Slimline racing has had a good year this year we haven't blown the motor for the first year since we started racing. Steve and Dave took the car to the Nostalgia Nationals and had a few problems. Steve was not happy with the cars performance and couldn't see any point in continuing with the rest of the season so I bribed him with a new camshaft and low and behold we were at Dragstalgia where after a day of fettling and running to Huaser racing for some shims we got the girl running.
Ready to run at Dragstalgia 2019
After going backwards for the entire meeting with regards et's we eventually, on the very last run got it together.. The journey to Dragstalgia 2019 was an adventure in itself for me as I rode my motorbike all the way there and back from Gandia in Spain 2800 miles in total and it was worth every bit of it. Steve then decided to take the car to a couple more meetings where he smashed my best times out of sight eventually running an 8.3 and this with an engine that had been restricted to just over 7000rpm when in fact it could rev up to 8500 and maybe more? because of the problem with the valve springs. Add that coupled with the wrong final drive gearing and we reckon there was another tenth in that set up.
Sore bum time only 2800 miles to go
So after what turned out to be a dam good year in the end it's with a heavy heart I must announce that Slimline racing will not be appearing at the track in 2020, A lot of work needs doing to the whole operation, first off the tow truck, our Dodge Ram needs both set of lower arms and ball joints doing probably due to the angle she ends up at while towing the trailer so an air assist jack up kit is going on as well as repairs to the gas system. The trailer needs a new floor, repairs to the braking system and some upgrades to make life at the track a bit easier. The race car also needs some work, We need some bigger stronger valve springs in order to get the engine running at peak performance however the spring ratings required come with a slight problem they have a bigger diameter than our springs, so the head is going to have to be machined and the valve spring seats made wider, the rear end gearing needs changing as well we went from 411 gears to 378's and that was just too big a jump so some 380 gears will be sourced and fitted that will give us the performance we need to complete what we set out to do all those years ago. The chassis and body could do with a clean up as well, in fact Steve is in two minds while she is stripped down whether to get a new chassis made...hmm we will see. All this will take time and money so we will take a break in 2020 but will be back out in 2021 faster than ever and you never know it may be a re-vamped Tight Fit or maybe even a Tight Fit Too?? and hopefully we will get a few more of these trophy things..
I know Dave will be at the track next year and I will also make the effort to get over to at least one of the three Nostalgia events and yes I will be riding over again, So from all of us at Slimline Racing have a great Christmas and New year have a fast and safe 2020 see you all soon.
