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Howdy – I’ve ordered my new TAG Rotax racing machine, and Shockwave wants to know what number I want.
Clearly we don’t want to duplicate somebody else’s number in class (TAG Masters), but I’ve read the postings here and what I can find elsewhere, and I’m still confused. Also not clear about what you guys mean when you talk about registration of numbers.
I went to the “Registered Numbers” page in the Colorado Sprint Chamionship Series section on the coloradokartracing.com site and checked under TAG Masters, which would be my class when I start actually racing, but apparently those aren’t the only numbers I need to try to not duplicate?
I also checked MyLaps in class for the latest Club race, but saw some numbers not listed in the above list, and in any event not all racers participate in all races, so obviously this wouldn’t be a complete list related to club events.
First year I’ll probably focus mostly on getting seat time. I don’t think I’ll be running any CSC races any time soon (as in a year or more, if ever), but you never know. Of course I hope to run local club races in TAG Masters at some point, soon. It’s highly unlikely I’ll ever go outside of those two areas, though.
So what sets of numbers exactly do I need to not duplicate?
Isn’t there some single source where I can go to *definitively find that out?
And, what do you all mean when you’re talking about registering your numbers? So when I get a number put on the new toy, do I then approach someone and complete some form/”send away” with some fee, etc. for this? Is this required, and if so why?
Thanks!
Sheldon Potter
Angie, and all – I hope I didn’t create a problem w/ my questions about the new site. I certainly didn’t intend that; just wanted to get straight what the score was, e.g. if this one was going away, etc. As a rookie I’m not in tune w/ a lot of the stuff you guys talk about yet, and I also tend to be a bit direct sometimes.
OTOH, in the short time I’ve been hanging around on the forum and starting to get to know a few of you largely via same, I’d just reiterate the “thanks” already posted by others that I also feel for your work on this site/forum.
Sheldon Potter
Very good, Brad. Thanks for the info. Just curious. I’ll pop over and check it out asap.
I’m an old Web head (small time web designer), as Angie knows (I emailed her a few times last year re. some forum stuff she was working on). Pretty much retired now, but if you guys ever need any assistance from time to time w/ the new site, e.g. w/ testing new features or “informed user” feedback, or related input, etc. don’t hesitate to contact me. 303 423-5412.
Sheldon Potter
I must not have gotten the memo, so to speak: What’s the context behind the new site and forum? Seriously, I don’t recall seeing anything on the current site referring to this previously, so am a bit confused.
Does this mean the thecoloradokarter.com site and forum are going away? Any particular reason for the transition?
If so, what’s the official transition date whereby the current site/forum will no longer be available, etc.?
If not, does that mean there will be two sites and forums? Difference in purpose, audience, etc.?
Who’s going to manage the new site/forum, what if any additional help is needed in that regard? What about likely costs and how the karting community can help in that regard as well?
Thanks.
Sheldon Potter
Oh my, speaking as a Rookie, this all really concerns me.
Since I’m one of the new guys I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I really had thought I was getting involved with a bunch of folks that might actually have a sense of humor. You guys are all just too serious about this sport.
And, frankly, if this guy Jansen (based on the photo) is representative at all about all the hard physical conditioning that has to go into succeeding in it, I *know I’m screwed. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to eat enough pork rinds or drink enough beer to ever match this fine physical specimen.
BTW, why when I asked about equipment needed to participate didn’t anyone say anything about all the guns and guitars I’ll also have to get in order to play? Damn, this sport is getting expensive…
(BTW, also, since I’m also still looking for driver attire, where the hell do you find those boy thongs anyway?)
Sheldon Potter
Scott – I’m a recently retired Web head so wouldn’t try to help you directly, but I may be able to provide a referral or two.
Sounds like you’re looking mostly for content maintenance (text and graphics/pics?) and a possible design upgrade on one or the other of your two sites? Beyond that, it would be helpful to know a bit more about your specific requirements and I’d be happy to see if I can at least get a couple of names for you.
Also, if you’re doing much in the way of text content maintenance, I’ve worked w/ a Boulder gal for a customer or two of mine who does excellent Web copy writing – informational, technical and promotional copy – very professional and accommodating, and knows both writing and business.
BTW, the two sites I saw links to in your post both seem to be very nicely designed, not amateur designs at all. I take it that their designer/developer(s) aren’t considered viable candidates for your current needs?
PM me any time on that.
Sheldon Potter
@D fresh wrote:
Sheldon, just a bit of advice I’ve been given and whole heartedly agree with.
Buy from our local shops, its a good thing to support them or they may not be around when you really need them.
Dave — Well of course I agree wholeheartedly — if you can find what you’re looking for locally. So far, my Bell helmet and Ribtect II came from local vendors, and the guys at Shockwave already know (I think?) I’ll be working w/ them on my TAG/Rotax machine.
The key phrase, however, is “if you can find what you’re looking for”.
I actually talked w/ the only folks I know of locally who might have been able to help w/ the Sparco suit I”m looking for and unfortunately, through no fault of their own, they weren’t able to help me, so I’m forced to buy from afar. Currently a Plan B alternative for suit is an OMP suit I’m considering which may be available via the Noud’s biz.
But, ITMT, this particular Sparco is the #1 preference – if you or anyone else knows of a local Sparco supplier, especially with actual stock, and while we’re at it, a local Piloti dealer (for possible shoes) where I can go to the shop and get the stuff without having to wait weeks anyway, I’d be more than happy to work with them.
Aside from the perspective you pointed out re. supporting local suppliers for Karma’s sake, which I of course strongly agree with as well, when it comes to things like suits, etc. in theory I’d much rather buy locally just so I could try the darn things on before signing the credit card slip. It’s a royal pain to find Internet based folks that will work w/ you (meaning not charge you a 20 **&&!!@# percent restocking fee on items that don’t fit).
