Two Top Fives
May 23, 2010 - Before we cover this weekend, I need to post a retraction from last weekend. Apparently the computer didn't keep up with my typing, and instead of the blog reading push rods, it only stated we lost two rods. Everyone knows there is a big difference between push rods and rods. Darn computers.
Now, on to last weekends highlights. Friday at Hays, Matthew started in 8th, was shuffled back on the start, and managed to work his way back to 5th place. There were 18 SportMods. The boys tried some pretty major changes working to find the setup. We've finally realized the learning curve is as great as it was on the Hobby Stock plus Matthew is working to break some of his driving habits from that class as well. If it was easy, everyone would do it plus you would never appreciate it or learn as much. Someday, both Matthew and Jacob will appreciate all they have learned through this, but right now, it is just a bit frustrating! LOL.
After the races, one of Matthew's young fans stopped by to give Matthew a thank you note. He wrote, "always drive safe but always drive fast" and drew pictures of the race car. Very sweet. My cousin, Lori, and her friend came to the races. Cody also brought his friend, Kenny. And, of course, all the grandparents were there cheering. What a great fan club!
Best quotes so far this year: Matthew said, "Boy, we sure go through rear bumpers." Then, a few minutes later, Jacob is walking by the back bumper and he says, "Boy, we go through rear bumpers like Dad goes through cigarettes!"
Matthew's interview ran several times last weekend. The Grandparents had all seen it and got a lot of comments on it from friends who also saw it. Grandpa Brandt taped it so we got to see it Sunday morning. Kim said we should call Matthew "Mr. Hollywood." It is posted on KWCH Catch it Kansas Web Site at: http://catchitkansas.com/Global/story.asp?S=8871509&nav=menu604_4_8
It was the interviewers first race and he elaborated on a few items. He taped over 3 hours. It is fun to see how it is edited into this small clip.
On to the 1/2 mile track at Norton where Matthew also managed to finish 5th, but just barely. I put up 12 pictures so you can walk through the race if you read the captions: http://tinyurl.com/2d9a2y3
As you see, we ended up on the wrecker. The bolt broke in the left rear trailing arm causing the rear end to move back and forth. Eventually the drive shaft jammed in the tail shaft of the transmission and the tail shaft broke. The panhard bar bent. That turned out to be one really expensive bolt as it caused a lot of damage. Had to mark over Dad's note again for it to read "BOAT" (break out another thousand).
Boys already went to work and have pulled the engine and transmission. Guess I won't get my observation deck built this week either as it will be all about race car repairs! But, you can bet they'll be ready for a four-night Memorial weekend at Goodland and WaKeeney.
Following weekend is Hays and Dodge. Golden Belt has free tickets for Hays races so get your tickets before they are all gone!
~CBR Mom
Now, on to last weekends highlights. Friday at Hays, Matthew started in 8th, was shuffled back on the start, and managed to work his way back to 5th place. There were 18 SportMods. The boys tried some pretty major changes working to find the setup. We've finally realized the learning curve is as great as it was on the Hobby Stock plus Matthew is working to break some of his driving habits from that class as well. If it was easy, everyone would do it plus you would never appreciate it or learn as much. Someday, both Matthew and Jacob will appreciate all they have learned through this, but right now, it is just a bit frustrating! LOL.
After the races, one of Matthew's young fans stopped by to give Matthew a thank you note. He wrote, "always drive safe but always drive fast" and drew pictures of the race car. Very sweet. My cousin, Lori, and her friend came to the races. Cody also brought his friend, Kenny. And, of course, all the grandparents were there cheering. What a great fan club!
Best quotes so far this year: Matthew said, "Boy, we sure go through rear bumpers." Then, a few minutes later, Jacob is walking by the back bumper and he says, "Boy, we go through rear bumpers like Dad goes through cigarettes!"
Matthew's interview ran several times last weekend. The Grandparents had all seen it and got a lot of comments on it from friends who also saw it. Grandpa Brandt taped it so we got to see it Sunday morning. Kim said we should call Matthew "Mr. Hollywood." It is posted on KWCH Catch it Kansas Web Site at: http://catchitkansas.com/Global/story.asp?S=8871509&nav=menu604_4_8
It was the interviewers first race and he elaborated on a few items. He taped over 3 hours. It is fun to see how it is edited into this small clip.
On to the 1/2 mile track at Norton where Matthew also managed to finish 5th, but just barely. I put up 12 pictures so you can walk through the race if you read the captions: http://tinyurl.com/2d9a2y3
As you see, we ended up on the wrecker. The bolt broke in the left rear trailing arm causing the rear end to move back and forth. Eventually the drive shaft jammed in the tail shaft of the transmission and the tail shaft broke. The panhard bar bent. That turned out to be one really expensive bolt as it caused a lot of damage. Had to mark over Dad's note again for it to read "BOAT" (break out another thousand).
Boys already went to work and have pulled the engine and transmission. Guess I won't get my observation deck built this week either as it will be all about race car repairs! But, you can bet they'll be ready for a four-night Memorial weekend at Goodland and WaKeeney.
Following weekend is Hays and Dodge. Golden Belt has free tickets for Hays races so get your tickets before they are all gone!
~CBR Mom
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