The next drag racer gears up!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

My daughter Amanda turns 8 in early July so we've been on the hunt for a car for her. We pulled the chute on one this weekend, and just came back from Richmond, VA last night. It's an '02 Halfscale, turn key operation from a very nice family who's daughter only put 8 passes on the car over the last 5 years. She is aging out, and so now it's Amanda's turn.

Nothing better than the big smile! Like the other post author stated - "this is why we do this". I'll be spending many nights getting this car ready, but wouldn't have it any other way.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascaratVinceshouse_zps163e250a.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarinVA2_zps0be7b636.jpg

Handing the baton to the next driver:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarwithDanielle_zpsc75969d9.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarinVA5_zpsc54e1ad7.jpg

I really don't like pulling when it's snowing, snowed almost all they way down, and most of the way back,

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarpullinghomeinthesnow_zps52f7c19e.jpg

Gave a mean look to the left going through DC, wondering why more of my $ is going to taxes instead of racing....

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascardrivingthruDC_zps0ec4d942.jpg

When we got home, big brother Benjamin gave the thumbs up to little sis' new car!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarwithBensintrailer_zps512c0c21.jpg

She loves her shiney wheels - especially the 'Flower' versions on the front - and the Shark Nose!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarrearwheel_zps9baeca95.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarsharknose_zps1544a0d1.jpg

The first late night of many to come, all tucked away in the garage awaiting the reconfiguration of the side-pull to a center-pull and the install of the HP Pea Shooter engine. Then the graphics etc.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascaringarage1_zps9565b087.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascaringarage2_zpse6578445.jpg

We are offering to run a friend's son in the car using the gray body until Amanda ages in, hopefully they will get hooked like the rest of us!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

It seems to be the perfect car for us, needs some updating - but we have plenty of time to get it done. Car came with a bucket of spare parts, new racing suit / shoes / arm restraints & neck collar, weight tanks, new tow dolley, new starter (which was great, ours is falling apart!), offset spindles, fuel jug, 6 quarts of Royal Purple racing oil, even a spare body!! I couldn't pass it up, well worth the drive since it was our first 'road trip' together. We really had a fun weekend.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarinVA3_zps8250d7da.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascaronfrontlawn_zpse571d8ac.jpg

[Xplantdad]

That sooooo rocks Marlin. We will need REGULAR updates <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif


Congrats!!!

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Fantastic,

(Family) What it's all about.

Ryan

[Postsedan]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryan1969Chevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fantastic,

(Family) What it's all about.

Ryan </div></div>

X2, Thanks for sharing <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Ha! They were already bickering about who's car is newer, (they are both '02 models!), nicer, faster, etc..... Racers! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[elonblock]

Congrats to the new racer! The pics tell the whole story.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Spent Saturday removing the vinyl graphics to make a clean slate for Amanda's 'GIRL POWER' theme, which she is still designing - no idea how much that is going to cost me <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarwithnographics_zps2a317886.jpg

[GreenLS6]

A family that races together, stays together. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif Very cool

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

We installed the primary race engine this weekend, a Huddleston Performance 'Pea Shooter' that is designed and built specifically for 12.90 racers. It is essentially a debored 8.90 engine and carb, expecting good things from this setup this year. Next is a chassis upgrade to add the helmet bars, and then the body graphics. Still reconfiguring the race trailer to haul all this stuff, <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

Should be ready to hit the TnT in April.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooteroncar1_zpsa959cdc3.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooteroncar2_zpsb8f7bec1.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Still reconfiguring the race trailer to haul all this stuff, <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

</div></div>

Mini-Stacker!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You are not too far off - I will be using the 'dead air space' by hanging the nose of Amanda's Jr from the ceiling with her back wheels on a work bench that I built that connects to a 52&quot; Tool Cabinet. Need the floor space to get the golf cart over the trailer axles, and this configuration will accommodate the 3rd Jr when Danny starts! I'll take a pic tonight....

[Plowman]

Can't forget the Golf Cart.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Absolutely! The golf cart was definitely one of our best purchases - and now that it is all spiffed up with the paint, wheels, lights &amp; stereo system we can cruise in style when we aren't pulling Jr Dragsters around!

This is still a work in progress DC, but you get the idea - I built an 8' ramp to get Amanda's rear wheels up on the bench. Then I'll have a rail mounted to the ceiling from which I can hang the front suspension. We'll brace the outside of the roof to make sure it stays put! Plan to paint the work bench to match the trailer interior, and the little fuel &amp; oil compartment door on the right to match the tool cabinet. The tasks never end! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/TrailerToolCabinet1_zpscbb2eb9a.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/TrailerToolCabinet2_zpsa8af3659.jpg

Not pretty, but functional!!

[ORIGLS6]

Never once doubted you'd do it RIGHT! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

Every time I check in here and see what you're doing it brings a big smile. Special times M.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Made significant progress this weekend! Picked up the car from the chassis shop with it's new helmet bars, and also picked up the body after the graphics were done.

Amanda's first word when she saw the body work was 'AWESOME'! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif We surprised her with the extra artwork on the car, and the super sparkle silver.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower2_zps125edb78.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower1_zpsa548b7c4.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower4withAmanda_zpsc3148d0c.jpg

Put the HP engine back on, just need a few odd's n end's then it's ready for July!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower3_zpsf4227fbc.jpg

All Girl! Hard to believe she's 7.5 already <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower6justname_zpsa57adb1b.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandaat75yearsold_zpsf5cdcf9a.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandascarGPower6justname_zpsa57adb1b.jpg

Helmet or &quot;revision&quot; ???


I give the entire package <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif !!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

That's on the body of the car, we 'revised' it by using the fancy cursive letters and the 'jewelry' decals! If she could figure out how to put a tiara on top of the roll cage.....

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

That's way cool!

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If she could figure out how to put a tiara on top of the roll cage.....

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif </div></div>

C'mon Dad; use the jewels to create one on her helmet! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Ha! Let's just get it running again first! I've decided to go with a sleeved 33mm carb this time instead of the typical 28mm, a bit more $$ but reportedly a lot easier to tune &amp; more consistent.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandas33mmcarbin33mmboot_zps8f1970d5.jpg

Note the much larger carb for a relatively small intake, a 28mm sleeve is fitted inside the 33mm body to reduce the ID and maintain intake charge velocity.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Gotta give the graphics guy credit for doing such a nice job, he likes to do race cars that have a name or theme as opposed to the full body wraps. He likes his guitars and Schwinn bikes too!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascaratthegraphicsshopfinished_zps8405da15.jp g

[sYc]

Marlin, might as well take the plunge, as like us, you know you will get there sooner or later.

Toter, 450 HP with auto trans, room to haul 8+ people, trailer room for two doorcars and 2 JRs (or another car) plus room for golf cart, tool boxes, lots of cabinet space, etc.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I see nothing.......



I see nothing.......


<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Slick rig Tom! Congrats!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Same trailer; new toter?

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Slick rig Tom! Congrats!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Same trailer; new toter? </div></div>

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif DUH! Nevermind. I see now. Different stacker too.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Xplantdad]

Nice set up! Can I borrow it next week? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

[Schonyenko2]

Wow, that's quite an outfit.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You'll miss the kids being right behind you in the truck bickering about Taylor Swift! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

[sYc]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You'll miss the kids being right behind you in the truck bickering about Taylor Swift! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif </div></div>

Yep..you got it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

[wannarun70]

Hi Marlin. My little guy (11years old)was looking over my shoulder while reading this thread and he would love to see those things run. Have'nt been able to get to the track as much the past few years and would love to see those things go myself. Where's a good place to catch these races. I live on long Island. Thanks. Mark. Good luck to your kids .

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Hi Mark,

The closest place for you to go would probably be Lebanon Valley, NY - but the best place for you to see these go would be Englishtown, NJ! If you go to Englishtown, make sure you check their online schedule because the Jr's only run at their 1/8 mile track which has its own schedule. There is a much larger bunch of Jr's at Englishtown vs LV, and you get to see them run almost continuously as opposed to only being 1 lane amongst the big cars like most tracks.

Make sure you talk to folks, ask questions, sit in a car or two - if possible, strap him in and have the owner start it up, that will give you a indication of whether your son is going to really like this or not.

Finally, if you'd like to try it - don't be afraid to ask folks at the track if anyone has an unused car at home. You would be surprised at how many families have 1 or more Jr's sitting at home that they either haven't been able to sell, have not tried to sell, or are unsure if their kid(s) will have time to actually participate.

We bought Amanda's car from a family who only ran it 8 times in 5 years, and finally decided that this was not going to work within their sports schedule. So, now we are having a neighborhood kid run our second car till Amanda ages in.