Can you find things cheaper online?
As above, it ain’t about the cost. (at any rate, Sparcos all seem to sell for about the same regardless of dealer).
Sheldon Potter
@RainMan303 wrote:
I’ve been wanting to get into karting for years, and I think the time has come to take the plunge. Unfortunately, I am totally new to the sport and have lots to figure out. I would like to get into shifters…
Hey, Rain Man – As another newcomer to the sport, based both on what I’ve heard/read from more experienced others and from my own admittedly limited experience, I’d have to agree w/ Jeff re. the potential value of starting in TAG when learning the basics of driving.
I’ve mostly been in the arrive and drive machines at The Track at Centennial and elsewhere locally (working on getting into my own machine), but also have had a chance to briefly try out a TAG/Rotax, 6 Speed Honda shifter and most recently one of the Shockwave DD2 machines.
I don’t know where you are in innate talent/athletic ability, and never having been in bikes I don’t know how much skill would carry over into karting, but I’d have to say that all other things being equal I can see how important being able to focus exclusively on cornering, throttle/braking, passing/getting passed, as well as all the hundreds of basic things you have to learn mechanically and about setup, etc. first for a driver new to karting can be of great value longer term. Certainly for myself TAG is a no brainer. 🙂 OTOH, then I’ll have to find some other excuse for being the slow guy… We’ll see..
(of course, your own mileage may vary)
Also, so, you only have a million questions? That’s about a million less than I’ve had and continue to have. This forum and the local karting community it represents are invaluable resources in that regard! Don’t know about you, but it’s all a nice little adventure.
Sheldon Potter
BTW, Rain Man, what’s your actual name? (Don’t say Dustin Hoffman, I’m not *that much of a rookie…)
I second the “thanks”. The classroom time was most useful, but that was largely to both what Doug mentioned – a busy track, as well as, in my case, being a rank amateur trying to use a DD2 as my practice machine.
I do know my lap times were effected – I think I set the record for slowest in track history. 🙂 Not because of the class, though. A bit too much machine, an overabundance of caution (didn’t want to damage this one, as I think I did another guy’s machine a few months ago when I kept my foot in it more) and not enough talent for this old guy.
Actually, I did pick up a couple good technique ideas I hope to be able to leverage next time out. Thanks again, Greg.
Sheldon
@TerryVT wrote:
I will be sure that my wife does not see that. 😯 I had a feeling that someone would make a comment like that. Since I did not word that very well.
No, you worded it just fine. You’re just dealing here with a fairly off the wall middle aged guy who sometimes just can’t resist an irreverent/borderline disrespectful remark. I thought about not saying anything, but the picture of some guy driving along w/ his wife and a couple of horses tethered behind the truck – one way to interpret that – was too much to resist. One of these days that kind of thing is going to get me into real trouble…
No disrespect to the wife, or the horses, meant, of course. 🙂
I think you may have already seen this trailer. If you are the Sheldon I met in October at the Fun Race at The Track. I pitted next to Craig Neff. (the guy with the RV and the shifter kart).
Any way let me know.
Oh! Are you the guy w/ the dangerous red (I think it was red) methane powered 4 stroke number? I recall Craig, insisting that I try out his Honda powered shifter. That was a blast, even though I’d never been in one, hopefully I didn’t screw up his transmission too bad. Surprising how easy it was to get ‘er loose coming off w/ all that torque in lower gears.
Like I wasn’t hooked on karting already, he kept saying “Hey, the first ride’s free…”. Really nice guy; don’t seem to see many posts here from Craig.
Anyway, thanks for the info. Hope to get this stuff squared away and out on the track slogging around in the back behind all you guys soon. Watching the Sebring 12 Hour along w/ first F1 race this year really puts the bug in my butt to get moving. 🙂
Sheldon
@TerryVT wrote:
Sheldon,
I have a HF trailer that has the 8″ wheels.. I drove it on I-25 65 MPH all last season. It did fine, no surprises.
By the way… It’s for sale. ($200). I bought a full sized truck over the winter to pull the wife and kid’s horses. So I no longer need the trailer. My Toyota pulled it just fine.I’ll let you know about the trailer.
Re. the new truck – so, since I’m new here (as well as long divorced, plus never owned any horses), I want to be sure I understand – you pull the wife and horses along behind the truck? I’m confused. Wouldn’t that tend to tick off the horses?
Oh, I’m sorry, it’s Friday…
🙂
Sheldon
Thanks guys! You know, when you’ve never set up for something like this before every detail is like “ok, well, how does this piece work?”. I’m sure it will all fall into place a step at a time as I move forward.
Yes, Jeff, if you can, it would help to see a pic or two of how you’re set up w/ this trailer.
I’ve actually got the first piece of equipment, finally – a Bell helmet – and dying to get *all these pesky things on the list to get and configure out of the way so I can start taking advantage of some of the spring weather on – track ASAP.
Sheldon
@jibco wrote:
Get the 12″. The bearings are actually pretty good, but the 12″ will be much preferred over the 8″.
We stack 2 karts and stands and other stuff on our 12″ and cruise 75mph with no worries. Regular bearing inspection and re-grease will keep it all happy. …
My WRX probably has the hitch at a similar height as your Honda. The ball holder is just a basic one and the trailer sits level. You won’t have a problem with that, there are so many ball holders available.
Jeff – Thanks for the info!
Duh, I also just realized, aren’t most karts wider, at least at the back, than the 48″ width of this line of trailer?
If so, any problems w/ this? Will rear wheels hang completely over or what? What about limiting the use of side rails as a result? Maybe I should consider a wider model?
Thanks.
Sheldon Potter
