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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
It's that time again! But, with baseball, tournament baseball, swim team, softball, etc. you get the jist... We've only been out with the Jr Dragster 2x this year. However, we decided to hit the Jr Dragster Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway anyway, just for the fun of the event. A week from departure, Mom and the 2 younger siblings decided to come along, so that necessitated installing a back seat on the cart - what's another late night in the garage! Decided to add arm rests with cup holders as well. It was an overall hit - except I lost my tool box location.... oh well!
The week of racing went as typical, plenty of rain delays and cancellations, challenging weather changes and track conditions, but as the week went on we began to get it figured out. After going out in the early rounds of the buildup races, we shocked ourselves by going all the way to the final round of The Big Race! Amazing, over the course of 2 days, 750 kids simmer down to just 16 Finalists across the 8 age groups. To find ourselves there was a big enough surprise, to look into the other lane and see our friends from our home track was an even bigger surprise - these 2 boys have been racing each other since they were 8 years old. We came up a little short in the Final, but it was a good clean race, and the 2 boys were relaxing after the race, parade lap, interviews, trophy presentations, etc and just talking it over - just what racing is all about. So, a very proud Dad! A few pics: The Countdown Clock on the Maple Grove Team's Facebook site: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps7721d567.jpg We had a really tight pit spot this year, seemed like every morning we'd show up and we were parked in even tighter! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psb1c1f0a0.jpg The typical rain storm(s), at least they happened early in the week - we just watched from inside the trailer whereas some others make the best of it! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc19bb19a.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa5c578e3.jpg While they were drying the track, took the kids over to the RC dirt track they built just for this event - Traxxas versions of course! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps535ba759.jpg Danny got a lot of air with his.... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psfb2de4bb.jpg The Professionals are really getting involved now, Bob Bode's kid and Antron's 2 older kids. A few more Pro's have kids getting in as well, so there will be more big names/sponsor within the next few years... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psf32be9a7.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psb5d340a2.jpg Getting the track ready in the morning, the heavy fog and crazy weather makes dialing a car 'more art than science'! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps351bf404.jpg Sometimes running well into the night also creates challenges when your last run was 5 hours previous - under completely different weather... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pse698cf1d.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps9d59d689.jpg We rented a 5th wheel camper at a campground for a few nights this year, was quite the hit - smore's help of course! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psf89f5621.jpg Before 1st round of Eliminations on Friday afternoon, they had a moving tribute for Valerie Bennett, a 15 year old little girl driver who committed suicide a few months ago as a result of online bullying. The kids raised a lot of money for the family for funeral costs, and so they could buy a replacement body for her car so the family could keep the original. Valerie's best friend and fellow racer took her car down the track one last time, with Valerie's brother in his own car alongside in the other lane. A very sad moment during such an event, but also very worthwhile in order to bring awareness to this issue. I'm sure I wasn't the only parent who had to answer questions from my kids about what this moment was all about.... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psdb362caa.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pse9f8a1dd.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps28f3b5ae.jpg Moving on to Round 1 of The Big Race, crowd control is always a (good) problem, the stands are full of supporters, and it's a great moment for the kids to shine for their 30 seconds... Ben always spins the tires as he pulls out from under the tunnel, while I can't hear it - I know when he does a good one because he pulls into the water box with a giant grin on his face. Love it! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc80ed194.jpg And.... we win Round 1! The hardest round is behind us, and we get to race on Saturday! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc9e3f275.jpg On Saturday, we just kept it rolling - round after round, I don't even remember how many we went - you don't care after awhile, you just get the car turned around and get back up into the lanes! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psd7f4f73b.jpg Little brother Danny was enjoying his part in keeping the mood calm: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psd3ae2813.jpg And then, before you realize it - Final Round! Crowd is going crazy, photographers all over the place.... just try to focus and not go red! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psfab0142e.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Came up a tad short in the Final, but a good clean race - and a 'Congrats from Cowboy' is what all the kids look forward to:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps9d42862e.jpg Parade Lap and Interview: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa9cb0269.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psf013c05f.jpg And then the Paycheck! $$1,250+ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img] He gets the cash, I get to pay the taxes.... (You'd think as a CPA I'd be able to figure out a way around this, but....) http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc9c8e86e.jpg After it all settles down, Ben and Jarrod - friend, competitor & winner, just relaxing and hashing out the day's events.... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psd0fb94a2.jpg I think Danny got the bug..... they start at age 5 now, I have the perfect car just waiting in the garage at home... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps3dd67710.jpg The Maple Grove Team 2 tied for #1 in Team Points, but lost the tie breaker to a track from Houston, TX. But, Maple Grove won the Team Spirit award, Tiki Men and all - even local press coverage from PA! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps7cf68c72.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps04532305.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psb7ab02ac.jpg Time to say 'Goodbye' to TN and back to PA... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps5af32f0a.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psb1e1d34b.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Way to go Marlin - looks like a great family time! Congrats on the win(s)!!!!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bergy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Way to go Marlin - looks like a great family time! Congrats on the win(s)!!!! </div></div>
That is beyond awesome...thanks for sharing!! |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Great story, congratulations to all.
Jake |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Outstanding. Great story and a really nice accomplishment!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Terrific story, really enjoyed the read and photos. Congratulations on a strong result.
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Spent last weekend at the Jr Dragster Division 1 Race at Numidia Dragway, one of our favorite tracks!
Ben did good in the Gamblers Races, got 3rd place Friday night in a field of ~60 cars and won $150! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] We went out first round in the Divisional when the car slowed up for some reason (these Jr Dragsters will make you pull your hair out....). Then he went 4 rounds in Saturday's Gambler's Race and 2 rounds in Sunday's High Rollers Race - lost a tough one at the stripe by .004 [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img] Numidia is a great track, perfect starting line, the owner really takes care of the racers, and they PAY CASH! Oh, they have awesome food too, breakfast pics instead of race cars [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps716c88fe.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps4f2e5b73.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psc9b652b9.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps95b91ce7.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psba55067b.jpg I think Danny really has the Bug now, as he wanted to know when his car would be ready.... I'm exhausted running 1 car, will have to stock up on even more Mt Dew when I'm running 2! |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
good stuff marlin
congrates i have an older daughter 20yrs and her and my wife run a drag car 1972 nova again great stuff..it keeps them out of trouble and off the streets chris |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Yes indeed! Out of trouble and off the street racing scene - 2 of the main goals for sure. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Great times with the kids. Doesn't get any better
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
With the summer winding down, and 'back to school' denial in full effect, we made one last effort to hit the track. The little track just south of Carlisle (Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way) went under, and was being sold by the bank. Much to our surprise, a guy from Long Island, NY bought the track back in July and reopened it! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] So, we were anxious to get out there again. Track owner Mike was having a special holiday race on 9/1, so we watched the weather till the last minute and then made the 2+ hour pull - but missed first time shot by ~10 minutes.
It was good to see friends again, and we were able to visit between short periods of rain. Car count was close to 100 overall, so a good resurgence of racers! The car was 'on', running 4 1.98x 60' ET's in a row. While Ben really dislikes their new Christmas Tree, he was better on it then most of the other Jr's. Long day short, after 4 rounds or so he pulled out a Win by .005 (he had .05 at the light, and has really learned how to close it up at the stripe...). A fun day, especially for a last minute decision to go racing. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img] Just after the final round. If you're still running when the shadows are long, it's a good day! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps66f200ac.jpg Ben and Brady have been racing each other at this track for about 3 years now, and it is great to see both of them become such good racers. Both are good at each end of the track. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps568e666a.jpg Winner! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps400deac0.jpg With trophy: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps8e1021ec.jpg PS: sometimes there is more goofing around than racing, it was 'tag football' this time - like herding cats... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps36d0ad7f.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
To paraphrase: "Even a bad day racing (with the family) is better than a good day working!"
Now it's on to football, dance, etc ............... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] Heard the DEUCE got to stretch her legs a bit too, right? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Made it out to the rescheduled Jr Dragster Challenge race at Maple Grove, went several rounds - but another Runner Up! Not too bad of a season for only being out 4 times or so.... Now that Benjamin just turned 13, we get to move up to the fastest class, 7.90 ET / 85mph, and go through yet another learning curve!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps765f20e9.jpg Check out my 'Thinker' of a son, and my new Tool Caddy on top of the roll cage! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps35bb1a0e.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Great job guys!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
So, another year rolls around and we are neck deep in every sport and activity possible - oh, and let's stick with the racing program as well!! Benjamin at age 13 moves up to the fastest class this year, 7.90 ET @ ~83-84MPH. His new engine arrived back in January while the car was at Half Scale Dragsters chassis shop being upgraded, and the flex link being made functional. The car has a high cage and extended foot box, but Ben will out grow it this year because of the width - but, we upgraded it anyway to make the most out of this year, and his younger bro Danny wants to drive it after he outgrows his car... A few pics of winter painting tasks to get the chassis finalized, the new engine installed and the clutch reworked for 7.90 ET's.