Fun times, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[wannarun70]

Thanks Marlin. I appreciate all the info. He too has a busy sports schedule, already shot down by wife for the founders classic in May. He has a soccer tournament in Hershey Park. Yeah I know soccer. Just glad I didn't tell him about it. I think the hardest part is going to be just getting there. Well thanks again for the info. . Mark

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I wouldn't discount racing a Jr due to other sports, it is doable but it simply becomes a lesser priority. That is the way it is for us. Benjamin plays basketball till early spring, then baseball clinics, then baseball till early June, right into swim team - all the while playing 3 instruments (lessons!) and he's on an Odyssey of the Mind Team till around now. So, we won't ever hit all of the points events at our track, but with 5 NHRA tracks within a 2 hour pull - we can pretty much race somewhere on any given weekend. Amanda's schedule will be just as packed with her Girl Scouts, gymnastics, dance, softball..... Danny too! Now that I type this, what was I thinking!?!?!?!? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

Anyway, it's worth venturing into, most of the activities that we put our kids into will taper off after high school - but cars &amp; racing will endure their lifetime!

We put this body on for our neighbor Braelyn, not very fancy - but at least it doesn't say Girl Power! If your son wants to give this thing a try, all you have to do is get him his license and we can meet you at Englishtown. It will only be running 12.90's at ~50mph, but that is the best way to try it out. Englishtown's policy is that if that day is their first day ever - they don't race, they only do single runs for that day. We'll put the gray body on for him too! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarwithgraybody_zpsd0faae8a.jpg

[wannarun70]

Marlin
If I was 16 years old I would say OMG. That's very nice of you to offer. Your kids schedules sounds very much like my kids, it never stops.

Would the license be the same as a participants card? If so, I'll get working on it. Thanks again. Mark

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

The license is very different than the participants card for Jr's, it is a bit more involved - but well worth it! Most of the extra steps are because stupid parents have forged documents to get their kids into a different class <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif Send me PM with your email address, and I'll send you the forms in PDF that the NHRA sent to me - just make sure you print them out on a color printer (if you don't have access to one, just let me know and I'll mail you 2 sets).

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

</div></div>

Amen! Although we never had the opportunitiy to own/run a Jr., my son was with me many times when we were at the tracks. He grew up with the smell of hi octane and burnt rubber. I wish we could have done a father/son race package, but we spent plenty of time together with Scouting, sports and other interests.

Still, there must have been something that stuck in (or affected) his mind. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Here he is at the NHRR in Bowling Green last June.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/BowlingGreen2012/P6153490.jpg

[kwhizz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are right, it feels like it never ends - but talk those whose kids are raised, and they tell us it went by in a flash! So, we do all we can. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

</div></div>

Amen! Although we never had the opportunitiy to own/run a Jr., my son was with me many times when we were at the tracks. He grew up with the smell of hi octane and burnt rubber. I wish we could have done a father/son race package, but we spent plenty of time together with Scouting, sports and other interests.

Still, there must have been something that stuck in (or affected) his mind. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Here he is at the NHRR in Bowling Green last June.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/BowlingGreen2012/P6153490.jpg </div></div>



<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[sYc]

Awesome... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

We are getting closer, have the trailer pretty well set up to haul everything in a neat and orderly fashion. Hung Amanda's car as planned, not much room between the top of the roll cage and the trailer ceiling! Ben liked being on the roof of the trailer bolting down that rail! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarhungintrailer1_zps77ac1d0e.jpg

I made a nice ramp to get the car up there, but imagine the car will be twice as heavy at the end of a raceday! We will run a tie down strap through a hole we cut in the top of the workbench, and onto a D-ring on the floor.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarhungintrailer2_zps6ea6d348.jpg

Need to load everything, and then see if the golf cart fits where I want it to. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

We are planning to test both cars this Saturday, provided the UPS deliveries arrive in time this week.

It never ends! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[Salvatore]

alot of work but alot of fun and family rewards! Its ALL worth it.

