Nov 05 - Feb 06 Mar 06 - Apr 06 May 06 - Jun 06 Jul 06 - Aug 06
Sep 06 - Nov 06 Jan 07 - Jul 07 Aug 07 - Nov 07 2008 Season
 2009 Results      
MARCH 6, 2010 Mohave Valley Raceway
Lined up 3rd for the heat race and came out of turn 2 in 4th and slipped back into third when a car slipped off the back stretch.   The motor had an odd sound to it like it had a broken header or something but it was running decent and all the gauges were fine so I kept going.   Developed a mild vibration about 1/2 way and wound up finishing the race in the third spot.   Check out the rear of the car and found an issue with the right rear brake caliper.   Took a while to get something rigged up to 'fix' it and as we buttoned up it was time to line up.   They had moved the mods up in the order as rain was on the way.   No chance to check the motor issue.    Lined up in the 7th spot and gave a little room on the opening lap as it was an aggressive start.   Moved by a few cars and knew there was a problem with the car.   It was just odd, can't really explain the problem.   But going into turn 2 the car just kind of bogged down and I shot off the track.   It bogged down again and then that was that, I was on my way to the pits.   I'm not sure if the RR was locking up or binding up or what, but it was enough to call it a night.   A DNF.   I'm about out of parts right now and am not sure if I even have the motivation to search out the issue.   Maybe a yard sale is in order.   Then I can retire and get my new dodge challenger!   

To make matters worse I was called out at the driver's meeting (something I dislike greatly).    When we got home and tried to start the car, it wouldn't turn over.   The carburetor leaked over the whole way home filling the engine with raw fuel.   Lovely!    But as long as I'm having fun, right?  

Thanks Mom, Blake, Kelly, Zach, Julie, and Ralph for their help.   Lots of hard work on their parts for a few laps in the feature.   Something tells me they got the short end of the stick.    
FEBRUARY 26, 2010 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Headed out to LVMS around 4pm to avoid the pole day traffic exiting the speedway.   Just as I got there the Highway Patrol shut off the lane I needed to get directly into the speedway.   Wound up taking the scenic route to get into the dirt track but made it, a few groans here and there, but I made it.   At least 33 modifieds graced the pits for the one week notice event, while only 28 World of Outlaw teams were on hand.   The mods packed the track and the track was sloppy.   I chose to skip the first practice.   Got to go out after the WoO cars qualified and the track was really heavy.  The car was stuck like glue and a handful to drive.   Made a couple of changes for the heat as I had nothing to lose.  I started 11th of 12 in my heat with 6 transferring to the A main.   Managed to move up and was running pretty decent around 8th.   The car was decent but still a tad on the tight side.   Was playing it pretty safe and managed to get into the 5th spot.   The car, again, started to lose fuel pressure but picked up in time for me to finish off the last two laps and transfer.   Adjusted the fuel pressure regulator and made a couple of extra chassis adjustments as we would be running after the WoO feature event.   The track was in great shape for the feature.    I started 14th and was picking off cars one at a time.   Made my way to the bottom and found that the car was really good there.   The track was fast, carrying quite a bit more speed than I have experienced this year.   That coupled with some really close racing bit me.   While racing right around the 6-7-8 spot I got into a car going towards turn 1.   He got side ways and into the sloppy inside line.   That put him right in line with the tractor tire and he shot up and wacked it a good one.   I spun to avoid it and still hit him myself.   Damn, big screw up for me.    But we both kept going and restarted at the tail of the LONG 22 or 23 car line of racecars.   Back to racing and I was having a blast.   Using the 2nd lane and the inside I was able to drive by quite a bit of the field to wind up in the 10th spot as the final checker waved.    Great run in a tough field of cars.   

Thanks Mom, Blake, Jerry, Carly & Brett for your help and support out there.   Also thanks to LVMS for putting on the show for us.   It was fun!    Maybe we can race there monthly now?   hmmmmm
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 Mohave Valley Raceway
After a busy week at school we loaded up and made the trek to Mohave Valley Raceway, again, with rain in the forecast.   Canyon Speedway Park's winter series race rained out earlier in the day and a couple of cars from there swelled the car count to 19 by the time we had arrived.    How exciting to have so many cars there.   I had been pulling my hair out trying to figure out the issue with the replacement motor.   It certainly wasn't as powerful (good) as the one I took out so many adjustments needed to be made.   I had to jet it down almost 20 jet sizes, and had to go up 33 gear points just to get the car to run.   The motor last ran in early 2008 when it suddenly filled with a cylinder with water between the heat and the feature.   We then drained the water, raced and won the feature that night.   Anyway, I volunteered to start at the back as I didn't really know what the car would do.    The track was heavy in the cool conditions and wasn't packed all the way down leaving it pretty narrow out there.   A good start had us slipping into third and right on the leaders.   The car was pretty good with just a touch of bog coming off the turns.   However I was trying to just get the car to clip the slop on the bottom to get the car spinning the tires early.   It was a very fast track and I was all over 2nd place.   The leader slipped and we were all over him.   I shot to the outside coming off turn 2 only to slip off the top trying to give the inside room.   I stayed in it and shot back onto the track in third.   The leader slowed in turn 2 on the next lap and we narrowly slipped by.    I would stay in second and finish there, right on the leader's rear bumper at the finish.     Jerry Jr came over during intermission to check out the jetting on the car and said it seemed to be good.   So I left the car alone hoping the track would slick off some and free the car up.    For the redraw I actually drew a number good enough for the pole.   However I really wanted to work my way through the field so I asked to start at the back of the 12 inverted spots.   I knew this would put many cars that would be tough to pass in front of me, but after last weekend I needed to have some fun and try to pass some cars.    Took to the track in the 11th spot actually and it was wild and crazy at the green.   Lots of switching lines and quite a bit of leaning on one another was going on.   My car was working great but with the extra gear it was really screaming around there, just slightly hitting the rev limiter at the end of the straights.   I was using the bottom when I really wanted to be up top, but it was crowded up there.   Made some progress and had a few bumps and rubs before slipping into the 7th spot, then 5th.   Finally got into the fourth spot as the car was on a rail when I got to the top.   I was right on the 3rd place car when hit motor locked up going into turn 3 and he spun.   I was all over the brakes, elbows in the air to avoid him and narrowly escaped hitting him as I shot off turn 3.   Whew!  Oh no, there was another car spun off the track that I had to quickly react to avoid.    On the restart I was able to slip into the third spot and was slowly reeling in the 2nd place car when the yellow waved.   I to the outside of row two for the start and the inside car go the slight jump allowing him to crowd me out going into 1 where he took the top groove and the 2nd spot.   A few laps into the run he had distanced himself from me but I adjusted my line a little and reeled him back in to put on the pressure.   He slipped up in turn 2 and spun to the infield.   I was now in 2nd but the leader was a ways out in front.   Yellow.    I chose the outside as I felt it was my only shot at taking the lead with the leader out front by himself.   The same car started inside of me and I knew I would need a better start to keep him from moving up.   Got a great start and was able to fight my way by the inside car as he pressured me by moving up alongside me.   The leader got away a little but as the laps wound down he began to move down and my run on the top side was allowing me to close in.   Got right to his bumper and was trying everything to make my move.   With two to go I was right there with him going into turn 3.   I got in a little hot and the car twitched just enough to send me scooting off the top of the track.   I recovered, amazingly, still in 2nd where I would finish.    EXCITING!    

Once in the pits the car had a sizzling sound coming from the right bank of headers.   Water again in the motor.   It appears there is a crack somewhere that must open up when the motor heats up.    Back out of the car it comes.   Ugh!   The little motor ran its guts out and almost picked up another win.   

Thanks Mom, Blake, Kelly, Zach, Walter, and Jerry & Eric for their help and support this weekend.   
FEBRUARY 13, 2010 Pahrump Valley Speedway
Following the last race at Pahrump Valley Speedway I was advised to change to the back up motor because the primary one sounded a little weak and it was obvious it was losing a cylinder.   After over 37 races, I guess it deserves a break.   So Blake and I switched motors and all was well.   Showed up to Pahrump to one, yes one other modified.   Within the next hour another two showed up bringing the grand total to, (are you ready for this), FOUR modifieds.   One was unfortunate and break before the heat leaving three of us for the heat race.   After hot laps I leaned the motor down as it was very rich.   That was a sign of things to come but I headed out for the heat.   Had a decent race in the heat race as the three of us stayed close and competed pretty well.   My problem was the car was so sluggish and flat.   It just wouldn't get up and run, seemed really stuck in the track.   Wrong gear.   This motor isn't as 'good' as the primary one.  In fact it's a motor that is pushing 3 years old.   It's smaller and the combination requires more gear to get it moving.   I don't run a lot of gear so I always err on the side of less gear.   So all things considered I just loaded up after the heat and headed home.   I was sick to my stomach over the lack of cars and the lack of performance from the car.  Stinks.   I know times are tough, but there is something going on that is keeping cars from showing up.   Very sad that we cannot get together, support the track, and  race so close to home.  I am hearing a song becoming louder in the background......what's that Willy......"on the road again...." you say?   
JANUARY 30, 2010 Pahrump Valley Speedway
I've really had a lot on my mind these last few days and it really got my down.   In fact, I was in a real funk on Saturday morning and contemplated just staying home, not racing.   The school district has been updating us, via email, that budget cuts are imminent and have hinted that pay cuts are coming.   Anywhere from 10% to 25% is being thrown around.   With that, the racing won't exist.   So that coupled with a few other issues simply stressed me out.   But I decided I cannot worry about something that hasn't happened so on with the racing.   Went out to pack the track and then lined up for hot laps, which I RARELY do, to check out the fuel issue with the car.   Good thing I did as it fell on its face immediately.    Off the track to adjust the fuel pressure regulator and back out for 3 courtesy laps.   It again fluttered at first but then got to going for the rest of the time.    Lined up inside row two for the heat race and myself and the outside front row car both slipped by the pole sitter for 1st and 2nd.   Once in second I just didn't have the car set up tight enough and I slowly lost ground to the leader.   With a few laps to go the leader's rear end wobbled and the car came to an abrupt stop in turn 2, handing the lead over to me.   From there I led the last couple of laps to win the heat race!   Our first checkered of 2010.    Fueled the car for the feature and added some weight to tighten it up a little bit.   The track was a little abrasive and was chewing at the tires pretty good.    With my DNF last race I was scheduled to start a little closer to the front than normal, outside row 3.   However a feature scratch and another car electing to start in the rear put me outside row 2.   Some contact between the front row made the first green a little hairy and I went down the middle to come out of turn 2 in the 3rd spot.   Just out of 4 the 2nd place car pushed high and got loose heading back across the track.   I knew I wouldn't make it by so I slowed up to let him spin by in front of me at which time I was hit hard in the back.   Managed to keep the car straight and out of the spinning car to drive by.   Whew.   Restart.   On the next restart the inside line got the jump and I was able to get in behind them to pass the outside pole sitter.   As I settled into 3rd the battle for the lead was close in front of me.   Coming off turn 2 the second place car climbed the left rear of the leader and they were briefly stuck together.   I shot to the outside and slipped by them both and into the lead.    We raced for another lap before the yellow waved.   During the caution there was a huge scuffle in the pits and people were running to crowd around a car parked in the pits.   A few caution laps later the sheriff's cars sped in and the action outside was better than that on the track.   So much so I almost missed the flashing of the lights to go back to green.   False start as the yellow waved coming out of 4 for the green.   Finally got back going and the car was good and actually kept getting better.    I was in a great rhythm and I wasn't getting any pressure from behind.   Was catching a glimpse of the back of the field as the laps wound down and a lapped car moved over to let me by easily.   With about 10 to go I got into turn 1 and the car got really tight.   I wacked the throttle to bring it around and the car snapped loose quickly.   I managed to save it and keep going although my heart skipped several beats in the process.   Led the remaining laps and picked up our first feature win of the 2010 season.    The 87N team is proud to say we have wins in the 90's, the 00's, and now the 10's!    Dang, I'm old.   

