Riekert Racing

2012-01-22T16:52:00.004-06:00

OK so that's done...
Gary Shields did a really nice job painting the trailer. Most painters wouldn't even tackle a job this big. A little work left to do inside but we're 90% done with nearly 3 months til open track days. Now back to the cars...

2012-01-20T19:14:00.004-06:00

Spare tuned up...
Matt Rhyne got our spare engine tuned up and ready to go. Our engines all had different cams with different firing orders. Now they all have similar Competition Cams with standard firing order. Simpler really is better in my book.

2011-12-31T21:47:00.004-06:00

Only 15 Weeks to the Bohlander...
Marty and I got the liftgate reskinned this weekend. Gary Shields is starting to paint trailer sides. Keith got the brakes all tuned up and new Michelins mounted. Gotta get this monster done so we can do a little work on the cars.

2011-12-13T19:17:00.002-06:00

The Thrash is On...
Marty got the liftgate unfrozen and working smooth. We've redone the interior lights, cabinets, hose reels and rampovers. New tires on the way and it goes into Keith's shop this weekend for a front entry door and paint. The paint is gonna be the tough part. Got a tentative 2012 schedule laid out over on the right side of the blog.

2011-11-28T21:53:00.005-06:00

All About Tires...
Tires make a huge difference in how these cars perform. Dale has learned the secrets of how to cut, groove and buff each of the different compounds so that they'll perform their best without chunking, blistering or tearing. Gonna build him a tire station with a light and a cooling fan in this trailer!

2011-10-11T19:47:00.004-05:00

Couple of Videos from the PDC... Wes qualifying 3rd with a 12.60 going out 3rd from last and the last ten laps of the B-Main. He was rollin...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6KWSAZKYuY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUxdeFESx10

2011-10-02T19:45:00.014-05:00

The Prarie Dirt Classic 2011... Birkhofer, Babb, Feger, Shirley, Erb, Spatola, Pierce, Friedman, Provenzano, Roberts, Dehm, Moyer Jr. Those are the cars Wes got by going from 17th to 6th at the Prarie Dirt Classic. Now, some of them broke shock mounts or lift arms or oil lines fell off or had flats... And some say the reason Wes was able to pass others is that is was a "Rayburn" track? Really? Really?? I heard alot of excuses in the pay line. Never heard one guy say anything positive. I say to start 17th and finish 6th in the PDC you have to have a rugged, good handling car and a driver that can go 60 laps without letting up. I only wish it was a 100 lap race. Really nice job by Wes and the crew. (Photo by Lu)

2011-09-14T08:59:00.007-05:00

Here we go... Last three race push. Fairbury $10K Sunday, then Peoria $6K next Saturday and Lucas Oil $10K at LaSalle Tuesday the 27th. Then we're gonna cut the ass off both these cars and go four bar. Been putting it off too long.

2011-09-02T10:35:00.005-05:00

"Fairbury Flyer" Well we're loaded and ready to rock at Fairbury's last big weekend of the year. $5K tonite and $10K tomorrow. We've gone full circle this year from running better than we probably deserved, to running worse than we deserved. ...Just like everyone else for the most part. But we all worked hard to choose the best we have in tires, setup and motor for this week. Now if we can just get out of Wes' way and let him do his thing, should be fun...

2011-08-13T19:35:00.002-05:00

Don Bohlander. Don was just inducted into the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame at 5:30PM tonite in Florence, Kentucky during the opening ceremonies at the North/South. We had the lifetime pleasure of winning a track championship at Peoria with him and crewing the Shields family ARCA car with Don at the wheel.. Congratulations Don. You are THE MAN.

2011-08-10T20:33:00.001-05:00

August Heat...
Every year when it gets as hot and humid as it's been, I lose my desire to race. Just too hot to work on race cars. But it's down in the sixties tonite so I'm feeling like hittin it again. We have shirts for $15 and hooded sweatshirts for $25 if you want 'em.

2011-07-09T22:22:00.004-05:00

Summernationals update...
Had a blast at Peoria Summernationals. Wes won his heat, drew the pole (again) and ended up 4th to Babb, Scott James and Matt Miller. Beat a ton of good cars. Thursday at Macon ultimately rained out. Friday's $10K at Farmer City was a bust with a DNQ. Wasn't for lack of effort. Marty and Dale took the entire week off work to make this car as good as it could be. I couldn't field this car without them.