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

It never ends! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif </div></div>

Don't we wish that was true! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[wannarun70]

You know Marlin, If you ditch the golf cart you can probably fit 4 or 5 of these bad boys.
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-3834-4014-mini_transporter_gl.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Well, we indeed made it to the TnT at MGR on 4/6, but Amanda's special 12.90 engine is looking like an 'Epic Fail' <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif The first time out the car would not go 10', it just sputtered and died 4x. I had oil &amp; fuel coming through a head bolt. Now, even after resealing, then a shorter bolt, then resealing it again, I can hear the compression coming through the bolt by turning it over slowly by hand! The engine has but 42 passes on it, still has the cross hatch in the bore! In theory, it should have at least ran down the track (poorly), so we ordered up the special HP 12.90 clutch ramps - no different. So I'm shipping it back to HP for a full evaluation. Beyond bummed. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

We installed the backup engine for now, and will fire it once I get the oil baffle system reconfigured. I guess I should be happy that we even got this far with the second car so early in the year - which is when you want to find this bad stuff out. Still a bummer.

Ben's car ran well considering we changed his engine too, ran 8.82 right off the trailer and an 8.88 after a clutch adjustment - very close to the magic 8.90 number. He was thrilled with his car, not so much with having to pilot Amanda's that day as he remembers all to well our issues with his 12.90 setup.



Ben in 'The Slow Car', at least it has the 'Boy Body' on it for the TnT!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarstaginglanes_zpsad542efa.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandascarstaginglanes_zpsad542efa.jpg.html)

Block face sure looks clean, note slight 'scratch' on the top - can't imagine that is the culprit though.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterScratch1_zps2255a1d8.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterScratch1_zps2255a1d8.jpg.html)

Very clean bore:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterCylBore_zps72aa3de3.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterCylBore_zps72aa3de3.jpg.html)

Overall, a bummer of a day, but still not a bad place to be - at least the golf cart went faster (we bypassed the governor mechanism <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif )

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/BothJrs2013TnT_zps78edd3d5.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/BothJrs2013TnT_zps78edd3d5.jpg.html)

[Xplantdad]

Sorry to hear of the troubles, M!

[chevy427450]

Early season blues. Don't worry, you will figure it out and win rounds.

[wannarun70]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it will only get better. Good Luck. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

The engine was delivered to Huddleston yesterday morning. We are awaiting the results of the evaluation, not sure when we will get to run it with that engine. Bummer, eh? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Evaluation: porosity within the cylinder head casting, <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandasheadgasket1stremoved_zps0eb0a780.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Amandasheadgasket1stremoved_zps0eb0a780.jpg.html)

The small dark spec's are deemed to be casting imperfections that have channeled their way to the center / forward bolt hole.

The best remedy is still in R&amp;D, which is a billet head. So, while the engine is at the builder we will upgrade it to 'version 2' with a bore/piston/rod change. While I might need to add a little more weight to slow it down, the bigger bore pulls a better carb signal and allows for better tuning and consistency. Till then, we will start dialing in the backup engine - hopefully tonight.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

So, with backup engine still installed we ventured out once more! Last Friday night's TnT went relatively well with Ben running Amanda's car down the track for it's inaugural run, clicking off a 12.70! I was surprised, and pleased that it was that close to 12.90. Next up was our 'hired gun', 9 year old Brealyn who was able to make 2 runs Friday night. He kept in it the whole way, clicking off a 12.66 and a 12.64. Not bad!

Ben jumped right into his car, making 4 additional runs that were all within 4 hundreths of a second - he was happy! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif I was exhausted, <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif Running back and forth between the lanes at the starting line is hectic, the starter thought I had lost my marbles! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Staging lanes:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstrunstaginglanes2_zps9449a21e.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstrunstaginglanes2_zps9449a21e.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstrunstaginglanes1_zpsa0dd5214.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstrunstaginglanes1_zpsa0dd5214.jpg.html)

Sunday was a points day, so we were back for some competition. We added 25 pounds to Amanda's car, it barely slowed down <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif So, we added another 25 pounds, and the clutch didn't like the extra 50 #'s to lug out of the hole and stumbled a bit. Brea clicked off a 12.98 on a 12.90 dial, but could not overcome an experienced 7.90 car.

Ben won first round on the tree, dumping a 7.90 car at the stripe. He was pumped, only to give up the stripe on the next round when he absolutely treed the other kid and then scrubbed off too much at the line - tough way to lose a round. Took some time, but he got over it and is looking forward to the next time out.

The pits are getting busy!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstraceday_zps38ed4463.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/Breafirstraceday_zps38ed4463.jpg.html)

Hope to get Amanda's primary engine back next week, then it's back to thrashing!

[Salvatore]

keep at it! Looks to be alot of work BUT the fun wins out!

