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    1. #1
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264

      Open Track Day at Grattan May 11th

      UPDATE: We have only 10 days left, and there are still some spots open. Maybe you just finished some work on the car, or maybe the pressure to get out to the track has finally gotten to be too much. Whatever it is, come on out to the track. If you have any questions, let me know.






      After weeks of unanswered calls and emails to Gingerman, we went ahead and booked a day at Grattan. Grattan appears to be a more challenging layout with elevation changes and some blind corners. This event is open to anyone, we had a pretty wide variation of cars last year. I would love to see some PT guys there. Below is a website where you can register and see more detail. I have also copied the basics below:

      We have reserved Grattan Raceway Thursday May 11th. We were going to try to reserve Gingerman again this year but they are under new ownership. The new owners have raised the prices significantly and are being much more strict on the rules. Therefore we decided to go with Grattan Raceway. The owners have been much easier to work with. The track has plenty of run off room just like Gingerman but the track itself appears to be a bit more challenging. It is very popular with the motorcycle crowd because of the run off room. Also, Grattan's longest straightaway is about a 1/2mile versus Gingerman's is only 1/4mile.
      Passenger's will be allowed as long as they have a helmet.
      Grattan is located about 30 minutes from Gingerman. It's slightly closer to Detroit and slighty further from Chicago.
      Here is a schedule of the day:
      8:00am Gate's Open
      8:30am-8:45am Driver's Meeting (Discuss safety and rules)
      9:00am- 5:00pm Track is open
      Every 15 minutes a new group of cars will go onto the track. There will be 4 groups total with 10 cars in each group.
      The cost will be $125 per person.
      We are in the process of setting up a website for everyone to register. If you think you would like to attend let me know right away and I'll copy you on the link to the website so you can register.
      Here is a list of some general rules and tips:
      -Any car with seat belts is allowed, no trucks, SUV's, or motorcycles (convertibles must have rollbars).
      -Snell 95 or newer helmet. (None will be available to rent)
      -Have fresh oil in your car. Bring extra oil, coolant, and brake fluid.

      -Have enough money for 2-3 tanks of gas. A gas station is about 2 miles from the track.
      -Either bring food to eat or bring money to buy food. There is food available for purchase at the track along with several restaurants close by.
      -The track will be open rain or shine. No refunds will be given if it rains.
      -No passing will be allowed in the turns, and the driver in front of you must signal that you may pass. This is for everyone's safety.

      For more track information visit:

      www.grattanraceway.com


      http://events.kzoorice.com/index.php...tpage&Itemid=1

      Ken



      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits


    2. #2
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Its a shame that I didnt know about this sooner. Grattan is an incredible track with some fun banks and lots of elevation changes. The straight away is extremely fast so make sure your brakes are up to par! I went there about 5-6 years ago with my 96 Formula and had a blast. If I had known about this sooner I would have went with you guys to Grattan instead of Gingerman.
      Dave said you guys will be going to Grattan again this year so I will try to make it to the next one for sure. Have a great time and take tons of videos and pics.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    3. #3
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      Sorry Adam, but we spent so much time trying to contact the people at Gingerman this event is being announced a little late. From the early response, it looks like we will have a good group. This will most likely be the best "sick" day you've had in a while for those of you who come.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    4. #4
      Join Date
      Mar 2006
      Posts
      1
      Hey Ken, you know I'm going... 5 weeks and counting... I just visited a porsche race shop and took a quick drive in one of them.. Damn they were fast!!!

    5. #5
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      As you can see, there is very little to no interest from this board for this event. Does this have something to do with the date, or the setup, or is it something else? I don't want to be a whiner, but I am trying to figure out why this event has received so little interest over here. Help me out with some feedback please. This seems to be the least expensive track day you will find, and based on last year, you will have plenty of track time. If you have some suggestions, please let me know.

      Thanks
      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    6. #6
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Quote Originally Posted by BB69
      As you can see, there is very little to no interest from this board for this event. Does this have something to do with the date, or the setup, or is it something else? I don't want to be a whiner, but I am trying to figure out why this event has received so little interest over here. Help me out with some feedback please. This seems to be the least expensive track day you will find, and based on last year, you will have plenty of track time. If you have some suggestions, please let me know.

      Thanks
      Ken
      Its quite simple Ken. They are all posers.
      You and I will just have to keep posting videos every year of what its like to actually drive our cars on a track.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    7. #7
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      Quote Originally Posted by CAMAROBOY69
      Its quite simple Ken. They are all posers.
      You and I will just have to keep posting videos every year of what its like to actually drive our cars on a track.
      I got a good laugh out of that Adam. I wasn't going to go that far. I was thinking it might have something to do with the fact I haven't met as many people here. Once a few people started talking about it at the Corvetteforum, participation started to take off. I really do think these are the types of events "Pro-Touring" or "G-machines" are all about.

      If someone has suggestions to increase the participation, please let me know. Otherwise, Adam is going to keep calling you posers.


      By the way Adam, I have been making slow but deliberate progress on the Camaro for the Good Friday event. I hope to have the engine fired this week, and then some buddies are coming over Sunday to make sure all the front end sheetmetal is back on. After that, I have a week to shake the car down.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    8. #8
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Yeah I am just busting their balls. Would be nice to see more members from this site out there but oh well they can just admire the fun we have flogging our cars.
      As for progress on my car. Well I have been having horrific luck with this power steering conversion. I finally got some brackets that fit on there but the pump is at a major angle. I will try to start the car and test the hydraboost and all the power steering stuff tonight. If no fluid comes out of the top of the pump then I will just run it this way until I get different brackets. It would have been fun with you and I in the same race class. But you are going to Grattan which is way more fun anyway. Glad to hear your cars is coming along. Hopefuly I will have a positive update tonight after work.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    9. #9
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      Adam,
      Power steering is one of the things I'm working on now. I can't believe how hard pulleys are to find, and how expensive they are when you find them. I found a pump, with pulley and hoses, on ebay, but after I bought a remaned pump. I only bid up to $20. I didn't think it would be a big deal. Of course, now I have spent $22 on the correct pressure hose, and another $35 on a pulley.

