Points race 3 - part 2

Okay, now I'm back in town and have a little bit of time.  Just wanted to add a video from the race two weeks ago.  I was struggling with it when I literally ran out of time before my flight so here it is.

(Video removed)

Just so you know, this is not normally how a pass will happen.  Lian did everything right and did not get black flagged for this.  She clearly had the inside position going into the left hander and the 48 kart driver simply didn't know she was there on his inside. The rules are if you are passing and can get the nose of your kart up to the middle of your  opponent's, your opponent must give you racing room.  She was well beyond this when they made contact.  He learned a lesson about being aware on the track.

Unfortunately, this contact was not without damage.  Lian's right body panel now has a significant crack in the middle and a tire witness mark on it.  I've cleaned most of the tire mark off but repairing the crack will be more involved.  I'm going to try to fiberglass it before the next race.  Oh and as far as we know, the 48 kart sustained no damage.

Next race will be a night race on the 9th of June.  It will be our first under lights.  Hopefully, my work will not keep us from racing.  Thanks for reading!

Points race 3

The Crew Chief's new company has had him involved in training for the last few weeks.  Fortunately, he got a break this weekend and we were able to gather our equipment and head to the track for Points Race 4.  Lian even brought along her very good friend Emily to share the day.

Conditions were very warm with just a slight breeze.  I bought a smoke visor for her helmet so that she didn't have to squint while on the track.  Here is a shot of her on the grid waiting for the first heat to start.

We ran lower tire pressures due to the heat (high temp around 86 degrees).  She again ran with the "Rookie Novice" class that was made up of 4 karts configured as Junior Sportsman and one that was a 80cc Cadet class.  I have to go now but I'll fill in details on this post soon, including a great video.  Thanks for reading.

Second Race

We were unable to get to the track for Points Race 2 because the Crew Chief had some company training he had to attend out of town.  Anyway, we were back at the track for Points Race 3 and enjoyed terrific weather with clear skies, sunshine and moderate temps in the upper 60s.  Here is Lian waiting for the start of Heat 2, sitting on the top of the seat back.

While Lian's lap times had gotten quicker as she gained experience, the same happened with the other rookies and the opportunities to pass became fewer.  She started in the back of Heat 1 and finished 3rd of 5.  She started on the pole of Heat 2 and finished 3rd of 5.  In the feature, Lian started 4th and finished 4th on the lead lap.

Lian had her big brother Tyler in town this weekend and he helped out both in practice and race day with moving the kart, cleaning tires and other odd jobs.  Here is a picture of the two of them.

All the other kids in her class (and several from other classes too) were often in the adjacent field playing football between events.  We really had fun with the other racing families - helping each other, encouraging the kids and just visiting.