[Xplantdad]

Looks like you a rehaving fun with the family...that's all that matters!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Sometimes I feel like all I do is change engines on these Jr's! We got Amanda's Huddleston Performance engine back last night, with the fancy billet cylinder head <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterwithnewhead2_zps475fae4e.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterwithnewhead2_zps475fae4e.jpg.html )

Now that it is punched out, has a new piston &amp; rod, along with the new head - the clutch setup will be a bit different. So, it's back to dialing in another combo, you would think I would eventually get good at this..... maybe, some day.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

The new powerplant:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterwithnewhead1_zpsc73c5687.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandasPeaShooterwithnewhead1_zpsc73c5687.jpg.html )

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Planning to have Amanda's first run on her 8th birthday, July 6th. So, we have commenced 'The Training'! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

We got her suited up, situated on a pillow with another pillow behind her:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining1_zps42748656.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining1_zps42748656.jpg.html)

All belted in, ready for the Safety Drills: main switch, override switch, seat belt release and steering wheel release - blindfolded! She was a very quick study, even with Benjamin 'helping'!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining2_zpsa81828a6.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining2_zpsa81828a6.jpg.html)

A sibling effort:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining3_zpsc99fceb2.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining3_zpsc99fceb2.jpg.html)

A Girl and her thoughts..... &quot;...can't wait to beat Ben....&quot; <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining4_zps12699f3c.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Amandas%20Jr%20Dragster/AmandaTraining4_zps12699f3c.jpg.html)

[Schonyenko2]

Cool shark teeth on the front. Your a busy guy.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

'busy' is not the word my friend..... :-0

[Xplantdad]

Marlin the crew chief <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">'busy' is not the word my friend..... :-0 </div></div>

But lovin' every second of it! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Heard a great quote this past week, seems to fit perfectly:

&quot; The days are long, but years fly by &quot;

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif Isn't that the truth, Benjamin graduated this morning, and is headed to Middle School - where did it go?

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Benwithlicenseplateframe.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Benwithlicenseplateframe.jpg.html)

Back to Amanda - she wants to the next Training Session to be with the car running, instead of me pushing it (so she can learn brake pedal pressure...) <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Salvatore]

Yes, time is flying by. Keep up the good family togetherness. They will never forget it.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

This past Saturday was the next points day at MGR, but we could not attend due to my nephew getting married - all 3 kiddies were in the wedding over in NJ. Just as well since they only got one time shot after which they sat for 2 hours - and then they called the race, apparently for:

&quot;&quot;Sunoco Race Fuels Money Trail 8 was stopped in middle of the first time trials due to track conditions.

Because of the heavy rain that hit the area the night before, the track will have to be scraped in its entirety, an operation that will take several hours.&quot;&quot;

That's a first for me!

So, after planning through some complicated logistics involving multiple vehicles (one of which was the 'race car rig'), Ben and I were able to grab a hotel farther east in NJ after the reception so we could race at Englishtown on Sunday. We need to get some runs on this new engine combination and sort out some strange stuff. Long story short, we hustled to get there for the 8am gate opening, then sat till 10am, then hustled to get 3 time shots in - learned a couple of things, added 10 #'s, and dialed an 8.90 - for the rest of the day!

Long story short, Ben went 5 rounds to get to the final - but we simply got beat in a good ole drag race and Ben runner'd up! Our best showing yet, and it was a real confidence builder for Benjamin. Some pic's:

We were so busy, (E-Town has a separate 1/8th mile track for the Jr's, so they run almost continuously!), I didn't take a pic of him in the lanes till the 4th round. They run age groups at this track, but group B was pretty big - hence the # of rounds he had to go.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Runnerup1_zps889258de.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Runnerup1_zps889258de.jpg.html)

No 'luck rounds' (bye's or red light wins) for us yesterday, Ben drove to each round win.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Runnerup2_zps8b2cae9c.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Runnerup2_zps8b2cae9c.jpg.html)

The Jr Program at Englishtown is pretty good, and they certainly treat their winners and runner up placers well. Benjamin got a plaque for winning first round, a nice tropy, a handful of decals, and a $25 debit card from Wells Fargo! He was pumped, helped him get over the runner up finish (a little!).

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Runnerup3_zps2841dc8e.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Runnerup3_zps2841dc8e.jpg.html)

This is now his new favorite track! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Runnerup4_zpsd2f5af23.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/aacorp/media/Runnerup4_zpsd2f5af23.jpg.html)

[elonblock]

Great job Ben!!!!

[wannarun70]

nice! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif