it and trusting it will do the job itself (which it will, I promise - see Viggen in the dictionary), you could speed the matter up with a blow torch, a plasma cutter, and other fun tools. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below you'll find the sequential pictures of the 1982 Saab dying a rather quick and dirty death...all to save the roll cage and get it into the 1989 Saab. We'll donate the engine (its worth more as scrap) to Tony.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is Bruce and Brian having the time of their lives cutting up our race car. The claim it only caught fire "4 or 5 times" and that they lost 3-7 years off their lives due to the Swedish fumes. (and yes, Bruce still refuses to call our car a "race" car.)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTDcKPvKdtO7znzJN4Df4dW_u-l-oUWCA3aJ5l-W1yucEM3GTyFjCvDjRN2QwL5S9payMxdu-XsjgOsCl2UL4hlhPOCN9eeWLquXELA-rL8KimitEz6anqRGIOZ7eyTyRXzoQqBR6S80/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+00.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTDcKPvKdtO7znzJN4Df4dW_u-l-oUWCA3aJ5l-W1yucEM3GTyFjCvDjRN2QwL5S9payMxdu-XsjgOsCl2UL4hlhPOCN9eeWLquXELA-rL8KimitEz6anqRGIOZ7eyTyRXzoQqBR6S80/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+00.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767207309097794" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTxSH7q7EAiL5IAo4BNrXrClwOLEianbFzhkuM7WSCJhpYtql4GauFaZzsk3wk0hoqgduNgtR50D_KLdxuW5XdobGdiKve4c1R87D-6SZjm_nppveo8481gSdr_LLv9fDFMrugQS5J-4/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+02.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTxSH7q7EAiL5IAo4BNrXrClwOLEianbFzhkuM7WSCJhpYtql4GauFaZzsk3wk0hoqgduNgtR50D_KLdxuW5XdobGdiKve4c1R87D-6SZjm_nppveo8481gSdr_LLv9fDFMrugQS5J-4/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767211998335522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgtw8E5BLPOs82Tv-JzYGgICBYkbATkJQJoiJl5EQ2vJuPK80TMDAtSv3UckVYOEzC_KmuYiEEW2aXhfAHi-GrzXIfngfQCP4f2zvz5Gws9vBLEJviThb7cTQWAwhovZQW2a_gM0x60E/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+03.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgtw8E5BLPOs82Tv-JzYGgICBYkbATkJQJoiJl5EQ2vJuPK80TMDAtSv3UckVYOEzC_KmuYiEEW2aXhfAHi-GrzXIfngfQCP4f2zvz5Gws9vBLEJviThb7cTQWAwhovZQW2a_gM0x60E/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767209220396834" /></a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyHfk4SCguUAgLY1VthzhWR3u-Blcr1_XfsqcxZ7pybp5i1chV6G9IV7tsu4C4oHlhrE2OEaCcrqmfOY70qQ6SwqjTTWhsdgKgcOaGjlYxHUL4aLb0pNLrEa6QLvyOhD5JY1-tNy1Jeg/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+04.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyHfk4SCguUAgLY1VthzhWR3u-Blcr1_XfsqcxZ7pybp5i1chV6G9IV7tsu4C4oHlhrE2OEaCcrqmfOY70qQ6SwqjTTWhsdgKgcOaGjlYxHUL4aLb0pNLrEa6QLvyOhD5JY1-tNy1Jeg/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+04.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767217961780322" /></a><br /><br /><div>"DIE!!!!!!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13W00yLpdNfAyn3vRTlgGFdlN3LP-9WxCfUDLbyDVmvhK6SF2rdr00_Zy37JlvNH3YPd52nKAd70HglQ62lBr6mT52nu12Kv-aOfikvYrmiMcoRNyilpbc18j06K3k3126CatwiIiHJ8/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+08.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13W00yLpdNfAyn3vRTlgGFdlN3LP-9WxCfUDLbyDVmvhK6SF2rdr00_Zy37JlvNH3YPd52nKAd70HglQ62lBr6mT52nu12Kv-aOfikvYrmiMcoRNyilpbc18j06K3k3126CatwiIiHJ8/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+08.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767219079828754" /></a><div><br />Looks just like a 900 Convertible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_qvticbDQ7t0IMbe15IxYQ5XvZei3e3nca9iDDA59FrNiKw3XIfOCAApgRqL8D0Ma9h8vuVrgXfQErKpQpC0h7-wPzH8CM2KudDMfVcmZYhCRhGc6IKMUb7wQjYlL6hrxaF3wpHt4_E/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_qvticbDQ7t0IMbe15IxYQ5XvZei3e3nca9iDDA59FrNiKw3XIfOCAApgRqL8D0Ma9h8vuVrgXfQErKpQpC0h7-wPzH8CM2KudDMfVcmZYhCRhGc6IKMUb7wQjYlL6hrxaF3wpHt4_E/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767381113559442" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5JHNFNebqnPdAu8U_gDkXKUQmU22dbKcOERrxUbILsqbaix5E0HZx9jzv3NMUWULkzZqyo5R0agaxmD5GI9Gt6Rd0tI3BHvfrZy4_DxCRPuovofzCbb3iFKd1FdOALYXpsWzKqvlAdg/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+18.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5JHNFNebqnPdAu8U_gDkXKUQmU22dbKcOERrxUbILsqbaix5E0HZx9jzv3NMUWULkzZqyo5R0agaxmD5GI9Gt6Rd0tI3BHvfrZy4_DxCRPuovofzCbb3iFKd1FdOALYXpsWzKqvlAdg/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767486422117234" /></a><br /><br />Seems to be a bit nose heavy. Notice the steering wheel is still attached. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQWVDgj4VZDjEQGVLXYA6JkUh-Gy5yoUB5ekMFXoOl3lFcWWOI69Wp37JHpvJP62e1UbdDnhK9nFt7qKy9YwzG5Ezoac_7fjQSJpB1UudNPjCBUg7l0CTzytVGXWchjVIK4dTh-k5Iw/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+17.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQWVDgj4VZDjEQGVLXYA6JkUh-Gy5yoUB5ekMFXoOl3lFcWWOI69Wp37JHpvJP62e1UbdDnhK9nFt7qKy9YwzG5Ezoac_7fjQSJpB1UudNPjCBUg7l0CTzytVGXWchjVIK4dTh-k5Iw/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767401757211682" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjievpULlk7k5x3j6JKngRdlw4mjPhlypSfEUIbtPl6ZQvZnQ5CeiDwsRcbbAfYUmpqQWeO8sG30xCMAgnLhptGZ1TKm-f80uJjAULggLruyf2IduM7YxYDsyPq_qjygoNf3hzScw24QTM/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+16.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjievpULlk7k5x3j6JKngRdlw4mjPhlypSfEUIbtPl6ZQvZnQ5CeiDwsRcbbAfYUmpqQWeO8sG30xCMAgnLhptGZ1TKm-f80uJjAULggLruyf2IduM7YxYDsyPq_qjygoNf3hzScw24QTM/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767397605691106" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div>(this one below looks like the Swedish version of a rickshaw)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP4cE46TenjEWG45W26V46oOM54e1t5RM1PXwmKPelAruzeLQZaeqzZ-BZXmKXveczjockdCU3tkf3Dz3zUfNbi4V8x1gCLG06oi6GZ9ZKXC1aIHXFdmXJ7ugqu1x_wet5B9DsgSqqXc/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP4cE46TenjEWG45W26V46oOM54e1t5RM1PXwmKPelAruzeLQZaeqzZ-BZXmKXveczjockdCU3tkf3Dz3zUfNbi4V8x1gCLG06oi6GZ9ZKXC1aIHXFdmXJ7ugqu1x_wet5B9DsgSqqXc/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767390029545122" /></a><br /><br />WALLAH!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCVxjRGW2lZEwactfK8Fie1n75KE0cLbT9Y4_ts0IvnWjEJjtL9mgoOUmlJ08-KBJ71hjwXVp5MfcP6vwi4nZ6tGc3CapKNNgkKb27374FWCO9SEsKQ_31lOAE-wrG48YlujuigrAGjw/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCVxjRGW2lZEwactfK8Fie1n75KE0cLbT9Y4_ts0IvnWjEJjtL9mgoOUmlJ08-KBJ71hjwXVp5MfcP6vwi4nZ6tGc3CapKNNgkKb27374FWCO9SEsKQ_31lOAE-wrG48YlujuigrAGjw/s320/Death+of+a+SAAB+10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404767387692073314" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13W00yLpdNfAyn3vRTlgGFdlN3LP-9WxCfUDLbyDVmvhK6SF2rdr00_Zy37JlvNH3YPd52nKAd70HglQ62lBr6mT52nu12Kv-aOfikvYrmiMcoRNyilpbc18j06K3k3126CatwiIiHJ8/s1600/Death+of+a+SAAB+08.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-53774160396612212542009-11-11T08:49:00.000-08:002009-11-11T09:12:22.151-08:00Farewell - and good riddanceHere are the final pictures of the 1982 Saab, just prior to being packed up to goto the glue factory. This is what it looked like after sitting in the mud for 10 months. And you know what - the darn thing started right up (mostly). Too bad the clutch was totally shot (see race report - 2009). So it still had to be pushed to the curb, where I'm surprised it didn't burst one final radiator hose in disgust.<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gf451N8k18UVjsGBUHGcS_HzaOWiri1DuDFc0MOuAl7av46MrfB4N4ggBe3sjRjJsuobtKS8kWmKI9Pl9g-1L-x6GMNrtys6tzZ0RAPWBxmBh8HT3nfyewpldoiIPL26Qu8hPzyqeTk/s320/DSC_0898.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889753922464530" /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gf451N8k18UVjsGBUHGcS_HzaOWiri1DuDFc0MOuAl7av46MrfB4N4ggBe3sjRjJsuobtKS8kWmKI9Pl9g-1L-x6GMNrtys6tzZ0RAPWBxmBh8HT3nfyewpldoiIPL26Qu8hPzyqeTk/s1600-h/DSC_0898.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwr-kBCLnjZJkQ7EObnFOzbe6IyZRW-1hkrYX0fVRHPBPeVDgHaQ3AgYcNayjHupxFaL6mSrMoReB_k99QyR5ewZRHfnwuHWZnQjzEeNgYn0qruETWDl2p_SaeAo7sCVXa0F5mnmLHfk/s1600-h/DSC_0897.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwr-kBCLnjZJkQ7EObnFOzbe6IyZRW-1hkrYX0fVRHPBPeVDgHaQ3AgYcNayjHupxFaL6mSrMoReB_k99QyR5ewZRHfnwuHWZnQjzEeNgYn0qruETWDl2p_SaeAo7sCVXa0F5mnmLHfk/s320/DSC_0897.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889745407734994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjZfWfdSUHEsHGEry4H6k0V9gfI1WGh3mWqxwC1-SQ6XtMmcV7eaUEoLW6YyZJOtUDbLMSNumt5k-M24gIPA1cW_kpgTFfbQbHm4nRwQw7RWmCopYx0jJZ3P-4wZG4bPuQB2nhojMY20/s1600-h/DSC_0896.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjZfWfdSUHEsHGEry4H6k0V9gfI1WGh3mWqxwC1-SQ6XtMmcV7eaUEoLW6YyZJOtUDbLMSNumt5k-M24gIPA1cW_kpgTFfbQbHm4nRwQw7RWmCopYx0jJZ3P-4wZG4bPuQB2nhojMY20/s320/DSC_0896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889515033088146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwY8zJM-kbIc1pLmDlDM-1Qsu1dwyi5Ub2ETTn1alLCKewE0TXJiaRf0mL-FAO2z4-SatrgvEoiVIc2XWbCWdAabCxqVDD-xcGoYr9iNicXMkih7cZCE-Wa_nfPwD1c86ERkQAru9Pgs/s1600-h/DSC_0895.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwY8zJM-kbIc1pLmDlDM-1Qsu1dwyi5Ub2ETTn1alLCKewE0TXJiaRf0mL-FAO2z4-SatrgvEoiVIc2XWbCWdAabCxqVDD-xcGoYr9iNicXMkih7cZCE-Wa_nfPwD1c86ERkQAru9Pgs/s320/DSC_0895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889509256364002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ1QJoOWvi_naxeCrS0d4RSUXJ5nazKmuve77Dq9F4ypohMUKXx3bxw-vFMPapxVyw-xYdbAaYf7vmu-rE8YOxWCCtQuOXs_MREG0bRhxznJq-ouTqgi3Vz8fJUR49XVL_8Bq2JMPOUs/s1600-h/DSC_0894.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ1QJoOWvi_naxeCrS0d4RSUXJ5nazKmuve77Dq9F4ypohMUKXx3bxw-vFMPapxVyw-xYdbAaYf7vmu-rE8YOxWCCtQuOXs_MREG0bRhxznJq-ouTqgi3Vz8fJUR49XVL_8Bq2JMPOUs/s320/DSC_0894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889505836309378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFlLggmIzKv1hdPG00-21sYEniAErGgqV8z04onFV5T63_PceyzqTWPn5CVUumO2RlCM3yfHOYeeWbehyphenhyphenz0nA_-VXs3ajt4N5iDcMVLlujGCGCdXQ75gNAjDk_gkQZcFGcTy-YLrxffI/s1600-h/DSC_0893.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFlLggmIzKv1hdPG00-21sYEniAErGgqV8z04onFV5T63_PceyzqTWPn5CVUumO2RlCM3yfHOYeeWbehyphenhyphenz0nA_-VXs3ajt4N5iDcMVLlujGCGCdXQ75gNAjDk_gkQZcFGcTy-YLrxffI/s320/DSC_0893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889502911161586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOI2sOqsTsBinmU7JII7ARve8oH3TASXHxe56iv4IqQFrVc-COV_2Y0b0WBvNXy9k71jKs8g7_KGk3E0O6u5IfeQ14FVgwgF1ATkYYI6dgQ7BNQgtxmj4Veu-B_bkK3m9aHubOdsWGG8/s1600-h/DSC_0892.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOI2sOqsTsBinmU7JII7ARve8oH3TASXHxe56iv4IqQFrVc-COV_2Y0b0WBvNXy9k71jKs8g7_KGk3E0O6u5IfeQ14FVgwgF1ATkYYI6dgQ7BNQgtxmj4Veu-B_bkK3m9aHubOdsWGG8/s320/DSC_0892.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889500493805842" /></a><br /></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-71625283721262358302009-11-09T13:02:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:26:05.929-08:00Once....twice.....three times a laaaddyyyy.After a 10 month vacation doing non-Lemony things, to put it mildly...we're BACK. And this time, we brought a turbo with us. For those of you curious about naming our blog post after a Lionel Richie song, first watch this clip, which is my favorite Seinfeld clip of all time:<div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CwinnODU0yo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CwinnODU0yo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:10px;"><br /></span></span></div><div>We're bound to end up similarly.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">ONCE:</span></b></div><div>First, we bought the blue 1982 Saab 900. The unturbo version. We raced it two times with marginal success (one race was a blown engine, one race was a blown clutch / brain). The car was a trusted sidekick, as long as you didn't trust it. This car is currently in Dallas having its roll cage extracted the hard way (as in - lets just cut the car in half and do it that way), so we can put that same roll cage in another car.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGuHhmp7eX5lu0j3WQn3ke84Xsjb11QS2rJpgXjejhhZnmmqQY4LLpF5lLReFD1h3QfK5K2lS8CXR7mTGu6UCmuMnhuf3JEnTTS14dRiTt25U7qsmz-DecnjSz7E5kP5nhYmAZulCt6U/s1600-h/water.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGuHhmp7eX5lu0j3WQn3ke84Xsjb11QS2rJpgXjejhhZnmmqQY4LLpF5lLReFD1h3QfK5K2lS8CXR7mTGu6UCmuMnhuf3JEnTTS14dRiTt25U7qsmz-DecnjSz7E5kP5nhYmAZulCt6U/s320/water.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215577020186594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">TWICE:</span></b></div><div>Shortly after purchasing the blue bomber unturbo, for some reason, I bought a 2000 Saab Viggen. Don't know why, but I did. I sold my dead-solid reliable pickup for a dead-crappy GM-Saab. It blew up last week. Says Bobby the Mechanic - "all I see is schrapnel inside your cylinder". Good Swedish times these days.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEvYfwdQpM1B4Ja-hwZOzxVH7ad6EX8XSZGLL3sOPwiDVPpZ-3iVvRyd3Acbfl5x9nAqA3S9bEAxo-5fH3yKnixHoFCPsPfS6N_JapIyoupMlHmYVJXLlMaB7-6kfn1LeG83IVBgO7NA/s1600-h/Viggen.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEvYfwdQpM1B4Ja-hwZOzxVH7ad6EX8XSZGLL3sOPwiDVPpZ-3iVvRyd3Acbfl5x9nAqA3S9bEAxo-5fH3yKnixHoFCPsPfS6N_JapIyoupMlHmYVJXLlMaB7-6kfn1LeG83IVBgO7NA/s320/Viggen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402215241743772930" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">THREEEEEEE TIMES A LADY.....</span></b></div><div>Yes, we bought a THIRD Saab. Except this one is better (cough cough). Its a 1989 Saab 900 Turbo.</div><div>1) its newer, and newer is always better right? </div><div>2) its got a T-U-R-B-O. In other words, an additional weak-ass Swedish part to break during the race. </div><div>3) it has 4 doors. Which means its uglier. A lot uglier.</div><div>4) we're going back to a Swedish theme this time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below are some pics of the next car (which is also my daily driver while the Viggen gets a transplant). Stay tuned for more updates as we again prove we haven't learned a single lesson in the past 2 years.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfX5Rk01mgyKMStbK3DljHXPoMDcmJ07eIQhwFJ5s2WpbXrQpYMUyPjUvaxux3CPZjc7HWox19uYon7H6eMYF2uI3i6bsLzmFb69LTO7qht-iYKWVYynHBM8wEn5wJcOn9iO3sSgroP8/s1600-h/Paint+Job.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfX5Rk01mgyKMStbK3DljHXPoMDcmJ07eIQhwFJ5s2WpbXrQpYMUyPjUvaxux3CPZjc7HWox19uYon7H6eMYF2uI3i6bsLzmFb69LTO7qht-iYKWVYynHBM8wEn5wJcOn9iO3sSgroP8/s320/Paint+Job.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217786690383922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh5qdKay4YadEQ9rS-ZAInxLc6kF7_rhzn1xexVv8GSZVUXrg3I-b2qB3EwyRnKPA1fgsvmEDFjrIR_xuCUlVWibSXVyrs-tqysIMkYuOCfmWRu47bB0fwwPCUjgX2UtCBhSdwkLQgDI/s1600-h/DSC_0999.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh5qdKay4YadEQ9rS-ZAInxLc6kF7_rhzn1xexVv8GSZVUXrg3I-b2qB3EwyRnKPA1fgsvmEDFjrIR_xuCUlVWibSXVyrs-tqysIMkYuOCfmWRu47bB0fwwPCUjgX2UtCBhSdwkLQgDI/s320/DSC_0999.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217784680042210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFLdEHAUDGZSll3fnXtt4ZKzGnHpvJTS2KiHRkgS6n3nnAqAsHKK-Itz3sXApMhft_jI6wDezcUtjM4XClmb8id0JiLO7U9MzED7oYPGLa13MguKUVpwULXYMaSv9N4QO6vpUj2QomCU/s1600-h/DSC_0998.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFLdEHAUDGZSll3fnXtt4ZKzGnHpvJTS2KiHRkgS6n3nnAqAsHKK-Itz3sXApMhft_jI6wDezcUtjM4XClmb8id0JiLO7U9MzED7oYPGLa13MguKUVpwULXYMaSv9N4QO6vpUj2QomCU/s320/DSC_0998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217779217450034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4kLvg78FTxkUL7VQBlda5FDv1Ki9WhRQanjDH__p1HtGLgRNxmTbcsxdEtbNNfj-EgHwGNYQ-c5GnYSbQSsx719IlTF-BnNHfCzeYs4mX32MdscSBrGfF52Tit8YyUul23kvkRb_FvA/s1600-h/DSC_0997.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4kLvg78FTxkUL7VQBlda5FDv1Ki9WhRQanjDH__p1HtGLgRNxmTbcsxdEtbNNfj-EgHwGNYQ-c5GnYSbQSsx719IlTF-BnNHfCzeYs4mX32MdscSBrGfF52Tit8YyUul23kvkRb_FvA/s320/DSC_0997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217772584504834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAV8he-NMD4G16L7yop7uzWtigV8Ij8KsopkkhJ8T5H11Bxj4xQRAAlo36nQHj8GC8axTH10JClSgyxIh9NBRdFnYCAEB45POlkaxbk5EuDq9mIw1k0jmR8pgRuzSi2ysUu42ge8wWd0/s1600-h/DSC_0996.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAV8he-NMD4G16L7yop7uzWtigV8Ij8KsopkkhJ8T5H11Bxj4xQRAAlo36nQHj8GC8axTH10JClSgyxIh9NBRdFnYCAEB45POlkaxbk5EuDq9mIw1k0jmR8pgRuzSi2ysUu42ge8wWd0/s320/DSC_0996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217767677083010" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-88673841316566178742009-07-21T11:01:00.000-07:002009-07-21T19:51:06.716-07:002009 VINEMAN 70.3 RACE REPORT<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I am writing this on Tuesday, 60 hours after the race, and still my legs barely work. Lets go through this sequentially though, because legs are a topic all to themselves.</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>RACE BASE</b></div><div>We (Tessins and Crokers) stayed at Bodega Bay on the California coast for the 4 day race weekend. Temperatures were in the low 50's to the mid 70's all weekend. How hot can it possibly be hot 25 miles to the east of here where the race is?!? </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWDbhRSvUh2oEkV_jj4eG7m3REAcN9fmbr5dAPA6MLOG_O_xMhjzmtc-MQRc9s0dpIhj0WIGmlB3HEhU-BhGINQKOwl35qFOIh5ei5x7XoOQ3sKsXW4fJ-bMLNaKp1A4O24xrkkJ54lg/s1600-h/DSC_0262.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWDbhRSvUh2oEkV_jj4eG7m3REAcN9fmbr5dAPA6MLOG_O_xMhjzmtc-MQRc9s0dpIhj0WIGmlB3HEhU-BhGINQKOwl35qFOIh5ei5x7XoOQ3sKsXW4fJ-bMLNaKp1A4O24xrkkJ54lg/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360975518256166434" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWDbhRSvUh2oEkV_jj4eG7m3REAcN9fmbr5dAPA6MLOG_O_xMhjzmtc-MQRc9s0dpIhj0WIGmlB3HEhU-BhGINQKOwl35qFOIh5ei5x7XoOQ3sKsXW4fJ-bMLNaKp1A4O24xrkkJ54lg/s1600-h/DSC_0262.JPG"></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uFX5RJsvoYRLL2McByFcKS5SQqLDByDr1ITc33u2azhO4ycJ6oNIApHR-02Yedu_-P89pSgZ-hhD9NmaWxC1O8kI-GLCZyLF8t3SxG8qayg3lF6fB_Wsw0WWH8GxcVCIWVq7hs4kJS4/s320/DSC_0286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360975532768067346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>VINEMAN RACE (AKA CRAMP-A-PALOOZA)</b></div><div>The race is a tad unique in that it has two separate transition areas. The first is a rocky beach on the side of the Russian River. The beach is not particularly large, and once you put 2200 bikes there, its even smaller. </div><div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_4BmqyP1Xyba8IvdI6_BoaYL3YZmjaP7ENtHlGHUCtNfOH4xp2gf5by-Iu7lqEuomQkyiA5_5l92C0LTgkHoBXVpANbMRGmlaqwcBqe1uPI6glftpU3-5B8JmNsaSDf4Agc8eDLKKe4/s320/IMG_8649.