xcarguy

Bob, Again, my apologies. Pretty sure I misread you from your earlier post which referenced alcohol use 'during' an event. By this, I'm now assuming that your reference to 'during' means the evening in between a two-day event. Admittedly, Suave put me up to responding with the 'wild party' comment; he wanted me to use the word orgy, but I refused. I now have his little feathery a$$ duct taped to the grill of the Storker and I'm going to drive him around the bypass til his beak is full of bugs. :iamwithstupid:

l7s1, Welcome to the forum...and love your car. It was a real pleasure to meet you. Your stopping because something wasn't quite right should be a lesson in experience for all. Looks like I'm not as alone with my towing experience as I thought I may have been. Between you and Kitcat, I'm in good company. :jester:

Bob, My apologies, I think you’ve misread me. First of all, the standing rule at any track event is NO ALCOHOL before the last checkered flag of the day. That means none before or during the event. If someone were indulging in alcohol DURING an event, I, along with rest of the group, are going to actively participate in having that person banded from running. After a long day at the track, some like to have a glass of wine or a beer, and deservedly so; it’s time to unwind a bit. As for staying hydrated at the track, water or Gatorade are the normal drinks of choice. At NJMP, these, along with a variety of nutritious snacks, were provided daily by the venue. When I reference having a few drinks once the checkered flag drops, don’t get me wrong. The evening social is very gentlemanly and family friendly. It’s not some wild party where everyone is drinking to the point of putting themselves in a drunken stupor; remember, I had my family with me. Many drivers had their spouses with them. In fact, this year’s event had the greatest number of non-driving participants to date. (Croc, correct me if I’m wrong). Drinks can refer to pretty much anything. Take me for example, I don’t drink alcohol; an ice tea, Arnold Palmer or coffee are usually my choice of beverage. When my wild side comes out, I’ll have a Diet Coke. :jester: My daughter is hardcore root beer at this stage of her life. And all 'drinks' in the evening were had while dining at establishments that offered some of the absolute best cuisine to be found in south NJ. :cheers:

Bob, I'm responding on the track day / towing thread. Please see my comments there.

Bob, Long story short, the ignition exciter wire to the alternator had vibrated loose (battery wasn't charging). And here's the trailer thread: Track Days and Towing

If ever a guy deserved the Golden Skid Marks award, this should suffice (the thin, discolored line on the asphalt is where the jack pad skidded along) http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14323&stc=1 Once I had the trailer secured and the jack stand off the ground, I found the top layer of asphalt melted away and stuck to the bottom of the jack pad (that's hot) http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14322&stc=1 http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14324&stc=1

