Racing Blog 3-2-2006
	This last Thursday (3/2/06), we held another one of our great get-togethers (GTG’s).  Originally it was intended that this would be a SLC Mini-Z points race to make up for our missed GTG in January, however because some members couldn’t make it, we decided to make it a fun-run.  In attendance were: Brian (aka briankstan) Chad Luke Kelley Mike (aka stepchild) Lynn (aka Clanure) Those that couldn’t make it were: John Brandon Mike S We weren’t sure how we were going to set up the track this time because our fearless leader and resident RCP track expert (Brian) didn’t have anything pre-planned.  We decided to just “throw” something together and boy what we came up with was interesting to say the least. Once again, because we weren’t running anything for points (HFAY OLPS or SLC Mini-Z), we had freedom to pretty much do what we wanted.  After the track was set up we started open practice and setup.  Nothing too significant on the practice stuff, however we did have some setup issues.  Luke kept glitching (something that happened most of the night) and he and Brian kept swapping dampers, springs, tires, etc. to get the best combination of glitch-free running and no spin-outs.  For whatever reason, if he put on a disk damper, he would glitch.  If he put on a stock spring setup, he would spin out consistently.  I don’t know what the final setup was, but it worked to some extent. Currently we are running in Chad’s garage, which poses some interesting obstacles to our GTG’s.  A few problems that we face on a consistent basis include glitching, due to a big metal garage door which runs the length of our back straight and 6 guys standing in close proximity to each other with long metal antennas.  We are also experiencing some problems with a cold track.  I was amazed at the difference between my car’s handling on the garage track and my RCP in my living room.  I kept spinning out during the race and couldn’t duplicate it when I got home.  This week however was much better than when we ran our Feb. HFAY OLPS.   Temperatures were probably at least 20 degrees warmer this time around.  I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking forward to Spring/Summer and setting up the track in Brian’s backyard. Anyways, we decided to run a couple of 100 lap races and boy did they start out pretty ugly.  I lost my body on the third lap and at least two others had bodies go missing throughout the race, but we finally got the hang of the track and things started improving.  Chad, of course, won the race beating out second (Brian) by 4 laps.  I finished 3rd, but I was down by at least 15 laps. After a small break to refresh and swap batteries, we ran another 100 lap race.  This one was much better than the first, and to be honest, I can’t recall anything of interest about it.  Chad won, Brian came in second (4 laps down), and I finished 3rd again, improving to only 14 laps down.  After this race, we decided to have some Overland fun. Luke set up his custom built jumps on the RCP track and Chad, Luke, and I ran a 25 lap race with the OL’s.   Brian left his OL home, so it was just the 3 of us.  I’ve definitely come to the conclusion that I need some serious OL practice.  I’m pretty sure I jumped off the track at least a half-dozen times, not to mention the consistent rolling over, high-centering, and the like.  I was so bad I didn’t even bother to pay attention to who won the race. Lastly, we ran 1 more 100 lap race.  This time we handicapped Chad by 4 laps to hopefully make for a more exciting finish.  It worked to some extent with Chad winning, Brian down one lap, and me finishing in 3rd 11 laps down. Other things worth mentioning for the night were Brian brought his MR-02 based CP Cup Car with Jeff Gordon body (#24).  I got to drive it a bit and boy is it something.  It handles pretty darn good for being a bit bigger and heavier.  Out of pure coincidence, Brian had left the 9T pinion on it and so it really ran like a Nascar car, taking nearly an entire lap to get up to speed.  It was fun to drive though, and now I’m convinced that I need a CP Cup Car. Additionally, Mike got his new Yellow 575 GTC out and ran it for a few laps in practice.  He’s new to the RM, with his regular car being an MM Enzo.  Luke also put in a few practice laps with his MR-01 Viper while he and Brian were working on his MR-02.  I never realized the C.O.G. issues with the MR-01 until I got to watch him run his Viper. To finish up the night, Chad, Luke, and Luke’s daughter Shalayne ran the monster trucks.  Brian’s MZM is still out of commission, but he hopes to get it repaired and running again soon.    The monster truck track consists of some really clever jumps and cones created by Luke.  After tear down of the RCP track, Luke set up the Monster Truck course and the 3 of them went at it.  The Monster Truck races consist of each driver pitted against each other for the best of 3 races.  It’s fun to watch, and I’m having a harder and harder time talking myself out of a MZM or Venom Mini-Giant.  Our 3 main monster truck drivers all run the Venom Mini-Giant, which I must say I am impressed with. At any rate, it was another great night of racing fun.  Look forward to next week’s (3/9/06) blog when we should have some more excitement, as it will be a SLC Mini-Z point race night and could possibly be a HFAY OLPS race night as well. Until next time, Lynn (aka Clanure)