2011-07-05T09:25:00.007-05:00

Birkyville...
Had a blast at 34 Speedway. Cooked out before the race (thanks Margie) Crewchief (me) a little behind all night (what's new). Started 17th, finished 13th. Passed Babb twice. In fairness he worked his way back by. But can you imagine the look on his face. Getting passed by Steidinger in a Rayburn? Then on the way home, I passed Unzicker's hauler fast enough to suck the windshield out. The Powerstroke is runnin good. Peoria Wed, Macon Thurs, and Farmer City Friday.

2011-06-20T13:24:00.014-05:00

Uncharted Territory...
Raced seven nites so far with Steidinger. In heat races, 6 top threes with 2 wins. In features, 2 wins, 2 4ths and a 6th. A couple of DNFs that were my fault including the ole moisture in the brake fluid problem. We rolled the"black car" out for the first time this past Saturday at "The Pappy". PPM birdcages, J-bar and SHY shocks worked great. A few gremlins in the brake adjuster but got a fix. Wes drove from 7th to 4th in a car he'd never sat in before Saturday. Now two cars ready to finish off the year. Thanks Photos by Lu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx5fLRCAmUU&feature=share

2011-06-14T21:57:00.003-05:00

Fairbury Flyer wins in Fairbury!
Our 2nd nite at Fairbury this year. Trying to be the best we can for the $10K race on 6/25. The "red" car is driving good and this was our lowest hp engine so we'll see. Trying out the "black" car next week just to see which one drives the best at Fairbury. Thanks Photos by Lu.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn7n0wpiLQ

2011-06-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

Readying for Hell...
Summernationals around the corner. On the phone with CJ today. That always amps me up. Really looking forward to some of these races.

2011-05-27T19:29:00.004-05:00

Tires, tires, tires...
Weekly ritual now. Marty and Dale turning tires around, buffing, siping, grooving, sorting. Only Peoria this week on Monday evening.

2011-05-14T22:26:00.006-05:00

Catching Up...
Rain. It's rained for 24 hours straight here at the house. Was all ready for Peoria with new engine. So finishing up the other car and studying all you need to know about these newfangled shocks.

2011-05-09T22:44:00.006-05:00

This Business is sooo Glamorous...
Time for a fresh engine. The exhaust ports all look great but Wes thought is was getting flat. It was leaking oil and makin me nervous. Rather send it back to Mike before something goes bang. Peoria "test session" next week then looking at Farmer City and Fairbury the following week.

2011-05-03T19:40:00.010-05:00

Balance...
Man I really like the balance we have in this car now and how Steidinger makes it work. Completely different setup than what we used to have... Level across the front and keeping the LF on the ground. Photo by DoubleJ.

2011-05-01T09:29:00.013-05:00

Still in shock...
Wes won the Farmer City NALMS race Friday night against the likes of Unzicker, Korte and Walston. Last time I stood for a victory circle photo was in 1990 with Bohlander. Wes won his heat and led every lap of the feature. Made a 4th turn move on the first lap of the heat between Billy Drake and the wall that still has people talking. Now have a cool cardboard check on the wall in the trailer. Went to Fairbury for their opener Saturday and ended up 4th. I think we were a 2nd place car but the crewchief didn't do his job (that'd be me) in making a couple of key shock adjustments and insisting on a RR compound. So take a breather, mow some grass, regroup and figure out what to do next.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN9-x3vNQeM

2011-04-26T13:26:00.005-05:00

New Ballgame...
With Steidinger as a driver, we kinda gotta raise our game. What used to be good enuff ain't gonna cut it. But on the other hand, it's a blast to work with a professional driver who really does know exactly what he wants. Hope for good weather this weekend. Farmer City NALMS on Friday and Fairbury opener on Saturday.

2011-04-07T19:00:00.008-05:00

Wow!

So we asked Wes Steidinger to drive our car in the Bohlander. My goal was just to be in the race and be respectable. Wes timed second in his group behind Feger. He started outside pole beside Jason and after Jason paced the field to the green very slow twice, Wes took off and never looked back. Won the heat driving away. He drew the pole, took the green and again pulled away. Around lap 12, there was a caution and our brakes boiled. No brakes after that. Story over. But man, what a start! New calipers, rotors and ultra-hi temp fluid this week. (Photo by Mike Ruefer)

2011-03-28T19:46:00.002-05:00

2011 Ready!

Been traveling a bunch... But one car done and loaded for the Bohlander on April 3rd. The other car pretty close to done. Lots of changes this winter. Should be interesting...

2011-02-20T19:47:00.004-06:00

Five Weeks to Test Day...

New PPM J-bar all in on the red car. Seems like good quality stuff way it all fits. New back bumpers fab'd in. Little more fab work on the black car, new birdcages, then the body and vinyl.

2011-01-20T20:13:00.005-06:00

Black Roof?
So the "red car" is setting the way it came back from our try at Farley. Pretty much ready for the Bohlander. But thinking about new black roof with "Warrior" style windows, black spoiler?

2011-01-12T19:42:00.000-06:00

Four Link...

Have just about everthing gathered to put the "black car" back together. Going to try a 4-link with J-bar just for fun. So the Rayburn 4-link brackets and new birdcages. Dummy shock with LR spring behind axle, new carbon driveshaft and brake pads. That'll do it.

2010-12-23T18:28:00.004-06:00

The Hauler Wants to go to East Bay
Warmed up and ready to go. Limo lights and all. We'll see.

2010-12-19T11:01:00.001-06:00

Getting ready for Christmas

Listening to "Respect" by Train. Catching up on work email. Thinking about our first late model.. Old Shaw with 460hp steel block and awesome tin work by Herb Shannon Jr... I miss that car.

2010-11-16T18:43:00.003-06:00

Wow!

I saw my dream daily driver today... 2011 Camaro RS 426hp, 6 speed manual, 3.48. Hmmm. gotta talk sweet to Mama... Black Rayburn is apart undergoing some new "tricks"...

2010-11-04T20:35:00.003-05:00

Time for Updates!

Robbie Bauman got me thinking about trying 4-link again. Liked it in the car we flipped. Rayburn makes some pretty nice weld in plates... Got 'em ordered. Gettin the saw and welder warmed up.

2010-10-14T17:19:00.005-05:00

Bored to death...
A few weeks ago I was sick and tired of working on cars. Now I'm bored to death and wishing we were still racing. It's gonna be a long, long winter....

2010-10-01T10:47:00.000-05:00

Good Thing About Peoria...
Is after your race there, it's much easier to clean the underside of your car.

2010-09-30T11:33:00.004-05:00

Peoria 100.
I never felt like we had any business going to these big paying shows. …Until this week. We timed 5th in our group and had a shot to get to third in our heat before getting collected in the third and fourth place car’s wreck on only the third lap. Had to go to the back twice and ended up seventh of eleven. Mediocre in the b-main with Weaver, Unzicker and Provenzano but we were not embarrassed on a night when Erb, Shirley and Bennett were in a B and Schlenk, the UMP national points leader did not qualify. Maybe next year.

Terrific 3 wide photo by Erik Grigsby

2010-09-24T19:05:00.002-05:00

Ready, Fire, Aim...

Listening to a little Lou Gramm "Midnite Blue" and getting ready for "nite before class reunion"... Black car is ready for Peoria. Kinda in a take no prisoners mood for tomorrow. This is the car we put a new body on and in one lap, the 22 and 10 made it look like it had a whole season on it.

2010-09-19T21:53:00.003-05:00

Peoria 100

Been trying to make this race for 5 years. This is our best chance. Going through the front end on the black car making sure it's all free and true. Gotta time good and race hard in the heat.

2010-09-18T17:04:00.006-05:00

Farley...

Entry fee, $140. 40 gallons of diesel fuel, $120. Laps on the Farley half mile, priceless. Car ran great. Speed was dizzying. Liked it better than the short ovals. Could not get into three without screwing up and at that speed, you lose 10 car lengths for every bobble. Can't wait to try it again. Pitted next to the great Pete Parker who didn't make show and Skip Frey (a great guy) who won his B-main and is in.

2010-09-13T19:24:00.004-05:00

Getting Ready for Farley...
Listening to a little Rolling Stones "You Got Me Rocking"... Always wanted to go to the Yankee Dirt Track Classic at Farley. Was little conflicted but now all clear - it"s go time! New body on, a couple of new tires, new vinyl, set the valves, an oil change and we're ready for the big half mile Friday night!

2010-09-05T19:26:00.006-05:00

The Bad Thing About Vacations....

