First Practice for 2011/2012

Well it is that time of year again when the thought of racing becomes reality. I've had a huge past 12 months and the car has sort of suffered. With trips to the east coast of the USA and Vegas, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore and shortly the Gold Coast the bank account hasn't had much left in it for the car.

Considering the engine has been in the car since Nov 2006 and has only had the sump off once to replace the main bearings (after we broke an oil line one night), I thought I'd buy another set of heads and cams. Hmm not now, hey there is always next year. But the downside is I'm not sure how much racing or traveling I may end up doing this season and after my first attempt at the Auckland Teams Champs, it took exciting to a new level I am now debating if it is worth it, while the car goes really very well for what it has to give terminal speed is an issue. The rules for the class allow guys to spend up large and with no end in sight things will just keep evolving to a point where it is just to dangerous to race. Now they have allowed a trial of an even bigger engine to make it cheaper to go fast whereas they have missed the point that both classes of Stockcars are getting too fast.

Lets forget the negative and look at the positive. Ummm the car is now running again and will be registered to Auckland. Although I'd given consideration to moving after being told last season I was rubbish, but Bryce wants to race for the Allstars (if they can get a team together), and with multiple cars its just easier having them run out of the same track. Rumor is there are a couple of other cars up this way, but will have to wait and see on who actually appears. Oppss darn it back on the negative .....change subject.

Colours.
Yes 53a is now sporting a new colour scheme and sign writing is underway. Dad has done a great job getting the paint on and Wayne is producing some great looking graphics. I can't be happier with how its turned out.

Fingers crossed we manage to get a bit closer by opening night.

Practice
We really only went to have the car green sheeted and get it warm for the first time in a while. As it turned out the fan belt decided it had gone around enough and decided to part ways. Good thing it happened now and not for the first race. As for the laps, well not bad considering I didn't take it past 7000 and who knows how much pressure was in the tires.

Before this weekends opening night I need to change the oil, recharge the accumulator and reset the suspension. I did remember at least to buy some different valve shocks so might even give those a try.

So roll on the weekend and good luck to everyone for the season....see you at the track.
Catch ya.....MadPhil