Indy Fest 2012 @ the MIlwaukee Mile

Just returned from Indy Fest at the historic Milwaukee Mile--America's oldest track.

Indy racing has taken a lot of crap lately.  I didn't detect anything that would suggest that that reputation was valid.  Despite the early weather that delayed the start time for about an hour and a half, the whole event went like clock-work.  It will definately be worth returning to next year.

Here's a short video of the first laps: Indy Fest 2012 Milwaukee

While Honda powered engines seemed to perform well early, Chevrolet finished with the top 6 drivers (Although a poorly timed yellow flag put Chip Ganassi's Hondas in a precarious situation at the back).

It was a great event.  Rumor has it that the Indy cars may make it up to Road America later in the summer.  I hope that's the case.  I'm in.

IndyFest 2012 is Coming to The Legendary Milwaukee Mile

Details for Indy Car Racing at the Milwaukee Mile can be found here: Milwaukee Indy Fest 2012

Milwaukee Mile

Had the opportunity to volunteer for the Swiss Colony Howie Lettow Memorial 150 at the famous Milwaukee Mile earlier this week.  The weather was perfect and the racing was great.  Based on a report from JSOnline.com , it sounds as if the ASA is planning a return to the Mile in 2013.  This is wonderful news for America's oldest track.  I look forward to going next year.

A hidden gem at the race caught my eye during the Vinatage Racing feature--check out the 1958 Pontiac that blessed the event:

Back to the Feature 150, the cars as they lined up for inspection:

Best time qualifier NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek's son, age 14 or 15, below being interviewed after qualification:

Next on tap for the Mile, IndyFest 2012 this weekend.  Can't wait.

Looks Like a Fun Drive, Except for the Road Salt

This trip in Norway looks like an adventure:

A Drive in the Norwegian Islands

How Do You Get One of Those?

Finding a shifter boot in nice condition for a '63 Pontiac Grand Prix 4-Speed ain't easy--it's impossible.  This is what mine looked like:

I had another one in just as bad, or worse shape, that I took to Perfection Auto Trim in Greenfield, WI.   I hoped would be a useful pattern.  It was.   This is what the pattern looked like:

While the exact silver vinyl is no where to be found, a close replacement was on hand.  Notice the grommet in the center?  It's a dimmer switch grommet trimmed to work.  It turned out better than I hoped for:

Timing Cover

I've had some issues on the '63 re-built 389.  Because an 11 bolt water pump and timing cover was used on it, I have not been able to find a pulley that will work with the original accessories on the engine.  I decided that I would put an original '63 389 4-bolt water pump timing cover on it.  The one that I had came off of a 389 that was pretty sludged up, but purportedly low mileage.  The cover, made out of aluminum, was chemically dipped while some other loose stuff I dropped off was acid dipped.   The progression on the water cover looks something like this: