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@David Fedler wrote:
…
Please keep me on your list for whatever is organized. Our family will be proud to lend a hand….Ditto here.
Also, re.:
@Robert Hanley wrote:…he really liked the idea of having time at the track with a group of guys that have the same interest. The more of you that want to be involved the better. …
…Would also be happy to participate this way, as well (I’m mainly at The Track).
Perhaps a track owner might also consider stepping up re. that season (or similar) pass someone else mentioned?
Let him know about this forum, too, and that might also be a good way for him to network w/ the karting community directly.
Sheldon Potter
Thanks, all, for your replies. It’s always nice to know that even as a casual karter – i.e. have not become part of the official racing fraternity through participation in organized events – I can, nonetheless, always count on good input from you guys.
I’ve decided upon a Leatt, and hope to report any impressions of my own that seem relevant to usability and safety once I have a chance to give it a whirl.
ITMT, I have big plans for the foam donut. Being 60, I tend to drop off while watching Top Gear or B&W T.V. classics from my era. My couch is close to a hard ledge, which, previously without anything to hold up my head, I’ve just bounced my head off of when the sandman comes. Now, with my foamy collar free for T.V. watching protection, I can blissfully nod off without fear of banging my head anymore.
Sheldon Potter
Thanks to all for your responses, and a special tip of the Hatlo-Hat to the Shockwave bunch for your Rotax exhaust system proctology services. Did the trick as predicted, and, also as predicted, no headache afterwards.
I know I can always count on you guys for friendly help with my Shockwave machine, along with the occasional juicy doggy greetings from your two furry assistants as well.
Sheldon
@Gayle Vito wrote:
I… the editor of the magazine…does believe that changes could be made that would make an accident such as Rich’s less likely to happen in the future and that emergency contact procedures at race tracks should be implemented…
The 2001 Earnhardt tragedy at Daytona was given meaning by a subsequent discussion in the auto racing community of driver safety, which, as I understand it, in large part lead to the introduction of head and neck restraints and track “safer barriers”.
I don’t personally know Rich, but I’ve been thinking for some time about his accident in that light as well. Like the aspects of the Intimidator’s Daytona accident that resulted in his death, I’m sure most would agree Rich’s seems fairly unusual. Nonetheless, as we’re all painfully aware, it only has to happen once.
Being a relatively recent convert to the karting addiction, I don’t know much yet about karter safety issues that might be equally ripe for deeper consideration, nor, for that matter, what discussions have previously occurred.
Having vicariously “witnessed” (courtesy of Gayle’s postings at CaringBridge) the pain and suffering of Rich’s accident to himself and his family, it’s clear to me that even a “black swan” event such as this can have profound ramifications for more than just the racer; in my humble opinion that might very well be reason enough, perhaps, for such consideration in the karting community.
Thus I’m curious about the specifics of what he suggested on this topic, if you’d care to post them.
Thanks. And, FWIW, I continue to think about and hope for the best for Rich and his family.
Sheldon Potter
Kirk’s comment reminded me that, even as a relatively casual karter, I’m nonetheless so taken with it that I refer to the corner at the end of my block as “turn one”.
Sheldon Potter
Thanks, guys, espec. re. the caveat from Doug. I’ll be sure not to whack the electrode w/ anything bigger than my 20 lb. sledge.
Sheldon
Also, wondering about food/refreshment (non alcoholic), water concessions/availability for spectators, as well as any restrictions on what spectators can carry in (eg cameras, etc.).
Also, aside from parking fees, what spectator entry fees for what areas (e.g. additional fees for certain primo viewing locations and so on)?
Thanks – Sheldon
I got one better – this afternoon I ran into IRL driver Justin Wilson at a bike shop in Westminster!
No fur or whiskers on him, like that big cat in your shot, but still! I had no idea he lives here in the metro area and about s*** when I saw him unfold himself (he’s very tall) out of his pretty little 3 series BMW. Talked w/ him for a few minutes, nice guy. Finished 11th in points this season. One of the Champ Car transitional teams, so not surprising.
FYI, for those who don’t know who he is: http://www.indycar.com/drivers/driver.php?driver_id=408. I’d forgotten he also did a year in F1, in 2003.
Just realized – what about front wheel bearings clean/lube? Same as rear, I assume? Frequency?
(I have no clue how my Shockwave bearings might be similar or different than others, I think these are “sealed”? So, I infer you don’t need to be that concerned about internal cleaning? Duh…)
Thanks!
Sheldon
Super duper, guys!
As always, great info. for the novice.
The thing about small children, though I’m troubled by – isn’t there something in the rules about that in terms of race event tech constraints? Seems I read they take away points for the season if they see you using the kiddies to work on the machine…?
OTOH, it’s getting more and more clear you need to spend more time pampering the damn things (the karts) than actually running them. Maybe a wee one or two to help out might not be such a bad idea…
Thanks –Sheldon
@RotaxOldFart wrote:
The rubber’s so thick I bet I could measure it with a guage!
Then, maybe a chisel and hammer is what you need?
Sheldon Poter
I decided to kick the sleeping dog and called Kaiser member services, and at least in their case, everyone’s comments, above, seem to be borne out.
Thanks, you guys. Now I feel more confident about taking it up a notch. Maybe next time out at TTAC I’ll see if I can’t put it on the edge and chip it down to 5.500 minutes this time knowing that if I have a major off splints and braces should be covered…
Sheldon
@Road Runner wrote:
Go with 57, you definatley dont wanna share a # with that little jeff Gordon.
Tony – Ya’ got a point there, although he hasn’t been so cocky lately what w/ his teamie Jimmy taking the last two championships and what not. Ideally I’d like to use young F1 hero Lewis Hamilton’s current number, which I think is 22, but this old go-slower wouldn’t want to insult him.
I of course am running THE ALMIGHTY NUMERO 20
Yeh, I know. Kind of wanted Smoke’s number for myself, actually.
BTW, I don’t recognize that helmet brand in your photo, is that a Bell? Don’t those horns create a lot of drag?
I think 57 it will be for now. Following in the footsteps of one of you local karting giants, I’ll be following the “number it for the age at which you started it” standard this year.
Freezeman – thanks for the additional perspectives, and for the welcome. And, that registration check is “in the mail”. It’s rubber, hope that’s ok…
Sheldon
