Late engine failure disappoints at Southern Discomfort.

Sure the rings were a little loose, but the engine had run an AutoX, an HPDE, and did great at Friday's test session - what could go wrong? So...

It was too good. We should have known. The weather was mild, 50s at night and 70s during the day with a strong wind and overcast skies. Pleasant enough to hang out all weekend at the track. The car was running fine and well sorted, and the trailer and tow bus were better than ever. Our only hint of trouble was Judge Phil's 3 penalty laps he assessed during B.S. inspections. One glimpse of "VTEC" on our valve cover and he figured we were fast. I can assure you the D16 SOHC will never be fast, no matter what is stamped on the valve cover. BUT, we were class B and we had a very solid shot at overcoming those laps.

Then the race started. Gradually the penalties and mechanical failures sorted out the competition. By mid-day we were top 20 and second in class. However, 8 laps in front of us was a clean and fast #140 Escort, being driven annoying well by Team Questie. By the end of the day Team Questie was turning laps faster than most of the top Class A teams and still six laps ahead. We were 2nd in Class B and 6th overall. No penalties and no mechanical problems. It was the best we've done.

After changing the brake pads, shuffling some tires, and filling the tank, we were set for Sunday. That night we drank beer, ate grilled animals, and generally had a great LeMons time. The next morning it was more of the same. Clean laps no problems and Team Questie kept their lead. Resigned to a 2nd place finish, barring the Escort's untimely demise we started to be OK with second in class and our highest overall finish. It would be a team best.

Then Ricky pulls in with issues. No power. Were had lost compression in one cylinder and had three left. Roger pulled the injector power, and I figured I could keep us top 20 if I could just turn some laps for the last 2 hours. I went out on track and was able to keep pace with the Class C cars, for a bit. 5 or 6 laps in, the rest of the cylinders went. I made it to the pits and we packed up and left. 33 out of 86, another typical LeMons for the Duff Beer Civic.

Here's the pics:

Guess what's brew'n?

Since I am taking my entire store of Pumpkin Spice Porter and Jalapeno Beer to LeMons to give away, I have a replacement batch brewing. You can see by the airlock the yeast are gong crazy.

Under the lid is a lovely smelling red ale. It has willamette bitterring and aroma hops. Then I dumped a couple of bags of whole hallertau hops for dry hopping. Of course it has a ton of extra Agave nectar to add a kick. This should smell and taste amazing. And... This is my first batch that I actually used a thermometer when steeping the grains. Hopefully this eliminates any bitter aftertaste. I don't think this batch will last until the next race, but I'll make another if it is successful.

New shirts for you!

To celebrate our new race season and twisted humor we have a whole new array of socially unacceptable t-shirts. We are not liable for anyone getting kicked of the PTA or being asked to no longer coach youth soccer. If you want them, visit our t-shirt shop: http://carolinahondasracing.spreadshirt.com/

Here's a sample:

Back at the track for 2013 - LeMons

We have returned! Shaking off the cold and the rust from Duffy's undercarriage we are going to the first LeMons race for the Southeast in 2013. Roger has prepped the car with new brake lines and wheel bearings and fixed up our tow vehicle and trailer. The tow vehicle warrants a separate post, because it is amazing (Duff beer curtains), but that's for another time. 

Roger and Ricky have already run Duffy at the THSCC AutoX, where she ran perfectly. We are hoping this is the one. No mechanicals, no black flags, and we could be the class B heros. Come out and see if we can pull it off. Anyone who stops by gets free beer, and one who mentions our blog gets a free t-shirt. The event page on LeMons: http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/sodisco13.aspx

Southern Discomfort (Charlotte NC)

Race Weekend: 16-17 March 2013

Track: Carolina Motorsports Park (FULL TRACK), Kershaw SC

We've sold out!

You've eyed our awesome Pink MF'ing Unicorn t-shirts with a jealous gaze. Now, you can actually have your own! In a meager effort to fund our racing misadventures we are selling these coveted t's online. Just follow the link below and get your own Pink MF'ing Unicorn shirt. Soon you too will be a social outcast.

Our T-shirt shop:
http://carolinahondasracing.spreadshirt.com/

Enjoy!

More Free Beer!!!

In the greatest racing tradition since kissing the bricks at Indy, Team Drinking and Driving continues our unbelievable free beer give away. For the upcoming LeMons Spring South 2011 event at CMP (http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/southspring2011.aspx), we are bringing more free beer. Yes, you read that correctly, free beer!

Danny has 3 batches of mystery brew fermenting now, and I just made a batch of hard apple cider, and a truly unique dark brew. This ale has amber and creamy brown malts, mixed with a mess of molasses and hallertau hops. Mmmmm...

We're getting a REAL cage!

Yep, the fine folks at Blue Ridge Motorsports are hooking us up with a cage. By "hooking us up" I mean we are paying for them to make a cage, but we are getting a seriously great price - thanks BRMS. This will be the real deal, NASCAR door bars and all. So, bring it on Tuna Chuckers, we have at least one body panel you have not wrecked.

Check out the progress on BRMS' Facebook page;

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.209498805746122.99180.100000580111081