Stripped chassis

Susan and I went to Tulsa today and dropped the chassis off at Blasting Specialties where they blasted the paint off of it with a plastic bead media that removes the paint without damaging the thin wall chromoly tubing. Now that it is back home and in the shop I will take scotch-brite pads and rub down all of the tubing and then rub it down again with penetrating oil to keep it from rusting. Here are some before and after pictures of the chassis from today.

Brad

Some more pictures from MAM and an update

Here's the latest news from Speed Merchants Racing.
After coming home from our match race at Mid America Motorplex and disassembling the race car I have found the chassis severely cracked in the top frame rail where the rear end flange is welded into the chassis. This was caused by the severe tire shake we experienced and is going to require a new top hoop welded into the car - not a small undertaking. I have decided to take the car to Keith Burgan - otherwise known as Rooman because he's an Aussie - in Indianapolis for the repair. He's an excellent chassis builder and a good friend. The plan is to go Halloween weekend and spend 2 days on the repair and then bring back the fixed car.
The never ending hunt for a sponsor continues and our racing agenda for next season depends heavily on acquiring one or more.
I have to take the bare chassis to get the paint stripped off for the repairs and I think I am going to leave the chassis unpainted and possibly run the short body next year to save a little weight and help between round maintenance - we'll see.
These pictures from MAM were taken by crew member Randy Compton. Enjoy and thanks for checking my blog!

Brad

Subscribe to my blog........

I wanted to take a minute and inform those of you who may not know that you can subscribe to my blog and get an email each time I update it. If you look to the right side of the blog and scroll down you will see where it says to "Subscribe in a Reader". Click there and then choose a reader to use to view the blog with in your email. Next click "Get Speed Merchants delivered by email". Next enter your email address and enter the code word into the space provided and click "Complete Subscription request". It's easy and always keeps you informed with up to date Speed Merchants news.
Some of you may have done this in the past here on my blog with a different subscriber that quit working. We have added the new one and you will have to resubscribe with it.
Thanks for checking in!
Brad

Pictures

David took some shots that I wanted to share. Enjoy!

Video

Here's the video Kurt shot at Mid America last weekend.Thanks Kurt!


Speed+Merchants+vs+Nightmare+Nostalgia+AA+Front+en

A big thanks for a fun weekend!

We had a great time at Mid America last weekend! Even though we had trouble getting down the track under power (a little too much power for the track but we'll have a plan for next year) and got beat both runs we had a great time and were treated very well by the personnel at Mid America Motorplex. The turnout of friends and family was AWESOME and overwhelming. Thank you!!! The track manager was happy with the show we put on for the fans and he said he wants us back for next year - maybe twice.
Randy was taking pictures and Kurt shot some video so I'll get those posted as soon as I get them.
I want to extend a special thank you to Dan and Joanie Russell for inviting us, Mid America Motorplex for having a great show and including us, all my friends and family for spending the time with us, my great crew for all their hard work and most of all my wife, partner and best friend Susan for her patience, love and support.
Brad

Event Flier