Putnam 6/25 - 6/26

Tim M

Tim M

PRESIDENT, Member # 015
GCC Member
Location
St. Charles
First Name
Tim
Last Name
Mauldin
Ok, our first track date will be 6/25 and 6/26 with 10/10ths. I will keep an eye on the website and let you know when to register. Although it is open right now, I typically wait until a few weeks in advance before registering due to weather. They run the event rain or shine, unless it's a monsoon. It is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE to another event. Having said that, IF there is some type of family emergency, you can call Bill Neal and he will try to work with you. They do now offer a request for refund/transfer link - http://www.1010thsmotorsports.com/refund-request.html

There are 3 run groups -

Novice -(for first timers) that INCLUDE some classroom time and controlled passing zones with point by's as well as ride along's with instructors. If you have a single roll bar, you may want to open dialog with 10/10ths to make sure they won't require you to have two for the instructor ride along. At my first event there, I had already run with Run N Gun at Gateway twice, so, I never needed an instructor. However, they did assign one to me and he watched me and provided feedback at the end of each run. Visit Novice Corner for more info

Intermediate - some track experience required. No instructor assigned, typically, and passing zones are all straightaways WITH a point by on left or right side. Can typically run down with Novice group (I thought I would run a session with any first timer's and do a lead follow).

Advanced - better be ready to race. This group can pass anywhere on the track, and will. I've registered with this group once, and felt over matched by the NASCAR cars and many race prepped Vette's, Vipers and the like. Not fun taking 1.5 million dollars of car in to the grass :rolleyes:

Typically a track weekend with 10/10ths consists of taking off work Friday so you can travel over and get your tech inspection done at the host hotel. Tech inspection is pretty laughable at most of these events as they really don't do much more than check your helmet, safety harness and that you have your car/trunk emptied of all loose items. You will also take off your center caps. Leave your valve stem caps ON. You should arrive at the host hotel around 3pm (remember, they are an hour ahead, but do NOT observe DST there). Get your tech inspection done, go through your registrant packet, do some bench racing, then settle in for the night.

As the event get's closer, I will organize a meeting with all going to review my past experiences with them and cover any questions you may have. For now...sit tight and review Youtube videos of Putnam...including my own :D

Here and:
 
I may still be shaking out the bug/kinks in my car then Mark....but won't let ya go by yourself! :D
 
So, I picked up the Mustang from the body shop today (don't ask) and had a chance to drive the car in anger once again. This V6 is a beastly little motor....and we're going to the track with it. I have a few safety mods to make, but we're aiming for the Putnam MAY date. I just can't wait till June. But here's the deal...I'll be the BACK-UP driver. This will be Madison's weekend. Novice class HERE WE COME. I'll rent a U-Haul car trailer, and we going back to the track. I think I'm more excited about this than Madison is, truth be told.
 
I'm excited too! :D What safety mods? If my enclosed trailer is back from Washington, you're welcome to borrow it.
 
That's more than generous - just wow. Blows me away. Thanks.

Also, David Williams expressed interest in going. Maybe a good shake down before his trip to Tulsa in June.

Mods on the table -
1) restraint system - I found a really neat system
2) High Temp Brake Fluid and Track Pads
Those may be enough, but...
3) Maybe - Change the drive shaft - Ford uses a 2-piece drive shaft on S-197 Mustangs which is insane and prone to failure at speed
4) Maybe a lowering/handling kit
 
Mark, remember your first time on the track? Remember how you were afraid to push the limits? Remember, this is a LEARNING trip for Madison on how to handle the car on a track. Her first time, sure, make her safe, but no need to spend money on things that...won't necessarily be used. The drive shaft for instance...can wait in my opinon. Suspension upgrades....wait. High temp fluid and pads - yes. No need to go overboard first trip out. She may only like straight line racing. If you're going to spend money, make sure her tires are up to par. Just my .02 worth.
 
You are 110% right. But, that drive shaft issue scares the #$%^&* out of me. There's not a lot of info out there on it, but what I have found is plenty bad. They even built into the ECU a speed limiter for her car as a result. My custom tune removed it however. At speeds over 80 MPH the drive shaft may break in half turning underside of the car into a huge blender. I'm going to try and get a one piece. So, just a father's worry. Either way - we're going. So freakin excited.
 
Well I got the bad news last night. I have torn tendons in my right shoulder and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. I have spent money getting the car ready and now it looks like I have more to fix before I can get on the track. Sorry guys. I'm really bummed and pretty pissed at the same time. Hoping I can still do Lake Garnett and the super cruise in the fall. I'm looking at 12 - 16 weeks of therapy after the surgery. I'll keep you updated.
 
"I have torn tendons in my right shoulder and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks."

Dan, sorry to here that. Hopefully recovery goes well enough that you can come and hang out with us some this summer...even if it's in your truck! Mike P.
 
Jim Dooley and I are planning to head over to Putnam just for the day to watch Madison on the track. I will drive, anyone interested in riding along, let me know. Will be Sunday since we have an event Saturday with the club.
 
Although the thread title says 6/25/26, I assume you're talking about going this Sunday, 5/22. What is the estimated departure and return times? I would like to go

Paul
 
Clarification - the thread started as a discussion of the JUNE Putnam date - which many folks are aiming for (me included).
I then side-tracked the thread discussing the MAY Putnam date. (which I am attending)
Sorry.

Emphasis - Get out to Putnam this year GCC.
June looks like the the prime date for many members.
Give it a shot.
You'll have lots of support and loads of fun.
 
So, if you are planning to go to Putnam 6/25 and 26, I would go ahead and make hotel reservations. As for registering with 10/10ths - I typically wait until 3 weeks prior to the event and hope that he long range forecast is good. Room rates are $110/night at Super 8 to $154/night at Holiday Inn Express. I'll make mine at Super 8.

Any other questions, let me know and I'm sure I, or Mark E can answer. At this time, I think Me, Mark/Madison, Jim D and Paul are going. Did I miss anyone? I've got to step it up after seeing how fast Madison was today :D
 
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The girl did good
IMG_7887.jpg
Not sure who was having more fun, Madison, Kyle or Mark :)

Saw one proud Dad :cool:
 
Well, it appears we've waited too long. Novice is full and Intermediate is full on Saturday. Advanced seems to have one spot open at the moment. I've sent an e-mail to Bill to put our name in the hat in case there are cancellations. They don't return until September :(
 
So, it looks like Me/Madison(driver), Tim, Jim Dooley, and Paul.
I just booked my hotels rooms. We're all set.
I wish more of you could have made this one.
This weekend will be epic.
 
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