Points Race #1 of 2013

Back to racing!

We were able to practice the day before.  This gave Lian a chance to get used to the new set-up an brake-in the new tires.  We bought new wheels and tires all round to better operate with the increased weight and power.  Fast laps in this class are around 21.15 to 21.30 and Lian ran as fast as 22.30 so we knew we needed to get quicker but it was not a bad place to start.

We got to the track on Sunday and unloaded under cool, breezy conditions.  The sun kept things comfortable but the wind picked-up as the day wore-on.  We all eventually got cold but got some good track time.

Race day we got Lian out on the track for both practices to get some all important laps in before her first race.  Here she is waiting her turn before the second practice.

Practice went well but we were disappointed that only two other racers in her class showed-up to run the race so we were not able to compare Lian's times with many others.  Lian got plenty of complements on the new look of her kart.  The club photographer got several pictures.  He and I agreed that that was the day to get them because the graphics and body will never look this good again after the first competitive race!

The heats went well.  Lian started second of three in both and finished second and third in each.  We noted that she was turning rpm at 6709 on her quickest lap 22.98 seconds.  That was too high.  The target for this restrictor plate is 6500 to 6600.  If Lian gets any more speed (which I'm sure she will), we'll really be on the tailing side of the horsepower curve.  

Here she is on the outside pole getting ready to start Heat 2.

In the first turn of Heat 2, the yellow kart went below Lian and slid up into her.  This knocked her off line and scuffed her new graphics (ouch).  Lian was a little steamed about that (she did not speak to that racer for a while).

I, fortunately brought along some rear axle sprockets.  I quickly swapped out the sprocket and during the feature, Lian turned a maximum of 6531 on her quickest lap of 22.96.  That should give her room to gain speed.

In the feature race Lian started and finished in the back but still turned some good times and got used to the engine tune.

We still have work to do.  My list includes fine tuning the engine (plug, carb, valve lash) so we can squeeze everything out of it.  We also have to do a few things to make Lian more comfortable.  Who knew her driving suit would start to get short or her helmet would get tight?  Ok so those items are on-order...

Looking forward to more competitors next time.  Thanks for reading.