Anyone on this forum who has participated in an HPDE knows all too well the tremendous amount of work and time required in pulling off a successful event. Even more demanding are the additional commitments if a long-distance haul is involved, annual USA7s at NJMP for example. Prepping and sorting the car, packing and ensuring the trailer and tow vehicle are up to making the journey; much easier said than done. For me personally, these tasks alone involve a self-generated ‘track day’ checklist that has grown exponentially with every year to what is currently several pages. Routes have to be mapped out, hotels (with adequate parking) researched and booked, and fuel stops (with adequate pump ingress and egress) planned. Many of us work and plan up to the very last minute, balancing jobs, family and time constraints. There’s always that one last thing that needs to be packed or the ‘whatever’ item that ultimately gets left behind. No amount of pre-departure planning can prevent it; Murphy’s Law verses Walmart to the rescue. Some head out after a hard day at work. Others leave early in the a.m., drive a long, demanding day and most likely arrive at the hotel late in the evening, hungry and tired. If the journey requires more than a single day of travel, it’s up the next morning and repeat the process. Several arrive the night before the event; once again, late, hungry and tired. Some get there the morning of. Those who rolled in the night before may/may not get a short night’s sleep once there. The next morning, it’s early out of bed (if you went to bed) and off to the track. Once there, the work begins immediately; unload and prep the car, set up camp, then off for registration and tech. If it’s summer, it’s hot, and it gets hotter as the days wears on; upper nineties at times perhaps, mixed with gobs of drenching humidity. Tired or not, the adrenaline’s flowing along with the anticipation of that first session of the day. This is what you’re here for. Being wrapped up in the excitement of the moment masks the journey-induced fatigue that your body is surely experiencing and most definitely has not recovered from. With the fun-factor in full swing, you press on. All day, it’s an attitude of ‘press on’. If you’re not driving, you’re most likely working on your car, or wrenching on someone else’s so they too can make that next session. At some point, Murphy’s Law shows up again and it’s off to the parts store or hardware store so you can source a substitute fix for some obscure part that nobody seems to stock. Toss in a venue (such as NJMP) where two tracks are being driven on different days of a two-day event, and at the end of day one, it’s break up camp at track A, pack up and position to track B for the following day’s activities. When the checkered flag drops at the end of the last session of the first day, you’re spent. But there’s no rest for the weary. It’s time for dinner with fellow track mates for a bit of fun and some much needed detox. After a great meal, a few drinks and some excellent recapping of the day’s activities, you’re back in your room...late. Maybe in bed by midnight. The next day, it’s up early and repeat the process. By now, your body is screaming for a solid 24 hours of nothingness. But it’s press on; prep, setup...drive. This is where the story of 'any track' USA becomes first person and focused on NJMP. The family and I spent several days traversing ten states to get to NJ and we pretty much got busy right away once we arrived. The second day of the event was actually my third day on track and I was pretty worn down from all the traveling and, and, and... In the second session of the last day, my lack of mental acuity shows up in the form of a black flag specifically put out for #27. I pull into pit lane and the track marshal tells me that my chin strap on my helmet isn’t fastened. Holy bat guano!!!! Did I really just run on a hot track with my chin strap undone? Yep. Score one point for fatigue. By the third session of the last day, I’m done...like toast, very crispy toast. Running the last session isn’t even an option for me. It’s to be another evening of excitement, so I skip the last session and start packing up early. Being somewhat methodical, the last thing I do after I'm packed up is connect the trailer to the truck. Once I have the trailer tongue lowered all the way down over the ball hitch (supposedly), I ease the truck forward enough to ensure a snug fit which allows the ball hitch and tongue to seat and thus allows the ball latch to fasten beneath the ball as it should. Well, I apparently overlooked the minor step of seating the tongue and ball and secured the latch on top of the ball. Not good. Score another point for fatigue. The next morning, the family and I wave goodbye to Millville. Setting our course for Arkansas, we drive through several states and make it ‘uneventfully’ to Pigeon Forge, TN. Another long day that has us arriving at the hotel around 10pm. The following morning, we’re back on the road and not too far along on I-40 when we encounter a very rough and uneven section of interstate. You couldn’t see the imperfection until you were almost on top of it; certainly too late to adjust speed or make a lane change. The inertia of hitting this patch at 70+ mph really put the Tundra suspension to the test when the rear of the truck dipped suddenly and then, just as quickly, shot back into the air for what felt like a solid ten or twelve inches. I suspect when the rear of the truck catapulted upwards, that’s the exact moment the trailer tongue and ball parted ways. And I’m pretty sure I was braking before the trailer wheels ever crossed the patch. The sound and commotion a trailer makes when it separates itself from its tow vehicle is comparable to that of a Cossie-powered Escort shedding its entire left rear wheel assembly as it exits turn four on NJMP’s Lightning course. Although, our very own Kitcat has already admitted to being a charter member of the ‘hang loose’ towing club and may describe the sound he encountered a bit differently. So here’s what’s happening at this point. The truck and trailer are joined at the hip only by a couple of crisscrossed chains, the trailer emergency brake lanyard and the pigtail as we all go barreling down the road. The trailer tongue is beating the crap out of the rear bumper until it finally slips completely off the top of the hitch, drops to the ground (jack pad is now acting as a NASA X-15 skid pad) and somehow wedges the jack stand on the right side of the hitch in between the bumper and one of the other balls attached to the hitch. Having the jack stand wedge up against the right side of the hitch could not have been a more perfect result of a major screw-up. We were in the right lane and needed to exit to the right shoulder. The jack stand being wedged as it was kept tension between it and the hitch thus keeping the trailer tracking somewhat straight until we came to a stop. The photos below tell the tale. And there is now a provision for ‘fatigue’ on my track day checklist. Some takeaways: Chin Strap: I was belted in the car and ready to roll when the track was abruptly shut down due to lightning in the area. I remained in the car, but removed my helmet to relax and stay somewhat relatively cool; almost went to sleep while I waited to see if we could salvage our session once the lightning cleared out. The call finally came for our run group to line up and the helmet goes back on. I'll admit that it’s easier for me to become distracted when I’m tired, and shutting down the track was a distraction. Taking off my helmet and remaining in the car moved me outside of my routine. The takeaway: if you’re in your car, are strapped in and track ready, stay that way. If you take something off and put it back on (such as your helmet) have a second set of eyes look you over before leaving the paddock. Black flag: the dreaded black flag is not always bad. The corner worker who’s been standing in the hot sun all day for your benefit, and is now singling you out, just may be trying to save your life. Trailer: when you’re tired, use a second set of eyes, if/when available, to ensure you’ve properly hitched the trailer. Cross your breakaway chains and twist them to shorten the length if necessary. If your trailer has brakes, secure the emergency trailer brake lanyard to the tow vehicle. Wind the jack stand all the way up when towing, not just high enough to clear the roadway (having my jack stand wound all way up was what aided in preventing the stand from being damaged). Fatigue: bottom line is I was tired and fatigue began catching up with me on the last day of the event. I was smart to stop early and not run the last session, but still, I hitched the trailer incorrectly. A couple of photos of what I first saw after we came to a stop. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14315&stc=1 http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14316&stc=1 Where the trailer tongue engaged the bumper http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14317&stc=1 This shows just how low the trailer was sitting as it skidded down I-40 (luckily, there was no damage) http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=14318&stc=1

OK...what happened? :toetap05:

Kitcat. Fixed your post to reflect my own adventure (yep, made it aaaaaallll the way to TN). And ditto on the squeaking. :jester:

All true. I’m just looking for sympathy...I think it’s the red sash. :jester:

Well, you left the ‘drag queen’ out. :jester: Or did you forget that the Storker laid down at the very end of the first T-bolt session. While you were being towed away from that attractive corner worker, I was on the opposite side of the course hitching a ride with the local tow vehicle. On top of that, when the car quit, I coasted off track and across a small ditch that wasn’t visible in the grass. Mucked up the aluminum mount for the front wing. Spent the morning shopping local hardware stores for a ‘gud ol boi’ fix. Got that squared away and spent the afternoon figuring out why the car just simply quit. With Roman by my side, and a multimeter in hand, we traced it to the charging wire having come loose at the alternator. Did manage to run the last session of the day.

Bob, If you look at the photo closely, you'll see that my 'safety bolt' is actually a lock made specifically for securing the ball latch. Like I said, I'll dedicate a thread to this later this week. I will say this much, fatigue on my part played a huge roll in what happened.

It’s 2:00am here in AR and we just rolled in after two days of driving. All are home safe and sound and the Storker is sleeping it off in the comfort of familiar surroundings. The trip back, while good, was not without incident. Somewhere on I-40, just west of Knoxville, the trailer tongue decided to part ways with the truck hitch at around 70mph. In short, all is well with the exception of a somewhat over heated and slightly bent trailer jack pad (now, officially a skid pad), a dented rear bumper, my wounded pride and, my inherent need for a clean pair of skivvies. :ack: I plan on devoting a new thread to this predicament explaining why it happened and what can be learned from it (hopefully avoid a repeat). In the mean time, a teaser photo below says volumes. :banghead:

The story of my life. :jester:

I’m all in on having Mike Wazowski hanging in the grill and pushing wind. I should do that with Suave. :jester:

Traveling south on I-81 yesterday evening, returning home from NJMP. Not sure what mile marker, but somewhere around the VA / TN state line when the wife says to me, “Did you see that Caterham?” Now, just her saying that was pretty awesome (I don’t she had ever uttered the word ‘Caterham’ prior to attending the USA7s event with me. :blush: So, the question; anyone on here out driving their Caterham / 7-style car (blue in color) yesterday on a side road running along the west side of I-81 somewhere around VA / TN state line? If so, you were spotting enjoying an evening sunset blat. :cooldude:

Back at the hotel after an awesome day of driving and camaraderie. Another stellar event; thanks Mike and Tom! And thanks to Croc, my son is now acquainted with what it’s like to do laps in a Caterham SV, a Holman Moody Mustang and a Cossie Escort. I’ll dare not steal Mike and/or Tom’s thunder regarding the awards ceremony, but it was a laugh a minute. However, the photo below tells the story of what Croc’s Cossie looks like as it try’s to imitate a flying Storker.

