July 3, 2007
The BIG F!!! Engine FAILURE that is. I was in the first practice session with about 5 laps under my belt when suddenly, and w/o warning, the engine just stopped. I coasted to the side of the track looked down to see my fuel pump loose (Argh!!). To say my '07 season has been a struggle would be an understatment. After all the prep and energy that goes into a race weekend, this was the last thing I needed to happen. We removed the engine for Roger @ ProSpeed to rebuild and loaded the rest of the equipment. I decided to stick around and watch from the sidelines. It was actually nice to be able to see all the other races (Juniors, Masters, etc...) since I'm usually so busy in the pits w/ my own kart. Thanks again to Scott Borowy for all the assistance during this tough weekend. My next race will be July 29th - fresh engine and all.

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May 15, 2007
Well, my first race weekend of '07 is complete. Is it the result I was hoping for? Not at all. Did I have a enjoyable weekend? Absolutely!! The long Winter months made me extremely excited to be out racing again and seeing all my racing friends.

My Saturday practice sessions were cut in half due to the carb pin needle sticking, which took the first 1/2 of the day to resolve. Once I did get out on track, the kart was extremely quick. I posted my best lap times ever and was feeling good about the setup. The only issue was the brakes - it took more than just a few laps for them to actually work the way I like them.

For Sunday, I decided to bleed the brakes and add new fluid in hopes that this would help the brake issue. Well, it didn't help the issue and I missed the first practice session due to some complications (a bolt was stripped so I had to drill it out). I was a bit nervous for qualifying since I didn't get a chance to test the brakes. I ended up with the 15th fastest time (out of 31 karts). The pre-final was going smoothly as I began to climb up the grid until another driver shot over on a wide turn and clipped my front right on lap 4. The contact damaged my karts front nose and it was now dragging causing major underseer in left corners. Well, as you can imagine, I started to drop back and ended up finishing 11th.

Unfortunately in the final I was involved in a turn 2 incident on the first lap. I believe (but cannot confirm) the driver who caused the incident is the same driver who got into me during the pre-final. Nonetheless, I was a sitting duck in the middle of the track turned 180 degrees facing the remaining field. Luckily everyone made it around safely and I was able to restart the kart now in last place. Of course, I now had some damage to the front left nose of the kart and was dragging again (arrggh). I was able to control my emotions and stayed focus for the remaining 19 laps managing to work my way back up to the 13th spot. My karts bodywork will need to be replaced (see the picture) but I was just happy that I didn't let my anger get the best of me.

A huge shout out to Scott Borowy - my right hand man for the weekend as well as for the 2007 season. Also a big thank you to Roger Hargens at ProSpeed and Ted Cook for the assistance (as well as jokes).

See you on the track May 27th.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!! 2007

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It had been exactly 5 months since my last race so to say I was excited to get behind the wheel again would be an understatement. I was also looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces at the track again. The best part of the day was that Roger of Prospeed had asked me to drive one of his Arrow karts for the day. Roger had just finished rebuilding the engine so I would need to spend the first few practice sessions breaking the engine in - no biggie.

Everything with the Arrow was running smoothly and I was excited to finally open it up for the qualifying session. I ended the qualifying session with the 12th fastest time (23 drivers) but knew I still had work to do. I was over 3 seconds off the fastest time!! During the Pre-Final I managed to pass a few karts but was having some issues in the slower corners. I finishing in the same spot as I had started - 12th. For the Final, I made some simple changes to help eliminate the bogging and it helped a bit. I managed to finish 11th but was losing about 2 tenths a lap for the last 5 or 6. I had completely run out of gas - not in the karts fuel tank but from my own fatigue. It was official, I was out of racing shape. I guess that's what taking 5 months off from racing will do. I did manage to bring my lap times down 2 seconds during the final so that was encouraging.

I should note that the F1 track was now running the complete track with the banking so it was a completely new configuration for everyone. I would like to once again thank Roger for the opportunity to drive the Arrow kart - wish I could have finished a little better. I would also like to thank Scott Borowy for all his help at the track.