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976762973590418" /></div><div><br /><b>SWIM (1900 meters) - 37:00 minutes (top 36%)</b></div><div>Dave and I swam in the same swim wave, which is only the second time that's happened in 2 years. My goal for the swim was to complete the swim in around 35:30, and finished slightly slower than that. During the swim (which got pretty boring, apart from the woman who I mistakenly slapped on the butt during the swim), Dave and I swam literally next to one another for the first half. He eventually pulled away, and finished about 30 seconds quicker. One odd thing about swimming in a shallow river - you sometimes have people running in the shallow water next to you rather than swim. And yes, your hands do hit the bottom of the river every now and then. I had some slight calf cramping at the end of the swim, but wasn't alarmed by it due to achilles problems recently. Coming out of the water and the first transition area, I was about 1:30 behind my goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a picture of our swim start:<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TYcHEkqlaDfvvo3UXrfWw7s65Ig2HLh_gwcu_aaos-LijP1INoC_6nwKWyQ-46s_WYyEsfCmQiQmqqFRRqPjrymjAs5iy_v_pXArFEp841Y8UR6YZg2URulMwPaX_2XJeyI61hzgL0g/s320/IMG_8661.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976766611757858" /><br /><br /></div><div>Picture of me coming in from the swim:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxam8RM-zVdcjLMtK2mV15f7DHlSfJ7HS8h2XFJU7ou2d8Bg_yykJAFer8-7_kINLgDt7MpnZMxDzMcyd0MC5hvUcm-fZLLjoTUqPUg9D8m0whduvULdCze5HIHdewPiu4WA7V20_Vi3U/s1600-h/DSC_0315.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxam8RM-zVdcjLMtK2mV15f7DHlSfJ7HS8h2XFJU7ou2d8Bg_yykJAFer8-7_kINLgDt7MpnZMxDzMcyd0MC5hvUcm-fZLLjoTUqPUg9D8m0whduvULdCze5HIHdewPiu4WA7V20_Vi3U/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360975547737378450" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><b>BIKE (56 Miles) - 2:54:00 (top 38%)</b></div><div>The bike ride was incredible. Very scenic, and moderately hilly. Coming out of the water, it was a cool 60 degrees, and slowly warmed up over the next 3 hours. I rode most of the race with the same group of people, and had a running joke about passing them on the downhills, and they passing me on the uphills. Definitely broke up the ride boredom. My goal was to average 18mph, and actually averaged 19.1mph. The ride has 2 major hill climbs...the first one was pretty unremarkable, and Chalk Hill was harder than expected. Chalk Hill is the signature part of the ride, and there was ONE person spectating there. One. And he wasn't even clapping. He just said "you're at the top." Thanks dude. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the top of the hill, and for the next 5 miles, I had a quad cramp, which was a first for me on a ride. I rode the last 10 miles pretty easy, knowing I was way ahead of my goal and trying to save my legs for the half marathon approaching. And it was getting hot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Coming out of the 2nd transition area, I was around 8-9 minutes ahead of my goal. Both Dave and I expected an exceedingly hard ride given the terrain, but both of us believe that our training rides were quite a bit tougher than this route...most notably the Chappell Hill routes west of Houston. </div><div><br />Some pictures from the ride from the Crew:</div><div><br /></div><div>Mile 27 (I about hit that guy in front of me while paying attention to the fans!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMopvdMvDj-VZFbZ5ohWJwbl628qCpiRnVaOL0sy0pZUrKNtO6k-zSwP6GjdutN1DQt371PKbCGcFShNtFBCnPimRVkC3IU4IoehNUweVsYrwc9RU_ywP1MTCfHe8V1wbB3sLhxVTXK-s/s1600-h/DSC_0331.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMopvdMvDj-VZFbZ5ohWJwbl628qCpiRnVaOL0sy0pZUrKNtO6k-zSwP6GjdutN1DQt371PKbCGcFShNtFBCnPimRVkC3IU4IoehNUweVsYrwc9RU_ywP1MTCfHe8V1wbB3sLhxVTXK-s/s320/DSC_0331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976177665687730" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs0kO9DuUZgwxOyRQdirNCYf0N2N020OQSYNWHcK5Fv9cPpu5YwTkeWSzEHVN4Ia5JnCFOM071qlG3i7kX0aL_Xrf4aiG4fXDwtaEPP475Hc6o5qhl3CGlyJaRcR_wYZV68VqpO9rdvg/s1600-h/DSC_0330.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs0kO9DuUZgwxOyRQdirNCYf0N2N020OQSYNWHcK5Fv9cPpu5YwTkeWSzEHVN4Ia5JnCFOM071qlG3i7kX0aL_Xrf4aiG4fXDwtaEPP475Hc6o5qhl3CGlyJaRcR_wYZV68VqpO9rdvg/s320/DSC_0330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976172785982082" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs0kO9DuUZgwxOyRQdirNCYf0N2N020OQSYNWHcK5Fv9cPpu5YwTkeWSzEHVN4Ia5JnCFOM071qlG3i7kX0aL_Xrf4aiG4fXDwtaEPP475Hc6o5qhl3CGlyJaRcR_wYZV68VqpO9rdvg/s1600-h/DSC_0330.JPG"></a>Finish line for the bike<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDQKWDpQ3FZLyeuqjET1CsvIn8aFSi6ncbvUSR9ykb_73VZfws4DQ9OSUXQszLfEvXbdPcUW0U5ga_tQ084e6hJEqimFu08ODFW4iy5K13d4pAtORQS7XcnF5njY2M3FTpa8IyfaVHFg/s320/yyyyyy.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361000941247123570" /></div><div><br />Caroline waiting on Daddy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3t41SgzXduY3DxBdyxEhxaQY7SN4p2plK6WNKg8hYxVWQOoO9HcqXXquoIn3kO9gLuIKweZyepyKybtBzwi68OF8mFzPigEHjo6geNQs18SBvgzJwKT-KvhYi0sdRha6Koz6dlxl5tk/s1600-h/DSC_0327.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3t41SgzXduY3DxBdyxEhxaQY7SN4p2plK6WNKg8hYxVWQOoO9HcqXXquoIn3kO9gLuIKweZyepyKybtBzwi68OF8mFzPigEHjo6geNQs18SBvgzJwKT-KvhYi0sdRha6Koz6dlxl5tk/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976163697134194" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>End of the ride - feeling very good for the run.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqdXalUFb6Txjtxp5GHGELPMcSJ3aBJwQ5Sv_NvWU0ODILk61nS9JV3OipKCgFo2d5WU8LyyCUbC2wefwhOeCVa3d95sacyu3HpEtGqTUYQaOx0h-8tTE0V5j_ahr05iskFY9zwz1lhY/s320/DSC_0352.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976591616899314" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>RUN (13.1 miles) - 3 hours 50 minutes (top 80%)</b></div><div>No that isn't typo. And no, it wasn't a full marathon distance! Yes, I ran the 13 miles at a 17:45 pace per mile. I'll go through this in order. Coming out of transition, I felt better than I have EVER felt going into a run in a triathlon. My legs felt amazing, my heart rate was low, my hamstrings were fresh....</div><div><br /></div><div>Here I am passing the Crew at around 300 yards into the run.</div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07KK4YmAJ_-rwyo2JbuybXgd2sPXprS3YX_fZP-tyS01-nI3aQrhuAL8_2AM8HNgvwsGs8fxgIHOVI1a-f8PQ4JXvWdSftxkXXJ9iiyRvAiyHKrTIr1N-EzQ9lF41aJZrim6zTMPGXjk/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976601321005794" /><br /><br /><div>At around 350 yards (as in, like 30 seconds after passing them), my race started to unravel at a pace that was very alarming. I immediately started cramping in both quads, bad enough that I had to stop and stretch for 2-3 minutes for them to release. After that, I tried to run for about 2 minutes, and walk 1-2 minutes for the next 3 miles or so. My original goal was to run without stopping to mile 6.5, and survive the rest. My first mile was a 12 minute pace, my second mile was a 13 minute pace, and at mile 3, the run started getting hilly. For most people, these hills were a joke. For someone from Houston, they felt massive. My running is basically a thing of the past, and I am facing walking almost every inch of this race.</div><div><br /></div><div>Around mile 5, I was running for maybe 30 seconds, cramping in some leg area (you name it, it cramped up), and walking for 3-5 minutes. Cramping was now in my quads, calves, and hamstrings, but subsided everytime. I saw Dave around mile 5.5 (he was at mile 8), and he looked pretty dang good (though he said he was really struggling). At this point, I was also trading places with a 55 year old man, who was only walking. He was outpacing my jog-walk-jog-walk strategy, which was pretty demoralizing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Its worth noting here that it was hot. DAMN HOT. 95-98 degrees hot according to weather.com, and the run route had minimal shade. It was blistering out there. And I forgot to take my salt tablets during the race (big mistake I think).</div><div><br /></div><div>After mile 6, running was no longer an option. Now I was speed walking like a fairy. In spandex. I think around mile 8, my overall goal of 6 hours passed, which was pretty funny to me at the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>At mile 9.5, both calves and both quads totally locked up on me. I fell over immediately on the road screaming words that I can't repeat here. A couple people tried to help me stretch the cramps, but it was so bad they couldn't move my ankles or feet. Totally locked. And I was sitting on a 100 degree piece of road. They rolled me over into the dirt in the shade, and left me for dead. And thanks to the runners who ran over me while laying in the road. You guys were great. Really. </div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed in the dirt for 10-15 minutes until my leg muscles released, got up, and started progressively walking more and more. 2 steps. Stop. Stretch for 2 minutes. 4 steps. Stretch. etc etc. Everyone who passed me on the run asked why my back was covered in dirt. "Did you pass out?" "Did you crash?" "Were you wrestling a cow?" "Were you helping repave these roads?" </div><div><br /></div><div>The back of the race is full of great people, all fighting various problems (mostly cramping this day). Very encouraging people, and all in a lot of pain. But all positive. Very positive. It was definitely the highlight of the race for me. I eventually walked all the way to the finish line, having walked 90% of the 13.1 miles. I figured my cheering Crew had left and gone home by this point! </div><div><br /></div><div>The finish line was pretty funny, as Caroline and Landon both walked across with me. The announcer was making fun of me, because neither kid would hold my hand since I probably smelled so bad. I did trot across the last 5 feet though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a picture of the finish:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoLjAkPGmbqGH1ri4XY2-QFk5tURX4wE3XJZIqL6hAPPlssrd3R6YNYtbkU5Wxou3RCuORGctJ5qsVC9mG-rIGwMAOlbZHAfIHEY96a-8gGXDzXOfBoOMzeXqpPNrPx1F_0kQ0fpezbI/s320/DSC_0380.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976609858530898" /></div><div><br />Walking over to the tent after finishing...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGJH8picojmvY6vj2dMgvnohSaYhIkHYePh0vf0vMAC-4HmzF9NiWOFhO5USOlXQd3Hb34XbBrcqEKFgYNyP3hl3QakZtyzCR3MjvQf3Z6Xy8nYVYAveW5R_wOCRH7-caIwrBIjEz-Ag/s1600-h/xxxxxxx.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGJH8picojmvY6vj2dMgvnohSaYhIkHYePh0vf0vMAC-4HmzF9NiWOFhO5USOlXQd3Hb34XbBrcqEKFgYNyP3hl3QakZtyzCR3MjvQf3Z6Xy8nYVYAveW5R_wOCRH7-caIwrBIjEz-Ag/s320/xxxxxxx.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361000934257965586" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I finished in 7 hours, 34 minutes....you know, roughly 94 minutes slower than my goal (top 76%). Would I do it again? Of course (but not anytime soon). I really need to be another 20-25 lbs lighter to do this again, and that will become the next goal. Overall, the race was easier (through the bike) than I expected, and significantly harder than I expected on the run (obviously). I think the running injuries in the past 5-6 weeks didn't do me any favors, though none of that seemed to have crept up during the race. I think the majority of my problems were race-nutrition related...and things that are easily solved. We're planning on doing the Austin Triathlon in September, then concentrating on strength and speed through the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DAVE'S RACE</b></div><div>Dave had an awesome race. I was blown away by his pace. He averaged 20.5mph (2.5 above his goal), and bought enough time on the bike that his slower-than-expected run didn't keep him from beating his goal by 3 minutes (he finished in 5 hours 40 minutes). He fought some cramping at the end as well, but nothing too bad. He really had an incredible race, and at the end said he had hit hit endurance limit for these types of races and wasn't interested in going further or doing it again. The next day, he was already plotting the next 70.3 race. </div><div><br /></div><div>Picture from beginning of Dave's run</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY9FJ7uUUYF2w5J-HlWXC58JSkjME4-tcNGZDAcJWa8mwmcb3AGnIEL0uBK19OW9NW58kgfPyR9gRUyvwoDGppE_IgrVEcLYTQPAXFvfSGXdXw7p3k4nAQfqPRowZ0Bm8VMNgy7fYfKI/s320/DSC_0346.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976587421763954" /></div><div>Picture of Dave finishing:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YQT8bqJhhAAX8rVTNS5A89mSDs0PwJ1EQCj8l61-dczpBrlvuaocxq6u3Z_Z3lGx-GUIBmDRNPtq5r1LBUS7Xyygct7BncGxvWR9iMt_JUJ4IbxGqhqohsQqCkWl588IbVtw2LX42V8/s320/DSC_0242.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360975507494818834" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The CREW!!!</b></div><div>We had an incredible support crew made up of Mom, Dad, Candice, Caroline, Landon, Jennifer Tessin, and Paige Tessin....all wearing custom made yellow shirts (turns out there was a DJ crew from Sacramento called "Phil and Dave" who were racing too, and some thought they were cheering for them). They were super easy to spot on the course (partly due to the shirts, mostly due to their loud cheering). It was also a ton of fun with Landon and his "code word". Everytime we saw each other, we yelled "SALAMI!!!!" to each other. The word ultimately was appropriate, because the race turned me into fatty, cooked meat. The crew was awesome, and made the race WAY more fun and was something to look forward to over the 70 miles. They endured a LONG day in the heat, and I think I would have rather been out there racing than corraling kids!!! Candice also deserves a big thank you for allowing me to train for this big event, as it took a significant amount of time away from the family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a picture of everyone at the finish, and other pictures of the Crew.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TYcHEkqlaDfvvo3UXrfWw7s65Ig2HLh_gwcu_aaos-LijP1INoC_6nwKWyQ-46s_WYyEsfCmQiQmqqFRRqPjrymjAs5iy_v_pXArFEp841Y8UR6YZg2URulMwPaX_2XJeyI61hzgL0g/s1600-h/IMG_8661.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowEzA516LuCWu79lgGHEEGyfHYBIevc-Dn9nYqNtyGawO8FKVNxwbWkHdvf659lDrqPwJomVysIrwDFpireAuTzcxX_EAV1GNndsG2FLuVe1g7CPCPRdSg0uGeljujvxq9QCaIoGlGc0/s1600-h/DSC_0398.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowEzA516LuCWu79lgGHEEGyfHYBIevc-Dn9nYqNtyGawO8FKVNxwbWkHdvf659lDrqPwJomVysIrwDFpireAuTzcxX_EAV1GNndsG2FLuVe1g7CPCPRdSg0uGeljujvxq9QCaIoGlGc0/s320/DSC_0398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976611240932354" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Jennifer, Paige, and Caroline<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLpKfJyEcKNPjJKvRhlsMXMaCkMZu2ergxjNWkO9l0maPQmklNZn0__V8jrLjXiVgE8qp-mMSIQ-oUi_SpUfASz6AbHnSjVn8mFvKYKNJ4tKHqSXfzZY7IC_FA2P-PLNuelIEq5wjNps/s1600-h/DSC_0338.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLpKfJyEcKNPjJKvRhlsMXMaCkMZu2ergxjNWkO9l0maPQmklNZn0__V8jrLjXiVgE8qp-mMSIQ-oUi_SpUfASz6AbHnSjVn8mFvKYKNJ4tKHqSXfzZY7IC_FA2P-PLNuelIEq5wjNps/s320/DSC_0338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976195869401906" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW0x5CeMQE22qiryCb5hkLSGiWXy0hMgZI_oWk3VFpvAH1-hHXh-TPaZtSvrTS3Ji5Q6ITjamdX_RmUsm09wQrFQqH8tamzXgfwor_Zc8DibDME6ggkSPDsEHi2gTCL7KA6SRWmDxUOg/s1600-h/DSC_0334.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW0x5CeMQE22qiryCb5hkLSGiWXy0hMgZI_oWk3VFpvAH1-hHXh-TPaZtSvrTS3Ji5Q6ITjamdX_RmUsm09wQrFQqH8tamzXgfwor_Zc8DibDME6ggkSPDsEHi2gTCL7KA6SRWmDxUOg/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360976187392779538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ophcWQjVUKbvBnKyiy9OMlF3-rdrRA1au97SQn1wsJRfia6JA8k2_qHdLfJxBwJQzt5LsWx6nIofdQcw6TwxwYQgeOlUHbUTBqTxCp14piOK4twMLhuOqu90RLf7OYcSUaWpoDgR5_M/s1600-h/DSC_0302.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ophcWQjVUKbvBnKyiy9OMlF3-rdrRA1au97SQn1wsJRfia6JA8k2_qHdLfJxBwJQzt5LsWx6nIofdQcw6TwxwYQgeOlUHbUTBqTxCp14piOK4twMLhuOqu90RLf7OYcSUaWpoDgR5_M/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360975539190036226" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-32993117910215055592009-07-14T11:53:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:27:34.494-07:00WE'RE OFF!Finally...it's time to race this Sunday. After...<div><ul><li>300 miles of running this year </li><li>68000 meters of swimming (sounds way more impressive in meters than saying 42 miles)</li><li>800 miles of riding (a huge short-fall really)</li><li>5 flat tires & 2 broken spokes</li><li>1 achilles injury and 1 sore hamstring that won't go away</li><li>184 days of Dave cursing at me while I stretch (he doesn't stretch)</li><li>8 warmup races, well, 7.5 for me if you take into account Flattire-a-Palooza this past May</li><li>1 running accident in front of an entire crew of road workers (they were very entertained)</li></ul><div>...the Vineman 70.3 is finally here. For up-to-date results after the race, goto <a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman/results_race01.htm">http://www.vineman.com/ironman/results_race01.htm</a>. Goals for the race for me is to beat 6 hours, and for Dave to beat 5:45. We'll be hanging out on the coast before and after the race getting ready for 6 hours of pain. Preparation will....you know....look like this:</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnZJwqKYjtehFbVLKCShABQc_Kr0FgA-EuBw_qnbcDvDeCE_6gqOBNfrGyximg-hL3Q4TegP7Ox16H1-dtqx6zrY2gNaXMe6hXJ-HgbUZxR-ojXw2ekbZ_iJToYh4s8rp3vs7au3B29I/s1600-h/Beach-Feet.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnZJwqKYjtehFbVLKCShABQc_Kr0FgA-EuBw_qnbcDvDeCE_6gqOBNfrGyximg-hL3Q4TegP7Ox16H1-dtqx6zrY2gNaXMe6hXJ-HgbUZxR-ojXw2ekbZ_iJToYh4s8rp3vs7au3B29I/s320/Beach-Feet.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358395020721684450" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-74318596903075922082009-06-22T11:17:00.000-07:002009-06-22T11:26:21.769-07:00My New DubsGot my new (used) wheels on Friday, a pair of carbon fiber HED 3's. Supposed to be some of the most aerodynamic wheels available, which helps offset the big fat lug on top of the bike. I rode with them on Sunday for our 60 mile ride in Cleveland. Yes, I was still slower than Dave. But it felt faster than before. <div><br /></div><div>Turns out that the Cleveland ride is a great approximator of the Vineman ride. The graph of the elevation change (in meters) for the Cleveland ride vs. the Vineman is in the graph below. That climb in the middle of the black graph (~mile 30) was a real gut buster. </div><div><br /></div><div>2 more long training rides left before we ship the bikes to California...