Had a small 6" section of chassis tubing replaced to make the flex chassis functional again, broke out the PPG 'stuff' to shoot / match it right. We also had a under chassis weight tank made, so I painted that too... I like to paint! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/2015%20Jr%20Dragster/chassis%20repair%20tube%20to%20be%20painted_zpsyn1 ueiel.jpg[/img]][/url] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/2015%20Jr%20Dragster/chassis%20repair%20paint%20prep%201_zpsdpauwjcd.jp g[/img]][/url] more to come.... |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psxf4co4m8.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pshy75iyzt.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psob53izxg.jpg Several...months....later.... All ready to run, just waiting on a free day... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps3bss8ze0.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Well, that free day was this past weekend. So, we loaded up the car, and little brother Danny, and off to Numidia Dragway we went. With so many changes, and a new combination, we had no clue what this thing would do - our goal was to just get it down the track, and maybe run something close to a 7.90.
Pre run #1: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps8wuuh4gq.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps5k78ggf5.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psmavsgsqr.jpg How did this 13 yo get to be 5'8" @ 125 #'s (over night!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img] ) Benjamin's #1 fan is his little brother, who prefers to watch from the golf cart because he gets too upset when Ben loses a round.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps1r2uoria.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
I think we were all surprised when Benjamin nails a .002 light and a 7.77 on pass #1! We quickly made some weight adjustments, and got the car down to 7.87 range for round 1. He wins round 1, but red lights round 2 away with an -.010 to his competitor's -.007. Bummer, car was on a rope, running a 7.899 on a 7.93 dial - we felt we were holding 4 ='s close enough!
So, we closed up and went to Knoebel's Amusement Park a few miles away. Boys! They had to go on the water ride, note that there are no leaves on any of the trees yet - no reason to stay dry! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psz5zm4ktg.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps9d4ixngg.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psba1apqpi.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Sunday is a new day, and we are still a little too fast running a 7.84 and then a 7.85 (after adding 5 pounds). Benjamin chops the tree down on round 1 with a .001, and then closes the gap to drag her through as they both run under (we knew the competitor quite well, and she is a really good racer who holds and drives the stripe...).
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psx4dasewb.jpg Benjamin kept it up, and 4 rounds later was in the finals - he busted a light and drove the stripe to win it all! Stunned is an understatement!! He won $150, bragging rights, and photo ops! Love racing with my kiddies! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pslebthyfo.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psxudaekpb.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Great way to start off the new season! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
.001 reaction time -- WOW! YeeHaw!!!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
So.... Maple Grove replaces the second half of the track with concrete over the past few months, and then proceeds to grind and polish - but doesn't quite get it finished. They decide to race this past weekend anyway, so a bunch of Jr's show up Friday night for TnT (we were playing baseball...). First pair goes down the track, and when they hit the new section the one Jr has a front tire stick into a groove right at the finish line - once it releases it shoots her across the track at 83mph narrowly missing the other Jr. She rolls a few times and slides a 100' on her side, [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img] She is ok, the car needs work. This is the second time MGR has done this with track, I guess they didn't remember it from years ago. This is also the 2nd Jr crash in a 2 years from poor decision making by track management (last year they ran a pair when it was sprinkling at the finish line, they slid all over and one went into the wall...). [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img]
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psewl7c2n1.jpg So, we switched gears Friday night and pulled up to Numidia again, but could not repeat - went red in round 1, and red again in the buy back round. It's a humbling sport.... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psfnnxfvud.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Almost equal confusion this weekend! Typical baseball / softball on Saturday, and then we planned to run Jr's on Sunday at South Mountain since they had a $70 Bounty on a girl who won 2 weeks in a row. Well, late Saturday night, they cancelled the Jr race / Bounty thing. Since we were all hooked & loaded up, we decided to scram right after Church and hit Maple Grove ($500 to win!!). We get there after the first time shot to learn they will only have one time run due to weather concerns. 'Ok, we'll take a 'no punch' run just before 1st round...' Nope! There is a new person in the tower and I don't think she was aware of that allowance. So, we end up on the bottom of the ladder and have to race the #1 qualifier. Oh, and you are the first of the 5 numbered pairs. Geez, could anything go our way? It's our first time with the new engine/clutch/chassis setup on this track. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]
