Club Racing

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SLTOA Members SCCA 2003 Standings

3 May 2003 Standings Andy Stark

4 May 2003 Standings Frank Axlerod

 

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Tips from the Pits
Andy Stark
 

            Hi all. Another race weekend had come and gone for Two Dog Racing.

The St. Louis region SCCA put on a great event May 3^rd and 4^th despite some pretty wild weather. Both the Spitfire and the Gt-6 performed well this last weekend. Both cars had gone through extensive preparation since their last race. The Spitfire had a completely new clutch system since Memphis and the Gt-6 had the bugs worked out of the Weber Carbs since the St. Louis March event. Both cars should have been ready to go.

            Just when you think you have it all together something comes out of the blue and wacks you on head. This last weekend it turned out that the previous owner of Franks Spitfire came back to haunt us. After a beautiful morning warm up, Frank decided it was time to double check his brakes and bleed them for Sundays national race. It was a good thing he did. It turns out his left rear axle felt loose around the lower trunion. Initially this would have been simple fix. After the days racing I could have fixed it and had the car back together the next morning before Frank had his qualifier. Unfortunately the problem turned out to be a destroyed bearing.

            This is when being a club racer pays off. The other Spitfire drivers pulled together and came up with enough parts to rebuild Frank’s axle out at the track. It is truly an amazing saga to watch. When asked why Production car racers are so helpful? The standard answer is “ It is no fun to race alone.” That is the key to the sport folks. Jack Steve, Frank and John all pitched in to get the job done. It really did not take all that long. I was pleased to watch the whole thing from across the pit while I was getting mentally ready to run my race. Two Dog Racing has assembled a really good team of mechanics. We are no longer just reliant on one over worked guy anymore. I am confident with any one of our crew to fix anything on our two cars at this point. Even more important, is the team is really learning to spot problems before they become real problems.

            Ok now on to my race on Sat. It was a spectacular day for racing. It was the best weather I had so far in my short career. During qualifying the GT-6 was running great. I also felt pretty comfortable in the drivers seat. I had several really hot laps and the car was a ball to drive. After about 15 laps I started to feel the front tires going South so I pulled it in. The decision had to be made weather to run on the old used tires or use some sponsor money and buy new. I bought new after the tire dealer showed me the cracks that developed on the old tires.

            I was really surprised to find out my qualifying times were in the 1:13 range! I had pulled 2 seconds off my best time! I was really happy. The new tires would definitely help in the race. Race time came and it looked like I would be racing the 240-Z from the March race again. He had qualified one tenth of a second faster than me. It was going to be close race. We had also qualified with some of the faster cars. We are moving up in the world :o)

            The race itself was fantastic. It was the wildest ride I have had so far. I can’t begin describe it. Lucky I have it all on video. The only bad things that happened is the 240Z stalled on the grid and missed out on three laps and I spun with two laps to go, both minor events in an otherwise great race. My final time best lap time was a 1:12.2. The best time yet in the Gt-6. For a car that has a lot of development to go I am really impressed and encouraged.

            Sunday it was Franks turn to race. Unfortunately it was a rainy hell. It was cold rainy, windy and altogether nasty. Frank opted not to qualify and just start at the back of the pack and get the finish in the race. This strategy initially worked. Since he stayed with slicks, he was able to power up through the G-prod cars and take a comfortable spot in second place during the early part of the race. Unfortunately track conditions and some suspected oil on the track caused several people to spin including Frank. Frank ended up in the grass at turn #4. Fortunately the car was unharmed and Frank was able to finish the race without incident. He was able to gain important points toward the National championship.

            Both cars are at home now getting ready for our next run in Kansas May 31^st and June 1^st.

             I would like to extend a thanks from Two Dog Racing to Rimmer Brothers. Rimmer Brothers has decided to lend support to our racing effort and paid our entry fees at this last race. Rimmer Brothers are our first Automotive Sponsor. We are very excited to have them displayed on our cars. As you know Rimmer Brothers sells very high quality Triumph parts at very reasonable prices. If you need anything that is hard to find they can most likely get it for you. If you need a catalog contact me.

Thanks and keep the shiny side up

Andy

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