Dateline: Englishtown, NJ - OOOHHOHOHOHOHO RACEWAY PARK, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, Nitro methane Burning Funny Cars, RACEWAY PARK, ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY. BE THERE! As a kid, circa 1966, these words were burned in my brain hundreds of times from the tinny AM tube radio in my basement.
But now it’s Saturday, March 19, 2005, and I’m at Raceway Park as an adult to ride Pocketbikes. Go figure! Anyway, after an hour drive, and some hangin’ with my TSMMR bro’s and some new guys, its time to hit the track. The track is laid out on a large parking area and is a about a half mile in total length. The track surface has been paved smoother than the surrounding lot, and concrete pads have been added in the right places. The track is moderately technical, but has plenty of room to pass, and a nice back straightaway. However, unlike Oakland Valley, Sandy Hook or Pinnacle, the track lacks any change in elevation and is completely flat. Overall, it is a fun track to run, and I especially like the 250 degree turn near the track’s center. For those who have not seen the track, you enter at the red arrow and exit to the pits at the yellow arrows. (See photo)
My first run was with my Ducagi and I was pleased to be back on a bike. We were sharing the track time with the go-karts, but the time between our runs was only like 15 minutes and it passed quickly. For the next two runs I rode my DM, which was great, but near the end of the second run my clutch gave out.
Back in the pits, I removed the clutch drum and discovered that one of the “C” clips and washers that hold the clutch shoes had come off, and the whole clutch was torn up. I was bummed, and needed a few more laps on the Ducagi to cheer me up. After the ride, Sprung (Marc) lent me a clutch and we installed it on the DM. However, while setting the clutch engagement with a tach, something went terribly wrong and the front pinion sheared off. With the DM out of commission, I spent the rest of the day taking pictures and riding the Ducagi.
It was a great day to ride, even with the problems with the DM. It was fun to hang with all the TSMMR guys and meet some new riders like Kennedy, Punisher and Derf. Alex was looking good on his Scooterino, and I don’t think Sprung came off once the whole day! Enjoy the pics and hope to see you all on April 2nd at Oakland Valley.
