Last points race of 2012

So we reached the end of the season.  The weather was a little cooler than nearly any of the other races.  The windy conditions made it uncomfortable for the crew and the crowd but the action on the track was still hot.

Lian drew a starting spot of 6th out of 8 in Heat 1 and finished 6th.  In Heat 2 she started 3rd and fought of two different challengers from behind to hold her position to finish 3rd.

The feature race saw Lian starting 6th.  Although she had an opportunity to advance on 5th place, some of that hot action I mentioned ensued.  Some light bumping and Lian found herself in the grass.  When everyone straighened-out in the end she finished 8th.  Below is Lian leading a group out of the right-hander during warm-ups for the second heat.

With her best 10 points race finishes added up for the season standings, Lian finished 8th.  Her good friend Alex won the feature - yet again.  Alex managed a perfect season this year taking the title for the class for a second year.

We discussed the next season and what Lian's next racing class would look like.  Lian will be moving up to what the club calls Briggs Restricted Junior which is for 12-15 year-olds.  There are several competitors moving up with her so she will be among friends - at least off the track.

The changes for her will be a larger restrictor plate and a higher minimum weight.  The restrictor goes from three holes at 0.25" diameter to a single hole of 0.625" diameter.  The areas of each are 0.1473 square inches and 0.3068 square inches respectively.  This doubles the amount of air and fuel that the engine can take in and will come close to doubling the power!  The weight must increase from 265 lbs to 305 lbs.  Our club friends warn that it will be an adjustment to drive.

We hope to run at a different track in Pennsylvania next (Beaver Run) at a fall fun race.  It is a big course with 17 turns and elevation changes. I'll let you know how it goes.

Until next time...