Here we are at the start of another exciting season of drag racing.... for some maybe but not for us... maybe??? as much as we want to defend our hard earned WB4 number there are a few things that are getting in the way for now. Over the last couple of seasons we have made temporary repairs to so many bits and pieces on our race operation that we can no longer continue without addressing these problems with a more permanent fix.
First is the tow truck our venerable Dodge Ram require some work, primarily the LPG system although I am finding out that there are fewer and fewer service stations provide LPG part of the lets make everyone change to electric vehicle rubbish I suppose. Thankfully in Swindon there is still one petrol station with LPG. The cost of the petrol for a return trip to the Pod now exceeds £200 so sorting out the Gas system is must. Also the old girl need a sill welding up for the next MOT and a general tidy up.
The trailer is also in need of some work, the floor needs replacing the back of the trailer where the slicks sit has just about calloused new struts need welding in underneath and a new wood flooring is required. There are a few leaks that need sealing as well as a clear out of un-needed gear. A wheel bearing needs looking at and the electric brakes need sorting out along with the rear light clusters.
And now the race car, I think I am right that it was built in 2004 ish then Turbo had a sort out around 12 years ago before we bought it we have had it around 10 years now so it's time for a strip down and a good going over. So Steve took a trip with is boss over to the trailer a couple of weekends back to remove the axle as we have the new gears for it.
The axle is now in the workshop being fixed ready to go back on the car, when that's done the trailer and car are being taken back to Steve's place where the car will be stripped and the chassis checked before being blasted and re powder coated. The car will then be re-wired and every nut and bolt gone through. New fixing points for the 6 point harness will also be needed. The gear box has a leak probably one of the seals which needs looking at then the engine will be gone over and checked. One problem that we do have is Hoosier no longer make our size slick, if we go up to the next size the slick will rub the body work...any suggestions anyone?????
Oh and our fire suit is way out of tag and the nice people at RJS will no longer re-certify a suit that hasn't been certified for over five years so that means we have to save up and buy a new one if we want to race in the MSUK series.
We want to race this year but! as you can see we have a lot to do on our "to do" list and it all takes time and money and as a team we really want everything ready and certified for 2023, but never say never eh?
