First race wrap-up

We came. We saw. We overheated.

After 5 hours of racing, Team Jake Rensen climbed to 19^th (out of 37) in the standings before the car began to overheat beyond the ability to continue.

Our best guess is that a blown head gasket caused our coolant to dump into the combustion chamber instead of, you know, cooling the engine. Also, 3^rd and 4^th gear seemed to have stopped working. 

Unable to find a new head gasket at any reasonably close parts store, we attempted to slather the old one in hi-temp silicone in the vain hope it would last for day two. It did not.

Heroically "repairing" the head gasket and reassembling the engine overnight, the car did make it onto the track for two complete laps on day two. Halfway through the second lap, the temperature spiked again, signaling the end of our first race. We brought the car in, loaded up our gear, and headed to the spectators area for reflection.

While we didn't finish the race, and certainly never threatened the leaderboard, by almost every other measure our first race was a great success. No injuries, all four drivers drove, we mostly stayed on the track, we finished strong for a group of rookies, and had an awesome time.

Lessons learned: Cheat.

While Jake Rensen, by all accounts, is a man and an organization rooted in integrity, there are certainly moments when following the letter of the law isn't a item for strict adherence. For example: never driving over 65mph on the highway. Listing yourself as a "non-smoker" despite the occasional cigar. Checking the "I've never tried to violently overthrow the government" box on forms for official use.  

We're now adding "Following all Chump Car rules and regulations" to that list. It was pointed out by veterans of the racing league, the rules are merely guidelines more so than enforced rules.

While we'd prefer that all participants follow the written rules, the fact of the matter is that we simply don't have the ability to make that outcome a reality. And upon examining the other BMW's, Nissan 300zx's, Porsche's, Acura's, and, yes, even a Merkur, we realized we brought a knife to a gun fight. A mistake we do not intend to repeat. 

With several modifications already in process, Jake Rensen looks forward to their next race.

Silicone head gasket of wood

Sunday Morning

Dawn breaks at Gingerman Raceway and as other cars head to the starting line, the Rensen-mobile has not moved.

The crew works tirelessly to reassemble the engine while our hopes now rest solely on a broken head gasket covered in Hi-temp silicone.

Team Hero

Special recognition to team member Charlie Muscle. For what appears to be no reason he drove 6 hours to grill us food, ward off hooligans, be strong, and come up with awesome ideas to keep Jake Rensen on the righteous path.

Thank you Charlie Muscle

Rensen Down!

Early diagnosis is a blown head gasket. Bad news.

Climbing the ranks

Jake Rensen is up to 19th. Things are running well. Our pit stops could be a little cleaner... 

Status update: Jake Rensen is 21 out of 39 places. Not sure how many cars have broken down and are off track, but so far, pretty solid. 

30 minutes into Day 1

Several cars have already broken down -- but not the Lightning Burger Express!

Despite getting passed on a regular basis by BMWs and suped up Miata's, Team Rensen is running strong. Piloted by Jefferton W. Repper III, all is well early on.

The Heros

Four complete idiots. One crappy car. Jake Rensen is pleased.

Heavy Load

Jake Rensen passes a fellow trucker on the way to the race. I hope he doesn't break an axel.

It Begins

Jake Rensen's chief mechanic, Overalls McGee, loads the Lightning Burger Express on to the trailer signaling the beginning of what is to come.

The Cheesiest Cheese

Double "Dubba" Cheese

Happy Birthday to our fearless crew chief! No one knows when he was born, where, or why - But we do know he is one year older today than he was a year ago.

No one can say for sure if its his intoxicating smile, hypnotic gaze, or disproportionately bushy eye-brows, but this man was meant for success from the word "go." Not a wrench turned, a stitch sewn, nor a hammer hewn on Team Jake Rensen without the "Spirit of the Cheese." He single-handedly breathed life into a 1991 Honda Prelude and we are all better for it.

If you look at his picture above long enough, with an open window nearby, you will eventually hear hear his swan-song carried softly to your ear on the gently rolling breeze. In a whisper so low as if from the lips of babes - "cheeeeeeese."

Pork rinds and progress

McGurt does what McGurt does best. Current diagnosis is a failed relay. This is why we have not one, but two Honda engineers on our team.

Trials and Tribulations

> One week until race day and our car, Double Cheese 1, will not start. How long until panic and despair sets in?
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