Thanks Mom, Blake, Kelly and Jerry Sr for their help and support in the pits this weekend.  
JANUARY 9, 2010 Pahrump Valley Speedway
A decent 16 car field of IMCA modifieds were in the pits at Pahrump Valley Speedway on a beautiful 60 degree afternoon!    At the draw Todd Nunnally (car #86) showed me the chip he drew, #87.   We laughed.   A few moments later I pull my chip out and it's #86.   Just some fun stuff for you fellow number crazies.    The track was pretty heavy for the early races and it was still heavy as I lined up inside row 3 for my heat race.   One car pulled off after the short hot lap session before the heat so I moved up to 2nd row.   At the green we got going quickly and it was pedal to the metal the entire 10 lap distance.    The car was a little tight and was carrying the left front a decent amount of the time.  But it was a nice ride after a few months off.    Finished 2nd in the heat.    Elected to skip the dash for cash.   While working on the car for the feature I was notified I was one of two cars up for the $50 best appearing car award.   Oddly enough, it was Todd Nunnally!   We went to the front stretch to have the fans scream out for their favorite.   I was worried going against the home-town driver, but we ended up in a tie!    Thanks fans!    Todd and I split the $50.  

While driving off the track from the award ceremony I noticed the car sounded funny on the left side.   I looked for an exhaust leak, a broken header, when Jerry arrived.   He found the culprit.  The end had broken off the end of a push rod.   Changed it and all was well, whew, thought we might have lost a cylinder.  

I drew #15 which put me outside pole for the feature.   The track was a TaD bIT BuMPy out there but I was optimistic about our chances.   The pole car didn't make the initial call so the inside row moved up.   We raced side by side into turn 1 and the inside slid up in front of me to catch the moisture.   I checked up and lost 2nd just as quickly.   Once into third it was hard to make a run as the yellow waved every other turn it seemed like as the racers were having a hard time keeping it going.   Finally able to go a couple of rounds I was able to take 2nd on the outside of turns 1 & 2 and finish it off going into 3.   Yellow.   But I retained 2nd.   Got a good outside inside run on the leader and took the lead only to slide up in turn 3 and lose it again out of 4.   I fought back and was taking the lead again as the yellow waved again.   Back to green I worked my way into the lead off turn 2 by making an inside cut after setting the car high in turn 1.   Once in the lead I began to get heavy pressure from behind in the form of Levi Kiefer.   The yellows weren't helping as I couldn't get away from him at all.    We fought side by side for some time before he was door to door with me going into turn 1.   He inside, myself outside.    His car pushed right at the exit and collided with my car just behind the left front tire sending me up in the air slightly and flattening his tire.   I managed to hang on and maintain the lead.   The lead, yellow, lead, yellow trend continued.   As we raced along the car began to stumble off the turns.   It got worse, and worse and worse.   Finally on a restart with just more than a handful of laps to go the car gave up the ghost and I puttered around and off the track, giving up the lead.    Bummer dude!    I wound up 9th as attrition took its toll on some of the field.  

But hey, I lead some laps, got some dings, rubs, and bumps and worked my sick, tired butt out some.   :)  

Thanks Mom, Blake, and Jerry Sr. for their help in the pits.