What we've learned on the track

[Quickurt]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

I prefer dry racing, but have actually enjoyed racing in the wet. You can explore the limit at much lower speeds. Having said that, I do not enjoy it when the visibility gets bad, I also race a Formula Ford. What's really scary is getting caught on slicks when it's damp or just starting to rain Though I wan a race at Pocono this year under just those conditions. I had to force myself to keep the throttle down while trying to keep the back end in line around the NASCAR turn 1. At one point there was water running across the track, you had to straighten the car mid-corner, "skate" across, then resume cornering.
Steve

Have you run at the new New Jersey Motorsports Park yet? My biggest customer is a vintage Ford (door cars) racer and went up for the first event. He said the owners should have hired Mike Rand like they did for the renovations at VIR. He said you really have to watch the stupid gator teeth on the outside of the exits. If you go onto them they throw you off the track.

[stephen wilson]

Yes, I've run the Lightning track once. Unfortunately, I missed the Thunderbolt race, and the final Lighning race due to a failed fuel cell. ATL won't have the replacement ready for several weeks yet, since it's custom. No off-the-shelf unit would fit my '78 Van Dieman. Are you from the New England area like Rand? He's untouchable a LRP! I managed to keep things tidy and not run afoul of the gator teeth, Though I did manage a high speed off on the right hand turn 6 (7?). It's tricky, with a crest at the apex, falling away towards the exit edge.

[Quickurt]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

Yes, I've run the Lightning track once. Unfortunately, I missed the Thunderbolt race, and the final Lighning race due to a failed fuel cell. ATL won't have the replacement ready for several weeks yet, since it's custom. No off-the-shelf unit would fit my '78 Van Dieman. Are you from the New England area like Rand? He's untouchable a LRP! I managed to keep things tidy and not run afoul of the gator teeth, Though I did manage a high speed off on the right hand turn 6 (7?). It's tricky, with a crest at the apex, falling away towards the exit edge.

My car is technically a Winklemann WDF2. At least that's what the Log book says! The space frame is very similar to the Paliser design, but all 4130 and 8" longer. The suspension geometry is pretty much custom, but 79 Van Dieman was very influential in my thinking. I have a bit more camber gain and slightly longer virtual swing arms, but it is still very "Van Dieman-ish." I was not at all happy with Fuel Safe on my last fuel cell replacement, I hope you have better luck with ATL.
Mike Rand and my ex-engine builder are very good friends and Mikey used to run out of the Southeast. I only ran against him one time, at the 25th Anniversary Festival at LRP and he was the same in the 81 Van Dieman. Gone.
I'm in the Amelia Island, FL area.
My car is available and one hell of a club ford. Mike Rand can vouch for it.

[stephen wilson]

Are you retiring from racing?

[Quickurt]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

Are you retiring from racing?

Yeah. I'm pretty sure that would be a true statement, at least as far as open wheelers go. I was toying with going back and playing before I bought the box.
I'm gettin up there, almost 60, and the heat has become more and more unbearable. I have a plastic forming company and have two big ovens heating up sheets of plastic all day long. I don't run the machine anymore, but the shop is always hot, here in North Florida, even without the ovens on. Spending my free time out in the heat with multilayered clothing, gloves and a helmet just doesn't hold the fascination it used to. I've run with enough fast drivers to know I can run with anyone I'm willing, or able, to spend with.