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjsc04adlPdjk1x62gvOwQwYzATrq_d4fNR8TRwZ5dkla0aqJUdoc5F8MSxxqKOEMlZSEpc_uwevczaruD1AvNTG9dMTV2u1IZXrSqVDxv1-XiHzHWi-i6uRRXNx0FJZGSnnqULpQciE/s1600-h/graph.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjsc04adlPdjk1x62gvOwQwYzATrq_d4fNR8TRwZ5dkla0aqJUdoc5F8MSxxqKOEMlZSEpc_uwevczaruD1AvNTG9dMTV2u1IZXrSqVDxv1-XiHzHWi-i6uRRXNx0FJZGSnnqULpQciE/s320/graph.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350219341553251090" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The new gear:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluG-_MlwGjpzmQHhb44ExzXucIqSf6FeVSej91obq6dWG0wfN9ix6tSCvRzW8NGXpHGL15nm3KJYzSOLDB4ibfbHg_O-8Rf3bU5XEOvknQmfUb-zJpgg3O3fn0ZFEPiQ7P9U3R4jfcaQ/s1600-h/DSC_0053.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluG-_MlwGjpzmQHhb44ExzXucIqSf6FeVSej91obq6dWG0wfN9ix6tSCvRzW8NGXpHGL15nm3KJYzSOLDB4ibfbHg_O-8Rf3bU5XEOvknQmfUb-zJpgg3O3fn0ZFEPiQ7P9U3R4jfcaQ/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350217984079952162" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxljZ-o6NTxTqM1eZ7aNLB8RyAhlV6eIllcUl5iTAqluvZtQmgfIjYkK_O-SeTZ5XHKg3PyxGXfM8PBJBBOL6ip1GmyotmHTwa9ZYTVHdpinVwv5LR7NmZqh65lLtuMcsGbvM5PoSXRo/s1600-h/DSC_0052.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxljZ-o6NTxTqM1eZ7aNLB8RyAhlV6eIllcUl5iTAqluvZtQmgfIjYkK_O-SeTZ5XHKg3PyxGXfM8PBJBBOL6ip1GmyotmHTwa9ZYTVHdpinVwv5LR7NmZqh65lLtuMcsGbvM5PoSXRo/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350217976719278034" /></a></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-72443574453397860972009-06-18T08:35:00.000-07:002009-06-18T08:52:41.502-07:00BLOG HIJACKED! (AGAIN)With the Big Race in 30 days (no, not a LeMons race), its time to change the theme of the blog somewhat to include triathlons. Fellow Slaab driver Dave Tessin and I are wrapping up the 6 month build up to the Half Ironman (plus the 5 races we did in 2008), with over 60,000 meters of swimming done, almost 300 miles of running, and over 600 miles of riding (not nearly enough)...its almost time. Assuming we survive this race, I'll be posting our race summary here LeMon's style.<div><br /></div><div>The race? Vineman 70.3 <a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman.htm">www.vineman.com/ironman.htm</a></div><div>The distance? 1.2 miles swim / 56 mile ride / 13.1 mile run</div><div>The date? July 19th - 7:58am start time.</div><div>The goal? Me - break 6 hours. Dave - 5 hours 30 minutes. (oh, and do not die is goal #2)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.vineman.com/Sites/3/templates/images/vineman/mainlogo.gif" alt="Vineman Triathlon" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my race report from the Cap Tex Triathlon in May, the last triathlon prior to Vineman:</div><div>----------</div><div><p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was the last triathlon / warmup before the Half Ironman (which is in 7 weeks!). This was an Olympic distance race (think – ¼ Ironman), and is similar to the race we did in Austin last August (and the one we did earlier this year in Galveston). Goals were pretty aggressive for this race – I wanted to lower my time by 13 minutes compared to a year ago. This was going to require better times in all three events…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Let me summarize the race easily – DISASTER.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Early Morning / Preparation –</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Alarm didn’t work that morning, so my morning routine was all messed up. Woke up to the sound of my phone ringing (Dave calling to wonder where I was). Not good. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>In the transition area before the race started, I went to pump up my rear tire, and accidently unscrewed the entire stem from the tire (instead of the end piece to fill it up). Woops.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">SWIM</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Swim was 1500 meters (Vineman race is 1900M). Water was 69 degrees – which is pretty cold. Anyway – the swim went very very well. I got comfortable quickly and felt good. The 2<sup>nd</sup> half of the swim was pretty consistent, and was passing people pretty steadily (a good sign). Had one incident where someone kicked the goggles clean off my face (that was a surprise), and another instance where I purposefully elbowed someone in the ribs (MOVE OVER!) while dunking someone on the other side (YOU TOO!). Needless to say, they stopped swimming for a moment and I passed them. Goal time for the swim – 27:30. Actual time -27:32. Best swim yet in two years. That was in the top 28% of all the swimmers out there (1,300 people). Dave swam it in 26:09 (top 20%).<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">TRANSITION</span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Another slow transition for me. Goal was 3:30, and actual was 4:15. Hard to sprint straight out of the water and straight onto the bike without catching your breath somewhere.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BIKE</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Got onto the bike, and the first 2 miles or so is uphill. I was amazed at how dead my legs were during this part. Once we got to the top of the hill near the Capital Bldg, there was a downhill section and I hit 30mph, which felt great. Until my tire burst. At 30mph. <b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>On the side of the road – I figured my stem broke after my incident earlier that morning with my tire. So I tightened it up, got my CO2 canister out, and tried to fill the tire up. Didn’t work. Then I took my tire off (I carry a spare tube), and broke the tire tool which helps get the tire/tube off the rim. At that point, my tool was broke, my CO2 was empty, and I was seriously pissed.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>I started walking the bike back to the transition area (I broke down around 17<sup>th</sup> street. The transition area was around 1<sup>st</sup> street. A long ways). Got about ¼ of the way, and decided to try again at removing the tire, and I would attempt to flag Dave down when he rode past to take his CO2 from his bike (bike route was 4 laps…so I would see him multiple times). Dave throws me his CO2, I had the new tube on the tire…things were going GREAT. Got the CO2 working right….filled up the tire….put the tire back on the bike….and the tire burst on the spot. <b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>At this point – I’m done. I walk the bike all the way back to the transition area….stopping to talk with Candice / Landon / Caroline (who were wondering where the heck I was on the bike route)…and Candice talks me into going and at least finishing the race by running the 6 mile run. <b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>RUN</o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Man – I felt great on the run. Of course – I hadn’t done anything since the swim, so that’s obvious. My goal was to run a 9 minute average pace. First mile – 8:52. Second mile – 8:15. Third mile – 8:50. Fourth mile - ~10:30. Fifth mile - ~9:30. Sixth mile - ~9:15. Which one doesn’t belong?!? I have no idea what happened at mile 4….but clearly I passed out somewhere on the road. I ran the race at a 9:20 pace, which is really irritating since a) I was fresh and b) my pace was so good for most of the run. I also was trying a new product out on the run (for the Vineman) which was called LiquidShot (400 calorie gel). Really interested to see how it would work. Yeah – it fell out before mile 1. Never got to try it. Run was in the top 46% of the race, by far my best result in a race….and by far the most tainted since I didn’t do the bike. At one point – some old geezer told me I was doing great as I passed him. I turned around and said “YEAH – BUT I DIDN”T DO THE BIKE!”. He looked at me, and said “REALLY?!?”<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Dave almost made his goal – he wanted to finish in 2 hours 24 mintutes, and missed it by 4 minutes. His finish time was around 15 minutes faster than my goal time.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway – not a great event to lead into the BIG ONE for me. But oh well. We still have a ton of training to do to be able to finish a longer event. Dave and I both agree that we’re going to have to really slow down our pace to finish Vineman (we’re pushing our times pretty aggressively in these shorter races). We’re in great shape for the swim….the bike is getting there…and our run will have to slow down to get more distance. Vineman – swim will be roughly the same as we just did in this race…bike will be double, run will be double.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ignore:vglayout"><span style="mso-ignore:vglayout"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="left"><tbody> <tr> <td></td> <td><img width="376" height="250" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\pcroker\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg" shapes="Picture_x0020_4" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table></span></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-48333453585957113052009-03-05T14:50:00.001-08:002009-03-06T09:12:54.735-08:00WE FINISHED!!!Before diving into our weekend of Slaabin’ around…we need to first mention our friend / mechanic / Jamacian guru Tony Chin and his brother-in-law Mark.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">TONY CHIN </span></span></span><br />Tony and Mark were at the track all weekend, and in particular, with us Saturday night assisting us in repairing our clutch hydraulics. Upon leaving the track to go home…Tony and Mark got into a massive traffic accident at the entrance to the facility (they were t-boned by a Hummer in their Saab 900). Mark was lucky to walk away from the accident / hospital…Tony was not so lucky. Tony is still in the hospital, having broken all his ribs on one side, his shoulder, collar bone, and internal injuries. Tony is lucky to be alive given the accident, but needs all the help he can get (he does not have medical insurance). If you are interested in donating money to help Tony and his family, please let me know. All of the race teams graciously donated their winnings to his cause, and we are EXTREMELY grateful for their good will, thoughts, and donations. I believe donations for Tony are over $4,000 so far.<br /><br />It was tough to race on Sunday with Tony and his family in such pain. However, the right thing to do was getting our Saab (and the other Saabs) across the finish line for him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH322ai5j0OJ2qtGHp8wB11Gj8mjHgYaTlk91IlKOU9f6RHLDFqA2iAuneR_vq4z5yvq_P6UUtkaVuzKlX78SCLt9yD51cMZdVerbvK9WowGnzGdEUwcWJ7CuNucD6KTgMDze93_6bMeI/s1600-h/IMG_6590.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH322ai5j0OJ2qtGHp8wB11Gj8mjHgYaTlk91IlKOU9f6RHLDFqA2iAuneR_vq4z5yvq_P6UUtkaVuzKlX78SCLt9yD51cMZdVerbvK9WowGnzGdEUwcWJ7CuNucD6KTgMDze93_6bMeI/s320/IMG_6590.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309846575503240658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f98LqrUNO73KlCWQ0I9i0Z-Ww-HB64OtT9zICL2fGdHlk8vrBWbboXu_-bK2oCNCBeLB3L2XRChOZFb4H6R6oZipoWRXmIKUpH-wsmnRti4p0C07841UDRQgGnfLrG0QCguAUGCVWHQ/s1600-h/Tony+Wreck.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f98LqrUNO73KlCWQ0I9i0Z-Ww-HB64OtT9zICL2fGdHlk8vrBWbboXu_-bK2oCNCBeLB3L2XRChOZFb4H6R6oZipoWRXmIKUpH-wsmnRti4p0C07841UDRQgGnfLrG0QCguAUGCVWHQ/s320/Tony+Wreck.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309846564580152402" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">THURSDAY LOAD UP</span></span><br />Its worth mentioning that on Thursday (sorry - no pre-party this year), we loaded up the car into the 18 wheeler after driving the car around the block. ONCE. As in 0.25 miles. We strapped the car down, loaded up the trailer, then heard this giant hissing sound coming from the trailer. Yep – Dad’s sprinkler part redneck fix to our radiator hose burst (it turns out sprinkler PVC parts do not do well with 200 degree water...duh). At that point, we were thinking our bad luck had reared its Swedish ugly head again, but were also thinking that if this is the worst the Swedish gods can throw at us, its going to be a piece of cake race. Fat chance.<div><br /></div><div>Its also worth mentioning that during our team dinner, Tony and Mark joined us to eat, but also to continue tweaking our car. Yes - the night before the big race, we were still wrenching on the car. NEXT RACE - we're going to be done a week before at least. <br /><div><br /></div><div>(in this picture...the car is waiting for us to close up the trailer before pissing its water all over the place. Evil evil car this one)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSRCKMvcsrDd5q7u_k0oH84bw1o5KDUGZcAkRIipUkvBhTFHESkXOO9R4tziWJ2aDEqPLDK38sxR-48w4A9F9P8tfvIwSrzOADvHlTM_ZCTy3hVeUTfUjBNAYHIReZ-hgLLR7S5FEDHM/s1600-h/IMG_6529.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSRCKMvcsrDd5q7u_k0oH84bw1o5KDUGZcAkRIipUkvBhTFHESkXOO9R4tziWJ2aDEqPLDK38sxR-48w4A9F9P8tfvIwSrzOADvHlTM_ZCTy3hVeUTfUjBNAYHIReZ-hgLLR7S5FEDHM/s320/IMG_6529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309852059910158178" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">FRIDAY PRACTICE SESSION</span></span></span><br />The entire weekend was a replay of “The Cold Winds of Hell Blowing in from Sweden”. It was cold, windy, and the perfect environment for a Norwegian Swede to show its stuff. .Our goal on Friday was simple: </div><div><ol><li>to take it easy on the car, </li><li>get familiar with the suspension modifications</li><li>learn how not to spin with our spin-happy tires, </li><li>get acquainted with our newly rebuilt Swedish rocket motah. </li></ol></div><div>To avoid the 19 page blog entry from the October 2008 race, let me summarize Friday a bit quicker, because it was FULL of minor issues ALL. DANG. DAY. By the end of Friday, we thought we'd be chasing small issues non-stop.</div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Fuel cutoff:</span> We’d been chasing a fuel cut-off issue for a few weeks, with no avail (credit the dumb-ass team members involved). The fuel cutoff problem continued to persist intermittently, and we tried every tweak known to NASA to get it sorted. None of which worked. Luckily - our Saab neighbor Lyle mentioned it might be a fuel pump issue. BINGO!</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Radiator Hoses:</span> We also were plagued by the Curse of the Busting Radiator Hoses. Not one, not two, but THREE busted hoses on Friday (in addition to the busted Sprinkler hose Dad put on the car). </li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Wiring Harness:</span> yes...Dad pointed out a week prior that our wiring harness looked like it got in a knife fight in Tijuana. Yes...we melted the crap out of it on our exhaust header. Unfortunately - yes, we had to rebuild the wiring harness on Friday. </li></ul><div>We don't have any pictures from Friday...maybe thats because we were grumpy as hell, our fingers were frozen, or we had no camera. Choose the reason that works for you. Here is a picture of the car in the pits to help you visualize though (its inaccurate in the sense that the hood is down though). I believe I am telling Dad - "so, let me get this straight...you put SPRINKLER parts on the car?!?"</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeWT4oF1h9q0aflefG1NXtU4dMuz6fh129y9atL0xMEXS9dqleu4uPZkkyLF8QrlrNaz9Ea19glL_I4qz1sH_quFJbYpe41cytqWyq1mtfQUu8l6Ua8FQVA63Wb4A-uR10_zrPeESxcM/s1600-h/DSC_1335.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeWT4oF1h9q0aflefG1NXtU4dMuz6fh129y9atL0xMEXS9dqleu4uPZkkyLF8QrlrNaz9Ea19glL_I4qz1sH_quFJbYpe41cytqWyq1mtfQUu8l6Ua8FQVA63Wb4A-uR10_zrPeESxcM/s320/DSC_1335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309852062958247506" /></a><br /><br />Its worth mentioning that a lot of the same cars are back, with some new ones as well. The themes at the race suck, apart from a few. And we have the best paint job by far. We’re a bit quicker than last year, but so is everyone else. We made it though technical inspection with a 1 lap penalty, partially due to our inability to explain the partially painted, new springs…and partly as an insult to our fine looking Swedish machine.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">SATURDAY </span></span></span><br />We’re feeling confident about our Saab after the midnight cannonball run (on retrospect - also highly stupid), and confident that our myriad of minor issues are behind us. Our goal for the race is to finish in the top 50%, get no black flags, and stay on the track for long trouble free sessions. What could possibly go wrong with that Swedish / Norwegian Plan?!? I mean, the longest our car had ever run on track was around 30 minutes (last year).<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NICK – DRIVING SESSION #1 (11:30am – 2:00pm)</span><br />Nick starts the race again for the Slaabs, and manages to drive 18 trouble free laps, and then the gremlins continue. Turns out he’s losing the clutch. Fast. Nick comes into the pits, we notice there is contamination in our brake / clutch fluid, quickly try to replace the fluid, and send Nick back onto the track. The clutch has returned….only to disappear a few laps later. Nick comes back to the pits again, and we set about a lengthy 60 minute fix to the problem. During this period, we’ve dropped from 20th place to somewhere in the mid 80s (out of 97 cars). Nick manages to complete around 33 laps…all conservatively. Despite the faulty clutch…a good session. Its worth mentioning that this is the 2nd race in a row that Nick has failed to submit a race report (just as a reminder - he speaks proper English...though he can't type a grammatically correct sentence without typos to save his life). Lets move on.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DAVE – DRIVING SESSION #2 (2:00pm – 3:30pm)</span><br />Dave gets into the car with some clutch, and gets our race strategy back on track. Here’s his summary of his session:</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Saturday session was delayed due to our clutch problem. After a long session of downtime, we were able to rig the car back together enough to put it back on the track. The car was driving great for about half of my session until I noticed the clutch began to go soft again. I had about a quarter of the pedal left and determined to prevent from incurring additional downtime I would no longer shift the car. My strategy was that for the few shifts we had left, I would save them for time in the pits to switch drivers. For for about 45 minutes I kept the car in 3rd gear the entire time. Under full green, this should not be a problem, but in this race and the number of yellows, it became a little tricky. Just had to pad myself between the car in front of me during yellows to allow for enough track to not have to shift into a lower gear to get going again. The session ended without issue and saved enough of the clutch to enable Phil to start his driving session without issue.</span><br /><br />Dave started in 84th position, drove 43 laps (nothing fast), and handed it over to me at 3:30pm in 72nd spot. Not bad – steady and rising. It needs to be also noted that this is the longest, BY FAR, that our car has ever run without issue (well, apart from that clutch going out again).<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PHIL – DRIVING SESSION #3 (3:30PM – 5:00PM)</span><br />I get in the trusty Slaab, get ready to pull out of the pits, and realize our clutch has about as much grab as Dave’s newborn daughter’s hands. I put the car in third gear, and never come back out of third until 90 minutes later. My driving session was pretty slow, apart from 5 laps where I was around another Slaab just like ours. My session was pretty clean and simple, with a LOT of yellow flags. Yellow flags tend to be traffic jams on the track with 70-90 cars going around, and lots of stopping involved. Now is a good time to remind the reader that we have no clutch…so stopping is not a good option. Thus, I become Captain Slow on the yellow flags, drop way behind the guy in front of me, which helps avoiding stops. It works, I bring the car into the pits, and Dad gets in.<br /><br />I started in 72nd position, drove the car for 43 laps as well, and ended my session in 58TH. Top 50% is close!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DAD – DRIVING SESSION #4 (5:00PM – 6:15PM)</span><br />I’ve left enough clutch to get Dad onto the track, and that’s it. Dad has also failed to submit a race report...so let me summarize it for him (this is the price you pay for not reporting on your own driving sessions team).<br /><br />Dad started in 58th position, and brought it home in 48th position to end the day. Top 50% exactly!!! We met our goal. Dad, however, must be hard of hearing and losing his eyesite, since he ignored the explicit team directions of steady driving, not crazy driving. He turned in the fastest laps of the day (and the fastest race laps we'd had yet in 2 races). That night, he claims it to be driving skill. In his next sentence, he explains how he almost spun the car (and gotten a black flag) multiple times, saw the rear tires more than once, how he lost it in this corner and that, and generally sounded like he was driving like an large orangutan.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"> Remember this…</span></span><br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">SATURDAY NIGHT WRENCHING SESSION</span></span></span><br />That night, we set about to fix a variety of issues with the car (leaking fuel tank, broken sway bar, clutch), one of which requires Tony to go back to his shop for a spare part. After having a great time working together through the cold windy night, we bid Tony good night at 10:00pm. We leave 30 minutes later, only to find Tony’s wrecked car at the entrance to the track with 10-12 emergency vehicles around it (and the Life Flight helicopter on the way).<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">SUNDAY</span></span></span><br />Dave and I spent much of the night at the emergency room, and returned Sunday morning to continue to see how Tony was doing. As a result, our trusty team of drivers (Dad and Nick) are at the track without our Patton-like management style hanging over their heads. Last words out of General Patton Sunday morning - "forget speed - just finish the race". Famous last words.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NICK - DRIVING SESSION #5 9:15 – 11:30</span><br />All I know of this driving session is that I received a text message from Bruce while driving to the track from the Hospital. “NICK HAS BEEN BLACK FLAGGED”. The language in the car between Dave and myself was not repeatable among such nice readers. Nick can't type more than 3 sentences together, so let me just speculate that he was driving too hard, too aggressive, and out of spec for our team. As a result - he came into the pits hopped up on British Testosterone, and got caught for speeding in the pit lane.<br /><br />Nick ended the session in the penalty box / dog house after driving 49 laps (an all-time high for our car), gotten to 43rd place (that’s like a win to us, only to be kicked in the groin), and turned 11 laps that we classify as pushing it. The team is sorely lacking leadership. We leave the penalty box in 56th spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is what Nick had to sit in for 25 minutes. Its not big. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwBH8J3UDhzZ7DRkfq0R6Zy62cYH7wi9Pd6hpzMGzUh3oXlyy5U-Ql6UzVUBvRF7K-3pAuhaBYlKoWcz4nUR-c2dMmeofCzyqa5NvwvFtIWPh6YA_KEnkeqRexdfFga8nUjB86Rf8d3E/s1600-h/IMG_6678.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwBH8J3UDhzZ7DRkfq0R6Zy62cYH7wi9Pd6hpzMGzUh3oXlyy5U-Ql6UzVUBvRF7K-3pAuhaBYlKoWcz4nUR-c2dMmeofCzyqa5NvwvFtIWPh6YA_KEnkeqRexdfFga8nUjB86Rf8d3E/s320/IMG_6678.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309857541037254178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DAD – DRIVING SESSION #6 : 11:30 – 12:00</span><br />So you'd think the team would be totally keen on moving on from the debacle and getting us sorted again. Right? RIGHT?!? No. Dad goes out again and drives like a hairy mammal with no thumbs. Yes - he had fast laps. But since we weren't there to witness, nor has he submitted his own version of the story, my version will get published. Dad managed to drive 14 laps (FOURTEEN!!!), set the fastest lap of our team (AGAIN), and spun. See a trend here? Dad gets an easy penalty – screw a tire to the roof. We wish he would have gotten the “take your shirt off and pose for a cowboy calendar” penalty. Dad drove the car for 14 laps, set a bunch of fast (too fast) laps, rose 4 spots, and returned back into the penalty box.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DAVE – DRIVING SESSION #7: 12:30-12:40</span><br />Dave has one goal, and one goal only. Pile up laps. He could putter around in 1st gear, we wouldn't care. We don’t care how slow, how ugly, how stupid…just don’t come back to the its for at LEAST 90 minutes. Here is numnuts version:</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Car ran great for five laps until I was tagged by a car as I approached the chicane and got black flagged. The incident, in my opinion was caused by the car in front of me on the back straight. After I rounded the corner onto the back straight the yellow 200SX (Browndo) was signaling me to pass. As I attempted to pass, they stomped the gas, and since every car is faster than ours, I had to slow down to avoid going head on into the tire chicane. As I slowed and started to veer behind the 200sx, the taxi rx-7 came in to the chicane hot and could not control their speed and hit the side of our car. As a result I spun as did the rx-7. The only thing that makes me happy about this is our car has barely a scratch and the rx-7 was out for the rest of the race.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);"><br /></span>Dave drove FIVE (5!!!!!!!) FRIGGIN laps…all too fast, and got in an accident. Surprise surprise. Look – now we have 2 tires on our roof. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCndzO1Gr3Y2OI7xrPe3taugKVPwZx2Sul6D3tUSmQjLmgevz1pSZ6p88U4dmqE4p3YAbXbrfBTtVtXZC6R5TLtSomUVdP7sp9VNE9OOnex-9_-DtX-iajbwQEF2MCOrx-99U6xMg8ZA/s1600-h/IMG_67102.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCndzO1Gr3Y2OI7xrPe3taugKVPwZx2Sul6D3tUSmQjLmgevz1pSZ6p88U4dmqE4p3YAbXbrfBTtVtXZC6R5TLtSomUVdP7sp9VNE9OOnex-9_-DtX-iajbwQEF2MCOrx-99U6xMg8ZA/s320/IMG_67102.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309852813748743362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PHIL – DRIVING SESSION #8: 12:45 – 2:15PM</span><br />I drove the sloppiest, slowest, most conservative session ever. I was letting everyone by…hell, the tow truck was driving faster than me. My session was so unremarkable, I hardly remember anything about it, except that everyone else on the track was getting overly aggressive. I drove 45 laps, started around 58th, finished around 54th. That’s it. Just like the General ordered (I did manage to cockle up the fuel pit stop…I think I was delusional from all the slow driving).<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NICK – DRIVING SESSION #9 – 2:15 – 3:00pm</span><br />Nick drives another 22 conservative laps, and brings the car back to the pits for the final session in around 50th spot. We're finally getting back to our top 50% goal. Notice that the General's presence has gotten the team back in order. <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DAVE – FINAL DRIVING SESSION #10 – 3:00PM – 4:15PM</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Back in the seat for the last hour of the race. Upon climbing into the car I started the stopwatch on the instrument cluster. I knew I had an hour and my goal was to bring the car to the checkered flag. The car was running decent except there were signs the fuel pump was starting to go again, so it was starting to sputter under full acceleration. There was a point in my driving session where I started to get nervous and was driving more tentatively as a result. Like soldiers in a war, I was starting to play every move carefully as my tour came closer to its end. The stop watch had to go as this was creating my anxiety as every minute that went by I was more and more concerned about not making a mistake and not seeing the checkered flag. Like Luke Skywalker in the A New Hope, I turned off my instruments and decided to use the force to get me through the rest of the race. Now I was able to focus on just driving and decided to put the hammer down and finish in style. For the last five laps or so, I put the pedal to the metal and ripped off some decent laps (for this car). Finally, the checkered flag, mission accomplished, Death Star defeated, we're going home victorious (at least in our book of incredibly low expectations).</span><br /><br />Dave managed the fastest lap of the race (for us), and brought the car home in 46th place. Considering all the events, problems, and dumbass mistakes we made, 46th is outstanding. Our car was the 78th fastest car out there (not so outstanding), but for 75% of the weekend, we were very consistent. And consistency does well in these races. We think that had we eliminated the clutch problems, our car was an easy top 25% finisher. Without the dumbass drivers on our team, we might have been even higher. Next year – the General never leaves the battlefield. EVER.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a chart that shows our position over each lap. Red is our team...Black is the other similar Black Saab, gray is the super fast 900 Turbo, and blue is the white 9000 (tony's other car). The early drop in the line is all the clutch problems, and the drops in the middle area are the penalties.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDoV8hgnkdb_UFTMSRXgLBsnCIaZtEUu96YesETq9AplQMUqx1ITaAaZjB6f1qA73C4cCQNrprR2MZF79ds4g8afU47uLJ8aqrbm-262F-UsKg7lIPA45-9h4HvcAm6nrojE7USacU50/s1600-h/lap+picture.bmp"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDoV8hgnkdb_UFTMSRXgLBsnCIaZtEUu96YesETq9AplQMUqx1ITaAaZjB6f1qA73C4cCQNrprR2MZF79ds4g8afU47uLJ8aqrbm-262F-UsKg7lIPA45-9h4HvcAm6nrojE7USacU50/s320/lap+picture.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310121351555111154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /></a><br /><br />Another item of note this year – this is the 2nd time a Saab has finished a Lemons race, and in our race…we had FOUR Saabs finish. Yes, we were the last place Saab (thanks Nick, Dave, and Dad). The other “Tony Saab” finished the highest, while the Turbo Saab had the fastest Swedish lap (kind of a back-handed compliment really).</div><div><br /></div><div>Quick - which Saab is the best looking?<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpzufANmsw51-otprZdH-p-3DaYw1vBPlkCo-3ROhwHZhGK-FnuiR9O7JjiFMZNsuPBsPOkKoXBuNgLe6CqLcfKTzzIWm2-Urz1jpbOYoxnxdVjcGiDhTSjWiHl_oUoOfj_sngOuj9Ds/s320/DSC_1423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309853437379293042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><br /><br />Plenty of coverage of the race out there…a Mustang won this year (1st and 2nd) and the car that won last year placed 4th. We hope to extract more power and speed out of this car yet, and assuming our wives do not divorce us anytime soon over this continued debacle, we would like to give it another shot in October in Tony’s honor. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I have made fun of my teams driving in this summary - it has to be mentioned that our team is a lot of fun and all of this is in good spirits. Everyone gets along great, we're all the same type driver, our skillz are similar, and its a good fit. We hope to keep the Dream Team together for more races!<br /><br />(Tony, as of today, continues to progress at the hospital…and might be home early next week.)<br /><br />PICTURES FROM RACE WEEKEND, IN RANDOM ORDER:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcpeN1ovQqIan6RDNhgXmbMFJjx7NfyCzXZrf1pifdKraVu_2jgYePyUDK0mxUyv8d-9BJ5JuXx_pRlxLJlkHbIt5ODXRxqjstkMmyKdLPWbr-GC03Li1j1amETwrS-RTs72Oyh89cME/s1600-h/DSC_1424.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcpeN1ovQqIan6RDNhgXmbMFJjx7NfyCzXZrf1pifdKraVu_2jgYePyUDK0mxUyv8d-9BJ5JuXx_pRlxLJlkHbIt5ODXRxqjstkMmyKdLPWbr-GC03Li1j1amETwrS-RTs72Oyh89cME/s320/DSC_1424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309853441125398338" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ9vYLyRB4l29qb21uAFHT8LQIqFy6ZcgnIwSj2itaVd4i_O3rctU6bhIy0RQHe0Y0g753zmC6v3p_JmSchJtgVX5N-O9GiZN_BsMDQ7uP8hQ0H8RN4c73Y5Ch4Az82lJVwrWaB7fMLo/s1600-h/DSC_1419.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6qPxRxXjhrUWbHHDbw1WQnRD1EleJpJoVsBNITpTMs2Ijey_YVYAHZq4VEYSIUntkqJLFeKJANBXETKis5iorTJd92jOilNtLiQAOtRp0IDufedKPTq8hmPaQXFL1PoWAT3ihqcjRCY/s320/IMG_6632.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309858863148634610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYftiQVSCu-xkGp0xzEvtoGU4umqd0hLOACt5y5t_kyivKk7HOyYj4UwOIrKiSFRTmnQKKsTt27a-bONzsBz4KPLVwIYy8M4KOnPFOVPvd3UQuRfdiXdJj3SzEehFy8WO-29u63HH-9Sc/s1600-h/IMG_6605.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYftiQVSCu-xkGp0xzEvtoGU4umqd0hLOACt5y5t_kyivKk7HOyYj4UwOIrKiSFRTmnQKKsTt27a-bONzsBz4KPLVwIYy8M4KOnPFOVPvd3UQuRfdiXdJj3SzEehFy8WO-29u63HH-9Sc/s320/IMG_6605.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309858857529978162" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-40954448436384975542009-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:002009-02-24T09:09:30.176-08:003 DAYS TO GO.......until we break the car in practice again. Thats right - the race is this weekend! The semi truck arrived last night (which means yes, the neighbors called the cops on us twice yesterday due to that thing being parked outside), the car is nearly ready (more on that below), and the drivers all continue to look like balding monkeys behind the wheel. That can only mean one thing - its racing time!<br /><br />The last time we put out an update, the engine was sitting in the car, we had 90% of the connections made correctly, and the clutch was still out.<br /><br />Sadly - the forecast of 10% of the connections being right was very accurate. The clutch - yeah, we never got than cursed thing back in the car (AND managed to break the hydraulic line in the process). We did, against all odds, manage to get the engine to crank over, but not start. Thus, we borrowed a neighbors truck which had no brakes (perfect for towing), and towed the Slaab back to the shop for help and assistance. <br /><br />At Tony's, we managed to get the engine running after correcting numerous connection errors, got the clutch installed (amazing how having the right tools makes a difference. We're at my house using Landon's plastic screw drivers and ratchet set in comparison). We even managed to get the car started...and then we hit a problem.<br /><br />(no - the problem was NOT that the car was a Saab. We already knew about that problem.)<br /><br />No oil pressure. <br /><br />So we returned the following night, yanked the engine back out due to what we thought was the wrong oil-pick-up-line-thingy-ma-jiggy. After a full night of work, we realized that, uh, it was a part we forgot to put back on the car (and did not require pulling the engine). About that point in the night, we made a beer run to keep Tony happy, because otherwise he was going to smack us with a Swedish mallet. Here is a video of the car roaring back to life after a 5 month Norwegian Cruise vacation:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMWKzHcxs7gNmfav-wZhg7MdjtnRfyxf24kFXeACNDv-Q-2Imhe_pYVSBx2vcYyOdi9P-AWZx72pLUBwwVSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />So....engine is back in. It runs (mostly - it needs a tuneup still). We feel good about the car running well enough to get us into trouble on the track and break it. But more important than all that "engine running" and "driving skills" business....<br /><br />It looks good. <span style="font-weight:bold;">DAMN GOOD.</span> And lets be honest...we need all the help we can get looking good. Our goal of having the best looking theme'd car this year is looking like great odds at this point. We probably added 50lbs to the weight of the car with all the paint, but we are offsetting the speed penalty with our high-tech plywood splitter and sheet metal air dam. Fab-Man-Nick (otherwise known as the Brit who calls all the tools "spanners") did a great job getting it on the car. All parts of our car follow the 10' rule - from 10' away, it positively looks bad-ass. Up close...yeah not so much. Maybe we'll keep stanchions around it at a 10' distance in the pits.<br /><br />Below are some pictures of the finished product:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TaD4AVF7VQJwy30TVj1mjpaIn8zozWVI8TnsmXtA6rSNkwo6AbDKi1sSkB2bGXnJnT3bgO2nsa9bU_IQQRH0kl3leodSy3MYsS0DE2fTL5HXZ0VZIK-C-eAChZmjluJdDJo1ctkMbNQ/s1600-h/DSC_1311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TaD4AVF7VQJwy30TVj1mjpaIn8zozWVI8TnsmXtA6rSNkwo6AbDKi1sSkB2bGXnJnT3bgO2nsa9bU_IQQRH0kl3leodSy3MYsS0DE2fTL5HXZ0VZIK-C-eAChZmjluJdDJo1ctkMbNQ/s320/DSC_1311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406156078427698"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiMk4VZ3iG13E7rO9WwZqHhEHe-YZHdiAthJYpID45IG04QuNT06St-JLCnAkRS4p-ddEEGsyOEATbqKGP9IrLDEzV2gQ9G1c5RgVvklFy88VWuVviiKqJPzDZhk0PHm1cJcRE5XePgE/s1600-h/DSC_1316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiMk4VZ3iG13E7rO9WwZqHhEHe-YZHdiAthJYpID45IG04QuNT06St-JLCnAkRS4p-ddEEGsyOEATbqKGP9IrLDEzV2gQ9G1c5RgVvklFy88VWuVviiKqJPzDZhk0PHm1cJcRE5XePgE/s320/DSC_1316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406315362730034"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdRd1iZ6G4CY0tci22664pDyuLQJ_rvvxTD7g1DLHYz4pvqXxrFaDhzKbFC8lTIlfgP7ISgK9TkXesMIIGbwHr2ClIj3zFMMsqSGmW-edM0k51s1TlyQkLSdpbpKO4OSiuu_KAQ2fDEU/s1600-h/DSC_1315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdRd1iZ6G4CY0tci22664pDyuLQJ_rvvxTD7g1DLHYz4pvqXxrFaDhzKbFC8lTIlfgP7ISgK9TkXesMIIGbwHr2ClIj3zFMMsqSGmW-edM0k51s1TlyQkLSdpbpKO4OSiuu_KAQ2fDEU/s320/DSC_1315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406170208003954"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9akRqGM7TwbLOZqgE9q82imyNzBqABG7z3nqVyCHnEcB857qjt853YX3a_wI6K3xrDCOg7LjFVT0X3rP37aKebmKE-Ln_sQugqJ56qsPAwrF59PE73IDnv7i1wHViK9jJpPP513vv9D8/s1600-h/DSC_1314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9akRqGM7TwbLOZqgE9q82imyNzBqABG7z3nqVyCHnEcB857qjt853YX3a_wI6K3xrDCOg7LjFVT0X3rP37aKebmKE-Ln_sQugqJ56qsPAwrF59PE73IDnv7i1wHViK9jJpPP513vv9D8/s320/DSC_1314.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406166333303714"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbNpkUKj-eAtynVXmaDraqA4Ws5K-AoJIfCtnAmdQuSOE4ItTG67swR_jovLlxIGZvzqHuap816gRYuxWcj7K07sYAPlR5tGF9fuJ4VDs6fnGox2IkaRdUYiUXyXr3pfZr9dV605mFUc/s1600-h/DSC_1313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbNpkUKj-eAtynVXmaDraqA4Ws5K-AoJIfCtnAmdQuSOE4ItTG67swR_jovLlxIGZvzqHuap816gRYuxWcj7K07sYAPlR5tGF9fuJ4VDs6fnGox2IkaRdUYiUXyXr3pfZr9dV605mFUc/s320/DSC_1313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406166477816146"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMTsmDyAF37fUOD_nIPN0-FMTBkB9FxSCle_XpnyVICyT7VS866ISz7jnqhY8ehXtj1_vwQYTXyucSKKjP7bDkwHtp-rT_pgc8I9E259aI7OKSsPR3xQUs5NgolP3K8K-ApIXw4FbouE/s1600-h/DSC_1312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMTsmDyAF37fUOD_nIPN0-FMTBkB9FxSCle_XpnyVICyT7VS866ISz7jnqhY8ehXtj1_vwQYTXyucSKKjP7bDkwHtp-rT_pgc8I9E259aI7OKSsPR3xQUs5NgolP3K8K-ApIXw4FbouE/s320/DSC_1312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306406164573285922"></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-151631409888057322009-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:31:25.983-08:00....so you're telling me there's a chance!Step 6 - there have been a lack of updates on Step 6 (which is a minor step - get the engine back in the car) due to the maroonment (thats a word I think) of our trusty 116hp engine at a certain shop in town. <br /><br />Well - we finally managed to break free the Engine of Destiny this week, and returned our trusty rusty baby to its rightful home. <br /><br />The engine is officially residing in the car, bolted in, and has 90% of the various hoses and connections fitted. The other 10%? Who knows where they go, what they do, or why they're there. I don't think they're important at all. Same goes for the 4 bags of bolts, washers, screws, and shims that are sitting on the desk.<br /><br />Sunday - the clutch will be fitted, the new starter motor's going in, fluids, etc, and then its time to start this puppy up. <br /><br />Step 7 - the new sport springs (which were donated, cough cough, in case the Jalopnik boys are reading this) were installed as well, and the ride height and stiffness are both greatly improved. The whole goal here is to minimize the chances of Nick The Stig from rolling this car over again. <br /><br />The race is getting close (2 weeks), and we have yet to hear this car run since October of last year. And yes - the comment about all the spare bolts and connections was a joke. And yes - thats Dave standing on top of the engine on the hoist trying to get it positioned properly. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz3CnR1z1Eqy9s3_bWlOHqLyGisx8g9bVjegLNhLk024VFTdVxWDRHqg_z6YnnRXy3QATNRo9lKTyDgVNtKCPgMqE-7CaYAKcotPEmTY4AUG7mMhpFT_npN3lArHtTGEjrefImyNE93Q/s1600-h/IMG00043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz3CnR1z1Eqy9s3_bWlOHqLyGisx8g9bVjegLNhLk024VFTdVxWDRHqg_z6YnnRXy3QATNRo9lKTyDgVNtKCPgMqE-7CaYAKcotPEmTY4AUG7mMhpFT_npN3lArHtTGEjrefImyNE93Q/s320/IMG00043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397246628071954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P-cE9LsP4HdXJM4fy1kQWGIeaqum1BVI765FWjTzHw1vHD3VPHuxyZW098xzU3pbAafyP-CW32IFBJslYptm7818N4WGU681o9wGAAyT2eVQn6wu6arjgYDmQqHauTXVpxWSNmdHRuk/s1600-h/IMG00037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P-cE9LsP4HdXJM4fy1kQWGIeaqum1BVI765FWjTzHw1vHD3VPHuxyZW098xzU3pbAafyP-CW32IFBJslYptm7818N4WGU681o9wGAAyT2eVQn6wu6arjgYDmQqHauTXVpxWSNmdHRuk/s320/IMG00037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397120997709698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OfjrMthID0i1syS2SlWkwnjmHipWD7Z-BtJ7TvgmmZd0zv__ybeieQfDZ6RUUdu9Pu07RTHI0uMjMdzcQMvgxSKnM6NommIYvdxMb_mfToXVlp5MQ_1yh1IhYpQ7I4d2Pi39gJYF2UE/s1600-h/DSC_1286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OfjrMthID0i1syS2SlWkwnjmHipWD7Z-BtJ7TvgmmZd0zv__ybeieQfDZ6RUUdu9Pu07RTHI0uMjMdzcQMvgxSKnM6NommIYvdxMb_mfToXVlp5MQ_1yh1IhYpQ7I4d2Pi39gJYF2UE/s320/DSC_1286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397118538820658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0CXvU_NmR-ya-HbRyWEU3nGPzHvpDdjjX4Vec1raEkIS9dBM_xEa9g03qLVwdVMg4idNk6nEqbYEJw5ee38ZhBqoc5ldmBN2zmR5ta3gi-n2SFIJ-aeW_x4F2Fb72wTXGSnvMX0SCyM/s1600-h/DSC_1288.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0CXvU_NmR-ya-HbRyWEU3nGPzHvpDdjjX4Vec1raEkIS9dBM_xEa9g03qLVwdVMg4idNk6nEqbYEJw5ee38ZhBqoc5ldmBN2zmR5ta3gi-n2SFIJ-aeW_x4F2Fb72wTXGSnvMX0SCyM/s320/DSC_1288.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397116876988818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV8Hx2hwFrefUQqWsgwsTIL37GDJ8jtcSBNgoyMA-JSg1emgs3o9affG2uCcAsrOcxNNTznv7VP6taDIoA4xKTknoZftnBopbCjsC8dBnd1t6FPMgZTd4fcYxfPViUStn3xmzJm5lD98/s1600-h/DSC_1287.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV8Hx2hwFrefUQqWsgwsTIL37GDJ8jtcSBNgoyMA-JSg1emgs3o9affG2uCcAsrOcxNNTznv7VP6taDIoA4xKTknoZftnBopbCjsC8dBnd1t6FPMgZTd4fcYxfPViUStn3xmzJm5lD98/s320/DSC_1287.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397113786769330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-1eVif6HJK3R2PTLYinxwBK3lPBF34F_u_cq5q49hofcWKNsooXztNcsavDAxnGXXGbOfqNdYdNkZh7dgpWo6MZRwIUHSDJNyT-znUngu37pSebghpy6ShmuwX1v1NuUbPiHA3XkJjk/s1600-h/DSC_1281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-1eVif6HJK3R2PTLYinxwBK3lPBF34F_u_cq5q49hofcWKNsooXztNcsavDAxnGXXGbOfqNdYdNkZh7dgpWo6MZRwIUHSDJNyT-znUngu37pSebghpy6ShmuwX1v1NuUbPiHA3XkJjk/s320/DSC_1281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302397103760518642" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-20611988675654148362009-02-02T12:06:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:12:27.097-08:00Graphic ImagesStep 5 continued: Due to the inability to find the engine these days, we continue pushing forward with the paint scheme. Similar graphics to last year, only 2-3x larger. The rear quarter panel "SLAAB" is ready for paint. <br /><br />Sure would be nice to have a motor under that sexy hood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN9MCgfWfydFt2rZAgGiZT6kbfRKX6T5SPxf5Rh-uNrDx01RdwkoLElBsI_98juUUbOW4SHUI-U0BnF4hTdG4Bm6a8FVwBK-Zxka7NP1I7JipYQBVzesI4HO5Vv-0YvhoJdaSTuZvebQ/s1600-h/DSC_1258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN9MCgfWfydFt2rZAgGiZT6kbfRKX6T5SPxf5Rh-uNrDx01RdwkoLElBsI_98juUUbOW4SHUI-U0BnF4hTdG4Bm6a8FVwBK-Zxka7NP1I7JipYQBVzesI4HO5Vv-0YvhoJdaSTuZvebQ/s320/DSC_1258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298294714828748178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGVSV2tESWK5SL7-xAqkkH_eGQjAbvTyR4lSUbfFCQOSq244qZ-u7Ja-FF72pqBFCXVoq_07NBWFEKhGNEG31UXaWnDAkn62dojTtlaGJvbVBFyR7aTtMD6P6mnm0J71B1GFr9vyw9xY/s1600-h/DSC_1259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGVSV2tESWK5SL7-xAqkkH_eGQjAbvTyR4lSUbfFCQOSq244qZ-u7Ja-FF72pqBFCXVoq_07NBWFEKhGNEG31UXaWnDAkn62dojTtlaGJvbVBFyR7aTtMD6P6mnm0J71B1GFr9vyw9xY/s320/DSC_1259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298294710765205106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeGAiReMRjjxVSRjPe057KFudzI14liIowIJ22TpezoT6qlrfDGRVMX_fjfZq7_EtgP8PYLw2WY3uqs89UvhxSmP5P9sSiMwZecPEyujY9QE0aa7uVprlnvT6CzzmOXTtFy1Pv6g7zaw/s1600-h/DSC_1257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeGAiReMRjjxVSRjPe057KFudzI14liIowIJ22TpezoT6qlrfDGRVMX_fjfZq7_EtgP8PYLw2WY3uqs89UvhxSmP5P9sSiMwZecPEyujY9QE0aa7uVprlnvT6CzzmOXTtFy1Pv6g7zaw/s320/DSC_1257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298294707122532594" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-54296897417960705582009-01-29T19:48:00.001-08:002009-01-29T20:03:04.065-08:00The RevealStep 5 - Paint (Roll) More Red Paint<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><br />Tonight - we added another 32 pounds of red paint, and also painted the hood. Ferrari would be jealous. Upon drinking a 6 pack of Dos Equis, we decided to take off the tape to reveal the white stripes (the paint, not the band). Surprisingly, the white paint stayed on the car, and not the tape.</div><div><br /></div><div>It should be noted that this was an impromptu paint session, given that our engine CONTINUES TO LANGUISH IN SOME MACHINE SHOP. Thats right, we're officially 4 weeks away from the race, and we have yet to see any sign of our engine. Panicked? Doe the Pope where a funny hat? Does the French Army wear white flags? Is "Saab" Swedish for "sh*tty"?</div><div><br /></div><div>YES. We're panicked. Sunday is the next targeted engine build date (its the 4th targeted engine date, so our hopes are not high right now).</div><div><br /></div><div>Below - pictures of the fancy paint job (with much touch up still required). There is some internal debate whether we look like the Norwegian Dukes of Hazzard...and whether some redneck at the race will think our flag on the roof is the Confederate Stars and Bars.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRWKdCKoB5g3B37-pxjJWnvwIBEjMRSWxs6wjj9jq_ntFCyD8_0ImGLolUy35CG78mzPiln_fhJ41KIC4RYN7zedDO-Tvvvfh3XC7-gvUHRL-Yis3d14YFT3gXbL8qt4-DaokqFRX6qo/s1600-h/DSC_1173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRWKdCKoB5g3B37-pxjJWnvwIBEjMRSWxs6wjj9jq_ntFCyD8_0ImGLolUy35CG78mzPiln_fhJ41KIC4RYN7zedDO-Tvvvfh3XC7-gvUHRL-Yis3d14YFT3gXbL8qt4-DaokqFRX6qo/s320/DSC_1173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296931458648247906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7u5S6ORyqfChyvd7Cd_AKRpiTXj1ZoYfrQzOPPV6qR2HIPmN1ZgGf-vptRBw0xVo9i7NNpwbuq2hvJ3yZQzdVViE_paprK43aAGiA0UyZAk8udQ7Lmhqi0z7Ao9fLbR3hJgLQk8Hny0/s1600-h/DSC_1172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7u5S6ORyqfChyvd7Cd_AKRpiTXj1ZoYfrQzOPPV6qR2HIPmN1ZgGf-vptRBw0xVo9i7NNpwbuq2hvJ3yZQzdVViE_paprK43aAGiA0UyZAk8udQ7Lmhqi0z7Ao9fLbR3hJgLQk8Hny0/s320/DSC_1172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296931448252053218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisprb-Ysfgaua8EZdKPbbOk247T3MvB6VIMFQXgRkqKyO7qdO2Rx0s9fShcpNI4dp0r0lolXHVWjpaLCVzNDDRZlTeIicH7z-TaC0hnQjL-yMG91-rcsTMXqyI6Rr4OPp_3IPNVpRuBAo/s1600-h/DSC_1171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisprb-Ysfgaua8EZdKPbbOk247T3MvB6VIMFQXgRkqKyO7qdO2Rx0s9fShcpNI4dp0r0lolXHVWjpaLCVzNDDRZlTeIicH7z-TaC0hnQjL-yMG91-rcsTMXqyI6Rr4OPp_3IPNVpRuBAo/s320/DSC_1171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296931445803091106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU5uStSPggtRRaDjWnEaJ0cHzPlJYrek4tyMszUevLKZadwxyX15LgbYHz0nrHNNT6qJFcK9V52CcNWiQzB33GHBZNiVv6TFM_gbDS1R2INF6BAdN79MTVuXSxi7Z3OCE8mb9Gfy1-Fw/s1600-h/DSC_1170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU5uStSPggtRRaDjWnEaJ0cHzPlJYrek4tyMszUevLKZadwxyX15LgbYHz0nrHNNT6qJFcK9V52CcNWiQzB33GHBZNiVv6TFM_gbDS1R2INF6BAdN79MTVuXSxi7Z3OCE8mb9Gfy1-Fw/s320/DSC_1170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296931439664145314" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-1530746428375805282009-01-28T10:13:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:59:37.399-08:00The Rebuilding BeginsWell, its official. All the fun demolition work is done. The engine has been marooned at the machine shop for 10 days, the transmission is still leaking oil on my garage floor, and the car generally looks ridiculous with no weight on its front wheels.<br /><br />REBUILDING<br />STEP 1 - CREATE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION<br /><br />Given that everything on this car is covered in a thick coat of oil (fresh oil at least, since it wasn't in the engine very long). We decided that the car needed a good bath.<br /><br /><br /><br />In my driveway.<br /><br /><br /><br />Which really is kind of dumb, given the environmental condition I now have in my backyard. Its now becoming very clear why no one wanted this car at their house. Here is a picture of the Slaab getting a good cleansing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOug6zJbd2kvXgyfnS38puYJQOOBoU4OWTySQHC2FJg3b2akLbgBpMYpG5g1wG6MCQ5hSfs9oXxlpVskPIDhzwPlaGwNGBaru_zYwKqdhADhSgDKtw_vPSPB_njA3pd8201cqC91OwUJ8/s1600-h/DSC_1097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296410443501834898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOug6zJbd2kvXgyfnS38puYJQOOBoU4OWTySQHC2FJg3b2akLbgBpMYpG5g1wG6MCQ5hSfs9oXxlpVskPIDhzwPlaGwNGBaru_zYwKqdhADhSgDKtw_vPSPB_njA3pd8201cqC91OwUJ8/s320/DSC_1097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />STEP 2 - HIRE RATTLE CAN GOGH<br /><br />Well, at least Dave thinks he's the Van Gogh of rattle-can paint jobs. We tend to spend more time thinking of more complicated ways to paint this car than actually painting. This year, we're starting with the white stripe, then painting the blue stripe, then painting the car red. The predictions are in - when we pull the tape off the white outline stripe, the stripe is coming up with the tape. You heard it here first.<br /><br />Below is a picture of the blue stripe (with the white stripe covered up). You'll notice that we began putting the red paint on, and uh, well, it looks like crap. Its thin, and we'll need probably 25 cans of spray paint to get Dave Can Gogh's required sheen and color consistency.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuvICDmyElWWI6NJz5MdaAaUzaZwVwCa9vGs-oWv_odr3YqLpDCs0hR4IqT4X0BUT6_dfacZEKBNIe1B5KFyCTCHUYNSyyW0bAqcbaoqOZ3vcsJOdJFwY_xsdQCY-2FtO2-WAjIGETaY/s1600-h/DSC_1147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296419649294723250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuvICDmyElWWI6NJz5MdaAaUzaZwVwCa9vGs-oWv_odr3YqLpDCs0hR4IqT4X0BUT6_dfacZEKBNIe1B5KFyCTCHUYNSyyW0bAqcbaoqOZ3vcsJOdJFwY_xsdQCY-2FtO2-WAjIGETaY/s320/DSC_1147.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC0tOcb5ZsMqsLF05QDEIts-izQGEKqroSYi5U5BtUtzkxwpbPHOZ2WZ0-pNy2eyVoBVsnwBMi9M6dWt9BP2keoQKsL4KboprGRVzRBlje2_pEkez4rE28RFbdu0wsSuuAA8psYYH_rE/s1600-h/DSC_1146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296419640958168946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfC0tOcb5ZsMqsLF05QDEIts-izQGEKqroSYi5U5BtUtzkxwpbPHOZ2WZ0-pNy2eyVoBVsnwBMi9M6dWt9BP2keoQKsL4KboprGRVzRBlje2_pEkez4rE28RFbdu0wsSuuAA8psYYH_rE/s320/DSC_1146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />STEP 3 - RED ALERT!<br /><br />OK - so Dave Can Gogh had a brilliant idea. Buy a gallon of red enamel paint (same brand as the rattle can stuff), and, cough cough....ROLL IT ON. Commence laughter here.<br /><br />You done? OK - it actually worked pretty well. We painted 2 coats of 95% of the red in about 60 minutes, only had 47 runs, added 40 lbs of weight to the car, and it looks pretty good. It still needs another 2 coats for the required coloring, but you get the idea. From 15' away, this car looks amazing. From 1' away, well, it looks value engineered. Notice the windshield wiper. Yes - the stripes will be reflected on the wiper. Take that Pimp My Ride.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWLSY_bPFTo1bb3bbHaVOfSyd1xS2U5pWHNNJaMDkrUbeHFJimqtFEDSIJCKc3GciSWA5A4WfT90a9KsXi6ig7Prvm7loPSL8FJwvthgIDLg29JANDgIpYQlA20Za5Va_3rdoW4Z9aNE/s1600-h/DSC_1169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296420038266103602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWLSY_bPFTo1bb3bbHaVOfSyd1xS2U5pWHNNJaMDkrUbeHFJimqtFEDSIJCKc3GciSWA5A4WfT90a9KsXi6ig7Prvm7loPSL8FJwvthgIDLg29JANDgIpYQlA20Za5Va_3rdoW4Z9aNE/s320/DSC_1169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a quick comparison of how the car is being transformed from a Swedish Meatball into the Norwegian Rocket.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2QoHDZEClCTqMSLMb53az8v22adxuNh-WuL88V3iy2s_6FcElOvE2JIrQdMNfp4C0LWzQjg2STcWouBwsOPXVElGkJ7cEEdv7c81iXoOqMAdSqTEufvGxKa1GCU-Awxn4GpWkYNJFQg/s1600-h/Paint2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296414736513766162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2QoHDZEClCTqMSLMb53az8v22adxuNh-WuL88V3iy2s_6FcElOvE2JIrQdMNfp4C0LWzQjg2STcWouBwsOPXVElGkJ7cEEdv7c81iXoOqMAdSqTEufvGxKa1GCU-Awxn4GpWkYNJFQg/s320/Paint2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJltDuKfWEs0z3nya9HrvHWRyGim46TMmlh6-pQsz0MFq9qquS9R1Bos_NGFqNeGLWAnpW1WIYMP5C-gOKj4Jhc4mBbx4eIvEqk-x0_LRJ1I2m3ZKfjFU-lpC0Uwo3jroljZbf9RWsCpg/s1600-h/Paint1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296414733362254834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJltDuKfWEs0z3nya9HrvHWRyGim46TMmlh6-pQsz0MFq9qquS9R1Bos_NGFqNeGLWAnpW1WIYMP5C-gOKj4Jhc4mBbx4eIvEqk-x0_LRJ1I2m3ZKfjFU-lpC0Uwo3jroljZbf9RWsCpg/s320/Paint1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>NEXT UP - The engine rebuilding beings. We think. Well, actually...we're praying at this point. </div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-91005135431051470842009-01-12T09:32:00.001-08:002009-01-12T15:46:48.111-08:00The EngineDoes Lego make instructions for how to put a Saab engine back together? We're going to need it, because sure as a Swede can't design a normal car to save his life, this car is not going back together easily. But - taking it apart was a totally different story. With Dave working the torque wrench with one hand and a beer in the other, this engine came apart easily. Maybe too easily. <br /><br />While Dave and Nick worked at disassembly, I was relegated to "Book Boy" (really, the only fun part of this entire build is the taking everything apart part, and I was reading the manual and treating every word as Gospel). Afraid of the damage my mechanical skillz would impart (HEY - I was NOT the guy who almost flipped the car), I drank my beer and read out directions. Regarding Dave and Nick working while I read the book aloud - picture the Stig listening to a self-help book while driving.