Is that they have to end. Had a weird last day. Lost an anchor, broke the engine hatch hinges, bumped the coach roof on a tree limb. But had an awesome last day cruise out in the gulf and a great meal while docked at at http://seahagsbarandgrill.com/ in St. Pete Beach. But boat ran flawlessly, no travel problems, no speeding tickets (got Marty to take the VSL off - we were in the "Monfort lane" all the way home), and have Monday to recuperate.

2010-08-30T18:33:00.005-05:00

Been a while....

So Saturday the 18th, with soft right side springs, we finally found a feel I like. The car was terrific. 4th in heat, started 11th in feature. Up under cars that were driving away from us at beginning of year. Jaggers spun for some reason and we spun to avoid hitting him harder, then somebody went by and clacked the front end so called it a night. But I think we're back... Taking a break in Florida. Haven't worn socks or underwear for 4 days and only listening to Jimmy Buffet... Don't worry - I'm wearing swimming trunks. Pam brought so much "margarita in a jug" and beer that the slide out wouldn't move until we unloaded it but we're into it deep. The water is a perfect 86 degrees! That's the Gulf of Meheco off Egmont Key. Get a thunderhead every day. They just blow right by. Marty - I think we should get a car tuned up for Eldora on Friday...

2010-08-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

Peoria with a New Body...

What makes guys like the 10 and 22 think they can drive right inside your car or chop you off? Guess they think I won't retaliate... :] We got a lucky draw and started outside front row. The 4, 40, T2, 32 all pass clean, then here came the shit. Ended up 9th. Lots of bodywork this week but car was better than me as a driver.

2010-08-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

Decision Time...

Gonna roll Marty's car out next week. Should it be traditional white numbers (the 4) ? Or new flashy reflective silver (the 9)...?

2010-08-01T13:07:00.005-05:00

Rodney Dangerfield...

It's interesting when you've not been running well, guys get used to driving right by. You don't get much respect. Then you get your problems fixed and start racing hard again... They look over at you like WTF? Car was great last nite. Perfect. Had third in heat, a gap on fourth, then got smoked on a restart. Just gotta get down right mean on restarts.

2010-07-14T12:33:00.008-05:00

It's a Process...

Thanks to Rich Edwards Jr. Photos

Had fun at Peoria's UMP Summernationals Tuesday. We qualified with a 13.9 second time which was 2 tenths off Kevin Weaver who went right in front of us. Always in the 14's before. Didn't qualify for the feature. Had 44 good cars trying to get in 19 spots. We're still fighting carburetor problems but Mike Mullvian made two big suggestions - change the throttle linkage to make it easier to control the engine and lower the floats to get rid of a stumble off the corners. That Mike... He's a good one!

2010-06-20T16:55:00.005-05:00

3P's

If you race at Peoria, you need three things. Personal self-control so you don't go berzerk, "Payola" because you're going to have to replace punctured tires and smashed parts, and a Porta-power cause you have to jack alot of bent stuff out. Bad draw again, started back of heat, only got two spots. Started feature 16th and finished 15th. Lot of beatin and bangin. But car has been better every week. Bout time for new sides.

2010-05-30T21:26:00.007-05:00

Finally Got It...

After two weeks off, one for Jamie's engagement party and a weekend lost to rain, we got to test the third and last fix on the "red" car. We fixed a brake problem, a pull-rod problem and last, a rear axle alignment issue. These pictues may all look similar but there's a huge difference in the way it drives now. We spent most of last night working under cars instead of falling backwards. Now we can get Marty's favorite - the "black" car out.

Thanks to Jamie Huber Photos

2010-05-09T20:21:00.008-05:00

18th is Good?

We've been battling this car for three weeks trying to get it to drive right. And even though we finished 18th last night, it was the first time we got this car to behave and power around the corners without a push for a whole race. In other words, we finally understand what adjustments cause what effect. Our heat draw was 8th and spent the heat figuring out what it was gonna do. Started 19th and only finished 18th but feel like we can get back to racing for position.

Thanks to Hall71 Photos

2010-04-19T19:16:00.003-05:00

The Hunt for Traction...

Said something to Jay Sparks... Thought he'd be a jerk. Turns out, nice guy. Apologized. Claimed he got carried away on last lap. Weird. Thought that would be a big deal. Car either has no forward traction or I can't control power... We're rearranging rear suspension, softening RR and going to try the Z-Link on the right. Gotta find the answer. I'm slower in this car than the old Shaw car...

