Saturday, July 28, 2012

"The Statement"



The statement “If it was easy everyone would be doing it” is the best way to describe racing. Yes, many can talk about how fast they are, or “I would have done it that way”, but until you put your own program together and actually go out to the track you will never know how really difficult it is. I have nothing but respect for those that race and are able to do it with some consistency and win. It is not easy.

 So why do we do it? Maybe the challenge to do something that most can’t? The thrill and excitement of driving fast?  The fulfillment of bottling up 1500 hp, strapping yourself in and lighting the fuse?  Or is it just the fact that you can get your friends and family together when the words are spoken, let’s go racing! I think it is all of the above but mostly the latter. 

 Sometimes things don’t go your way and a little part breaks to ruin your racing weekend. Do we get discouraged, yes.  But do we quit, no. Not if you really want it. You keep spending money, staying up until all hours of the night and dreaming of that perfect weekend when everything comes together and you win a race.

 Some go their entire lifetime and not win a race. I have won a few races in my life, some that I can barely remember yet I still continue. I continue because I like the people, I like the competition and l like the fact that family and friends come together at the races.  Some of my most memorable races were ones I lost by an inch yet I can barely remember the wins if not for a distant picture or two.  

 Recently someone told me,” I remember when you won the first nostalgia drags at Sacramento” and if not for his remembrance I probably would have completely forgotten. Why is that? I guess racing is much more than just about winning , it is a dream.  Anyway, thank goodness for computers as we can now document our musings, keep thousands of pictures and share the excitement of that big win and the story line behind it.

Let’s go racing!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Bryan's Altered Race Car Thrash

Bryan got a bee in his bonnet (lol) and decided he wanted to make the Nostalgia Reunion Race at Sacramento Raceway this weekend!


So, we Hall Bros., in typical fashion, went into overdrive and did a Race Car Thrash! 
(That's the way us "poor boys" do it!)

We started on Monday night with Bryan bringing over his heads to dad's garage:



 The heads needed an overhaul and a new set of valves. In addition new springs and titanium retainers were installed.



On Tuesday night, the thrash continued as the engine was put back together at Bryan's Garage:



Sweet Baby Claire was helping her Poppy make some decisions about the pushrods!


Uncle Cliff came over to help also.



And it was a good thing that he did...cuz it was looking like Claire Bear was not about to let go of her Daddy so that he could help out! LOL!


While the guys were hard at work...the little one's were distracted by a visitor to Rio Linda....


Yes! That's right...JB stopped by for a visit! (Well...at least the cardboard version of him stopped by!) The girls were busy entertaining him in the boat and didn't seem to be interested in the race car drama going on right next to them.



It's always good to have Dad around for advice and guidance!


Close inspection of the pushrods, to be sure they will hold up to the extreme pressure a blown engine can exert during one pass on the track!


The blower and injector.



When it was all put back together, and we tried to run-up, we experienced a minor problem with the batteries...


Soon, it was fixed and we had a successful start-up...at 11:00 pm no less!


Check out the video here:


Happy Faces all around here! 
With a few minor things to check-off the list, this baby is ready to run Friday at the Nostalgia Reunion!


Only one thing missing from this equation that could have made it any better...




Miss you everyday Dad...we know you'd be proud and we know you'll be there cheering Bryan on this weekend!