Friday, April 30, 2010

Friday Recap

Well, we made it through our first day with the Serpent 966 and I have to say I am very impressed. The car was great right from the first run, and has continued to improved. We had absolutely no issues with either mine or Jim's car all day. We tested a few different motors, bodies and tires.... and I am still looking for the right combination that feels just right for me. I like my car to be very stable and planted in the rear, but still have the right amount of steering. It's hard to find that, but Jim and Rich do a great job getting the car where it needs to be. Honestly, most people that have driven my car over the years think that it doesn't steer enough, but it is what feels right to me.
Jim was also very fast today. He looks to be even faster than with his kyosho car and this is a great sign since we haven't even got our feet wet yet!

As for the race, it looks to be shaping up very nicely. There were about 60 racers here today, with more expected tomorrow. The track has been nicely prepared and traction is very good, but not crazy. It is typical Vegas in that it gets a little bit slimy in the hottest part of the day, but is very good morning and late afternoon.
Mike Swauger is here along with Brian Thomas, Mike Strack, Scotty Barrera, Garen Hagobian, and a host of others. 1/8 racing will be great and I will post info on each round as we get started tomorrow. First heat goes off at 9am!! Be there!!!

Well, we thought we were done, but no! More testing and Rich is finishing up the car as the sun starts to set on the day. I will post more tonight from the hotel...........

We tested the Blitz Radical also, but lap times were a tick faster with the p909. Garen from Motonica usa has bought pizza for everyone.. time to eat
We are wrapping up our day. Jim and Rich doing some car maintainance right now while I mount a fresh Protoform p909

Rich Browne - Master Car Carrier! We are off to try a different body

Silverbowl Speedway!

More practice. Track has become a little slick, but we are making some changes to the car now. Right now lap times are on pace. Time to cut tires!
Rich and jim working hard on engine change. Myself and Scott Barnes on our way to Chipotle to pick up tasty burritos!
Turning 16.0 practice laps, and car feels good. Pulling out practice motor to put in something a little more racy!

The new Empire Racing front belt tensioner! Spiffy!

The Captain is back!

New Empire Racing rear swaybar from the engineering mind of Rick Davis! Cool!

At 10am track will shut down to get sprayed with vht, then the real practice will begin!
First run on the track, and the car stayed off the wall and in one piece! Always a good start to the weekend.
We are here in Vegas baby!! Friday morning and the weather is looking good. Just a little wind, but the forecast is good for the weekend!!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Test

This is a test post.... please check back on Friday 4/30 for my first updates from the Motonica Grand Prix!