In case poor performance for both KGB-Racing drivers on the first day at Atwater National Tour was not enough, the second day started with 4 sheered wheel studs at the first turn of the first run.    

 After day one performance, Steve Ryan was less then a second out of trophies while Steve Kupper was about 2 seconds behind.  Both were fighting with the understeer most of the morning on Saturday and ended up being 3 to 4 seconds behind the leader.  Neither driver had anything to loose on day two, so heads were clear and mood was good.  First car out on course was KGB-Racing BMW 2002 carrying number 26 and driven by Steve Ryan.  After turn 1, a long on power right hand sweeper, it looked from the grid that the car lost a gear.  We heard the engine rev up but the car would barely move.  The car made about 200 yards in that condition and then was pushed off the course.  After a closer inspection we saw that the driver’s side rear wheel was no longer attached to the hub.  Luckily the wheel stayed under the car and was held by the flare from flying off into the field.   A moment later a course worker brought 4 wheel studs with lug nuts still attached to them.  They were all found at turn 1.

No significant damage seemed to be done to the car.  A closer inspection is needed for the drum, hub, and the brake components.  The wheel will need to go on the balancing machine to ensure that it is still straight. The repairs to the car should not be too complicated, but all 16 studs will be replaced with something stronger.

 Thanks to Will Kalman (class winner) for offering his Ford Escort to us so we could complete the race.  Too bad SCCA rules only allow two drivers per car in each class so only I was able to complete all 6 runs that weekend.  Though the Escort is a fun car to drive I had to get used to a front wheel drive car and its own behavior.   I did improve by 3 seconds from run 1 to run 3 but that was not enough to move out of the cellar.

 I also would like to thank Ben Martinez, Sean Trap, Eric Lind and EDGE Motorworks for their help in getting my car to and from the event and for making the weekend very enjoyable even if we had to work through some troubles.

We should have Day 1 video posted in the next few days. 

 Steve Kupper