Racing Blog 3-23-2006
	Well, here we go again.  We ran another great event this past Thursday (3/23/06).  We had a ton of stuff to pack into a single night.  We had to get our Salt Lake Mini-Z points races in, as well as March’s HFAY OLPS.  We had a great turnout for this event, with only a few racers missing.  In attendance were: Brian (aka Briankstan) Chad Luke Lynn (aka Clanure) Kelly Mike (aka Stepchild) Brandon Those missing were: Chris John Mike S. For our track setup, we went back to the traditional pre-planned pre-designed track, but before we could get to that, we needed to set up for the HFAY OLPS.  We set up for HFAY race #5, and then made the necessary adjustments for HFAY race #6.  After these were completed we set up for our Salt Lake Mini-Z race.  This weeks track was a lot of fun, using the wide inside corners and the 45* sections.  Also a note on the HFAY tracks for this week.  I thought this week’s HFAY track was extremely fast and fun.  It ran really smooth, and all our drivers performed well. Before we ran our HFAY runs, and while we were waiting for all of our drivers to arrive, we decided to run the Overland race.  Because there are only four of us running in the OL series, we don’t worry about qualifying.  We run 25 laps, and it continues to be a lot of fun.  I had made some changes to my OL, so I was excited to run.  I switched from the MB AMG G55, to the H1.  I also lowered the suspension by 2MM, and used some alloy racer rims.  I think I’ve definitely dialed in the OL, now I just need to practice.  The OL finish broke down like this:  Chad (25 laps), Luke (22 laps), Brian (22 laps), and myself (21 laps). After the OL race, we got right into qualifying for the HFAY OLPS race.  The qualifying turned out like this:   Chad, Brian, Mike, Luke, Lynn, Kelly, Brandon.  We ran the race 5 B main with very little excitement, and then moved to the A main.  The A main had quite a bit of excitement, Brian and Chad had swapped the lead once already when Brian, who was currently leading, was involved in an accident with Mike.  The accident had propped Brian’s car up on its side, when Chad hit it and actually punted Brian’s car off the track.  Chad took the lead and held it until the end.  We then reversed the track and ran race 6, both A and B mains.  Not too much exciting to report on those races, except to say that Brian got his revenge when Chad’s car was involved in an accident and ended up stranded on its top.  For complete HFAY OLPS results you can check out the HFAY OLPS website (www.howfastareyou.com). After rebuilding the track to our Salt Lake Mini-Z specifications, we re-qualified and got right to racing.  We tried something a little bit different this time, just to see how it would work out.  After qualifying and being sorted into the A and B mains, whoever won the B main would have the opportunity to race in the A main.  So, we started the B main 8 minute race.  In the lineup was myself, Brandon, Mike, and Kelly.  Brandon and I swapped the lead a few times, but I held onto it and won the B main, which meant I had to immediately turn around and run the A main 8 minute race.  The final results of the B main 8 minute race were: Lynn (52 laps) Brandon (50 laps) Mike (47 laps) Kelly (40 laps) The A main 8 minute race included Chad, Luke, Brian, and myself.  After Luke led the first lap, Chad took over and never relinquished the lead.  The final results from the A main 8 minute race were: Chad (63 laps) Brian (59 laps) Lynn (52 laps) Luke (51 laps) After we finished up the 8 minute races, we moved right into the 12 minute races.  We use the same qualifying for both the 8 minute and 12 minute races, so the B main 12 minute had the same starting lineup.  The race ran very smoothly and everyone settled into a good groove.  There weren’t a lot of lead changes or even too many field changes.  The results of the B main 12 minute race were: Lynn (84 laps) Kelly (76 laps) Brandon (73 laps) Mike (70 laps) Because of our little experiment, I got to run in the A main 12 minute race as well, so the lineup was Luke, myself, Chad, and Brian.  This was by far the most exciting race of the night, as Chad instantly took the lead and held it until lap 56, when his H plate broke and forced him out of the race.  With Chad out, it really changed things up.   Brian secured the lead and held it to the finish.  The results of the A main 12 minute race were: Brian (92 laps) Lynn (84 laps) Luke (82 laps) Chad (56 laps) To finish up the racer portion of the evening, we ran our 3 lap shootouts.  These shootouts are great fun, as the finish is really anyone’s guess.  Plus, the bonus point doesn’t hurt either.  It was interesting this time because all 6 cars were on the track at once (Brandon had to cut out early).  There was lots of carnage and excitement for those short 3 laps.  Luke won the first shootout, and Chad won the second. To finish out the evening we tore the track down and set up the jumps for the Monster Trucks.  Brian finally had his Mini-Z Monster running, and I had my new Venom Mini-Giant (Although I didn’t get to race.  No batteries).   Anyways, Monster Truck scoring for the evening went like this: Luke (9 points) Chad (6 points) Shalayne (1 point) Brian (2 points) For complete and up-to-date standings for our Salt Lake Mini-Z 2006 Winter Championship series, check http: //www.saltlakemini-z.com/2006_Winter_Championship.html Final notes on our 3/23/06 event include big THANKS To Brian for all of his work with the Core timing system.   He has really made some huge improvements that help make the racing fun.  We now have updated announcements for each driver, including when they take the lead, or set the fast lap.  We also have starting grid announcements, and finish line announcements.  It definitely adds to the excitement to hear your name being called out during a race. Stay tuned for our next blog, which may come next week as we may have some special visitors racing with us.   Until then, keep racing. Take care, Lynn (aka Clanure)