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3/14/99: Jeff Braun reports:
Today was one of those days all race teams dread. The first practice was delayed 2 hours because the track was flooded in four turns. When practice opened the temperature was 38 degrees and you could not see across the track because of the mist and fog.
Tracc 5 decided to concentrate their effort on the Cadet class forgoing the Yamaha class. It takes twice the work to run a kart in the rain. Some changes required are: water proofing the spark plug and ignition system, shielding the brake caliper and disk from rain, shielding the engine air intake, fitting rain tires, changing the gear ratio, and changing front toe out, caster, and track.
Tracc 5 has never raced in the rain, so Tony, Nick, and Mike Coello helped with set up and driver tips. Colin spun off five times in a six-lap practice session. He was fast when he stayed on the track. In the second practice he didn't spin and started to figure out the right line (away from the rubber in the normal line).
Because of the delays WKA decided not to run the final race. The results of the two heat races would decide the winner. Colin started seventh out of 16 in the first heat. He was up to 3rd by the end of the first lap. Then Mike Geasion spun out of second place and Colin took that spot. Picorrari was leading and Colin was gaining on him. The next lap Picorrari spun just 10 feet in front of Colin who was spinning in the same puddle Picorrari hit. This gave the lead back to Geasion until he spun and Picorrari got the lead again. Picorrari won race with Geasion second and Colin third.
In second heat Colin started ninth and was up to fifth after a half lap. The rain was really pounding down now, and the fourth place kart spun directly in front of Colin. Colin hit him head on bending the tie rod of his kart resulting in about 1/2" toe out making the kart very hard to drive in a straight line especially in a driving rain storm in corners. He recovered to 10th place. He worked his way up to fifth and then spun in the same turn three laps in a row, fighting the badly bent front suspension. This put him back to 10th again. In the last two laps he recovered to seventh. That put him fourth in the overall standings.
So Tracc 5 accomplished its first goal in national racing, to get into the post race tech area (top five karts get checked for legality). Colin was included in the podium photographs that will appear in the national WKA magazine. He represented Jolly Kart and Coello Racing with his drivers suit and cap.
All in all it was a good weekend for Tracc 5. The Woltjer engines are at the top in the power department. The Jolly Kart has fantastic handling and is versatile in all conditions. With PI data systems, Bell helmets, and people like the Coellos advising us, the team just needs a break or two and the first national win will be there.
It was a good way to introduce Veryfine Juice to motorsports, kart style. With their help in the future Tracc 5 hopes to be able to improve the program and bring them a National win soon.
Mike Geassion, age 12, on the left and Colin get ready for the start of the wet Jr. Cadet race Sunday. Mike finished second, and Colin fourth. Note the rain suits as these kart drivers are really exposed to the elements.
Cadet podium - L to R - Harrka(5th), Geassion(2nd, missing), Picorrari(1st), Allison(3rd), Colin Braun(4th).
Colin standing under a sign that he is working very hard to make come true.