Andrie blog, August 26, Kablamo
Cool night picture
I’m skipping the race report this month as we are not concentrating in Honda Challenge this season, and we are using it to test for World Challenge. The objective of this test, is to try several options that are presented to us and see which one is more advantageous to us. We come fully prepared and brought all our equipments, including setup pads and scales.
All that went to shit really quickly. The first lap on the warm up session the car went kablamo. We haven’t even got to push it yet, as I was keeping the rev in check until we know for sure everything is ok. We didn’t bring any spare engine, as this is a brand new engine. In the effort to make the swap as quickly as we can, we split up duties among the crew. Wayne heads the engine removal process helped by Ken and Chris. Me, Jimmy and Jeff went back to RedZone, which is 2.5 hours away to pick up the engine. Unfortunately we weren’t able to finish in time to make the day race. Our entire plan for the weekend pretty much went down the drain.
Bits and pieces what once was a piston
Jimmy and Jeff working at night
Sunday, everything went much better. The car ran flawlessly, as far as the engine goes. The chassis setup, however, left a lot to be desired. We ran with last race at Fontana for Tom setup. It really didn’t suit my driving style. Because of the tight schedule on Sunday, we couldn’t really do much and just tried a few minor things, but couldn’t get where I’m happy with it. The car understeer mid corner to exit. We have some idea to try next, but I don’t think we are doing any more testing between now and Miller. Hopefully, we will figure it out the first few days in Miller or we might loose our championship lead in USTCC.
The engine blowing up also gives us a new problem. First we are already cash strapped. With the engine problem we are deeper into the hole. I got to make a few phone calls to see if we can raise some funds, or I don’t think we will be making October World Challenge race. If you guys have any sponsorship lead, throw it my way, will you? 