<br /><br />Looking for catastrophic damage inside our puny 4 cylinder oil processor - we found little obvious damage. Well - we do have some bearing failures on the crank shaft and connecting rods - but hey - what Saab doesn't?!? We found no obvious scoring on the oil processor piston, nor did we find any damaged piston rings. The mystery deepens.<br /><br />Tomorrow - the dirty, burnt oil smelling block goes to Tony for review. In the Q7. I think this is going to end badly.<br /><br /><br />PICTURE TIME!<br /><br />The two primary mechanics (beer already gone by this point). Notice the all-important hammer of death.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpDHS6hKhIggN6iuWLmvFrYIn_x6Mpsd-nVdtvuWUMfpbn-e9zhizTxwGy3tR9Mk_RbiS5whRA-UIRojj30IRW7GInvK_LmppRo-bgMevTQfAzlUw-jw6zEgCJ931pcyPoeMZ6vzf9nI/s1600-h/DSC_1092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290461722910514850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpDHS6hKhIggN6iuWLmvFrYIn_x6Mpsd-nVdtvuWUMfpbn-e9zhizTxwGy3tR9Mk_RbiS5whRA-UIRojj30IRW7GInvK_LmppRo-bgMevTQfAzlUw-jw6zEgCJ931pcyPoeMZ6vzf9nI/s320/DSC_1092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is but a small sampling of our parts. Some are numbered. Some are labeled. Some aren't. Indiana Jones couldn't decyfer our crytpic notes. Do you believe these parts will make it back as designed? I don't.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrAePVUMp5rgAZSyKz2Xks6Qzh6JpkG81R8iuZzskAPb4Y_I8z7OtQx4K2XFh-vxouoqsoqCsX4f5iomsKphyphenhyphenUS5DSTTpJy9B9PbvtuZmJvwdLhSRDyI8GjUPrHU0TjjNo-V6zIRchws/s1600-h/DSC_1091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290461716495683106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrAePVUMp5rgAZSyKz2Xks6Qzh6JpkG81R8iuZzskAPb4Y_I8z7OtQx4K2XFh-vxouoqsoqCsX4f5iomsKphyphenhyphenUS5DSTTpJy9B9PbvtuZmJvwdLhSRDyI8GjUPrHU0TjjNo-V6zIRchws/s320/DSC_1091.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Book Boy" I'm pointing at a part, asking "does this Swedish part suck too?"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BPO_EaD8SOnonSs52Sb2z8nGhLVjm2KXpP8tL3jLM1aaliK1qrhv09ZLW4FkD8qUx8SnlDx_KTTVlbVdIa25mHNYX4ah80AD6OoYrHbidxV-y5atSLtVToLl-tmEpGsx9ODV49ynLA0/s1600-h/DSC_1090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290461704205437186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BPO_EaD8SOnonSs52Sb2z8nGhLVjm2KXpP8tL3jLM1aaliK1qrhv09ZLW4FkD8qUx8SnlDx_KTTVlbVdIa25mHNYX4ah80AD6OoYrHbidxV-y5atSLtVToLl-tmEpGsx9ODV49ynLA0/s320/DSC_1090.JPG" border="0" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-72002689256789285102009-01-08T14:56:00.000-08:002009-01-08T15:19:24.489-08:00WE'RE IN....IT'S OUT<strong><u>WE'RE IN!!!</u></strong><br /><br />First news first...we were officially accepted into the 2009 Gator-Fest LeMons race in Houston for February 28th. The team, on hearing the great news, celebrated by drinking a lot of Egg Nog spiked with tequila, hoping the pain from the last race would not be repeated. I took the Tequinog drinks as a sign of happiness on their part. But I am not sure. Nor are they.<br /><br />We've set our goals very high for Race #2.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />FINISH.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />WITH ALL CYLINDERS FIRING.<br /><br /><br /><br />Given the history on other Saabs finishing these races around the country...this is like asking Brad Pitt to win an Oscar. We'll be competing against 1-2 other Saabs in this race....one from a team out West who has a significant amount of experience watching Saabs break and the other from the local Saab 9000 team (who lasted, ohhhh, 1 lap last year). Tough competition for the Fastest Svede award.<br /><p></p><p><strong><u>ITS OUT!</u></strong></p>Work on the car has progressed at a speed which would make the original Saab engineers happy. Slow and steady. Dave and I spent most of an evening labelling every hose, connector, pipe, and vacuum tube with blue paint tape and magic marker. We used very obvious words and numbers, all of which have rubbed off, are unreadable, or generally make no sense whatsoever to anyone including us. We also took a bunch of hi-res photos of the engine bay in case, you know, we want to photoshop what a real engine would look like in this car. So the likelihood of this car ever starting again are up there with this group of chrome domes growing hair.<br /><br /><br /><br />On Tuesday of this week, the engine officially came out of the car. Here is a picture of the 3 Norwegians laughing at the empty engine bay.<br /><br /><br />Q - "Why is there no rust in here?"<br />A - "its been covered in oil for 25 years!"<br /><br />Q - "Thing a Chevy V8 will fit in here?"<br />A - "Yep. And the engine would go on strike immediately for the poor working environment."<br /><br />Q - "Is that undertray bent from the two-wheeled excursion?"<br />A - silence.<br /><br /><br /><br />(its not bent)<br /><br /><br />Anyway - here are some pictures from the work session. Next step is to get the heads ported and polished, block bored out, pistons ordered, cam ordered, and to figure out why this 113hp wonder-engine (as in "I wonder how this thing even runs") broke in the first place (and no Bruce...being Swedish is not the reason.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq02TNaB7I6jSoqZgZxXYrQO0LXZUCyCEg6FKJulN1sPwoE2BrStsKJ6dUOdMqLmPFJAfl91lsbq8o0JsKOhr7uRAQbipF-j5AqIL_xM5EgRmeauJ0W7-D13gMp7gfgSjiOrJ-PlTF5ic/s1600-h/DSC_1056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289064904719897618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq02TNaB7I6jSoqZgZxXYrQO0LXZUCyCEg6FKJulN1sPwoE2BrStsKJ6dUOdMqLmPFJAfl91lsbq8o0JsKOhr7uRAQbipF-j5AqIL_xM5EgRmeauJ0W7-D13gMp7gfgSjiOrJ-PlTF5ic/s320/DSC_1056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZMWvTxcNok6OvwBLuaTd27PoYm0xvSHt45g1nXp42cm4qoqJ50-T2RW2br0mNcj04X4OrAdQHIFQn-dS4PT2DDuJn9IZ3oPaH_u4vdh7xSmlsI8nXH6Id9yFAwp1sO9b_zSJuSqQ52s/s1600-h/DSC_1055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289064898910295906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZMWvTxcNok6OvwBLuaTd27PoYm0xvSHt45g1nXp42cm4qoqJ50-T2RW2br0mNcj04X4OrAdQHIFQn-dS4PT2DDuJn9IZ3oPaH_u4vdh7xSmlsI8nXH6Id9yFAwp1sO9b_zSJuSqQ52s/s320/DSC_1055.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZMWvTxcNok6OvwBLuaTd27PoYm0xvSHt45g1nXp42cm4qoqJ50-T2RW2br0mNcj04X4OrAdQHIFQn-dS4PT2DDuJn9IZ3oPaH_u4vdh7xSmlsI8nXH6Id9yFAwp1sO9b_zSJuSqQ52s/s1600-h/DSC_1055.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfUpXIodkNqYS-TG0VyT52Rf5BqPcBBG_9j08oNXaKRBLVhnX7vASyJ5t15MoWVv-ADaSNDIV1ub2XJSv2XIGe_tRfW-Cn1NNflS-Vyw4KWHH1F9pV7Axgi6KvjBaLISGFyUDd3HDflI/s1600-h/DSC_1052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289064892386081618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfUpXIodkNqYS-TG0VyT52Rf5BqPcBBG_9j08oNXaKRBLVhnX7vASyJ5t15MoWVv-ADaSNDIV1ub2XJSv2XIGe_tRfW-Cn1NNflS-Vyw4KWHH1F9pV7Axgi6KvjBaLISGFyUDd3HDflI/s320/DSC_1052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-40716823651016819692008-12-12T11:52:00.000-08:002008-12-12T12:00:37.930-08:00The Slaabs Are BackSlower. Weaker. Fatter. Broke-er, and less Swedish.<br /><br />Bouyed by the crap-tastic, travishamockery performance in 2008, driven by the fact that unfortunately, we still own the 1982 Saab 900, resisted by 100% of the Slaab spouses, and excited by the fact that there are TWO races in Houston in 2009....we're proud to announce the Return of the Slaabs for the next race in Houston on February 28, 2009.<br /><br />Norwegian Style.<br /><br />Like the Empire Strikes Back, the sequal to the Svedish Slaabs is also expected to be better than the original. New country. Same car. New engine. Better suspension. Same drivers. Same semi-truck. How can this go wrong?<br /><br />Santa is bringing a lot of hope, blessings, and good will this year...and he better damn well bring us some time to work on this piece of crap too. <br /><br />We'll be updating the blog again regularly, so watch this space for more news. <br /><br />Below is our application description of the new team:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">"Embarrassed at the Slaab’s 2008 3 cylinder Exxon Valdez performance at the 24 Hours of Lemons, Carl XVI Gustaf issued a State Proclamation banning anyone old, bald, and Swedish from bringing further humiliation to his beloved Dancing Queen Country. The Svedish Slaabs searched high and low for an adopted country from which to base its prolific Swedish racing, dancing, and oil recovery operations. Colombia, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and Upper Siberia all rejected our applications…though the Somalians seriously considered our proposal until they realized that a Saab could not be used for off-shore pirate operations. Finally, a home was found when we looked to our immediate west, where the motto of “United and loyal until the mountains of Dovre crumble” seemed oddly applicable given the crumbling nature of our race car. Norway. <br /><br />And as their anthem states…Ja, vi elsker dette landet. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;"><br />Exiled in Norway, the Slaabs have re-grouped and are back and ready to fight for their right to what every blond man wants…Swedish citizenship. Whether we succeed will depend on an engine proven to be nothing more than an oil processor, a Jamaican Swedish advisor with the propensity to over-rev engines and smoke near highly combustible team members, a chassis that can only be described as tractorish, and a driving team with the skills of a banana-handed driving monkey. <br /><br />In other words, we’re ligge med’d."</span>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-33794990804240597732008-10-24T07:54:00.000-07:002008-10-26T17:51:28.681-07:00I The race is over, the fat lady sang a off-key tune, and the Slaabs blew up their car. Sounds about right, doesn’t it? Before jumping to the results, here is a review of the weekend in chronological order:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>THURSDAY OCTOBER 16</strong></span><br />The Slaabs held a send-off party on Thursday night, which was well attended given that the team is made up of nincompoops and what-nots. I believe the neighbors really enjoyed having a 75’ semi parked in the street. Before loading the car into the trailer for the following morning, we probably should have broken a bottle of champagne on the car (on hindsight, we should have christened the boat with an oil drum), like they do with boats. We needed all the good luck we could muster.<br /><br /><br />Here is Brian's take on flying in from Dubai to be a part of this monstor Swedish team, and seeing the car for the first time at the Party:<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"><blockquote><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span></blockquote><span style="color:#3366ff;">I travelled 8200 miles – from Dubai to Houston – to participate in the 24 Hours of LeMons. I knew that we had purchased a POS Saab and that Phil, Dave, and Nick were working vigorously to get the car “prepared” for this race. Little did I know how much of a POS it really was until I arrived in Houston and saw it for the first time. It was ugly. Real ugly. Funny thing is…..when we went through Tech Inspection at the track, the Judges decided that our car looked too nice and proceeded to bang it up with their gavels (a couple of big rubber mallets) and put some dents in it.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0gEK0I3qNNvo9iwCBDADQb_DUkrm78RttN2qGprus3nCtGOsdnFwvkTi2n67_ABIvxugR6gMXVlNLBJCSEH4oCDDcFjvQrA8otAWRTPdiVUjfSBiyv3BrDke1PwDQ0Ob3waCXkfA1y4/s1600-h/DSC_0433.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260797149977952226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0gEK0I3qNNvo9iwCBDADQb_DUkrm78RttN2qGprus3nCtGOsdnFwvkTi2n67_ABIvxugR6gMXVlNLBJCSEH4oCDDcFjvQrA8otAWRTPdiVUjfSBiyv3BrDke1PwDQ0Ob3waCXkfA1y4/s320/DSC_0433.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#3366ff;">Personally, I think they just like hitting things with hammers and exerting their power. That got me looking around at the other entrants, though. Our Saab definitely looked too nice to be running with this group of cars. I’m afraid to say it, but we were the Dancing Queens. But that image wouldn’t last long…….<br /></span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfSNeZbqSaOFJozwJpe9N2Fv25RiLen-RGSPG8ZiIuQbUZ7I0AR3prim7aL-cvo4b5ClMLVjl-OwJXXnKU0N19jIQbhuUG9odOkXRYI7WJfbIrPnToQ9H8Trf2GjuWxfNQ63GJLa1Dpw/s1600-h/DSC_0350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260736532261822242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfSNeZbqSaOFJozwJpe9N2Fv25RiLen-RGSPG8ZiIuQbUZ7I0AR3prim7aL-cvo4b5ClMLVjl-OwJXXnKU0N19jIQbhuUG9odOkXRYI7WJfbIrPnToQ9H8Trf2GjuWxfNQ63GJLa1Dpw/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(those Swedish Meatballs probably explain the smell in the car the following day).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BPZcJ1v36z5oOWctqaMn2cPORoTNAUUsBjtrkbjD18-aAAj7O_Gv0tOzLDUU9I7wRab0O3nlyYyx0hI8sp1CwjvsGLOQFkL4vcr4n64sP-j2A2xBAgNMCqQUxlZvUrg0duf6W_VGHx4/s1600-h/DSC_0332.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260736229953928226" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BPZcJ1v36z5oOWctqaMn2cPORoTNAUUsBjtrkbjD18-aAAj7O_Gv0tOzLDUU9I7wRab0O3nlyYyx0hI8sp1CwjvsGLOQFkL4vcr4n64sP-j2A2xBAgNMCqQUxlZvUrg0duf6W_VGHx4/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Here is the car packed up and ready to go:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCncsPb8LEl4iilmKGCzBGN-6JQhrrUxTvQ_eKoMrmPqDDTo70Qv5AoIvZZyLHcPLdsYrpMlpUADGlSL57Y_3QRAKSYx-sRmCGkKTehfr6oi8Cf4528W0SQ_GPebsirP_c2x2BV4rUpk/s1600-h/DSC_0350.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1593mVJ6Wb7m3S6iPyoD_JfOl08_kjy9GTFDWT3ND-g_nVHW8hCk503hCgNo26KCieE_MU4ydmwjCfboMnPpfYEV-Ec4R1v3TmysdcT313PhXhZv-7dhyphenhyphenk2uwyudjGtAkYmxZr_nFNOo/s1600-h/DSC_0359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260740758865224802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1593mVJ6Wb7m3S6iPyoD_JfOl08_kjy9GTFDWT3ND-g_nVHW8hCk503hCgNo26KCieE_MU4ydmwjCfboMnPpfYEV-Ec4R1v3TmysdcT313PhXhZv-7dhyphenhyphenk2uwyudjGtAkYmxZr_nFNOo/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>FRIDAY OCTOBER 17<br /></strong></span>We arrived early on Friday morning for the practice session that would last all day. When we pulled up in Red Beard Racing 18 wheeler and Dave’s Cobra, I believe that the other teams already present hoped that we would die a slow, miserable, Swedish death. Our fellow competitors weren’t exactly smiling at us as we parked the trailer. However, they WERE smiling when we unloaded the Slaab. We were surrounded by Detroit iron, most of which was of the 8 cylinder variety. We were there with 4 Swedish cylinders. And a Semi.<br /><br />Given that the other 75 cars were being maintained and worked on from pop-up tents and whatever other shelter could be found, we were living the life of luxury. We had the race deck floor down (which would prove extremely nice later as the car became the USS Leaky Bucket), we had flood lights, we had air conditioning, we had a drivers lounge, and we had a slow Swedish car. We had everything a Swedish team could want.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15RSDZvquBDW3mPLTuTPWiuASi8wNopOLNjfCmKEu7xLDe9K_H11M5SA2OUJWBrXVw6j1W2vUOHUgU9zQ2GSmCaXEG79ohbnt9EdWPjZV5a-dstU40CMsoGGMNK41ojDkG3DgVNdEVN4/s1600-h/DSC_0403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260741940802083090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15RSDZvquBDW3mPLTuTPWiuASi8wNopOLNjfCmKEu7xLDe9K_H11M5SA2OUJWBrXVw6j1W2vUOHUgU9zQ2GSmCaXEG79ohbnt9EdWPjZV5a-dstU40CMsoGGMNK41ojDkG3DgVNdEVN4/s320/DSC_0403.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>The all-day practice session started at 9am, and the Slaabs were the first team on the track. Our first victory, albeit a moral one. Dave took our virgin racer out on the track and slowly brought it up to speed. We decided to run the practice session on the Barum Bravarus tires (in other words – the cheapest tires on the planet), and save our nice Goodyear Eagle rally tires. Practice all day was fairly routine, though we didn’t exactly follow our team mantra of taking it easy on our car. We were out there pounding the Saab around the track to the best of our feeble pathetic abilities, and all 5 drivers were getting the same lap time (1:26 to 1:28) despite 5 totally different driving techniques and lines. </div><br /><div></div><div>Here is Brian's take on Day 1:</div><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">"First day, Friday, was open practice on the track for everyone. We started learning what our Saab was capable of that day. Or rather, not capable of. It was peppy for a 25 year old car with 113 horsepower. It also leeeaned in the corners. Ask Nick about that. The tires squealed in protest around the entire track. We all were turning about the same lap times but we were pushing way too hard for an endurance race and that became abundantly clear when we realized the car was eating oil and only running on 3 cylinders. So with the help of Bruce and Tony (our new friend and Saab expert) we were able to fix the car. And by fix I mean rig. Some sort of oil blow-by collector. It had hoses running from the cylinder head, through the firewall, up along the ceiling, and then down into the former windshield washer fluid bottle which was located behind the passenger door. At least we knew where the oil was coming from…..the number 4 cylinder…..which was now dead. At this point we didn’t think the car would last 5 minutes the next day. "</span></div><div></div><br /><div>Couple of pics from the practice session - Two Swedes watching our slow car in disgust:</div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfZAEVYCkFwaU34ZDC6-YyEN4nQZEwXXqVm9Q27q2zoUv__amP6yMwAeDn1A7zE3fMdWatXEoZXoQtRYMAN7chF7bZbztlVUpo7xNceQOQgpWDIHWwUuBi8xafstQmAO3q6BjdhnySgA/s1600-h/DSC_0367.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260743610731845426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfZAEVYCkFwaU34ZDC6-YyEN4nQZEwXXqVm9Q27q2zoUv__amP6yMwAeDn1A7zE3fMdWatXEoZXoQtRYMAN7chF7bZbztlVUpo7xNceQOQgpWDIHWwUuBi8xafstQmAO3q6BjdhnySgA/s320/DSC_0367.