      By the way, we are in the same group at Gingerman. When I registered, I thought I would be bringing the Vette. The 69 Vette listed is me. I am really hoping the Camaro will be ready. I'm making a battery mount, and then I can wire the main power distribution. After I put the headers on, the engine should be ready to fire.

      For all I know, I will be under the car the whole time again, but I will still find a way to have a good time.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    10. #10
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      OH wow you are going to attend both events. YOU are the man! Gingerman and Grattan all within 2 months. I evny you. I wish I could attend both events but I just cant. I am barely going to make this one. I will catch the next grattan event though. I love that track.
      My offer still stands too. You can drive my car if yours pukes. Hell if nothing else you can tag along as a passenger with me.
      That would be kiler to have 2 69 Camaros there. What a killer video that would be.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    11. #11
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      I hope I don't have to take you up on it. I am heading home tonight to get some more work done. Don't be surprised is some of the front end parts are missing though.

      Both events is going to be a little crazy. I can't say the chief financial officer, er I mean the wife, was happy about it, but this is why I have the cars. Don't forget about the Ohio cruise I emailed you about either. I am probably moving that to June to spread out the events, but that event is a blast. To be honest, it's probably better than the track. I will keep you up to date on that one.

      Are you bringing your video camera setup to Gingerman?

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    12. #12
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Ken,
      Yes I will be taking the camcorder to Gingerman. I actually think there will be 3 camcorders total if everyone shows.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    13. #13
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      We are now just over 3 weeks away, and we have 10 spots still open. You will have a hard time finding a cheaper track day. I know it's a weekday, but call in sick or do what you have to to get out here. You will have a good time. If you don't me, ask Adam.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    14. #14
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Heather and I will be at this event to watch but not to run our cars. This is definely the cheapest track day around and this is the best track in Michigan. If I had known sooner about this I would have went here instead of Gingerman. Both are fun tracks but Grattan is the ultimate!!!
      Ken, all I ask from you is a mandatory ride in your 69 Camaro. So hopefully you have it going!!
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    15. #15
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Ken how is the Camaro coming along? Am I still going to be able to go for a ride with you? It will be interresting to see how it is as a passenger for once. Mabey I can ride in a couple other cars too. Cant wait to see Dave and the entire gang again.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    16. #16
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      Adam,
      There isn't much happening this week because I am in Europe for work. It seems every time I have a car event to get ready for, I have to travel for work. At least the beer is good here.

      When I left on Sunday, I had started to try and sort out the brakes. The power booster was broken (not happy as it's brand new) so I ordered another one. It should be in before I get home. I have to figure out how to get the system bled after that. I believe I'm having some issues with the distribution block. I do have another one though, so I should be OK. After that, it's time to button up the power steering. I got a fitting from a local shop I just discovered, so it should just be a matter of putting on the pressure hose, the belt, and putting fluid in the system.

      I also have to do some tuning on the engine. It's up and running, with a full exhaust. However, it needs some carb tuning and the valves adjusted again. It may also need some new ignition wires. Finally, the sheetmetal has to go on. I started putting on the inner fenders. I bought a front end hardware kit from NPD, but they aren't labeled as well as I would like.

      As you can see, I will be busy when I get home Sunday until next week. I'll make sure I put the passenger seat back in though.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    17. #17
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Glad to hear your making a little progress on the Camaro. You really should have bought a Hydratech hydraboost when your booster went bad. It was the best brake upgrade I ever did on my Camaro so far. Paul would have hooked you up like he did with me. The hydraboost can be installed within 2 hours if you already have power steering.
      Enjoy the beer!
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

    18. #18
      Join Date
      Jun 2005
      Location
      The Motor City
      Posts
      24
      Ken,
      Are you going to bring the Corvette or the Camaro? I got an old ASedan race tape from a coworker so we're going to watch it at Ken Smith's house on Thursday. He's got a home theater with a giant screen so everybody will get a good look at the track before we go. Think you're going to make it?

      For anyone else local, you're more than welcome to come over too.

      I'll be at Grattan in the dark gray '05 GTO. The Corvette has been temporarilly retired from track days for a while.

    19. #19
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Holly, MI
      Posts
      264
      Matt,
      I should have the Camaro at the track. I tried to get it done for Gingerman, and did not, so this is the second shot. There will be more track days later in the year for the Vette. Whether or not I show up for the video screening will depend on how the car is coming along. I plan to put a little schedule together today so I know when I need to have certain things done.

      Ken
      69 Camaro
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Konis, JL8 clone brakes, solid AL body bushings, some assembly still required

      69 Corvette
      427, 4 speed, TTII's, Bilsteins, HEI, what I work on while the Camaro sits

    20. #20
      Join Date
      Jul 2002
      Location
      Muskegon, MI
      Posts
      4,494
      Ken,
      How is the Camaro coming along? I still have to take the day off. Looks like a chance of rain for thursday.
      Adam_______Offical Car Name "ILLUSION"
      383 Stroker, Stock cast heads, T-56 tranny, 4.11 gears, 2002 T/A dash, 4th gen interior including seatbelts, power lumbar seats, 18" Budnik Wheels, Hydraboost, QA1 shocks, DC Controller, Power steering conversion, fuel cell, unique exhaust set up........
      ILLUSION Website-----------Old Website--------------My Car on Lateral-g.net----------- Need something designed?-AdFabDesign

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