Recent race pictures

I recently attended a race at Maryland International Raceway (MIR) and took a load of photos. I have posted them on the DC Outlaws website. Here is the more direct link: MIR Pics

Mike

A change in my goals

When I first started this blog, I was under the impression that if I could start driving regularly then I would learn as I went along. I have changed this attitude and I now believe that my best approach to learning this sport is by participating as a crew member first.

That's where Gil Christian comes in. I mentioned in a previous post that I met Gil through Joe Kaiser of the DC Outlaws. Gil purchased an ex-Texas Outlaws Fuel Altered early this year and needed to completely change the engine, transmission, third member, chassis, wheel, tires...you name it. It really is like a completely new race car.

We have had the engine out at least three times, the transmission out five or six, the third member and housing is all new among many other projects. It is still not finished but we are making progress. Here are some good pictures:

A bump in the road...

In late January my house caught fire and almost burned completely to the ground. The fire started in the garage and most likely in the main electrical box. Not sure exactly why although an electric scooter looks to be a likely culprit. It was plugged in to charge and the thinking is it overcharged and then caused an overheat in the main panel. But why didn't the main breaker pop? Good question. We may never fully know.

State Farm is my insurance company and I must say that they have done an outstanding job helping me through this. For that reason I would recommend them above most others. My agent is Doug Veach in Woodstock, VA. Thank you Doug! The rebuild took about 9 months but it was a very extensive rebuild.

Before and after shots...

Bad News

A few days ago I learned that Frank Laster was diagnosed with cancer. I don't know what kind or the extent of it. Frank is selling all the equipment including the dragster. My prayers go out to him and Linda and I certainly would like to see him again soon.

Please remember Franks needs in your thoughts. Thanks.

Changes

A lot has happened since my last posting. Since Frank lost his job I have decided to move forward trying to find a local owner or team that will let me crew up and then work from there. Mostly, I just need the experience of operating a team so driving now would likely be more of a distraction.

I contacted Joe Kaiser who runs a group known as the DC Outlaws. This group runs Top Alcohol dragsters, altereds and funny cars. He in turn put me in touch with Gil Christian who had recently purchased a Fiat Altered from a member of the Outlaw Fuel Altered Association. Gil has finished converting the driveline for Top Alcohol use installing a Miner Brothers Hemi and I have been helping Gil with small projects.

This car uses a funny car chassis but a 1938 Fiat body...quite wicked!

Here is the almost finished Altered...

Season Expectations and Schedule

Friends,

Sorry for the delay in writing but not much has happened since last fall. Frank, team owner, finished getting the engine back together. He has made some passes to get the car set up properly and made some modifications as well.

The clutch was modified with a pneumatic unit with a button release on the steering wheel. This makes it easier to keep the throttle up and launch harder at the light. This is advantageous against the powerglide dragsters. There were some issues with the oil pump but Morroso sent parts for that fix.

We are still looking for a sponsor for the 2010 season of NHRA Division 4. We will be racing in the Lucas Oil Series. IHRA has introduced the "Elite 8" for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. We considered this but the payouts are to small for the distances we needed to travel.

I hope to see you at a Division 4 race this season!

Best,

Mike

New Rig!

Frank has done some testing and we are still looking for a sponsor for the 2010 season.

Here is a picture of the new getup: