Test Day and Summer Series Opener
A late start and a shortened test session at Rye House began Paul, Toby and Luke's day of success and failure. After fitting the new radiator to kart 24, and modifying the side bar with a hammer (yes this was the approved solution according to O'Neill racing's technical guy) to prevent a repeat occurrence, the day started well. Alterations to the front (in 5mm) and rear track (in 5mm) on kart 27 gave a more neutral balance. Times did not improve substantially but the kart felt like there was more to come.
Switching to the race slicks on kart 24 for the 20 min practice session immediately shaved 1/2 sec of the lap times even though they were a race old. They also stopped the kart from bouncing round corners and squealing like a car chase in a 70's American film when braking or cornering. (Don't ever buy Veloce tyres they are rubbish - we're going back to Bridgestone YEQs for testing as soon as we can wear them out - donuts anyone?). Toby heard a faint metallic noise from the engine area but thought nothing of it at the time. (more later..)
During qualifying Paul went out first being marginally heavier and able to warm the tyres much more quickly (usually by the first bend!). A 36.36 seemed a reasonable time compared to the times in the last race. Then on his in lap the kart slowed dramatically, not only that but also started coughing, banging, wheezing and generally sounding terminally ill. He limped to the pits where, just in case, we changed the plugs to no avail. Cue engine rebuild No 1 for kart 24.
Fortunately, being a professional outfit (yeah right) we'd brought a complete spare race kart (kart 27) which suddenly found itself subjected to the attentions of 3 stressed out amateur mechanics trying to fit tyres, transponder, fuel, etc, etc, in the 10 minutes remaining before the race. For the first time ever it all went smoothly and kart 27 proudly lined up 13th on the grid. We'll blame this on the lack of qualifying time and an ailing engine I think.
After a single rolling lap the race started cleanly and Toby settled into moving up the field to regain his rightful position at the sharp end. Or at least that was the plan, even driving the doorhandles off kart 27 could only produce lap time in the low 36 bracket. Mid 35's would have been need to even keep with the pack. To compound this demoralising experience the kart needed the arm muscles of a body builder to get it round corners. With lap times tailing off dramatically, after 17 mins Toby pitted to let Paul share some of the glory. 2 laps later he was back in complaining of a lack of power and high temperatures. A check on the Alfano remedied the latter (it was set to Fahrenheit so 138 wasn't out of the ordinary) and the pug changed to try and cure the former. The kart made it to the end of the pit lane and stalled never to be restarted. Cue engine rebuild No 2. Double Ouch!
So, one step forward (with kart 27's handling) and about one million backwards for 2 engine rebuilds. Time for some serious garage time before the next race.
PS. Did I mention the slightly bent axle on kart 27. Not sure where or who picked this up but with the engine off already it will be easier to fit and we can change the grumbling bearings too. There, who said silver linings don't exist.
Rye House, 20 Apr 2002
