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As the knucklehead who sent his son out on slicks instead of rains, I’ll definitely second Don’s statement that the Mini Max race did not end dry. 😳 (Peter will second it even more emphatically!)
Angie–
That is a GREAT idea!! I was going to say that it would be cool to have pictures, too, but then Jansen and Bobby would want their avatars included and you’d have to give it an R rating.
:sun:
Joe,
Obviously the best balance is the one that works for you, but as a starting point, Memo Gidley’s book suggests 42/58 front/rear, and 50/50 side to side. Beyond that, most sources I’ve read suggest trying to have both tires within 5 pounds of each other in the front, and as close as possible to that in the rear as well.
I’d second that! A full day, but well-run and lots of fun. Great cooperation by Mother Nature too. :cheers:
Graeme,
I remember the pain of learning to mount tires! You might do a search on the topic on ekartingnews.com, where you’ll find lots of descriptions of both manual techniques and specialized tools. Here’s my quick summary, on a recent post: http://www.ekartingnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=54180&start=15&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
Tires should be mounted–and removed–from the “inside” of the rim. If you’re doing it by hand, put the tire on the floor (or better yet a carpet or piece of cardboard) and insert the wheel into the tire at about a 45 degree angle WITH THE VALVE CORE SIDE OF THE WHEEL FACING UP. Sort of twist the wheel while holding it at a 45 degree angle and it will slip right in (lube helps a LOT here). Then flip the wheel over so the valve core side is down. This is where it gets tricky. I push one side of the tire down with my knee, then work my way around tire shoving the rest of the tire under the rim. Pushing the center of the tire (tread) in helps collapse the tire so that it will more easily fit under the rim (try squeezing the tire at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.) Technique, warm tires, lube–and optionally one of the fore-mentioned tools–is key (and practice, and maybe the forementioned beer). After 4 years, I can now mount YHCs, MG Yellows, and MoJos by hand–but I prefer to use a tool if one’s handy. I’ve been using a Tire Whiz the last two years, but the biggest problem is that you really need a way to hold the tire while using the tool.
There’s also an excellent video showing the use of the Tire Wizz tool on that thread (which makes it look easier than when I do it!).
Most people suggest NOT using soapy water as a lube, on the argument having water inside the tire makes the tire pressure increase when the tire heats up. Alternatives include WD-40, Tire Snot (sold at IMI) and Simple Green (though I presume it contains water).
As for breaking the beads, you’ll need a bead breaker tool–all the local shops should have them for sale.
As others have said, the best bet is to watch someone mount/dismount tires, then practice till you get the feel of it. Don’t be surprised if you’re frustrated and sweating–it really does get easier! And I strongly recommend wearing gloves (the first time I mounted tires by hand I ended up with a couple nasty blisters).
Les,
I think what Rick is referring to is that the X160 transponder was recently revised. As far as I know, the only change is how it’s mounted (the mounting post now goes through the center of the transponder rather than through a tab on the top–probably a stronger design). Either the old or new model is acceptable.
If life hands you a snowball….
Now to add to the debate (confusion?), the 2007 RMC rules are out and specifically prohibit FWBs in the Junior and MiniMax classes. (Still optional for International and Masters and, of course, mandatory for DD2).
Doug,
I agree that the Rotax Nationals at Road America had some problems, although it sounded to me like it was poor communication/planning among RA, Champ Car and Rotax rather than Champ Car dissing Rotax. Despite that, though, it was pretty magical to have Formula BMWs, Atlantics and Champ Cars practicing and qualifying right around us while working on our karts in our pits. Pat and I won’t forget that experience anytime soon!
That to me is the bummer of Champ Car not coming to Denver–it was our opportunity to have professional open wheel racing in our midst. I agree that not having the Denver Grand Prix shouldn’t detract from the RMC Nationals. But it does detract from the local racing scene more generally. Let’s hope that the rumors about PPIR, Genoa, etc. will replace the loss of the Denver GP (for the second time!) Meanwhile, we can look forward to having the Rotax Nationals here! :cheers:
It couldn’t have helped that the Democratic convention is coming to Denver. I can’t imagine the security folks would be wild about having a race right around the Pepsi Center the week before the convention.
It’s a bummer, but of course all the Rotaxians wouldn’t have had much time to enjoy the Champ Car event anyway. (Yeah, I know, sour grapes!)
Larry’s got a good point about Rotax having a history of making changes in venues, but as I understand it, Rotax pretty well knew that the Denver GP was history when they made the decision to bring Nationals here. Sounds like they realized Colorado is a great location regardless of the Champ Car connection.