The Colley crew made landfall in New Jersey last night around 9:00pm. The trek from Cambridge, OH carried us eastward with a detour through Gettysburg, PA. It was a good visit, but really too d@#$& hot to enjoy walking and take in the history. I found out the hard way that Gettysburg is not trailer towing friendly, especially when celebrating an anniversary event. The narrow downtown streets left us playing dodgeball with parked cars, oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The only place to park with a trailer / RV was the back lot of the Museum and Visitor Center. I did manage to take up space briefly in what was very limited bus parking in the parking lot across from the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. This provide us with an opportunity to hastily visit the high-water mark of the Confederacy (family on cannon at the Copse of Trees) and the ‘sorta’ spot where it is believed Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address (family on cannon at cemetery). I was (we were) a bit over enthusiastic to think we could do Gettysburg, Hershey and Valley Forge all in one day. :smilielol5: Anyway, we are in Millville, awaiting the fun. Looking forward to seeing some of you today and most tomorrow. Drive safe. :cooldude:

Ditto on finding a good mechanic who is performance-oriented or a good race shop; guys who can turn a wrench on pretty much anything.

Another day of travel come and gone. After leaving the St. Louis area and putting the big arch in our rear view mirror, it was on to Indy to catch up with the Bankers. However, no stop in Indy thanks to my totally forgetting the time zone change going east; losing an hour put us behind the 8 ball in trying to get to Dayton before the Air Force museum closed. Jack was very understanding and took a rain check. We stopped in Richmond, IL for gas. Started filling the tank when a fellow walks up and says to me “I’m from El Dorado as well.” I’m wondering how he knows I’m from podunk nowhere AR. Well, it is plastered on the side of my trailer. When he said he wasn’t actually from their, but had moved there, I said “why would you move there on purpose?” His answer was four grandchildren. Soon, the chitchat turns to “What’s in the trailer?” Turns out, this fella owned the real deal back in the day, did auto cross. Turned out that my wife and his daughter know each other. Small world. With the tank topped off, it was full bore to Dayton where we arrived at the museum one hour before closing. It was a whirlwind visit, but scratch one life-long desire to see the only XB-70 in existence, as well as a B-36, off the bucket list. With that itch scratched, we put another couple of hours behind us and landed in Cambridge, OH. Tomorrow’s journey eastward will take us to Gettysburg where civil war re-enactments are commencing from tomorrow through the 4th (will miss Pickett’s Charge on Wednesday...dang). From there, Hershey, PA for some Willy Wonka action at the Hershey candy factory. And, if the day allows, the Martin guitar factory and Valley Forge. Afterward, we’ll be picking our way down to Millville for a late evening arrival. :flag:

D Never really took the time to look at it like that. Suddenly, I’m very tired. :willy_nilly:

Update. Called the museum. All exhibits are now a part of the museum and located off base under one connected roof. No more limited tours. No more need for id’s.

Mike, thanks for the heads up. Will do.

Well, with the dogs bordered, house sitters secured and Freddy the turtle set up to receive his daily rations of stinky dried shrimp, we (the family and I) set out on our journey eastward. We’ll end up in Millville via a detour through Belleville, IL to visit family for the weekend. First stop along the way was a fruit and veggie stand (fruit stand) somewhere between Little Rock and nowhere in northern AR. We gave the trailer awning a test run while we shared in a roadside picnic complete with pbj’s, homegrown tomatoes and a first for all of us, by-colored corn on the cob that was so sweet that it was edible (without giving one the runs) right off the stalk and right out of the shuck. Honestly, probably the best tasting corn I’ve ever had in my life. Before long, we had a trailer full of gawkers wanting to know about the car. The owner of the fruit stand even called one of his buddies to come out and take a look. Not long after, a pickup pulls up with four mechanics from the local Chevy dealer who are eyeballing and asking questions. The idea of the car being Frankenstein’s version of a 7 replica left them with that ‘deer in the headlights’ look. When I mentioned LS3 and raised the hood, it was ‘hell yeahs!’ and high fives all around. Sunday, plans are to head east with a stop in Indy to meet up with Jack Banker and his wife Penny for dinner. From there, we’ll move on and plan an over night in Dayton with a tour of the Air Force museum the next morning (I can’t get that close to the XB-70 Valkyrie and not take a peak). Planning on being in Millville early (July 3rd) to give the family and I a little time to venture out before the event. Looking forward to a seeing everyone, and here’s to our all having a safe, fun-filled experience. :cheers: Also, if you look closely in the photo of the Storker sitting in the trailer, you can see Suave resting soundly on the G-Force helmet in the upper cabinet. I think he’ll have to join us for the awards ceremony. :jester:

@%$#& car! :cuss: $%&^ breaks :cuss: every %&^#@ . . . :jester: