Hoosier Tire FST Rounds 5 & 6 - Grattan

[Dayle Frame]

WMR is holding an FST only restricted double regional in conjunction with our "Last Chance" national on 8/11, 8/12. It's called the "Hoosier Tire Championship at Grattan" presented by Battlepack.com. Come out and enjoy the great track, awesome dinner Saturday evening and all that WMR and Grattan have to offer. Once again, we're support Race Monitor Live Timing on your smart phone or tablet.

Registration is open at this link. We have segregated the registration for the regional and national so each evevnt has its own registration path. Please register as early as possible. As I'm married to the registrar, any headaches she gets….I get. It's much easier on her to withdraw late than to enter late. Also, the region gets hit with a 5% fee for using a credit card. If possible, please pay with a check. You can always bring it with you and give it to us at the track WITHOUT penalty.

There is a track sponsored test day on 8/10. If you are interested in doing that or reserving a paved paddock spot or garage, contact the track at 616.691.7221.

If you have any questions about any facet of this event, please, do not hesitate to contact me (frameh@msu.edu, 517.575.9450).

Take care,
Dayle Farme
WMR Asst RE, Comp Manager

[teamclark]

All FST Drivers.

Although the round at Grattan isn't until August the organising committee is keen to get entries in as soon as possible to show we have a good field of cars coming - remember this National Meeting where FST will be the only class running a double regional, so its going to be a great meeting with lots of exposure for FST.

To aid in getting the entries early - as per Dayles message above - you can enter online NOW, but bring your payment in the form of a cheque to the track with no late fee penalty.

The link for online entries is http://www.wmr-scca.motorsportreg.com/ and supps and schedule are available. Make sure you enter for the FST Double Regional and not the National.

So get your entries in NOW!!!!

[steve everard]

Dayle, can you give us some idea of last years entries and available paddock space, was it tight ?

Steve

[Bill Bonow]

8 cars registered as of today.

I'm in.

[RedMyst]

Just registered the #21 Mysterian, so that makes 9 so far.

Randy

[teamclark]

All

Thanks to everyone that responded and entered early for Grattan - FST currently has more entries then the total entries for all other classes. Still several more cars to come so its going to be a big weekend for FST.

If you haven't entered yet, then enter a.s.a.p

Yes
Jon Mader (entered)
Dave Dawson (entered)
Doug Seim (entered)
Reece Everard (entered)
Rob Clark (entered)
Sam Farmiga (entered)
Jim Nash (entered)
Butch Deer (entered)
Randy Shinn (entered)
Bill Bonow (entered)
Doug Sharp
Dave Blevins
Brian Finegan

Maybe?
John Stofka
Lance Renshaw
Dennis Richardson
Tim Hensley
Mystery Driver 1
SR Racing Renter??

Definate No
Gary Grubb
George Podgorski
Jerad Smith
Jason Steeb

[Bill Bonow]

Rob,

Brian Finegan will be racing his Evolution at Grattan.

He's having registration issues with Motorsportreg.com or he'd be on the list already.

[teamclark]

Thanks Bill - Updated above

[Racerx6212]

This is true...I will be there, just working through some bugs. (look for #17)

Brian

[Racerx6212]

Rob,

[FONT=Verdana]Unfortunately, something has come up and I will not be able to make the weekend. Wanted to let you know so you can update your list.

Brian
[/FONT]

[rgu]

THE Formula First Drivers Association has for one of it’s goals the promotion of the Formula First Experience. We have enlisted the aid of some of our series sponsors to underwrite this special promotion. We are offering an assistance program to defray the cost of renting an SR Evolution Formula First for the Grattan BattlePack Showcase restricted regional at the Grattan National race.

Normally, a SR double race weekend rental goes for a very reasonable $1700. With generous help from our some of our sponsors we are pleased to offer one or perhaps two rental seats for the price of $1,000 each. This means you can get into a top level Formula First, which can win the race, for $1000 for two weekend races. No tire bills, no fuel bills, just pay your entry and show up and drive.

This offer is available for properly licensed drivers who have never driven a Formula First or drivers from areas that FST racing is just beginning or drivers of other Formula cars. All SR rules and conditions as stated in their rental agreement must be adhered to.

Please send me a PM if you are interested in this fabulous incentive.

[rgu]

You’re going to want to be at Grattan this August for Rounds 5 and 6 of the Hoosier Championship. As always great racing all the way through the field, one superb class for entry level drivers and those who are experienced. Last year it was a snarling pack and four cars broke the lap record in spite of wilting heat. You can also witness the FST social dynamic and why all the competitors race against each but pitch in to solve problems. Stop by the FST paddock and experience the Hawkeye Pierce memorial cocktail hour.

So mark these days and come out to the Grattan Race Track in Belding MI August 11 and 12th. Each day will be a unique race, with its own qualification session and feature race. The Series is sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tire which provides its usual generous contingency, in addition to subsidizing the cost of our terrific spec tires. The actual event is sponsored by Battlepack (Robotic Power Systems) Battlepack will leverage a subsidized seat in an SR Evolution made available to a driver of considerable potential outside of the FST mainstream. In addition we will award the Battlepack Cup to the driver who scores the most points over both events. See more about Battlepack at www.battlepack.com.

Averill Racing Stuff owner Keith Averill will be there and will award a piece of Design 500 racing underwear (Lady Eagle if female) to the race winner. This underwear offers supreme comfort to the wearer and launders easily but most importantly keeps you cool and dry. Keith will also supply a set (4-pads) of KFP Magnum Carbon-Kevlar brake pads for the driver setting the fast lap in each day’s feature race. These are truly worthwhile items and the Formula First community is pleased to welcome Keith Averill into our fold.

[teamclark]

Ok we are two weeks out, with 11 official entries and a real good chance of making it 15 - so get your entries in. If your not on the list below but you intend to be there then post back so we know.

Some real opportunities on offer from BattlePack and the FSDA to get some 'new' drivers to experience FST Racing at a discounted price (see Robert's note above). Also some great prizes from Averill Racing Stuff and our series sponsors Hoosier Racing Tire as always providing tires to 1st and 2nd place.

Don't forget to invite your friends and family, Grattan is well suited to FST racing and the racing will be exciting

Yes
Jon Mader (entered)
Dave Dawson (entered)
Doug Seim (entered)
Reece Everard (entered)
Rob Clark (entered)
Sam Farmiga (entered)
Jim Nash (entered)
Butch Deer (entered)
Randy Shinn (entered)
Bill Bonow (entered)
Doug Sharp (entered)
Dave Blevins

Maybe?
John Stofka
Lance Renshaw
Dennis Richardson
Tim Hensley
Mystery Driver 1
SR Racing Renter??
Jason Steeb

Definate No
Gary Grubb
George Podgorski
Jerad Smith
Brian Finegan

[2BWise]

Mystery Driver????? Sounds intersting. Is it the Stig? I want to see this driver show up in all white and never remove any of his gear. That would be the ulitmate mystery.

[rgu]

Some say that the Stig would rather run Grattan than a surplus airport in Britain and furthermore He'll bring his buddy James May along as whipping boy



We had two drivers interested in the subsidized rental opportunity. One has decided to focus on purchasing a car for next year and the other cannot extricate himself from work demands. So we are still interested in helping out one interested driver at the Grattan Race.



I think I speak for a goodly number of us in the series that Grattan looks to be the series highlight. We are putting a lot of effort into this race, we have some new sponsors, our new drivers are really coming along and our veterans can’t wait to be there.
Come join the electricity in a great car. PM me or send an e-mail to fst at Rochester dot rr dot com


BTW did you see the review of James May's new book in the Times yesterday. "Almost Toilet Reading" they say.

[2BWise]

Some say he's allergic to drum brakes, and that a First is all he can afford on a salary of strong pornography.

Sometimes I crack myself up......

[dblevins]

I'm trying to register for this event through motorsports reg. and am not able to complete process.The phone # listed keeps hanging up on me,and I am not able to contact them via e-mail.Anyone have any suggestions ????

[teamclark]

Dave

Where is the motorsports.reg giving you a problem? I had no issue, let me know and we will see if we can get it sorted out

Rob

[dblevins]

Think I finally got it sorted out,it would let me pick fst class or group 3 .I'm registered,(I think),just have not paid yet,(as per their request to pay with a check at the track).

[teamclark]

Dave

Yep your on the registration list - good deal!!