2010-04-14T20:21:00.012-05:00

So I Wonder...
We work hard not to tear other people's stuff up... Was 28 laps into a 30 lap feature Saturday, running 9th which is good for us, catching the 8th place car, running hard as I know how, and getting the seat time. I get the layover flag and start hold the bottom - give all the track to the leader Todd Bennett and he goes by. Flagman showed us the layover again so I stayed on the bottom, but didn't want to just quit. A lap later Jay Sparks racing for third drives into the driver's side door like he owns this car. Should we let it go? Already got a new side on it but plenty pissed.

2010-04-04T19:46:00.009-05:00

UMP Bohlander 50...

We spent all Friday changing head studs, putting topend back together. Ran out of time and didn't scale. Car was loose, I was rusty and inconsistent. But didn't spin out, wreck or get lapped. The heat was tough and the semi was tougher. Was a great feature to watch anyway. Looking forward to getting back to normal Saturday night racing.

Thanks to Hall71 photos:

2010-03-29T23:26:00.006-05:00

Blowing the "cobs" out
That's what my Dad used to call hammer down... Not sure where that came from. Peoria practice was OK. Car was fine. I'm slow. We geared it right and had it turning 8,000 at end of stratight, but broke a head stud and started leaking water. No damage, inside of engine is clean. Probably just fatigue. Better now than later. Cylinder head is off, new set of studs/gaskets on the way.

2010-03-23T23:00:00.001-05:00

A few more days...

Spring in the air, practice day this Saturday at Peoria. Cars are nearly done. And just in the nick of time as usual.

2010-03-17T21:42:00.004-05:00

Getting there...
Marty laid most of the 2010 vinyl on the "black" car. Thanks man - it's the sharpest car ever! We are just around the corner from the season starter.

2010-03-15T18:51:00.001-05:00

Jamie's Big Day!

First day teaching high school today. Done with her grade school teaching apprenticeship. Great job Jamie! We're proud of you!

2010-03-03T20:33:00.001-06:00

2010 Look..

2010-02-21T19:20:00.005-06:00

Motor's In...
Marty came over and we bolted new engine in. Goin good. Should finish mechanical stuff this week, hang new sides next week.

2010-02-07T16:36:00.000-06:00

Procrastination is my enemy???

Well everybody else has their bodies on and finishing up their graphics... Guess it's time to get going. New bumpers and door bar on. Changing seats and redoing the dash this week, engine back in next weekend.

2010-02-02T16:58:00.001-06:00

The Original #94

It’s still winter so another flashback. The “original” number 94, a 1976 Monte Carlo being pushed out to the grid here by Stan Shields, his dad and owner Roy, driver J.J. Janovetz and me at Michigan in 1977. Back then USAC ran twin Norton 200 mile stock car and Indy car races on the same day. The car had an aluminum head 427 in it. I still remember the sound. Pit uniforms were tee shirts and jeans, no pit helmets, and no pit lane speed limits! Started 33rd, finished 25th and earned $478. Paid $7,200 to win. The late Dave Marcis won. What was weird is that Foyt, Unser, Sneva, Mears, and Johncock were all walking around there in the same pit garages. We just ignored ‘em. No big deal back then. The late Danny Ongais won the Indy car portion in a beautiful all black “Interscope” sponsored car.

2010-01-24T18:59:00.001-06:00

Vegas Luck?

Had to spend part of the week in Las Vegas. Packed flights, rained nearly all week, but my rental car was a new "Vanishing Point" Challenger. Had 2 miles on it.

2010-01-12T19:54:00.000-06:00

Big Day...
Mike Mullvain dyno'd new 402 c.i. SB2 Monday. Breaking in made 744hp with little carburetor then 788hp on Tuesday with a bigger carb, and finally 793hp with a little more tuning. We were hoping for 780hp. Very happy. Nice job to Mike, Allan and Bob at Mullvain's. The best engine shop around!

2010-01-03T19:17:00.000-06:00

Aww Naw...
Christmas break is over. Work in the morning. Ecccchhh. Got to cheer up. How about "Here Come the Mummies"... That ought to do it. Turn it up loud - these guys are an awesome band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB5EE42So7I

2009-12-15T21:18:00.000-06:00

Well He Did It...

Chris grew up, got his degree, landed his dream job in California at Specialized Bicycles and this week, loaded up his TDI wagon and moved to San Jose. Hard to watch your kids drive out the driveway for real, but super proud of Jamie and Chris for their determination and and guts.

2009-12-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

That's all Folks...
2009 is over. Cars are apart, little engine at Mullvain's getting new SB2 top end. And new full containment seats coming. Marty's working on a new graphic. Have a good feeling for 2010.

2009-11-13T15:28:00.000-06:00

Wooohaa Daddy!

We'll have enuff juice now. Thought about a bigger trailer for 2010. With economy so scary, decided to upgrade the one we have. First step - super big, super quiet diesel generator. Next step, bigger air conditioner and a satellite dish! Found this Onan on Craigslist in Detroit, went and got it yesterday...

2009-10-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

Just one more race...
Headed to Lincoln Friday for qualifying and heats... Gonna get the big motor car out and have some fun. Be nice if the rain would stay away.

2009-09-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Jon Hamilton Memorial...

We really didn't have any business being there on a night with 30-35 really good late models in the house, 44 total... Weaver and Shirley didn't make the show, Jr. Shickle had to get in on a provisional. But couldn't end the season on a regular nite DNQ last week. We made some huge balance and spring changes and reset the AFCO M2s to Koni settings. The car was the best it's ever been. Took us all year but we finally are in the ballpark. Never got lapped which is an improvement. Started near the back of one of two 16 car B-mains, up to 7th, finished 9th.

2009-09-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

Final Push....
Summer has flown by. Getting scaled up and ready for last regular nite at Peoria this week and the attempt to make Jon Hamilton Memorial 100 lap/$6K next week.

2009-09-07T07:16:00.000-05:00

Aaaaaaaaah......

Vacation. Finally. Been a long, wet summer. We made it to Florida and big day today - got to float our boat in the Gulf of Mexico... Boat seemed big at home. Five miles out in the shipping channel, it's a spec... The Margaritas are flowing and the only clock is the sun! Predicting a Rayburn wins Eldora... That would be fitting.

2009-08-16T20:28:00.000-05:00

It takes help...

You can't run one of these cars without help. Lots of it. Biggest job is tires - selecting, grooving, siping (cutting), sanding, setting pressures and checking torque. Dale is grinding here and Marty is setting pressure. If you don't have 'em cut and buffed right, they don't take heat and just spin. And torque.. Every couple of weeks, you see somebody lose a wheel that wasn't tight. Went to Peoria Saturday. 25 Late Models. We started on the pole of the 3rd heat and ended up 4th. Started out 12th in feature, plowed into a guy trying to get off the track, went to the back and finished 13th.

2009-08-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

Went to Fairbury and all we got was this picture...

42 Lates showed up with other tracks cancelling due to heat... Qualified 30th, started 8th in heat - had to be top 2 to transfer. Marty and Dale had the car good but tried to go big early... Wide off 2, back bumper in the wall and pow, in went the front end. A-frames, ball joints, shock, tie rod, smashed headers... the usual carnage.

2009-08-04T23:24:00.000-05:00

Ronald Jenkees...
Chris turned me on to this dude... Cannot read music! You have to be kidding. Fascinating... Turn it up loud.
http://vodpod.com/watch/788536-messin-with-a-guitar-sound-will-be-on-my-next-cd?mp=1&pod=gttownsend

2009-08-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

Not Much Racin...

Seems like either conflicts or rain. Gonna try to make Farmer City this week. Try out a new set of gas shocks we got from Keith Piano. Been working on an old boat gettin ready to take it on vacation. Never had a boat, kind of fun. Later.

2009-07-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

Joliet

Had to take customers to Joliet NASCAR race. Actually like the customers, can't stand NASCAR. Cat car sucked as usual. Fell off jack, lap down, then crash. Jeff Burton is likeable but... Not a big Martin fan but nice to see the old guys do well. NASCAR has become terribly boring. Even double file restarts quickly get strung out. Joliet has relatively small grandstand and they were not close to sold out. Put restrictor plates on at all tracks.

2009-06-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

Peoria Before the Storm...
Started 6th in heat, got 4th. Car was good. Kept up with good cars and not in jeopardy of getting lapped. Then the storm came. Double features next Saturday.

2009-05-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

Finally...

Got to shakedown the new Rayburn at Peoria... It drives terrific. Took about two laps to get comfortable and away we went. Passed more cars this week than we did the last three races last year. Started 18th in main and finished 13th without a scratch on the car.

Thanks to Trackside Photos

2009-05-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

Great Job at Austin CapExTri Chris...

27th out of 38 world-class professionals in your 4th professional triathlon, 2nd draft legal ITU... 1:50:09 - your best ever time. One-forties is the magic zone like 4 minute miles... Only a handful ever reach it and you're right there... Keep it up. It will payoff.

2009-05-04T23:40:00.000-05:00

Marty is the Man!!!
He went through both cars Sunday and got the chassis settings all right. New Rayburn (on the right) drives great - a ton more forward bite than the old Shaw car. Gets right up on the bars. Prolly go to Peoria this week and try to shake any loose bolts out.

2009-03-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

Finally Done...

New Rayburn all done... Couldn't have done it without Marty's help. Now just hope it's fast!!!

2009-03-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

Took a little break...

Took a little break from the blog. But now it's time to "git 'er done". New car will be done next week and ready for a shakedown... Got invited by an old friend Marcus Fair who is an Illinois High School Association member to sit in the front row at yesterday's Illinois High School final four basketball games. Watched Champaign Centennial (in blue) beat North Lawndale 66-65 on a last second put back... Champaign was the underdog and behind the whole game except with 3 seconds to go... Might have been the best BBall game I've ever watched. Just proves.. Never quit.

2009-03-03T19:12:00.000-06:00

Gettting Close...

Rayburn #2 almost ready for a body. Just a few more brackets and clamps.

2009-02-12T21:28:00.000-06:00

This is gonna be fun right now... Two identical Rayburns... Spare parts out the wazoo... Marty's back for '09, Stan might go... We gave up on Keith - he and MaryAnn will be on their boat all summer.... We'll see him at Eldora and Wheatland. Now if we can just get Duke to sign on. The way we're going at this year, we're gonna need a big guy (bouncer) by the car. Come on 2009! Check out this Scott Autry 2 lap qualifying run... It'll get your heart gassed right straight!! See if you spot where he gets over the cushin and has to wait on the car...

CHECK OUT THIS LINK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP094DRWI2Y&feature=related

2009-02-01T18:40:00.000-06:00

More Forward Progress...
Rearend is all bolted in. All new Konis and Out-Pace links. Marty came out and hung engine. Fits great. Started routing lines and dash wiring.

A word about Out-Pace. What a class company. I ordered wrong stuff - my fault, sent it all back. They resent the right stuff and refused to accept anything for the trouble to repackage and restock. So now we're customers for life.

2009-01-25T19:55:00.000-06:00

Coming along fine...

Rear end back in car, finishing up cockpit and brakelines, Marty putting finishing touches on engine & transimission... Gonna be a great car.

2009-01-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

53 Year Old Sammy Swindell...

Wins the Chili Bowl last night over 280 other drivers including the likes of Jason Leffler, Kasey Kahne, Tracy Hines, Dave Darland, Tim McCreadie (crashed), and more. The best sprint, midget, and some of the best from DLM... 53 and didn't just compete - he beat them all. Not time to give up racing yet. By the way - that's not flat black - the car's body is all carbon fiber!

2009-01-11T20:58:00.000-06:00

Cold outside...

New tub fitted in. Should be able to finish it up this week... Marty's got the suspension and wheel bearings all serviced and ready to go. Watching the Rotty for Jamie.. She and Pam left me here and went on a cruise! How unfair...

2009-01-08T21:53:00.000-06:00

Most important 5 laps in the history of NASCAR...

This was the last Earnhardt Sr. victory, 17th to 1st in four laps, the last real NASCAR race period... No splitters, no COT, no yellow line, no radio censorship, no Lucky Dog, no green-white-checkers, no punk drivers, 170,000 insane but real fans, Jerry Punch had not yet been brainwashed and the best race Benny Parsons (RIP) and Ned Jarrett ever broadcast... And Chris and I were standing right behind the flagman's stand (nobody sat all day). I can still remember the sound of the pack coming at us in the tri-oval... Was weird - you heard the air before the exhaust.

Alright, let's play a game... Click on the video, turn it up crazy loud, close your eyes, listen like it's radio and see if you can make it through these five laps just listening without opening your eyes to watch. I bet you can't even do it on the third try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpBI2ArY14A

2009-01-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

The other day...

...Somebody asked Pam and I "what's your greatest accomplishment in life"? That's pretty easy. That'd be these two... They didn't get it from me but they care about others, they work almost too hard, they've managed to get great educations, and exceeded our dreams in terms of becoming terrific young adults. Jamie and Chris - we love you to infinity... Just pass it on.

