Electrical problems bit us tonight. In our rush to
get the car ready, I didn't do a good job of routing the plug wires and it
didn't dawn on us the terrible miss was the wires arcing. Don noticed it
during the consi when the sun was down, but it was too late. The
Thunderbird just was able to make laps and missed qualifying for the
feature by two spots. I was hoping a couple guys dropped out and we
could fix it for the feature, but the consi was a clean race and we were
on the trailer. We also thought it could have been lean jetting, and
we increased them and then we were too rich, so the motor stumbled
tonight, but it was of our own doing. But it was great to shake the car
down and find this tonight, as opposed to next weekend's opening night at
Hagerstown. We did learn a lot tonight about the offseason changes and
fell in love with the new trailer, so all in all, it was productive.
It was so great seeing friends from Winchester and meeting new ones. It
was great to see Chuckie Johson, Dave C., Dave Berry, Travis, Keith, etc.
etc. I am so sorry I didn't have time to chat - we honestly finished the
off season work AT THE TRACK! We had to still bleed the brakes, set the
toe and a host of other things. We didn't get to the track until 6 (missed
practice), so the car's first action of the year was in a race, no
practice! Don and I built it in the garage and had the car 99% right, but
that one percent bit us.
The photo in the upper right was a sign made by Travis Trussell, a
photographer at Winchester. I never seem to have any luck at
Winchester, except for finding the turn 3 wall, so Travis decided to
help out and it was as as good as stopping at a gas station for
directions! Travis, that sign was great, that was super cool and
meant a lot- better yet- IT WORKED!!! I need to give you a call, send me
your number to my email- the PM's get bumped too quickly.
brianswiger@yahoo.com
But again, I had a great time at Winchester, the promoters as always came
over and thanked us for coming down, the changes at Winchester seem
excellent. The track was great, I thought the fireworks were a neat touch
to the National Anthem and it was just a great overall experience. Look
forward to the next time our schedule allows us to come down. Hopefully we
will run better and have some more time to talk with everyone- I really
enjoyed everyone coming over and saying hi.
Lastly, I can't express enough thank yous to Don Sharkey. My only crew
member, and we worked our tails off, especially Don. We worked til
midnight the last three nights finishing the car, and tonight’s finish was
a disappointment, but it wasn't from a lack of effort. It was pretty cool
to rebuild the entire car and its first action was in a race and pretty
much had no mechanical problems and I just wanted to say a big thanks to
Don. Also, BR Nalley saved my tail 2 or 3 times this week as well, and he
deserves a huge thank you. I just wishing I was thanking you guys in
victory lane!
-Brian Swiger
_________________
#7 Ford Thunderbird Pure Stock HAGERSTOWN
www.brianswiger.com
www.shamrockinn.org
www.vegas-radio.com
|
