27 replies to this topic

[fishguyaz]

I made the trip, almost 16 hours, out from Tucson, AZ not really knowing what to expect. I went on the recommendation of a freind.

The event was easliy worth the effort.

The track was amazing, and the people there were really 1st class. I made the trip all alone, and before the weekend was over i felt like i was with a group of old freinds. Everyone was so helpful, and kind with me.

The track was very challenging: all the video i watched, mine included does not really show the feel of the speed and thrills that this track offers. This track has it all; elevation changes, high speeds,........basicaly everything one could ask in a track layout.
Turn 7 was such a thrilling corner!!!!

thanks again for all the help and good company.

I already have this event marked on my calendar for next 2012, and look forward to seeing you guys next year.

Josh Pitt
Blue #4

[Lee Tilton]

Just hammered exhaust valve up into seat. Common problem, easy fix, but put me out none the less.
Jim

Jim, can you elaborate? I recently had an exhaust valve failure; valve broke just under the keeper. Still haven't figured out the cause.

[Jim Drago]

Lee
That is a more common failure. The valves are weak where yours broke. Mine was different, the head of my exhaust valves in the number 4 cylinder started to deteriorate around the margin and move up into the seat. Basically the valve seat wears a ridge on the sealing surface of the valve. I have no damage other than the valves themselves, seats look fine.
Another competitor had the same failure as you had this weekend as well.
Jim

[Lee Tilton]

Lee
That is a more common failure. The valves are weak where yours broke. Mine was different, the head of my exhaust valves in the number 4 cylinder started to deteriorate around the margin and move up into the seat. Basically the valve seat wears a ridge on the sealing surface of the valve. I have no damage other than the valves themselves, seats look fine.
Another competitor had the same failure as you had this weekend as well.
Jim

Thanks! I guess that makes me feel better.

[KentCarter]

Kent
I think my lean era started in 2006? I was actually too rich, neither caused my issue. Just hammered exhaust valve up into seat. Common problem, easy fix, but put me out none the less.
Jim

[Cnj]

My thanks to the rest of the SM1.6 class for racing like gentlemen. It was rude of some members of the SM99 group to fall back and interfere in our race.

Funny. I thought it was rude of you to pass me and interfere with my 99 race. It felt all wrong to see you in front of me. Both days. Gonna have to fix that. Can't be the driver so the 1.6 must be an overdog.

Cnj

[cam]

My thanks to the rest of the SM1.6 class for racing like gentlemen. It was rude of some members of the SM99 group to fall back and interfere in our race. Nevertheless, I have to be pleased with my top 5 finishes on Saturday and Sunday.

Great W2W, bumper2bumber, doorhandle2doorhandle racing with Kent, Steve, Bill A, Mike R. and others over Saturday and Sunday.

All in all, the weekend ended well, at least for me. In the process of trying to raise my game, I made more than a handful of novice mistakes on my set-up. The car was almost imposable to drive during Saturday’s Qual. It was just as big of a surprise to me as it was to those unfortunate enough to be close to me. Luckily, I took notes and had tools and friends to help correct it. (thanks Gale for all of your help) By Sunday, the car was much better but still off quite a bit, I honestly think my 1.6 had enough power this weekend to do much better, but the set-up and driver held it back. It is a real shame that Andy’s 1.6 broke, would have been interesting to see what a well prepared and driven 1.6 could do in such a competitive field of 99s.

[tferranti]

It was good to see everyone last weekend (Drago/JB/Sandlin included ).

Congrats to Aaron, Blake, and Sideshow; you guys were on point all weekend long.

Great run for Gale on Sunday, he, JP3 and Berry had a great race.

Cam - JP3 was in Blake's 1997. I only ran Sunday but was the quickest 1.6 in qualifying, starting 7th. I had a terrible start in the race and then the clutch began acting up about 1/2 way in so I was happy to baby it home to 7th. Thanks to MB for offering his car to me since he had other obligations and couldn't run on Sunday.

See everyone at the next one, hope to have my 94 out for some test hits this month.