Race #6

Good day racing!

We had a clear sunny day to race although it was a little hot and sticky (low to mid 90's with humidity in the upper 60% range).  Unfortunately, several of the regulars were at a bigger race (WKA event I think) and were not present.  Only four raced in Lian's class but they were very evenly matched so there was good action on the track.

We started the first practice and I anxiously awaited Lian's report on the engine.  It was disappointing.  She seemed to feel like it was down on power slightly overall (low rpm to high).  I could not imagine what was wrong - I felt like I was very thorough in the work I did.  The second practice, the engine would not even start.  I quickly had the assistance of other families surround me as I pulled repeatedly on the starter. Kill switch, choke, fuel flow, etc. were all explored.  We had to give up on getting her on the track and retreat to the "garage" for a more thorough check.  One of the more experienced dads pulled the "kill" wire off the ignition and we got a spark.  This told us, there was a short somewhere in that wire.

With a quick teardown of the engine covers, we were able to isolate a spot where the wire had melted against the cooling fins and grounded on the engine.  There was no way that was going to start like that!  Another dad quickly produced some electrical tape and soon we were repaired and re-assembled. Sorry this photo is poor but here is what we found - it does not take much!

That bright spot on the wire is the conductor inside that was touching the engine.

Hoping that was also what effected her performance in the first practice, we kept our fingers crossed and sent her into Heat 1.  She started in 4th and finished 3rd but had some great lap times.  Even better, she said that she felt like she had every bit as much engine power as the rest on the track.

In Heat 2, she started on the pole.  It was great seeing her lead the group to the start.

Lian was able start clean and get ahead of the #25 in the first turn for the ideal line.  This gave her a nice advantage and potential for winning this heat.  The fastest driver - #12 in the yellow kart - was closing in on her as the laps wound down.

On lap 10 of 12, Lian leaned a little too hard on the throttle exiting a turn and slipped wide.  This gave both the second and third place drivers an opening to pass.  This was a bitter lesson for her but one she accepts responsibility for.  Up until that point, the #12 was not able to pass her so I was proud of her for that driving.

The feature was a little anti-climactic in that everyone finished where they started.  For Lian that was 3rd place.  She did wear the GoPro for the feature and got some video of the race.  Here she is leaning hard on the right rear tire during the feature.

I have replaced the irksome wire in the engine and we are ready for next week!  Meanwhile, I'll try to figure a way for a rookie blogger to get video to you...