An opportunity arose for me to go flat track (dirt track) motorcycle racing last weekend.
Friday night practice was horrible.
I tried to make it as inexpensive as possible, so I purchased a cheaper fuel than what I normally run.
I had engine problems all night and could not diagnose the problem (had not a clue it was the fuel), so I loaded up and came home thinking maybe I'm not supposed to be out there.
I could not sleep much that night thinking about what was going on.
Saturday morning, I checked/rebuilt the carburetor, checked the ignition timing, checked for any air leaks; nothing found that would cause the problems I was experiencing.
I was really frustrated.
Then a thought came to mind, call Spiderman. Yes, that's his nickname. Joe knows who I'm talking about.
I explained what was going on and he started questioning the fuel, and suggested I go buy what I had been using.
That stuff is $ 7/gallon and 5 gallons is the smallest quantity you can buy.
So, off to town I go to get fuel.
Get back, drain all the fuel, mix up my special blend (2 stroke engine) and take off thru the desert.
Problem gone. I'm a happy camper now.
Get to the race track Saturday night, unload, go out and do some practice laps. 32 years since I've done this type of racing.
The bike is running very strong.
Went out for my Open Amateur Heat race (8 laps). I almost crashed myself and another guy on the start and I'm last going into the first corner.
I'm thinking, Oh boy.
About 2 laps in, I have passed everyone, and I'm leading the heat race.
Won my Heat race.
Go out for the Open Am. Main. Green light comes on and I'm 2nd going into the first turn. The guy ahead of me makes a mistake right after that, and I pass him to lead the first lap of the race (16 laps).
I put my head down and just rode as hard as I could (almost crashing several times
).
Get the checkered flag, I have won the Open Am class.
When I looked back, they were 1/2 lap behind me.
I had sooo much fun guys and gals. And, I needed it.
Life has been real tough this year for me (this AZ heat ain't helping matters either.
Come on October!!)
Don't know if I'll get another opportunity. But, I thank God and Spiderman (Larry McBride) for this one.