I'll be spending the off-season working on the my kart and preparing for the '07 season. See you all on the track in May.

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Sept. 21
OK, I know it's been a very loooong time since I posted an update on the season. Unfortunatley, there hasn't been much to report in terms of racing in '06. In fact, I have raced just once - so I can hardly call it a season. My kart sits in the garage collecting dust and has now become part of the ever growing furniture collection used to hold various project pieces (now that's just wrong and sad). I am determined to get out at least once more before the white puffy stuff starts falling. Hell, I need to at least finish one race this season. I'm getting depressed just typing this.

Anyway, I have been rather busy with other deeds such as working on the house, celebrating my 4 year anniversary, and doing a fair share of trips in the Porsche.

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May 29 - F1 Outdoors Opening weekend
I arrived Saturday morning with Brian (thank you, thank you) for the full day of practice. This was going to be the first time in the kart this season and I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time for a good shakedown. There were some issues right away. As I was filling the fuel tank, Brian spotted a leak from a small pinhole. Now a mad scramble to find another CRG fuel tank (not a easy task). Luckily, Mike Camarro had an extra for me to borrow. I also had an issue with the battery, which I quickly replaced and was now set to get on the track (after missing the first 2 practice sessions). The first session was basically just used to make sure the kart was working properly - brakes, tires, seat, engine, etc…. No major issues so my second practice session (and last of session of the day) was spent pushing the kart and getting myself comfortable with the track (F1 now runs the track clockwise this year to help with the noise levels.) I was pretty happy overall with the setup and engine so I was looking forward to the race on Sunday.

My wife Kara joined me for the races on Sunday - thanks for all the support at the track sweetie!! The first few practice sessions went well but I was starting to get a slight bog out of the hairpin. I decided to go up a few sprockets for qualifying to relieve the issue. The qualifying session went well but I was disappointed with the result - 17th position out of 34 drivers. I had some serious work to do in pre-final. I had a somewhat safe and cautious pre-final and finished 13th but noticed a slight hesitation with the engine the last 4/5 laps. The final was a complete disaster. The engine was off right away so I pulled in on the warm up lap. Prospeed mechanic Kevin quickly adjusted the power valve screw and I headed back out to try and catch the field before the green flag in dead last position. Although the engine was way off - popping and bogging like a sick puppy, I managed to pass a few karts and was doing everything possible to keep the kart going. Finally after about 8 laps, I heard a clank and my day was over. I coasted to the side of the track and calmly removed my helmet. Post race inspection revealed that the bolt that holds the power valve had come unthreaded (even with loctite) .

Not a great way to begin your season but overall I was optimistic about how I was running before the engine issues.

I would also like to say thanks to Bill Prew and his family for all their assistance on Sunday - it’s always helpful having the extra support at the track.

My next race with is June 25th in Oswego,NY.

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May 22
My brother Brett was in town (well actually in Boston) filming so Kara and I drove up last night to meet him for dinner. We took him to our favorite place on Newbury Street - Tapeo's. Delicious food and Sangria's indeed. Have fun on your shoot this week Bro.

Really looking forward to the first race this weekend - thanks for the help this weekend with the kart Brian and John.

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May 14
Well the weather washed out the weekend. Rain for the last several days caused the staff at F1 to cancel the RMax event. Many parts of the Northeast were experiencing heavy flooding. The next race, May 28th, will be a double points race and count for 2 stamps on the card. No pressure.

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April 27, 2006
The season is only a few weeks away and I am still in preparation mode. The kart is being brought up from the garage and reassembled this weekend. I recently purchased a trailer for the kart which I am also assembling since it was in rough shape. This past off season, otherwise known as Winter, has allowed me to focus on the house and various renovations (bathroom, office, etc...) which can become a bit tiring so I'm extremely excited to get back to the racing again. I'll be in Atlanta next week visiting some friends, so I'll be missing the first club event at F1 Outdoors. Hope everyone who runs has a great day of racing - be safe.