So, we dial a 7.900 based on Numidia weather, which means it has an .85 or an .84 in it - but could be 2x that given the density altitude... Just to make it that much more challenging, the other kid decides to pull a 'burn down'! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] Benjamin simply waits patiently, knowing that without a time run, and being the first pair, this only helps us build the necessary heat into the engine. After 20 seconds, the starter gets on the radio...and this BS is not worth getting tossed over. So, I motion to Benjamin to go ahead in, and he cuts an .031 light (green! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] ) and I can hear him wompin it (5X!) on the top end as the other kid was off his dial. Sad - we run a 7.898 on the 7.900, running out by .002! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img] Ben was really bummed - just a simple 'no punch' run and we'd have added 5 lbs....but, I'm really proud of him! I can't wait till next year when Danny starts racing, I'll be busier than a 1 armed paper hanger! That's racing! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psowt7rxom.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
You guys ARE really busy! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
It was a racing weekend! Spent Saturday and Sunday at Numidia, and Ben is still getting used to the new engine/clutch/chassis combination at the stripe. It will take some adjustments to learn how to close it up at the stripe now that we are running a full second quicker in the 1/8 and 10 mph faster! So, we lost on Saturday with a 7.8999 on a 7.9000 dial to the kid who eventually won it all. And then, did it again on Sunday with a 7.897 on a 7.900 dial - to the same kid! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img]
So, we packed it up and went to South Mountain Raceway on Monday for a much hyped 'Bounty Race' where the local track hero had won the last 2 events. She's an 8.90 car, and is a pretty good racer who also races at Beaver Springs Dragway and at Mason Dixon Dragway. After much publicity, the bounty had increased to $200 - which is a good chunk of cash, especially for a Jr Dragster! Ben and Maddie plow through the field on separate sides of the ladder, and eventually meet in the final - which they chose to do a best of 3. Ben was all over the tree (which is pretty tight at SM...) with .012 and .018 lights to bring home the prizes. He received $200 cash, a free 8x11 photo from the track photog, a case of Lucas Oil Jr Dragster racing oil, Lucas Oil hat, t-shirt and flag/banner, 5 gallons of race fuel and a nice trophy! Not bad for a 13 year old, and certainly helped him recover from the close round losses at Numidia!! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps4lh2dbin.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psmjonlpoc.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psdm2re46i.jpg Grandparents were even on hand for the event!! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pslhak6v3g.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
I think this is how Erica Enders started out ... look at her now!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Go Ben Go!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Congratulations!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think this is how Erica Enders started out ... look at her now! </div></div>
Yes, Erica and her sister Courtney started out in Jr Dragsters - and she is doing fantastic! Many of the big car racers are very aware when a Jr Dragster kid 'ages out' and starts driving in their class, they know that a Jr Dragster kid is not to be treated lightly - they have youthful reflexes, and have been whacking the tree for 9-10 years already! And, by the time they age out - they've been driving the stripe for most of their Jr career. Look out Benny, just do the math on this one.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psx4dasewb.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Well, it's that time of year again! Another Jr Dragster - Eastern Conference Finals event is in the books. Not the same degree of success as last year, but a fun week none the less. Benjamin's City/County baseball team had 2nd round playoffs Thursday night till 8'ish, which gave me very little time to finalize the prep for the trip. So, with 2.5 hours sleep, Benjamin, Danny and I pulled out at 4:30AM on Friday - Mom and Amanda were set to arrive the following Tuesday (Amanda couldn't miss Acting Camp!!).
A second round playoff loss allows Ben to focus on the week of racing! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psk0bi4zzk.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psymmiwgrd.jpg It's early! Danny was the first one up, dressed and shaking me awake at 4AM - and he's not even racing yet! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pspcu3sfjr.jpg No trip is issue free! So, this year it was a massive trailer tire explosion about an hour from Bristol, TN. In 10 years of towing, this is the first time I've had a blown tire. The boys were quite excited as it broke the boredom of the 9+ hour pull. Of course the jack I keep in the trailer was rusted up, so after unloading the trailer to get the spare we had to unload the back seat of the truck to get the jack! Danny was mesmerized by the old tire! As we start up to continue, the truck throws a code....some days. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psfnvra7xm.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psk5sxxs2a.jpg We get there a little later than we wanted to, but easily got our desire pit spot - but with 800+ kids racing for a week, it filled up fast! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps7zvuirk7.jpg Benjamin's final round photo has been used in numerous NHRA publications and on their website throughout the last year, so we had high hopes of repeating the success from 2014 - ignoring the fact that we had changed classes, are running a full second quicker, 10 mph faster, and put a fair amount of work into the chassis... ie; we have zero historical data to work from! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psdvs3yrqp.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psce0x9ilt.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
I look forward hearing more.