2009-01-04T14:08:00.001-06:00

Flashback Action...

Pretty quiet this week... So a little flashback and props to the man! The greatest natural race car driver and finest gentleman we ever worked with, Don Bohlander... Working the bottom here in Stan Shield's 84 in 1990 at Peoria. When he got to this point on your door, you were done. Can't wait to see him at the Bohlander 100 on April 25th. Happy New Year Don...

2008-12-22T22:20:00.000-06:00

Good while it lasted...

Looks like bad economy budget cuts got the Cat Top Fuel car for '09. Too bad. Seemed to me like good value compared to the price of NASCAR. Jeff Burton or not...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeJTeh4E1ww

2008-12-14T13:01:00.000-06:00

Sold the Shaw Car...

Hated to see it go. Of all the cars I've hot rodded, this one was my favorite. It was fun to drive and easy to work on... Oh well, they don't last forever.

2008-12-13T10:17:00.000-06:00

Jersey Boys...
Hosted customers at a Broadway style show in Chicago last nite... What a treat. The story of Franky Valli and the Four Seasons starting out in New Jersey and ending up in Vegas. Man, can these guys sing! And the girls - talk about beautiful...

2008-11-30T17:35:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Weekend...
Great to have Jamie and Chris home for the weekend. Chris tried to wear out the pit 4 wheeler. Ate too much as usual. Thanks to Paula, Monica and Pam for the feast. New Rayburn coming along fine. Completely stripped, straightened frame and replaced panard bar mount. Roughing in seat and dry sump tank mounts.

2008-11-20T19:33:00.001-06:00

If you listen close...
...you can hear the old Shaw pulling off the cushin... Favorite part of a lap - right off the corner, on the floor... Gathering parts and pieces for the new Rayburn. Think it's gonna be a good car. If you need a little dirt fix, check out this in car...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSLzs2ocA5s

2008-11-03T19:28:00.000-06:00

New Rayburn...

Got ahold of another '06 underrail... Decent car after junk cut off. Had to cut out panard bar locator, jack tail over half inch, front shock mount over quarter inch... Previous owner musta nearly knocked rearend clear out of car... Funny... Didn't mention it. But it'll be nice to have two identical cars. Was it just me or were there a load of empty seats at Texas? Pretty boring except for Juan Pablem gettin his Juicy Fruit squared off.

2008-10-31T18:48:00.000-05:00

Good Times...

Thanksgiving and Christmas soon... Jamie and Chris coming home - Jamie brings Ramona, the big bad Rotweiller

2008-10-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

10/26 "Corn Dog"... Get it?...

2008-09-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

9/11

Stayed up til two in the morning the other night watching a 9-11 documentary on the History channel. Had my blood boiling again. Watching those firemen carrying their oxy bottles and marching into those towers... To die. If you don't vote, you need to. Thanks to all that serve.

2008-09-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

9/6 Peoria...

It's true... When you're airborne it gets very quiet in the car. Touched wheels, shot front end up in the air and rolled a couple of times, completely off the ground at least once. Ended up setting on the back bumper up against the fence. Had to take it home on a rollback... Billy Neal called it "vicious"... But walked away, no problems. If you don't have a Hans, get one. Could feel it holding my head back on the biggest hits. Thanks to the track crew.... They were at the window within 10 seconds.

Thanks to Trackside Photos

2008-09-02T20:35:00.000-05:00

8/30 Peoria...

Feel like every week, we've gotten better. Hate it that the season's almost over. Started third in the heat, had the balance in the car perfect - anybody could drive it... Drove under the front row and got to the lead. Made one mistake late and Gerry Reeder got by... Good for him - he's about to undergo a kidney transplant - good luck Gerry. Started 12th in the feature by points. I missed the setup - had Marty put too much bite in the car, got a throttle push going and couldn't go forward. Look forward to next week... The Lances are off to Eldora, Doug's taking the week off - be nice to get a top five.

Thanks to Jamie Huber Photos

2008-08-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

8/16 Peoria...

Kirby says "what did you do to my car?" Best nite this year... Started off rough. Car was terriffic in heat but got chopped off, turned around and left Mike Jones no place to go but into wall. Mike's car was torn up bad. Sorry Mike- I love you man.... Started 2nd in semi, ended up winning after roughing up the 20 - but that was fair game after a half-assed slide job on us the week before. Started 14th, finished 12th but car is getting better and better.

Thanks to Jamie Huber Photos