Putnam 6/25 - 6/26

Well, next weekend will be :p I still have tread on my slicks, but, they are blue in places, from, what I assume is heat cycling. They've not been in the sun, but, I'm not sure if they've hardened beyond use since I haven't used them in a while (over a year). Yeah, I could order a new set, but that's an expense I don't need right now. Also, will need help getting some high temp fluid in next week, volunteers?
 
While you are changing fluids look at a tire prep to soften the tires.
 
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I can help you with that.
How about Tues or Wed?
I'll pick up trailer at that time - 2 birds...
 
Purple Venom said:
Well, next weekend will be :p I still have tread on my slicks, but, they are blue in places, from, what I assume is heat cycling. They've not been in the sun, but, I'm not sure if they've hardened beyond use since I haven't used them in a while (over a year). Yeah, I could order a new set, but that's an expense I don't need right now.
Click to expand...

When I was campaigning the Funny Bike I used VHT to prep a hard or dried out rear slick and it worked exceptionally well, even after a season of racing.
After one coat they regained moisture and became very soft and tacky....almost as good as new.

I would lift the tire off the ground and apply a coating of VHT to the tire using a paint roller. Then turn the tire several revolutions for a couple minutes so the VHT would not collect on one side...and let it sit off the ground overnight. This was usually done a day or two before a race. By race day they were so soft that they would pick up every small pebble they contacted as you rolled the bike to staging.

VHT was messy...but it really worked... and allowed the tire to remain effective much longer.

I understand there is also a product today called Formula V...but have not used it.

Kerry
 
Ok, what are the plans for:
Departure time next Friday?
Do we want to bring a grill or out to eat each night?

I ordered a comm set tonight, should be here next Tuesday or Wednesday as the instructors have to provide their own.
 
We have a 7:40am flight to Kauai in the morning :cool: and won't be back until 6/26 so wanted to wish you all a safe and fun trip to Putnam next weekend! Look forward to seeing those pics and video!! I'll get there eventually...Mike
 
4 days to Putnam! Looks like Sunday is the only iffy day as far as weather right now. And yes, they run in the rain as long as it's not a downpour. Got the trailer brakes repaired, but have to pull the wheel and hub off to complete the job today. Still have to get my track brakes on the car, swap brake fluid and tech the rest of the car. Hope to leave Friday morning around 11am. That should put us there in time for the tech inspection at the host hotel.
 
Checklist

Is there a Tech Inspection Checklist you recommend? I looked at the one for 10/Tenths and it is not very comprehensive. I know I can pass theirs, but want to do it correctly.
 
Paul, it actually is pretty simple and not very comprehensive if you've kept up on the maintenance of your car. I typically do this:

- Get the car on jack stands and take off all four wheels
- I inspect mainly for leaks under the car at the radiator (hoses and fittings), water pump, oil pan, dipstick tube, valve covers, tail shaft, to the rear pumpkin.
- Since I swap over to a track setup for brakes, that takes care of checking the pads (you will need more than half and that should be checked prior to Sunday's run), caliper bolts and grease and that the rotors are clean (no oil/grease)
- I check all of my steering components and hardware
- I check to make sure all the starter hardware is tight, including the battery cable
- I check my oil level
- I double check my battery cables at the battery and that the battery is bolted/held down
- I make sure my trunk and passenger compartments are completely empty of anything that will blow around or roll around.
- I usually lock my trunk, yes, I've had my trunk come open before on the track

The rest is just general maintenance. Don't overthink it...remember, it's not a race..... But, if you aren't satisfied with that list, here is NASA's HPDE inspection list - https://nasa-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/document/document/277/form_hpde_tech.pdf

As for time of departure, I'm open and meeting along the way is fine. There is a Love's Travel Stop at Exit 45 on I-70 East. Meet there? Say, Noonish?
 
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Packed up and ready to go. After scrubbing the old rubber off my slicks, I found cord showing :eek: Good thing I found it before getting to the track. So, running street tires only this weekend, hope I can beat Madison's time! :eek: :D
 
We're baaack! :D All are home safe and cars are in one piece. Paul/Mark/Madison took a bunch of pictures, I'm sure some will get uploaded this week. Was a hot weekend and we're all beat. More to come later...
 
Here's one.
IMG_2397 Copy.jpg
 
Got back from vacation last night. :cool:

Was thinking of the Putnam group this weekend...wondering how things were going. Look forward to seeing the pictures and hearing about it!
 
Was a great weekend at Putnam. I was Paul's instructor for the weekend which I enjoyed more than I thought. I rode with Paul on every session on Saturday and was able to get out there in my car a few times too. Was embarrassed when right after a session with Paul, I went out and spun the car in turn 8 in to the grass. It was my fault, but, what really caused it was improper tire pressures. Anyway, a most humbling experience. I got passed....a lot this time. Not sure if the intermediate group got faster or I got slower. I had to run my street tires and felt I was scrubbing time in every corner. Anyway, Paul was a great student and showed great patience with me even through our communication problems. I rode with him on one session Sunday morning and signed him off to drive solo :D He did better without me in the car, which was to be expected. As the chief instructor told us, when you drive with an instructor, you are a reactionary driver. Without someone in your ear telling you what to do, you become a more natural driver. In one session in the afternoon, Paul improved 3 seconds a lap from start to finish of the session. His car performed very well and some limitations were discovered such as seats and belts. Great job Paul! :D

Madison did equally as well and moved up from Intermediate from Novice at only her 2nd weekend on the track. Yes, she's faster than me too. Much to learn, but, very proud of her driving as I know Mark is too.
The only complaint we all had was the heat. Man was it hot. We need to plan this a spring or fall event next time. Pictures will be posted soon I'm sure.
 
Here are a few of my cell phone pics

Paul going solo on Sunday :D
Paul going solo.jpg

Jim let Mark drive his car around the track during the touring laps
Madison.jpgMark and Madison.jpgMark in Jims Car1.jpg
 
You'll be glad to know the track is in the process of being re-paved.. Oh happy day! :D
PutnamRepaving.jpg
 
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