Redding Race Report

[Brad Wunder]

As many of you know, the Redding track recently went through a little upgrade. The entire track has been sealed and it is AWESOME! Wasn't sure what the new surface would do to the grip level (brought a pair of ice skates along jussssst in case). Turns out there was no need to worry. While a little grip was taken out, overall it is about perfect!

Qualifying was extremely close. If memory serves pole and off-pole were separated by 28/1000s! The race night was initially supposed to be 15/15/25. After the first 15 lap heat the thought of doing another 15 lap heat and THEN a 25 lap main just about had me contemplating retirement. Then just before we went out for H2 we were advised it had been reduced to 10 (yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!!). We were given the option of two different lap counts for the main but I think I was the only one who voted for the lower lap option (bastages-don't you realize how old I am and how much I smoke on race weekends!!)

We were actually slated to run with the animals which would have put us in a 16-18 kart pack. Several of the local animal heavy pilots weren't happy running with the lights/mediums (but wanted to run with us). After an "exciting" practice, the 4 NFRAers headed to the grid early so we could qualify together. At that point it was decided that we would race by ourselves. Heat 1 of the Animals demontrated why the heavies were concerned about running with the L/Ms. Big pile up resulting in a rollover. Luckily no one was was seriously hurt. As we watched from the fences we all sort of looked at each other and let out a collective phheeeeewwwww.

As mentioned qualifying was close. Pauley managed to stick it within 6/10s of the pole even though he'd never run his current kart and hadn't race any kind of kart for a few years. Way to go Pauley!

The races went blah blah blah...

Then the beer drinking began! Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I didn't have my post race beer wingman with me so I didn't have to worry about beer synchronization. That probably explains why I didn't wake up with a hangover....this time.

Big thanks to Dan for inviting the whole crew over to his house for a quick dip in his pool and BBQ. Was a nice break between practicing and the race night.

I'm sure I could add more but I'm at work and supposed to be working....I'm sure others will provide more info.

[RichH]

I concur with Brad about the track. It was awesome. It is great to see a kart club reinvest in there facility's for the long term. The surface was consistent and just a little less grip than before. Really close to the feel of Reno's new surface.

Glad we didn't race with the entire Animal field, but sad we did not get to Race with our friends in Animal Heavy. The actual difference between WF and Animal was less than 2/10ths. Would have been fun.

Congrats to Brad for another sweep of the night. Won all three race and the P1 by 28/1000ths. Of course he had his Micron off the entire day and qualif. Was on his bumper the entire Main, Stuck my nose in there a couple of times but never had a real opening.

Dan's hospitality was over the top. Took the entire NFRA crew home, fed us, swam in his pool, and was the giver of good advise all day.
Thank You

[ron90]

I think the best heat for us was when we finished Brad/Ron/Rich bumper to bumper. Someone at the end of the race day said it was like watching three F16 fighter pilots maneuvering around the track.

I voted for 25 lap main but was overruled. I was not even told of the 10 lap Heat and was extremely disappointed when the white flag came out because Rich and I were on a charge.

Great race day, excellent hospitality. I just may have to get an Animal to go up there and race on occasion. It really is not as far away as you think (at least the way I drive there).

[Dan Pell]

Boys, it was my pleasure to spend some time together. Thanks too, Don, for making the trip, sharing some UCD garden goodies w/ the gang! As for the racing, NFRA style, it's always good. A couple of hip-checks, but NO chrome horns, so all played well. The interesting part, the top 3 karts were so different in the way they maneuvered around the track, one's strength was another's weakness, creating excitement on every lap. Rich came rolling through the Oak tree turn, seemingly downhill, making up time on the leader, then a nose-to-tail scrum through 13, and a drag race to the finish line. Brad came through the infield faster, along w/ Ron, and all were equal under the oak (turn 9) and it-was-on for another lap! Paul was impressive, shook off race-rust, and laid down some impressive laps. As we all know, it's so tough to be consistent w/ laptimes after being away from the sport, but after a little seat time, he'll be challenging all for the point. Fun stuff, and impressively, almost mistake-free racing.

[Dan Pell]

Ron- Come on up, we'll find an Animal motor for ya, and you can take that dreaded lead off the kart! There's a 350 & a 380 class, pick your preference, and let's race!

[ron90]

Aug 13, 2013 12:53:02 GMT -5 Dan Pell said:

Ron- Come on up, we'll find an Animal motor for ya, and you can take that dreaded lead off the kart! There's a 350 & a 380 class, pick you preference, and let's race!

I am actually thinking the October 20 race might be good for that. My son has a September 15 race conflict. I penciled it in. Now it all depends on the scheduling gods to shine on me.

[viacruc]

It's good to be back! While I wasn't that competitive, it felt great to shake off the rust and spiderwebs and burn some rubber again. THANKS a TON to Brad for the loaner engine which ran flawlessly, and a huge thanks to Dan for the hospitality and especially the track walk-around. I'd have to say that was the quickest orientation to a track I've ever had and believe me it helped!
Even though I pretty much brought up the rear, I did have some firsts. First of the NFRA guys to arrive at the track, First out onto the new track surface (which is amazing by the way), first to go off track and spread marbles onto the track
I think once my driving fitness improves and I can get some practice/tuning miles down, I should be able to mix it up with the rest of you. It's good to be back! Thanks everyone.

[Brad Wunder]

Yep, a couple of impressive firsts there Paul! But, I had the first massive spin (4 wheel skid marks) out of turn 1. ;D