Another Monday on the super track. I went a little later than usual and wound up sharing the track with some very fast drivers. Unfortunately, for most of the session, my kart was a total dog. I knew something was different as soon as they started the kart. It was quiet and smooth. There was very little noise and no vibration. I told myself that maybe that was a good thing. As soon as I started out I found out that I was grossly mistaken. The kart had no power at all and the front tires were like rocks. I was the first kart out of the pits and by the end of the first lap all the other karts were by me. I briefly thought of pulling into the pits and complaining, but figured it might be a good learning opportunity. After a couple laps I got a handle only the slippy tires and did better at maintaining momentum, but was still 10 seconds a lap slower than the fast guys, and 8 seconds a lap behind my fastest time.

Then the kart got even slower. Then it died. Fortunately I was able to pull off to the side near a track worker. He ran over and pulled at the starter. To my surpise it started first pull. To my greater surprise it sounded like it was suppossed to. I hit the gas and confirmed that I had full power. The front tires were still cold so I slid quite a bit, but the kart was going so much faster. After about a lap the tires must have come up to temperature and started to grip. That lap I was only 1 second of my record for the track. The last two laps I got caught in traffic, but was still only 2 or 3 seconds off pace.

Out in the lobby, my wife was more upset about the slow kart than I was. She suggested I complain and get another run, which I would have done if the kart didn't improve those last few laps, but I learned alot and had fun so I figure I got my money's worth.

Date:	9/22/2008
Track:	Super
Session:	Practice
Kart:	#18
Best Lap:	61.94
Avg Lap:	68.82
Conditions:	Track was good. Kart was mostly bad.
My Weight:	215
Highlight:	Learning to handle a kart with no power and icy tires.