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2005--2005--2005--2005--2005--2005--2005
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October 30
Well the engine was pulled off the kart today and brought inside to the basement workshop. I plan on going over the engine during those long Winter weekends. I took the 'ol Porsche out for a nice little drive - it may have been my last of the year (the flakes have already started to fall in New England). See you all at the track next season.

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Sept 4
It's been awhile since I've had the time to race (or write for that matter) as I have been extremely busy with working on the house as well as starting a new job. I hope to run the last race of the year up at Louden and then enjoy a long Winter break before the '06 season.

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June 22
It was a very hot Sunday for the 2nd round of the RMax Challenge. In fact, it was actually 94 degrees!!! I was having some issues with the rear axle after running wide (totally my fault) during the second practice session. I had a lackluster qualifying session - 19th and slightly better heat race - 17th. I managed to move up several spots in the final finishing in the 8th spot. This was of course running with new MOJO tires. Overall, I was not impressed with these new spec tires. Next race will be at OVRP. I will be missing the Oswego event due to other obligations.

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June 5
The third event on the schedule for the NHKA was a Friday only event (Unlike typical events where Friday is a practice day and then there is a race on both Saturday and Sunday). The day went smoothly and the weather was ideal. The first race I started 24th and finished 13th. I chose the wrong jet and was off nearly 2 1/2 seconds from my morning practice times - I felt like I had another 200lbs on the kart. The second race I started 25th but had a much better setup and finished 9th. Had a really good duel with Mike Coty the latter stage of the race - hat's off to Mike for racing clean. Next race is Sunday at F1 outdoors - the second RMax challenge event of the year. I'm currently 8th in that series.

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May 17
Well the weather finally cooperated and allowed for a great day of racing. I think all the racers were feeling a little lucky with the weather - forecasts called for rain. The F1 staff did a good job of sticking to the schedule and overall they ran a well organized event.

New regulations required some modifications to my kart so I spent the morning practice sessions installing the exhaust silencer. My first time out was for the qualifying heat and I ended up posting a dissapointing 14th fastest time. Not what I expected at all but my gearing was also not correct. The pre-heat race was more entertaining. First, a very experienced driver locked and spun into me on the warm-up lap - I mean, cmon people, the warm-up lap. Luckily, I was able to save it and remain in line only to be taken out again about 5 laps later. Three slower karts were in a pile up and I couldn't avoid them. I ended up staying on the track enough to jump back in but was now waaay back on the grid for the final --- 19th spot. The final was actually my best racing of the day - turning the fastest laps by nearly a full second. I ended up finishing in the 6th spot. The key to placing higher is very simple- I need to do a better job in qualifying.

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April 11
Just returned from the season opener of the New Hampshire Karting Association up at NHIS. We had exceptional weather all weekend and no major incidents on the track. Friday's practice went very smoothly considering it was the first time the kart was on track since the rebuild and balance issues. The first 3 practice sessions I was just taking it easy breaking the engine in. On the fourth session, the rev's and temp's were ideal and I was feeling confident enough to change my gearing and drop it down for better straight line speed. The last session confirmed my belief as the kart was quicker than all of last season. Saturday was gorgeous outside - mid to high 50's and very sunny. I started Saturdays's race 22nd on the grid and had a decent start. I ended up finishing in the 7th spot with a fast lap time of 1:18.767. I decided to go down yet another gear for Sunday's race and gained some more speed in the morning practice sessions. I started Sunday's race in 16th spot and only managed to run 1 1/2 laps before I was forced wide in turn 3. The kart went airborn and landed hard enough to drop the chain - my race was over in less than 2 minutes. So overall I had a decent weekend and am looking forward to the next race in early May.

