Conor's Karting Adventures - Part 5 (2003)

Originally sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 2:00 PM

Conor had a near-perfect day at the race track yesterday during MSOKC Race No. 10, the fifth race of his short career. The day didn't start out that way, though. During the first lap of the first practice session, he rolled to a stop between Turns 7 and 8 - engine running but no drive. Upon closer examination back in the pits, it became apparent that he had lost the bolt and the key that keep the centrifugal clutch in place and from spinning on the crankshaft. By the time I returned from scouring the pits for some replacement parts, the dad of Conor's main rival had already found the parts and had begun making the necessary repairs. How's that for camaraderie? I was able to complete the repairs in time for the remainder of Conor's practice sessions. Starting from the third position in the first heat race, he managed to keep his position through the first lap. He then made two well-timed passes and took the checkered flag while pulling away from the field, recording a 0:58.34 in the process. Starting from the fifth position (of seven starters) in the second heat race, he dropped one position at the start. A bobble by the kart in fourth position on the exit of Turn 5 allowed Conor to make two passes on the back straight-away on the first lap. During the next two laps or so, he worked his way into second position, again with some well-timed passes. He spent the final two laps chasing down his main rival, who was in the lead. In the process, he recorded an amazing lap of 0:57.91. Time ran out, however, and he had to settle for second. A first and a second place finish in the heat races earned him the pole position for the feature (his main rival had finished third in the first heat race). Conor lead the pack under the green flag and managed to hold his position at the front. His main rival tucked in behind him, and the two quickly began distancing themselves from the field. The separation was never more than a couple of kart lengths between the first two. Conor was not rattled however, and drove a near-perfect race (every lap except the first two in the mid to low 0:58 range) to claim his third win if five starts. Way to go Conor! While unloading the kart after we returned home, I noticed that the chain was making a strange noise on the rear sprocket. Upon closer examination, I realized that he had lost the clutch bolt again and had finished the race with only the key holding the clutch in place. Sometimes, you get the bear. Sometimes, the bear gets you. I guess we got the bear yesterday.

Conor's next race is Saturday, September 6, at Circleville Raceway Park. Racing gets underway at 3:00 PM. Sometime between now and then, I'm going to look up the recommended torque setting for that clutch bolt...

Bill