[rgu]

Still available but opportunity closes August 5

PM me if interested

[Jmader08]

Bad news gents. Decided it was necessary to open up the transaxle since the side I hit on felt a little draggy. Both the axle tube and side plate cones are bent and need replaced, possibly the axle itself too. There is also a multitude of metal shavings throughout the case. There is also evidence of hot spots on the crown gear and carrier. So long story short, I'm most likely going to need to send the box out to get professionally rebuilt which means I won't make Grattan. Hopefully I can get it back together before Elkhart.

-Jonathan

[rgu]

Jon

I know where a spare trans you can use is.

[rgu]

One has been successfully imported from Cinci.

Help getting it in the car is needed in Detroit

[Jmader08]

Unfortunately lost a day of work today, but I'm back in the fight after Doug Seim has graciously lent me his spare trans in hopes I can get my chassis finished. Its going to be quite the thrash right up until thursday night.

[rgu]

Jon

looks like you beat you ETA home

For more on this see the FFDA BBS at www.formula-first.org

[jsteeb]

Gents... I was sure I was going to make Grattan right up to about lunchtime Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, too many things popped up at home and (worst of all) work. I'm out.

Jon... PM me if you need a hand. Assuming I don't get home from the office just in time to crash on the couch and do it again the next day - I should be able to offer a second pair of hands.

Cheers!
Jason

[steve everard]

Jon,

Reece and I can help if you need it, just let us know .
Steve

[Jim Nash]

In an effort to gather some unbiased feedback for the continued development of the MRC Formula First, Bill Wise has agreed to enter the factory MRC-09 in the upcoming Gratten event. Bill will drive the car on Saturday and I will be driving in the Sunday race. Selecting Bill for the job was easy as he has shown he can be quick in a FST and knows his way around Gratten.

We’ll see you all on Friday afternoon.

Jim Nash

[Bill Bonow]

Bill is in for a real treat. The MRC-09 is a great car. I was fortunate enough to get to drive it last year at Mid-Ohio, a real smooth and fast car.

It looks like we are getting very close to rounds 5 & 6 of the Hoosier Formula First Championship Series at Grattan. This weekend, we are lucky enough to get to race at a National as a guest (Regional). Should be a fun and competitive 2 races (always is at Grattan) and it's anybody's to win.

First time out this year for me. Looking forward to being back on the track.

Good luck to all the entrants.

[Jmader08]

Jason and Steve,

Thanks for the offer, I am rewelding the chassis tonight and starting on the reassembly. I have a buddy helping reassembly so I think I am set, but I'll let you know tomorrow if I could use your help tomorrow night.

-Jonathan

[2BWise]

Jonathan, I'm close by as well and usually have a fair amount of free time after work. If timing gets tight I'll be around, so feel free to hit me up if you're pressed for an extra set of hands.

[teamclark]

With entries closing (online) at midday here is where we stand, providing Jon completes his car we have 12 entries.

Jon Mader
Dave Dawson
Doug Seim
Reece Everard
Rob Clark
Sam Farmiga
Bill Wise (Sat)/Jim Nash (Sun)
Butch Deer
Randy Shinn
Bill Bonow
Doug Sharp
Dave Blevins

Looking forward to a great weekend, weather looks promising, see you all at the track Friday.

[Bill Bonow]

I'll be there with the new tow rig. Come by and check it out..... I'll be easy to find, I'll be the one blasting Lawrence Welk music from my boom box.

See you guys in two days!

[G_J_Podgorski]

Bill,

What about the beautiful Lennon Sisters? Have any of their greatest hits for the road?

George

[Bill Bonow]

Don't tease me George

[Jmader08]

just a quick update:

chassis is rewelded, engine/trans/fuelcell/half of rear suspension are re-installed. Still need to re-install rest of rear suspension, exhaust, cooling ducts, and engine intake/oil cooler. Should take about an hour tomorrow after work. Then a quickie alignment and some tinkering with the shifter and I should be ready to rock and roll.

-Jonathan

[Racerx6212]

Wish I could be there, but wanted to wish everyone good luck...

And to comment on Bill's pic...he has the "First Cruze" nice job with the trailer

Brian
#17

[Doug FST 5]

I thought Bill mostly listed to Karl E. Simon

[rgu]

I had to look that one up an Google Doug

Jon Good Work

Put gear lube in the tranny with EP The Rhino case uses about 1.75 Qts,