24 Hours of LeMons...this weekend !!

[mdrburchette]

That's just it. We were running a block mounted pump. Kevin didn't like it and thought for sure the reason we couldn't get fuel from the tank was because it wasn't strong enough so he pulled the pump off the trailer generator to try it. When the only thing that would work was repairing the fuel leak, we hooked the lines back onto the mechanical fuel pump.
Hopefully Craig has made it home and can post some pics of our steed. Dang, it sure did look mean with the cut springs and 14" wheels.

[ga.spyder]

I feel like I have been kicked by a horse,then run over,and then bitten when I tried to get up.I can tell you this ...we didnt go down w/o a fight!!I just got home and was thinking on how to word this incredibly bad stroke of luck.We have spent a LOT of time and money on this car.Denise and I drowned our sorrows this morning in biscuits with sausage gravy.Southern comfort food!
I will have to look and see if I have any pix.I was so bummed this morning I couldnt bring myself to 'preserve the moment'
Craig

[spiderrey]

look on the bright side, at least u had the chance to try and participate in the 24 hours of lemons. some of us are so far away that it will never happen. there is always next year.

[racydave]

For a sucessful and safe race you really need some track time. Sorry bout your luck!

[kilrwail]

That really sucks, guys. You put your hearts and souls (and blood?) into it - at least you can be proud of the effort. Look on the bright side - next year's car is almost ready.

[rlux4]

Working away from home, I don't get to catch up with the forum until Friday nights. Usually it's a pleasureable couple hours of relaxation after the drive home.
But tonight this news took a lot of the pleasure out of it.
Dang guys, I'm sorry you had such rotten luck.
Was the aux. lobe out of position, hitting the rod bearing bolt?
Ron

[ga.spyder]

I dont think we are sure exactly what is wrong there.It is a loud internal knock that was getting worse the longer it ran.It was going to have to be torn down to investigate,and we just ran out of time..There would have been no time to get parts ,and get the car to the track. We went down swingin' though.The root of the problem is that the motor was extremely late getting back from the machine shop.By the time it was together and in the car we were downto the wire.There are thousands of little items to get a car ready for a race like that,and all of them take an hour longer than you thought it would.I have a lot of newfound respect for these small privateer teams that compete in professional series.Here are a couple pix that I took a week ago(before the car was even complete)I just didnt have the desire to shoot any today!!
Craig

[ventura ace]

I feel for you, team. We've all been pretty excited to follow your progress. Sorry it had to 'pause' this way (not 'end', but pause). I'm sure you guys will get a chance to get that thing running great for the next one, and hopefully I can get a chance to lend a hand between now and then (my daughter's family lives about 45 minutes from Denise, and we will be visiting them when we can).

On the bright side, you've all had a chance to get together and do Fiat stuff for several weekends, and you've probably learned a few things that you never knew before, so please accept my congratulations for all your hard efforts so far.

Here's to the next race!!

Alvon

[mdrburchette]

On the bright side, you've all had a chance to get together and do Fiat stuff for several weekends, and you've probably learned a few things that you never knew before, so please accept my congratulations for all your hard efforts so far.

Here's to the next race!!
Alvon

Alvon, you are absolutely right! We did have a great time working together. Everyone that was a part of this team brought something different to the table and we enjoyed the camaraderie. I know I learned a lot. I learned how to set the static timing on an engine and why a Fiat engine is timed to the #4 cylinder. I also learned to have plenty of sheetmetal plates and pop rivits ready when I'm vacuuming out a rusty floorboard. After every vacuuming session, I ended up adding three or four plates to cover new rust holes. The inside floorboard looked like a patchwork quilt by the time I got it cleaned out! I swear, I believe this car is turning to dust as I type this. I'll pull the car cover off of it tonight and probably find just the rollcage under it.

[baltobernie]

What about a few extra days in front of/following next years' Dixie FiatFest? Be a great time to get some extra help! Heck, I can cross-thread a nut as good as anyone!

[mdrburchette]

Kevin had a good idea about swapping everything over to the 72 shell I have on the rotisserie and making it into a trackday car. As soon as Ron comes home in October, we'll pull the engine and see what's going on with it. We've basically forfeited our money for the Lemon's race so we all have to get over that pain too.

[spiderrey]

how much did it cost to enter?

[mdrburchette]

It was $500 registration for the car.
$100 per driver (4 to 6 drivers)
$50 per driver for temporary license if the driver didn't have an up to date sanctioned license

That didn't include the cost of up to date racing seatbelts, arm restraints, driving suit, gloves, shoes, nomex underwear, helmet or fire extinguisher that was essential for safety.

Rey, they do have these Lemons' races all over the country and are actually based in California, so if you wanted to get some guys together, you'd be able to. One's at Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows CA and another is at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow CA

[spiderrey]

is there a web site

[mdrburchette]

Here you go. It's pretty entertaining in itself:
http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/