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The smoke has yet to begin:<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3julzbnVEuexTQDZ12fhlnfmlZeGs7g2imyssfYqmFJUVi_JMfEmUWNKsqyfvreXJwEDmtTNkfVDYEV2YrMQmiAdm_HguNYzQV4T8f5gK2VUhR4vvK1x9t26ossOxpLHlVPHSzJ3LJs/s1600-h/IMG_5442.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260744091338949858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3julzbnVEuexTQDZ12fhlnfmlZeGs7g2imyssfYqmFJUVi_JMfEmUWNKsqyfvreXJwEDmtTNkfVDYEV2YrMQmiAdm_HguNYzQV4T8f5gK2VUhR4vvK1x9t26ossOxpLHlVPHSzJ3LJs/s320/IMG_5442.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><br /><div>We had two incidents during practice:<br /><br /><strong>Incident #1</strong> – Nick drifted the car hard into corner #1 and nailed the inside curb on the bottom of the car. That in turn launched the car into the air and came down on two wheels, almost flipping the car (this two wheeled affair was what the team became known for until the Exxon affair later). The incident knocked the radiator pipe off, and the car overheated on the way back to the pits.<br /><br /><strong>Incident #2</strong> – Brian, on the last lap of the day, in the same section of the track as Incident #1, all of the sudden turned the car into the Baytown Refinery (i.e. a cloud of smoke). Brian brought the car in, and the car had belched all of its oil out and was running rough. Not good.<br /><br />That evening, we evaluated the options on our wounded motor (it appeared to have a blown piston)…options that included pulling the motor and fixing the cylinder to putting in our oil-bypass fix. We settled on the oil by-pass fix that Brian mentioned earlier (the bypass fix included putting a recovery canister, otherwise known as the windshield wiper fluid reservoir, in the drivers compartment. Nothing like smoking hot oil next to you to get you to drive faster). The result was we would be running on 3.5 cylinders at best. Going to bed Friday night, we’re pretty sure that our car is good for about an hour of pain and suffering, and will likely blow up soon thereafter. We also expect to receive multiple penalties for racing a car that looks like its fire (i.e. lots of smoke). Did I mention that we also managed to lose 1st and 2nd gear on Friday? It didn’t matter much anyway, as we practically drove the entire lap in 3rd and 4th gear anyway. Where the gears went, we’ll never know. They probably were embarrassed at our driving skillz and wondered over to a neighboring team.<br /><br />It should be noted that our friendly Jamaican mechanic who specializes in Swedish cars (go figure) named Tony is with us in the pits, and has helped us with the engine. Upon getting the engine back together with all kinds of Engine Restorer, Piston Seal, and 30W oil, he cold starts our engine and immediately guns the engine to over 7000 RPM (wayyyyy over the limit on this car). And does it again. And again. And again! We all stand by watching in total horror as we imagine our Swedish car detonating on the spot and launching a rod to Mars, effectively beating NASA to the punch. </div><br />Here is the oil can recovery system:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qsw3-1HhEEzovjCk8IxOH_3MWyow__Q3aRjO12cL0VcEp1LVWj9eMMbqaq9qAeGZaEqiUoQ0-ZiCIm6wmDcDanEFIm74xt0rXBwWKB2hIlHg87r_l7tFHBIVzAVYMRUicKQhhm6UcvY/s1600-h/OIL+CAN+RECOVERY.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260758680864584674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qsw3-1HhEEzovjCk8IxOH_3MWyow__Q3aRjO12cL0VcEp1LVWj9eMMbqaq9qAeGZaEqiUoQ0-ZiCIm6wmDcDanEFIm74xt0rXBwWKB2hIlHg87r_l7tFHBIVzAVYMRUicKQhhm6UcvY/s320/OIL+CAN+RECOVERY.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Here is the standard Slaab pose in the pits:<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl-sOibrqQ4C3wQ92worPz8XsOySL4ipt7xfZxvNhNiqWgtMtJMrsRIvqnQnxdtkH5Hbyv9dVsc8x9lqtVYn8TgeBi0TiYasO_vPfOiPRIkNrMTEP2MR0lSgq004u_fiVar_BQywDtJ4/s1600-h/IMG_5489.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260744577814976450" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl-sOibrqQ4C3wQ92worPz8XsOySL4ipt7xfZxvNhNiqWgtMtJMrsRIvqnQnxdtkH5Hbyv9dVsc8x9lqtVYn8TgeBi0TiYasO_vPfOiPRIkNrMTEP2MR0lSgq004u_fiVar_BQywDtJ4/s320/IMG_5489.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here is a picture of Tony helping us Friday<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95hVtVhJvOOfHWVkZp2EGLrIxGiyBpB2wuLi4IQ5sJOl0LV0iq9DAtkEGjeXNO-3_8rBRG9qfass-n1Ttc8Dobyid2qOFc42ybCJR0Nr9_1fYI3XXgeCcgujxwJWkyqUG3szuSOB-o0M/s1600-h/Tony.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260746915242470194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95hVtVhJvOOfHWVkZp2EGLrIxGiyBpB2wuLi4IQ5sJOl0LV0iq9DAtkEGjeXNO-3_8rBRG9qfass-n1Ttc8Dobyid2qOFc42ybCJR0Nr9_1fYI3XXgeCcgujxwJWkyqUG3szuSOB-o0M/s320/Tony.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>SATURDAY OCTOBER 18</strong><br /></span>Saturday morning starts with a few minor touch up items on the car, including the minor item (or so we thought) of putting our fancy Rally wheels and tires on the car. Nick is the designated starting driver for the Slaabs. Hell, at this point, we thought he might be the ONLY driver for the Slaabs given the condition of the car. Nick warms up the car, its running, and doesn’t seem to be losing any oil. We’re a happy 3 cylinder Swedish team. Cue team photo!</div><br /><div>Look how happy we look:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitUlUWbKUiBNkJZ5sUlF8-2grtWol0s6PscQe1xS3-LjsN07HLyp6-KY573QOZR9C4V4_ClnYad77hlZSvL60TFm6VTVl-C361AfOh-gVaeaAfs0TDuVOE_dxhlbfIjyGy0Oi8r7osiA/s1600-h/DSC_0478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260745412547081330" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitUlUWbKUiBNkJZ5sUlF8-2grtWol0s6PscQe1xS3-LjsN07HLyp6-KY573QOZR9C4V4_ClnYad77hlZSvL60TFm6VTVl-C361AfOh-gVaeaAfs0TDuVOE_dxhlbfIjyGy0Oi8r7osiA/s320/DSC_0478.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Instead of me summarizing every driver’s “racing” session and being a total smart ass about their skillz, here is a summary of their sessions in each driver’s words (we asked Nick to write his summary in English rather than Brit-Speak).<br /><br />It should be noted that the race started under yellow flag for 50 minutes, and we were all watching those 50 minutes unfold scared to death that the car wouldn’t last even that long before turning into the Labrea Tar Pits. In reality – Nick drove probably 15-20 pace laps with no problem….<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #1 – NICK HEATHER</strong><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Nick hasn't written his English summary yet...so stay posted.</span></div><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Picture from Nick's session:</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdax128iKWsOTRgBFonparQ8H9A2YSer1DsL2FNSt1NM4uA7gesawLq0818RjgTkS9-4RbhdixKdqMQuGzZ2ceFHC1BhO82lFfxVRDZjgtNnSDtLizzkZcrfR6Hyaeq2s5RqYk0hrfxgQ/s1600-h/NICK.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260755140988109826" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdax128iKWsOTRgBFonparQ8H9A2YSer1DsL2FNSt1NM4uA7gesawLq0818RjgTkS9-4RbhdixKdqMQuGzZ2ceFHC1BhO82lFfxVRDZjgtNnSDtLizzkZcrfR6Hyaeq2s5RqYk0hrfxgQ/s320/NICK.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Nick brought the car in, and reported that 1st and 2nd gear had been found!!!! Still a mystery to this day. Like the Lochness Monster. We also determined the car was totally empty of oil, and put another full 3 quarts of oil into the car. Its smoking a fair amount, and its only a matter of time now until Mission Control calls for the launch to Mars. Dave gets in the car and drives off:<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #2 – DAVE TESSIN "A STICKY SITUATION"</strong><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">“My first session was abbreviated by a spin in one of my first few laps and getting black flagged [any spins result in a black flag, and result in a 30 minute penalty and a spin of the Wheel of Misfortune and a mandatory driver change]. It seems Goodyear might have something to learn from the Barum Tire Company. While the Goodyears did exhibit considerably more grip on the tighter lower speed turns, they failed to keep the rear in check on the higher speed turns. For the short period of time I was on the track [and he does mean short!], I do not recall being in very much traffic, the car was running fairly well on three cylinders, just a lot of smoke in the cabin. Oh yeah, due to my black flag, I had to spin the wheel of shame which gave me the privilege of being "Colonel Sandered", which is getting doused in Karo syrup followed by having feathers thrown all over me.”</span> </div><br /><div>Here is Dave getting tarred and feathered:<br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIZoXDDhLoOTZQSSVjuF9zmef1QLq9kyu0Qm7taYjfPMPWYxdFTDhwoC1Vs4UHvZo5ChyGbvKwfW0Tklop49IyZFtomz4-zFF8-3h_6O4ltbXfKG2j4JRl7YHIzcGQXO-pyHVO5X0HFc/s1600-h/DAVE.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260755149067700466" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIZoXDDhLoOTZQSSVjuF9zmef1QLq9kyu0Qm7taYjfPMPWYxdFTDhwoC1Vs4UHvZo5ChyGbvKwfW0Tklop49IyZFtomz4-zFF8-3h_6O4ltbXfKG2j4JRl7YHIzcGQXO-pyHVO5X0HFc/s320/DAVE.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Dave comes in after 10 minutes, and the car requires 2 quarts of oil. AFTER TEN MINUTES. We determine the car will have to come into the pits every 15 minutes for a full fill-up of oil. We’re killing the environment one lap at a time. In case you are wondering where this oil is going…watch this crappy video and skip ahead to 2:20 to hear this nitwit complaining about us:<br /><br /><a href="http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Lemons+race+houston&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f"><span style="color:#000000;">http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Lemons+race+houston&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">#</span><br /><br />After watching Dave get tarred and feathered, it’s a quick driver change to put myself in the car. </div><div></div><div><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #3 – PHILIP CROKER “CALLING CAPTAIN HAZELWOOD”</strong><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">“</span><span style="color:#3366ff;">I agree with Dave in that the Goodyear tires have a TOTALLY different feel from the Barums, and the car is drifting nicely, if not too much. Being the team captain, it was my motto that I beat into everyone: “EASY ON THE CAR!!!” Well, I drive 4-5 laps on 3 cylinders, and its running better than I anticipated. On lap #6, feeling racy, I drifted the car hard onto the front stretch and went for…A PASS!!! I managed probably one of my only passes all weekend. Look! Here’s a picture of me coming up on the poor sucker getting passed by a 3 cylinder Saab:</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV6YQ7esD3jGYiUIlnwP68SfpfS8eZ3hZY6R3bbcOJlrUHdTOHhH-wuxlzfyRjtDFR1gzV1m0WP2xo9UrM1CjXpZxXjvk9EPEIwJlLUsE3NbXXPDsfjHmIFzVk9Vle7m4tSMnfpWB4Xk/s1600-h/DSC_0522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260797131325956674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV6YQ7esD3jGYiUIlnwP68SfpfS8eZ3hZY6R3bbcOJlrUHdTOHhH-wuxlzfyRjtDFR1gzV1m0WP2xo9UrM1CjXpZxXjvk9EPEIwJlLUsE3NbXXPDsfjHmIFzVk9Vle7m4tSMnfpWB4Xk/s320/DSC_0522.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">I drove that lap far too hard, given our motto. And coming onto the front straight again, I came into the last corner WAY too fast and spun the car. In front of everyone watching. I proceeded to finish the lap, and came in for our 2nd black flag / penalty (you only get 4 before you’re told to scram). I pulled into the penalty box (2nd time in 20 minutes), and the judges were not happy. They hated that our paint job looked so good to start with. So they made up an award for us: The Barack Obama – Make Change We Can Believe In Penalty. We had 30 minutes to re-brand the Slaab into a new team theme. It was immediately obvious to the team who we were to become, given the massive amount of oil we were spilling– THE EXXON VALDEZ, with the motto of “KILL THE OTTERS” on the hood, a funnel on the roof with the drunk Captain Hazelwood (formerly The Swedish Chef) commanding the ship.” I was done for that session.</span><br /></span><br />Here is Jalopnik’s article on our Barack Obama Change We Can Believe In penalty, with plenty of pictures to save me from posting them here: </div><div><br /><a href="http://jalopnik.com/5067497/innovations-in-lemons-penalties-mccains-uphill-slog-obamas-change-we-can-believe-in"><span style="color:#000000;">http://jalopnik.com/5067497/innovations-in-lemons-penalties-mccains-uphill-slog-obamas-change-we-can-believe-in</span></a> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>And of course - Brian's take on the penalty box:</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;"><span style="color:#3366ff;">The Judges had some basic rules. If you spin on the track you get black flagged, spend 30 minutes in the penalty box, and get to spin the Wheel of Misfortune. Dave spun. Then he spun the Wheel and was served his punishment. He was tarred and feathered with Karo Syrup and feathers from a pillow. Then Phil spun. When he drove into the penalty box, the Judges decided that we needed a change to get rid of our bad luck. Something just wasn’t working for us. They immediately handed us the Barak Obama Change You Can Believe In Penalty. We had to change the theme of our car and it had to be believable before the Judges would let us back on the track. That’s when the Dancing Queen became the Leaky Queen and The Slaab turned into the Exxon Valdez. We became a menace to society. The Judges liked us again.</span> </span></div><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;"><div><br /></span>We fill the car with the standard 3 quarts of oil, took the Goodyear Eagles OFF the car (good riddance Rally tires…HELLLOOOO BARUMS!!), did the mandatory driver change, and Brian was off and running. We’d probably managed 15 race laps by this point in 2 hours, and were already on our FOURTH driver. Not the Swedish start we were hoping for.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #4 – BRIAN CROKER<br /></strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">"Saturday – the first day of the race. We get to see what our ¾ Saab can do. We find out that our once peppy car became, oh..how should I say, lame? Lame as in having a disabled part and also as in lacking needful and desirable substance. But what we lacked in performance we gained in offense. And from what others were saying about us, we were offensive. Our oil blow-by collector contraption doubled as a smoke screen. Like something Q came up with for Bond. Except we didn’t have an on/off switch for it other than the ignition switch. We were slowly moving away from our Dancing Queen moniker. I drove 3rd that day. I remember asking Phil when I should come in for oil. You see, most race cars stop for fuel. We stopped for oil. He told me I would be able to tell. What he didn’t tell me was that I would be tasting burning oil fumes. Literally. I drove for about 20 minutes and my mouth felt like it had a coat of 10W-30 in it. Our smoke screen device seemed to be working too because nobody wanted to stay behind us. And luckily for them, our ¾ Saab was easy to pass."</span></div><div><br />Look, here he is coming into the pits. Smoking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLERaSReUzCOPtLOnEU4PQFYuhVmlKqJsRXTNpfgGJXIX2PEGhqZcrXE-UOVcmG9NtqEpxy2jhPoHi6pQNsGYjXZKeFsJb85EAanbaOFo_EAXwAHqh36xbSOiW1GgUeUTkxN_CB3j2EA/s1600-h/SMOKEY.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260756612600154290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLERaSReUzCOPtLOnEU4PQFYuhVmlKqJsRXTNpfgGJXIX2PEGhqZcrXE-UOVcmG9NtqEpxy2jhPoHi6pQNsGYjXZKeFsJb85EAanbaOFo_EAXwAHqh36xbSOiW1GgUeUTkxN_CB3j2EA/s320/SMOKEY.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Brian brings the car home after a consistent 15 minute session, we fill the car up with another, cough cough, 3 quarts of oil, and send out Dad for his session. At this point, we’ve breathed a sigh of relief that we managed to get all 5 drivers into the race (albeit that Dave was in the race for only4 laps so far). </div><div></div><div>Look, more oil!</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTza8XmFxN8e4ShnHahUEt5r2qLejDL7fkj2naCH1DscAGxQS74zfzcEEIsS72fP5Sj5XusqO8_BiHnEI_nOmi_hWa2gvt-ZIiPBd9LfRP0fZW8WdPxU7UqzEoYJ0rfl8P2VnnaVehFMU/s1600-h/OIL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260757334118311154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTza8XmFxN8e4ShnHahUEt5r2qLejDL7fkj2naCH1DscAGxQS74zfzcEEIsS72fP5Sj5XusqO8_BiHnEI_nOmi_hWa2gvt-ZIiPBd9LfRP0fZW8WdPxU7UqzEoYJ0rfl8P2VnnaVehFMU/s320/OIL.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Brian pre-session:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyWz1oBst78FFcfFor2NwokMyhye07EQB564tWGdU3j0P-WurRIW3Z30DtmZDAEM-FpqPpXeBufstOFrLLn20aJz_Aw4AtFuc80t49HU8xDdGQb8gT1GDN1TwqbtSw1IizYnzuo9PxDI/s1600-h/BRIAN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260757710058253234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyWz1oBst78FFcfFor2NwokMyhye07EQB564tWGdU3j0P-WurRIW3Z30DtmZDAEM-FpqPpXeBufstOFrLLn20aJz_Aw4AtFuc80t49HU8xDdGQb8gT1GDN1TwqbtSw1IizYnzuo9PxDI/s320/BRIAN.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is the standard pit pose / quizzical look:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVK0Twk8zR7UQ0ONrlsBrYpANQERoSUxmM2O77esTuptCYlRYgcSsZdZeUwf9TvE8h7ehfNUljslN54bVjw1BI7UTW4hFdBQKMiAmphwNI76ZXoj8a4K8K-7ZvmEj5wCUAY9uX-wqVrU/s1600-h/UHHHH.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260758265692720114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVK0Twk8zR7UQ0ONrlsBrYpANQERoSUxmM2O77esTuptCYlRYgcSsZdZeUwf9TvE8h7ehfNUljslN54bVjw1BI7UTW4hFdBQKMiAmphwNI76ZXoj8a4K8K-7ZvmEj5wCUAY9uX-wqVrU/s320/UHHHH.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>OK - lets keep going here.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #5 – DAD</strong><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">"This was the first time I had actually driven a “race” car on a race track. Practice day on Friday went reasonably well. The only problem is that we tended to flog the car to see how fast we could lap the track, rather than establishing what speeds we could run consistently for an endurance race. My best lap was about 1:28 which was typical for the drivers on our team. By the time the race started on Saturday, we were already in a hole with a damaged motor that needed 3 quarts of oil every 10 laps or so. Driving with all the traffic it was difficult to maintain the proper line, keep track of the other cars, watch for the flags, watch for the pit signs, etc. After a few laps it became somewhat easier, but since we were one of the slower cars, one eye was always on the rear view mirror. Nothing eventful happened on Saturday and we ended the day in 48th place out of 75 entries. "<br /></span><br />Here is a picture of Dad driving. The golf cart. Sorry, its all I have:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEw1jiS2aJxHp9WFOe5cGlqloPeT_301MztJ7KpqI1_Ndr5sVROygXtTWAVwhOPEa4gpKjvE5qQYeBnCG74x-TiI8OKSfDI4BAmJdoGHkKBxE5QBH0m9NQVlq9dwEgF4lFJ19sw6g9LU/s1600-h/DAD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260759113085795298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEw1jiS2aJxHp9WFOe5cGlqloPeT_301MztJ7KpqI1_Ndr5sVROygXtTWAVwhOPEa4gpKjvE5qQYeBnCG74x-TiI8OKSfDI4BAmJdoGHkKBxE5QBH0m9NQVlq9dwEgF4lFJ19sw6g9LU/s320/DAD.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>No wait...here's an ACTION SHOT! Drift it Dad DRIFT IT!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvtsjJtLMxTLjpCUvChKByZ6Z9uWXk9br0OZALnxoa8V2UMryFiO3589KBRuCHaaPpZH2vNN0z2oyFQ5nYY1ivl7r4PeO3peKNyV6hX6HjJeQ34qWesQRqYIJGpCCSzOh5Bi9NcBKz8U/s1600-h/DAD+ACTION.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260760297356357042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvtsjJtLMxTLjpCUvChKByZ6Z9uWXk9br0OZALnxoa8V2UMryFiO3589KBRuCHaaPpZH2vNN0z2oyFQ5nYY1ivl7r4PeO3peKNyV6hX6HjJeQ34qWesQRqYIJGpCCSzOh5Bi9NcBKz8U/s320/DAD+ACTION.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We made it. We got all drivers into the crappy car. Now lets do it again. Nick is up again, and the engine looks like burnt metal. Insert the required oil, send Bruce to Autozone to buy more oil, and get Nick into the car.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #6 – NICK HEATHER</strong><br />No summary yet from Nick.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #7 – DAVID TESSIN “WELCOME BACK BARUM”<br /></strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">“Second session was much better as we were back on the Bravarus tires. The car was performing rather well for a car on three cylinders and I did not hold back in driving the wounded Slaab. I managed to pass a couple of cars although I was passed by a lot more. I think I overtook about three or four cars during my session. This was my first real chance to go wheel to wheel with other cars and thought it was a hoot. Managing the cars in front, behind and on the sides was a blast and felt it really made me drive the course much better. I stayed out of trouble and brought the car in intact and ready for the next driver to tear it up.” </span><br /><br />The day of racing is coming to an end, and we’ve probably gotten 70 or so laps in so far (in 5 hours). That’s an average of 18mph. EIGHTEEN!<br /><br />Here is a picture of Caroline practicing her skills at push starting the Slaab, since we no longer have a starter motor:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrso-mUTimg8P1uh5WMjYLpwhwLYhYmgFiNVVQwUwtiATTjjZH-9Ph-7Zf2SrAqbfk29fzVUMUCq5DgVBwxqoZ4SLNLyZcgGqWPx6sd3c3rQXCIj2VxhDA0vxMnB6YalzWzxLBJrLm5A/s1600-h/PUSH.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260760742636125794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrso-mUTimg8P1uh5WMjYLpwhwLYhYmgFiNVVQwUwtiATTjjZH-9Ph-7Zf2SrAqbfk29fzVUMUCq5DgVBwxqoZ4SLNLyZcgGqWPx6sd3c3rQXCIj2VxhDA0vxMnB6YalzWzxLBJrLm5A/s320/PUSH.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><strong>R</strong><strong>ACE SESSION #8 – PHILIP CROKER “YOU’RE USING THIRD GEAR!?!”</strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">“My session was at the end of the day, and we decided to finish up without another driver change. That meant a little longer stint (30-40 minutes) on the Slaab. For the first 15 minutes, I am babying the car around the track…and I mean BABYING. I am puttering around in 4th gear, never shifting. I am afraid of breaking the car at the end of the day again, and not making Sunday. I have a very VERY uneventful 15 minutes on the track, bring the car in for its mandatory 3 quarts of oil, and quietly ask Dave and Nick what gear they were driving in, and how hard they had been driving. The answer? We were driving the shit out of the car in 3rd gear…to which I replied loudly “You’re using THIRD gear?!?”<br /><br />I went back out onto the track a new man. I had 3rd gear, 3 cylinders of Swedish muscle, a track full of faster cars, and a cooler full of beer at the trailer. [note – this is the driving session that the whiney driver in the video was referring to]. It was a Swedish dream come true. All that was missing was some heavenly Abba music. I ended up running the until the end of the day (another 20-25 minutes), with a short break for a broken water pump belt (2nd time of the weekend that the car overheated), and managed to pass…..not one single car. But they were definitely passing me. I don’t know where all of the slow cars went, but we were bringing up the rear with the gear at this point. Checkered flag comes, and guess what….WE MADE IT TO DAY #2!!”<br /></span><br />That night, Tony helped us change one of the engine seals to slow the oil leak down to a slow drip. We rotated the tires (and had to de-grease them due to the significant oil everywhere), and were ready to roll for Sunday.<br /><br />Day 1 – we managed to do 98 laps, compared to around 200 for the leaders, and were in the low 40’s in terms of position (out of 76). We spent the night hanging out with the Lexus team (picture below) and the Shark team (picture below), both of which were a great group of people. It also should be noted here that the other Saab team only lasted two laps.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SUNDAY OCTOBER 19</span></strong></div><div>We started Sunday following our plan, which was to race harder (its all relative. Shut up.) on Sunday. Brian had the first session of the day. We brought him in 15 minutes or so into the session, checked the oil (STILL FULL!!!!), and sent him back out for another 45 minutes. A record for the Slaabs. We were feeling confident of achieving our top 50% finish at this point.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #9 – BRIAN CROKER</strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">"Sunday, the last day of the race, I was up first. After more repairs the night before to stop the oil leaks, I was instructed to drive until the oil light came on. I ended up driving for an hour and never saw the light. We thought we might be able to make the end of the race. We were wrong. "<br /></span><br />Note – we started timing the laps here again (didn’t do this on Saturday), and Brian was running only 3-4 seconds off our 4 cylinder practice laps. Impressive. Brian brought the car in when the oil light started blinking (who knew we had a freakin’ oil pressure light?!?!?), and we determined the car was empty on oil. Again. Fill er up, and we sent Dad out for his session with the goal of it lasting 60 minutes.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #10 – DAD</strong><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">"Brian drove the first leg on Sunday for about an hour. I drove the second leg and made times that were consistent with my practice times [on 3 cylinders too]. About the 5th lap of my stint, I drove to hard into the final corner heading for the main straight and spun the car [same place as me on Saturday]. I stayed on the track apron. Unfortunately I was not able to keep the motor running and since we had lost the starter the day before, I had to wait for a tow truck. Luckily, I did not receive a penalty and was back on the track after losing about 15 minutes. Then the old oil consumption bug-a-boo raised its ugly head again with the oil pressure light coming on. By the time I got the car back to the pits…… "<br /></span><br />We also timed Dad during his session, and he too was only around 3 seconds off his practice times. At this point, we’re feeling pretty good. We had just run the car for 2 hours straight, were FINALLY racking up laps at a good pace, and were sitting in 41st position out of 76. Our goal was to be in the top 50%, so we had 6-7 spots to go. We were on a roll at this point. Cue Swedish confidence.<br /><br /><strong>RACE SESSION #11 – NICK HEATHER</strong><br />Before going into Nicks driving report – it should be noted that the entire team left him hanging on the track as we went to go watch the Peoples Curse Award ceremony (i.e. crush the most hated car). No one was watching him, timing him, giving him pit signals, or there to meet him at the fueling / oiling station. Woops. </div><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;">Still no Nick report.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Let me fill in for Nick here...he ran 3-4 laps, and the car was dead. Broken bearing or something awful sounding inside. Captain Hazelwood's (Dad) hot laps cooked the car...but it was our strategy to race on Sunday so no fault on him. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJXQ3XbSr6AuDdvmMOzoE1DPFeoy7GEZE8EeWqMIqc2gLRaNlFEDYtTWhyphenhyphenLENPf1Iw9UFhOv6vFjUK2qTN5lJHL2jhTd0iaiNP8OSjrZKWU57XCyQaUnq5C89EtKKl2ZAEtesrTnFvvs/s1600-h/SUNK.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260761522517692002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJXQ3XbSr6AuDdvmMOzoE1DPFeoy7GEZE8EeWqMIqc2gLRaNlFEDYtTWhyphenhyphenLENPf1Iw9UFhOv6vFjUK2qTN5lJHL2jhTd0iaiNP8OSjrZKWU57XCyQaUnq5C89EtKKl2ZAEtesrTnFvvs/s320/SUNK.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We were done. Cooked. Finished. We ran the car out of oil 11 times, significantly overheated the car twice, ran it 2 days on 75% of the cylinders, and still the car wanted to keep going. But, alas, we ultimately killed the car. The race continued, and was won by a Toyota Corolla painted like Wayne’s World (see below). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYereZpBTyTWz-2XQoQrJtdJ5xBNV4kiJeJX9usvDUvYZk4yTa8CcZ1WCNl8y-aK0j19k1T8MJSQP8yuSdsRa9uav-njbgpYolhywq3ciQzOYC_p4e6Mum98Q2qDG3LAHAKAU4-Jkagt4/s1600-h/Team_Schwing_494.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260764022388946178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYereZpBTyTWz-2XQoQrJtdJ5xBNV4kiJeJX9usvDUvYZk4yTa8CcZ1WCNl8y-aK0j19k1T8MJSQP8yuSdsRa9uav-njbgpYolhywq3ciQzOYC_p4e6Mum98Q2qDG3LAHAKAU4-Jkagt4/s320/Team_Schwing_494.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>We finished in 48th position out of 78. We completed 166 laps with a best racing lap of 1:28 (the best at the race was a 1:16, with the majority of the cars at 1:20-1:22) The winner ran, uhhh, 466 laps. That’s only 300 more than us.<br /><br />We had a great time with lots of family and friends there, which made the event even more fun. We also had, by far, the nicest pit setup in LeMons history. Had to have. There are tons of storys that I didn't have time to mention, from the tech inspection, to the BS inspection, to the Peoples Curse Award, to us winning the Judges Choice Award, Fastest Swedish Car award, and Tony got the Mechanic of the race award. There were tons of incredibly funny penalties dished out to other cars...but not better than this penalty:<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2X6KODz4UY&eurl=http://jalopnik.com/5068112/advances-in-lemons-penalty-cruelty-the-lexus-ls400-starter-removal-challenge"><span style="color:#000000;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2X6KODz4UY&eurl=http://jalopnik.com/5068112/advances-in-lemons-penalty-cruelty-the-lexus-ls400-starter-removal-challenge</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I will post a bunch of articles, links, and more pictures soon. And most importantly....WE'LL BE BACK! We're already formulating a plan to get a new motor in this beast, and be ready to run the next race in Houston. Stronger, faster, smarter. And we're bringing the original paint job back!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll end with more words from Brian, which seem fitting: "<span style="color:#3366ff;">We ended up about 46th out of 75 cars. So that means there were almost 30 cars worse than ours. That’s got to be an accomplishment!"</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277432960256335937.post-64673587509216614112008-10-10T19:32:00.000-07:002009-03-06T09:18:13.921-08:00The Race ApproachethI've been remiss at updating the blog...and for good reason. Let me tell a quick story...<br /><br /><strong>Thursday October 3rd </strong>- install new side-pipe muffler (think Viper. sort of). When driving car home that evening, two things are apparent. 1) its LOUD and racy sounding (for a Svede) and 2) it mis-fired a couple of times driving it hard. Hmmmm. Dave comes over, drives it more, and it cuts out a bunch more. Not good. But this car sure is cool.<br /><br /><strong>Sunday October 5th </strong>- install new fuel filter, air filter, ignition wires, spark plugs, clean injectors, clean Jetronic injection system. Successful attempt to start car afterwards? NEGATIVE. Ut oh. Car starts up briefly, runs at 3000RPM, and dies. Now what? This Swedish car irritates me.<br /><br /><strong>Monday October 6th</strong> - redo everything done night previously. Correct some errors and fine tune some other parts. Successful attempt to start car afterwards? NEGATIVE. Car is cranking over, just not starting. No ignition at all. Why did we buy a Swedish car?!? WHY?!?<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday October 7th </strong>- Dave invites Dave, a mechanic friend, to trace the problems we're having. He starts at the spark plugs, and works his way back. Spark plugs - good. Injectors - good. Fuel pressure - average. Injection system - looks fine. Go back to fuel tank - pump is working. Take out fuel pump. Look inside fuel tank.<br /><br />(@*#(&U)(%Y&_)Q__Q)*_#)*_@)#*_)@$_)&_)*_)*YWUPJAS)(_!_)$@*+_)+_#%&*)#<br /><br />We ran the car out of gas. <br /><br />We fill the car up with a few gallons - and the car starts up strong. Car runs for 5 minutes, and dies. Now what?!? Maybe we stirred up some dirt in the tank and now have dirty injectors. Maybe?!? Anything at this point sounds reasonable for this Swedish piece of total crap.<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday October 7th</strong> - Install cleaned up Swedish injectors. Start car up again with high hopes. Car does not start. Dave douses the car in gasoline, and creates a Swedish bonfire. Well, he should have. We officially give in. I search the forums online, and find a highly recommended Saab mechanic named Tony.<br /><br /><strong>Thursday October 8th</strong> - Towed the Saab to Tony to work on. Tony, a Jamaican, gets pretty excited about the car. Turns out he is building a Saab 9000 hot rod for the race. The car has a similar engine as my Viggen. In other words, if their car is worth $500, our car is worth -$3,000. Anyway - Tony knows the car backwards and forwards.<br /><br /><strong>Friday October 9th</strong> - go see Tony. Tony is smirking. Tony gets in the car, and starts it up. VVVRRROOOOOOOOMMMMMM! The car sounds like a Swedish World War...strong and racy. Car is back to life, and we're lovin' the Swedes again thanks to a Jamaican!<br /><br />We also got our new wheels in...since our car sits (cough cough) a touch high, we decided to paint the wheels white like the old rally racers. Like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbcKIZ4ws6DftoVwBc17u05DbkeRoWJWjFvFPqmEkvIIIQlZchgj8ehQj3Q0B1o3Mpkq_dz3aZLeOwI9l4oZIF1uFxG9JRp-Vo0gnEsC6mj4W_nM_FvOX_yDrEXAUsbJr__iF20ZHAMY/s1600-h/audi_quattro_rally_car.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbcKIZ4ws6DftoVwBc17u05DbkeRoWJWjFvFPqmEkvIIIQlZchgj8ehQj3Q0B1o3Mpkq_dz3aZLeOwI9l4oZIF1uFxG9JRp-Vo0gnEsC6mj4W_nM_FvOX_yDrEXAUsbJr__iF20ZHAMY/s320/audi_quattro_rally_car.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255724381247961282" /></a><br /><br />Here are our rally wheels:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVolA0q-Bj4sf2pnyPasD5edq6aAa36kMUNZlkkHu_1hVkSPWquprjN2b6kdcYpf7E3rci1aEySMRP_gmAp09oIms2x1cCLswZ-dpzehSZhYaSKNoeG51rzI5WoT92-FFI7ITHjhKmX0/s1600-h/IMG00140.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVolA0q-Bj4sf2pnyPasD5edq6aAa36kMUNZlkkHu_1hVkSPWquprjN2b6kdcYpf7E3rci1aEySMRP_gmAp09oIms2x1cCLswZ-dpzehSZhYaSKNoeG51rzI5WoT92-FFI7ITHjhKmX0/s320/IMG00140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255718778219330674" /></a><br /><br /><br />And finally, a picture of the drivers. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c_8KYciVt1q4sgdzvHIJ-J-VxqjMfcK4k06JLIB9tjBVwHdB4U8K4k8w-j0WLzRodav__5MFXS8uAg5lb0lTVvmrEyXE17QXQDJUML0vO1-KVMR9X9UITliiezM8wszq6qedDn1YkiI/s1600-h/DSC_0255.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c_8KYciVt1q4sgdzvHIJ-J-VxqjMfcK4k06JLIB9tjBVwHdB4U8K4k8w-j0WLzRodav__5MFXS8uAg5lb0lTVvmrEyXE17QXQDJUML0vO1-KVMR9X9UITliiezM8wszq6qedDn1YkiI/s320/DSC_0255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255719958079631666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV-zd7VYXUnSnIF3ofzIQLtTPYtKj3TYIG7T7MPQYnIVtM7C7ecoDC0Lp7hzjZhLF2T4U1Z0COjnmJmbDZLPgZbYMaJ8j2mBwj_LVfKNTH-7VH-KHRJlD5lA2wVJwy-3aUYSkJ9Xmkpc/s1600-h/DSC_0257.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV-zd7VYXUnSnIF3ofzIQLtTPYtKj3TYIG7T7MPQYnIVtM7C7ecoDC0Lp7hzjZhLF2T4U1Z0COjnmJmbDZLPgZbYMaJ8j2mBwj_LVfKNTH-7VH-KHRJlD5lA2wVJwy-3aUYSkJ9Xmkpc/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255719962757412530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYGlkv_nycR0h-aiPEYgSIi2unt2V8vGsvB7_HnPN4jdmo2FT1yS9fyX_c8zb9nYAxi0P4Cge4FNSpPiYaw_zvudiCEXyl81NkKs3F3wsnNbQOb_twOr1GZPbw3yUheAuA0bX2Z-Ucg8/s1600-h/DSC_0254.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYGlkv_nycR0h-aiPEYgSIi2unt2V8vGsvB7_HnPN4jdmo2FT1yS9fyX_c8zb9nYAxi0P4Cge4FNSpPiYaw_zvudiCEXyl81NkKs3F3wsnNbQOb_twOr1GZPbw3yUheAuA0bX2Z-Ucg8/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255719964745180114" /></a><br /><br />7 days to go!!! Preparty is on Thursday, and we're wrapping up the final bits and pieces now. Sooner or later, we actually get to see what this car will be like at speed. And trust me, we have no idea how it handles. NONE.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-vTUrYJJKZXwavI8wOKMQmCSlxzcNaO1KEusM5_8TJQql_65Nya4XLy-gnD-zm2LuTHIQUdjNer_RuqzBSt1ih7oPf0Y39ONIYXAi4iTwQ2frdmDusy3zO6JMnv8lvhDmIi8m4qv4gI/s1600-h/botnia035_RJ.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-vTUrYJJKZXwavI8wOKMQmCSlxzcNaO1KEusM5_8TJQql_65Nya4XLy-gnD-zm2LuTHIQUdjNer_RuqzBSt1ih7oPf0Y39ONIYXAi4iTwQ2frdmDusy3zO6JMnv8lvhDmIi8m4qv4gI/s320/botnia035_RJ.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255724982757058114" /></a>Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01136969843442434347noreply@blogger.com0