VECM Karting Challenge

I was waiting and I mean really waiting for VECM boys at City Karting Shah Alam. At 5.30pm after my brothers karting session, a quick call to friend, gob smacked my forehead I was in the WRONG track that they’ve been waiting for me at Sepang! With only 20 minutes to go before start of practice session, I had to nail my foot on the throttle pedal all the way through. 

It was a real challenge for me since I’ve never set my foot in Sepang International Kart Circuit so the practice session is crucial to familiarize myself with the track. And weighting at 70kg including all my gears on a 4 stroker 200cc fun kart, acceleration and straight-line speed will be unfortunate disadvantage compared to some. 

Surprisingly, the practice session went very well as there’re plenty of tyre marks for me to get base racing line and of course since it’s alike mini SIC, that’s pretty much makes things a whole lot easier for everyone. We’ve been assigned random karts by the circuit official. Although the kart I drove was a little lethargic I managed to qualified 2nd 1’10.116 two tenths behind pole sitter and finishes on the same place with best time of 1’09.860. Oh well, I’m going to try harder on next session!

Images courtesy of Volvo Enthusiasts Club Malaysia

New Arai Helmet

Ever since setting myself back on karting last year, I’ve been eyeing for CIK approved helmet but unfortunately seriously lacking of dough has discouraged me in popping to the shop and getting one. And I’ve been pretty ‘disciplined’ at that until yesterday. I just can’t resist this Arai SK6S helmet, hence I practically closed my both eyes and sign the dotted credit card slip at Momentum Autosport Sunway. 

The Arai SK6 helmet was designed specifically for karting. Built using Arai's proprietary cLc (Complex Laminate Construction) technology the shell of the SK6 is so strong it allows the use of an extremely soft EPS liner for better comfort and impact energy management. Key features include: 

• Larger intake and exhaust holes for increased airflow (front vents are closeable). 
• New shield pivot hardware with redesigned track slider for improved aerodynamics. 
• Wider eye port for increased peripheral vision.
• New positive shield locking mechanism provides solid shield latching while allowing normal operation. 
• Arai 6 series 3mm thick visor (not interchangeable with SK-5).
• Removable cheek pads for a custom fit and more thorough cleaning.
• Newly sculpted chin bar and ridge along lower edge to improve structural integrity, give extra clearance above shoulders and lower the center of gravity. 

Next, I'll scout for good rib protector and CIK karting suit. Both Alpinestar and Sparco should be in the region of RM700ish

Letting the Steam Off on the Track!

Couple of weeks ago I rented 100cc 2-stroke kart for 4 hours in City Karting as part of ‘extensive’ test for me to get acclimatize to higher powered karts and of course indirectly see where do I stand between the pro karters out there. My best time then was pretty average of 1’04.982, uncomfortably short by almost 4 seconds a lap done by the pros. 

And yesterday while waiting for VECM boys for their karting event, I decided to have one go on the 100cc. Yes I’ve improved, 1’04.451 and another 3.5 seconds to go! Can’t wait for another ‘extensive’ test session! :) 

 Current Hall of Fame between friends. Kindly ignore Ramsey and Edwyn times as those are done on 125cc :)

Hairline Cracks on the Turbo Housing

Until quite recently the Pocong has been delivering pretty laggy power response and wastegate rattling noise alike under full boost. After being grounded under Wynn Car Care for couple of days, it’s confirmed that there’re two hairline cracks on the turbo housing. These should be easily fixed by spot welding those areas. Unfortunately I’ve to wait for Wynn to get back from Euro trip to embark on this rectification. While waiting, his understudy has cleaned up my open pod filter and skimmed the front rotors. Charges? Very reasonable and I would think beside Ever Auto and Autoworld, they would be my regular workshop from now on.

 Sample of hairline crack in K03 turbo housing

Broken Brake Pad Wear Sensor

The “Check Brake Pads” warning lit up few days back while I was enroute to Kedah on NSE. Funny thing is all my pads are relatively new and have pretty ‘thick’ depth. True enough it wasn’t because of the pads but broken brake pad wear sensor wires. 

What Alex did was essentially connect back the two wires in the brake pad wear sensor together and walla no more warning light :) 

 Luckily it's just a basic DIY job

Who says US don't have winding roads!!

 At Highway 330 enroute to Arrowhead Lake

 Roadhoggers are everywhere here lol

 Think of it as scale-up Ulu Yam or even Simpang Pulai :)

 Super Sweepers :)

 DC5 Type S spotted but as usual in US, speed limit capped to 50mph only :(

H&R Rear Adjustable Spring Plate

When the Pocong had its 97.5k kms interim oil change end of April, I spotted missing locking ring on rear-right adjustable spring plate. After a quick check with both H&R Germany and Speedzone, I have to order complete adjustable lower spring plate (part no HR92-K-X001A001) for RM360 plus RM70 FedEx expedite courier. There goes my budget for carbon rib protector and CIK-certified karting suit :(

 

 View on rear-left

 

View on rear-right, notice the missing ring!

 

New Complete Adjustable Lower Spring Plate