FUBAR, cont. from page 10
the dust had cleared, amazingly California driver Lee Fleming finished where he had started: first. After that there was much juggling. Jim Marinangel, Webb Bassick and Tom Van Camp apparently took themselves out at the exit of the carrousel and outside pole-sitter TJ Acker limped home 45th. Lindell Motorsport driver Derek Schofield was runner-up with local driver Gerry Kraut up to 3rd. Scott Goolsbey was pushed back to 9th and Justin Elder improved 9 positions to 20th. The Go Spot Run team had a bad day with Gary Jensen out on the first lap and Reid Johnson apparently smote the kink wall a mighty (expensive) blow on the last lap. Eric Wheeler improved 14 spots to 48th and Tim Gray was 55th.
So that was it for the first Sprints of the new millenium, and the Fubar shops will be idle until last minute preparation for the R/A August Regionals commence about 48 hours before the event. We’re still unsure on the exact cause of engine problems, but evidence is mounting toward the head gasket as culprit with pump or distributor long-shot possibilities. A rebuilt starter solved the truck problem, as the solenoid was apparently cooked.
Regarding the Sprints, as they say, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. 425 entries for a 3 day plus event is very healthy, and quite a number of spectators were on hand for all 3 days. We invited some friends along who were new to SCCA racing, and they left a bit confused by the 24 different classes of cars jumbled together into 8 race groups. In the open wheel groups numbers were good with the usual exception of FA (but those cars are still crowd favorites). There are probably more Sports Racers at the Sprints
than show up for the Runoffs; ditto for GT-1 cars. With the definite exception of EP, small bore production turnout was poor as was T1 & 2. SRF and FC are clearly stretching their lead over the rest of the fields. FF and FV fields have been dropping, possibly because neither wants to be the slower group in a two class race. Also many drivers figure if they’re not running in the front at Nationals, there’s no point in showing up. From my standpoint, the Sprints and Kettle Regionals both offer the same amount of track time with the latter spread over only two days and with two separate races. We’ll see how numbers compare in FF/FV (and other classes) in late August. I personally despise the current FF scheduling, with two 20 minute sessions over the first 2 days followed by a hectic early Sunday qualifying with race right after noon. Much preferred the old Saturday race schedule.
Picked up just a few results off the internet from the Firecracker Regionals. Scott Hutchison pulled his FF out of storage for a first and a second. In CFF Al Murray pulled a pair of fifths while Bruce Drenth was 6th on Saturday but no points Sunday. Don Erickson’s pair of seconds elevated him to 2nd in CENDIV points with Leigh Rolfshus 5th on Sunday. I’ll stay tuned to the Formula Ford Underground and various SCCA web sites to come up with enough results for next month, plus more NASCAR racing.
PARTS FOR SALE: NEW: Aluminum front & rear uprights for 90-96 Van Diemen; USED: Pairs of Bilstein shocks (front & rear); springs; FF gears, drilled rotors & CV joints; Swift SE1 & 3 rear uprights; Trailer tires (F78-15); CL II Trailer hitch for 80’s GM van; Clamp-on towing mirrors; GM PU bug deflector & center console; Bucket seat covers for SUV or PU; Honda Accord aluminum wheel. Many other odds & ends. VERY REASONABLE. Call for details. Jack Church, 612-841-0990.
FOR SALE: Three bedroom house with walkout basement porch on quiet street in St. Louis Park. Tastefully decorated. New roof went on June 1st. Garage probably needs to be replaced. Central air, low utility bills. On major bus line, close to Ridgedale and downtown Minneapolis. Call Lois at 651-633-7096 for details.
FOR SALE: Cable-Nelson piano, good shape, needs to be tuned. Includes storage piano bench. Maple finish. $200 OBO.Call Lois, 651-633-7096.
FOR SALE: 1989 Ford F150 XLT Lariat Pickup standard bed. Dual fuel tanks, PS, Power locks, Power Windows, A/C (works), AM/FM Cassette, cruise control, sliding rear window, 5L V8, 5 speed, 76K miles. Tow package: Crystal Welding reciever hitch and electric brake system. Mechanically very good, body has rust (no holes). Asking $3250. Call Bryan, 651-429-9575
FOR SALE: 24 ft Pace, ramped for 2 SRF’S, winch, tire rack, cabinets, work bench, rollout awning, 110V, lights, generator, nitrogen tank, plumbed for air, power tongue, new tires & brakes, $6900/offer. Reid (612)991-6563.
Tonneau On-Line August 2000
Page 11
Copyright 2000, Land O'Lakes Region Last revised: March 13, 2003