Once again I would like to give a big thanks to Kevin and Roger Hargens of Prospeed. Roger was simply outstanding - supplying me the correct parts and tools in order to make the weekend as successful as possible. I would also like to say thanks to David Saggio (my pit mate), Greg Den Herder, Bob Hobson, and Bill Bailey for all the support at the track. No worries Greg, I have a spring puller on order.
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April 2nd
Only one week away from the first race of the season. Looking forward to racing outside again - hopefully the severe vibration problem is now fixed after Roger and Kevin did some work on the chassis/spindles. My engine also recieved a thorough tear down. I had to replace my crank case, it was cracked. Anyway, I'm heading to Roger's tomorrow to do some resin patching on the seat and to add seat struts. I'll give a full report after the next race weekend.
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February 16th
Just returned with my wife from Florida to celebrate her Grandpa's 85th birthday. Her Grandparents lead a busier life than we do!!! They are truly amazing individuals and enjoy every minute - very funny people indeed. We had a great time and absolutely perfect weather for the duration of the trip. Kinda makes me want to live in a warm weather state again - more convenience and of course, more driving/racing time.

Looks like several dates have been added to the F1 Outdoor Club schedule - I marked all tentative since I'm guessing only about 3/4 are confirmed dates. Nonetheless, it looks like a full season of racing for the 'ol lead slead.
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February 7th
I just competed in a 200 lap endurance race last weekend at the new Racing America indoor track in Foxboro, Mass. Having not raced since October, I was a bit rusty behind the wheel and my practice times showed it. Our team, Team 33, included the very experienced Roger Hargens, Greg Den Herder, and young Matt Hutnak. Based upon our practice times, Matt was the fastest so he was on the hook to qualify. We seriously considered changing karts prior to qualifying as our times were considerably off the pace from the other teams. Well Matt gave it all he could and placed us 17th on the grid. We had our work cut out but heck, it is a 200 lap race. Greg started the first stint and moved us up to 7th before handing off to Matt . Matt was doing a fine job until he was just blatantly punted by another driver causing the fuel tank to loosen and a quick stop into the pits. The race was red flagged as we needed a new kart. I began the 3rd stint with the new kart and right away I knew this kart was faster than the sloth we had before. Our lap times were now competitive and after my stint we were back in the top 7. Roger then took the wheel and set our fastest time of the day, :47.70. Matt had another stint and then Greg was put in to finish the event. Greg finally eclipsed Roger's fastest time and ended up with the 7th fastest time overall, :47.13. We ended up finishing 7th overall which was a decent finish since we started with such a dog of a kart in the beginning.

The one thing I was unprepared for was the rough driving of many of the other drivers. I think since the karts are totally wheel enclosed, many used the kart as a battering machine. I hope these type of drivers don't start racing Rotax - unless of course, they change their driving style. Overall, I had a great time and it was nice to get back into a driving mentality.

2004--2004--2004--2004--2004--2004
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October 18
The final weekend of racing within the NHKA series - as well as the 8th stop of the season for the WKA National series. I always look forward to the National event due to the increase in drivers and competition. Friday's practice was rained out so Saturday morning was intense due to only having 2 sessions prior to the race. The Spec 125 race saw 32 drivers grid (I gridded 26th). My starts have been getting better and Saturday was no exception. I worked my way up through the field finishing 11th. Sunday was a very similar day - gridding 24th and finished 8th. Not a great weekend as far as results go, but I'm actaully looking forward to the off season. My kart was running poorly most of the season with a lean pop situation I just was unable to track down. Hopefully the next several months will allow me the time to find this 'lil gremlin'. Thanks again to all my sponsors and to those who helped out at the track - especially Mike who came up from the Philadelphia area.
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September 5
It was another fun race at Lime Rock on Saturday. John Brundage and I shared driving duties in a 1.5 hour endurance kart event. The racing was close and fierce but we managed to finish a very strong 2nd in the GTP (Pro) division. The event was in tandem to one of the premier Vintage events of the year - the Rolex Vintage Fall Festival.
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August 15
Well another NHKA weekend is in the books. Friday and Sunday were rained out so the only track time was on Saturday. The early practices went very well and I decided to make just one minor sprocket change to increase straight speed. I had one of my typical race starts and was running OK when I threw a chain with a litle more than 10 minutes left in the race. After further diagnosis, I realized that there was an even bigger issue besides the chain coming off - the bearings had basically exploded. Next race Sept. 4th @ Lime Rock and Sept 5th @ F1 Outdoors.
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July 21
It seems like such a looong time since I've been racing and there's a very simple reason - my wife and I are buying a house (Providence, RI). This of course does not mean my season of racing is over - just modified a bit. My next scheduled race is Aug. 13-15 at NHIS - two weeks before our closing. I will also be competing in an endurance race on Sept. 4th at Lime Rock. My co-driver for the event will be another KTR guy - John Brundage.
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June 12
Another long day at the F1 track today. I missed the one and only morning practice session due to complications with my gearing change. During the qualifying session I dropped a chain which meant I would be starting dead last on the heat race grid. The kart ran smoothly but still sluggish in the heat race and I managed to work my way up to the 9th spot for the final. For the final race, I made a few more engine tweaks and it seemed to help in the low end and tight corners. I mananged to finish 4th overall in the final - not a bad day since I was essentially starting from the back of the pack and working my way up each session.
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June 8
The third NHKA race is now in the books. After missing the 2nd race of the season, I was looking forward to getting behind the wheel and mixing it up on the track. Friday's practice was fairly uneventful with the engine running smooth and the chassis working great. I was still having issues on the starts - very sluggish. I gridded 22nd for Saturday's race and finished 7th. A few drivers decided not to stick around for the Sunday since the forecast called for severe showers. Well Sunday ended up being a great day and I gridded 20th. After having my best start ever, I moved up to the top 5 when I blew a bellows and started to lose high end torque, which eventually dropped me to the 6th spot when the checkered flag waved. Overall, I was very pleased with the weekend and how the kart was running - a special thanks to Greg den Herder, Chris Daugherty, David Saggio, and Roger Hargens for all their help throughout the weekend.
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May 17
Well it was another wet one at F1 - maybe I'll just start calling it Wet1. Anyway, it was my first race experience on a wet surface and I had a blast!! The staff at F1 is still working out the kinks with the transponders, scoring, etc... so it was a much longer day than expected. After all the practice, qualifying, and heat races, I ended up starting 8th for the final and finished 4th.

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May 2
Three words to describe open testing at F1 Outdoors - rain rain rain!!!. Only ran a few sessions before the rain hit but I was getting happier w/ how our setup was shaping up. Many thanks to John Brundage for all his help at the track.

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April 26
Open practice session at F1 was postponed to May 2nd. The trailer parking area of track was incomplete due to construction delays so Dave Davies decided to push-out the practice session one extra week. I decided to stick around for a bit and watch the new kart drivers breaking in their Rotax engines. Nothing too exciting - if anything it made me want to be on the track even more.

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April 24
Uploaded the site files today - whew!!! Glad to finally have this live.

I guess I should fill you in on the first race weekend up at Louden on April 9/10th.
FRIDAY:
After spending the entire Winter waiting patiently to race again, I think Friday's practice session went smoothly thanks to Roger, Bill and Kevin's help. This was the first time the kart was going to be on the track since it was completely stripped, resprayed and reassembled over the winter. The engine seemed to run fine and the RPM's were in the same range as last year. After running 3 practice sessions, we loaded it back up and waited till Saturday morning for the practice sessions and then the 2 races.
SATURDAY:
Well Saturday's first practice started poorly with a session of engine popping. From that point on, the day went downhill. The engine was popping in all 3 practice sessions so we took a gamble on jetting for the first race. Well our gamble didn't pay off as we were waaay off the pace. After running 4/5 laps, I decided to pull in due to the engine popping. Race #2 was a similar result with a slightly larger jet, this time only running 3 laps. Two races = 2 DNF's. Not the way you want to start your season but hey, "That's racing!". I am currently in the process of testing the kart for other setup issues and hope to resolve them during a practice session at Boston F1 Outdoors on Apr. 25th.

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