FYI, this is worth keeping on the trailer. <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/755hmEWAW_c"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/755hmEWAW_c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object> |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
We typically don't do well in the various build up races that happen from Saturday till Thursday, and this year was no exception. We struggled by running just a tad under 7.90 in the index race (with .5 pro tree), the bracket race (red light), the $5k High Dollar race (tree'd), and the Fun Race (2nd round, broke out). But we were gathering valuable data.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psxrdhtx4q.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps5cw14hp6.jpg Benjamin's head is no longer 4+ inches from the roll cage! While the car has a high cage and extended foot box, it's now too narrow - he'll need another car for next year. He's all broken up about it (not!). http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psa0smdrel.jpg Part of the deal here is to keep Danny occupied, at 7 years old this can be tough! So, I pretty much give/get him whatever he wants - as much italian ice, deep fried twinkies, orange Fanta, fans, Oakleys, ipads, water bounce park, bowling, then a day at Dollywood water park (had to drive right past Floyd's Museum (again!), and couldn't stop in [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img] ). http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psrcef5sj9.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psjzudobox.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psqrg6x1wl.jpg Playing 'heads or tails' with these new Oreo cookies, amazing how quickly they went through the entire pack! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psntazvy91.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Thursday rolls around pretty quick. NHRA shows up to run their race, and the entire tone of the event becomes a lot more serious. The starting line is always near bare concrete till NHRA shows up, but this year they didn't prep it like they normally do. Good thing we had our shock chassis (essentially a 3 link car) made functional again over the Winter, because we really needed it. We set it up for full travel, and just 5.5 #'s of air pressure, and did not have tire spin the entire week - this while other competitors were running to the tower, blowing up facebook etc...
Bottom line, Benjamin pulls a .001 light in Round 1 on Friday afternoon and runs a 7.92 on a 7.90 dial vs. his opponent's .011 light and 7.954 on a 7.94 dial. The MOV was but 35 ten thousandths, tight! First round is the hardest, but now the pressure was off and it was time to enjoy the Track Cookout! Round one - tires are still wrinkled as they pass through the beams! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psifa9t5z9.jpg Win Lights! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psk2iyx8xl.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pstucadix8.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psixxtqthp.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
There are trophies for each age group for the best reaction time and best package in Round 1. Ben had the best best R/T, and was thrilled (and surprised) with a nice trophy and a photo that will make it into the next National Jr Dragster magazine.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pspizkzol0.jpg Yea, he's the tallest kid in the bunch - and just 13... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psxifwszqq.jpg Not sure what he's doing here, other than realizing that Round 2 is first thing Saturday morning - nerves were kicking in already. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pskug6s3xm.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
With half the field gone, Round 2 came up fast - with far different weather.
Trying to keep him calm in the staging lanes http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps2f0mrxbb.jpg Some last minute advice; I started pulling his car 2' in front of the other right before we get the instruction to start them up. I have him look over and find a spot on that kid's car, that's 2' in front - if you aren't at that spot by the time you hit the first mph marker, back off... It was working since we were dialing a 7.90 every run for the entire week (and holding a few, still having to add 65+/- #'s of weight to the car). http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psh9qrvdmu.jpg This is stress point for me, as there is nothing more I can do - I have to give one more visual check to the engine/clutch/rear and then step away and send him down the track. Sometimes I can't even watch the entire run! He pulls off Round 2 with another tight finish line win. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pshmclbljy.jpg Support group! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...pskvghvf27.jpg Alas, Round 3 was not to be. We went out when the weather changed, we added weight to compensate - just not enough and he ran under by .003. The good news - he got paid! $50 is still a good thing! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...psx8llyokv.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps2ldnmc2s.jpg So ends another year, wouldn't trade these trips for the world. Next year we'll have 2 racing as Danny ages into the program - doubles my odds! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...ps4fyoegiy.jpg |
Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Awesome Marlin, thanks for keeping us up to date for the future of top fuel. Go Ben, go!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
Marlin -- that is so cool!!
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Re: The newest drag racer gears up!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Marlin -- that is so cool!! </div></div>
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