Will we make it to the Icebreaker????

Paint is highly over-rated, anyway.  

Boston Marathon fundraiser

Shawn Courchesne of Race Day CT has put out the word that Larry will donate his IceBreaker winnings to support his brother David, who is running in his 20th Boston Marathon this year.  Shawn writes....

"Thompson Speedway Limited Sportsman division competitor Larry Barnett is looking for race fans to help him participate in a special fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Barnett’s brother David will be competing in his 20th Boston Marathon on April 21.

David Barnett is running to raise funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of his father and also his brother Jack.

Larry Barnett will donate his race winnings from the 20-lap Limited Sportsman feature at the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway on April 6. He’s asking race fans to join him.

“I will donate my Icebreaker Sunday race purse to this cause. Will you donate $20 in honor of David’s 20th Boston Marathon. You could also consider donating $73 – such a nice number – or more?” — Larry Barnett"

Here is the link to David Barnett's Dana Farber page.  Please consider making a donation if you can.

David Barnett's Fundraising Page

IceBreaker Bound - Update

Countdown to the Icebreaker (April 5^th and 6^th) shows we are far behind on preps from where we wish we were.  No worries, we will be in top form by race day.

Big News:

BOSTON MARATHON!

I hope to help my brother David Barnett to raise money for Dana Farber cancer research.  David will be running in his 20^th straight Boston Marathon and will be running for Dana Farber in memory of my Dad and brother Jack.  The link to make a donation is here: http://www.runDFMC.org/2014/davidb.

Can we help him help all of us?  Please consider joining me in donating.  I will donate my Icebreaker Sunday race purse to this cause.  Will you donate $20 in honor of David’s 20^th Boston Marathon.  You could also consider donating $73 –such a nice number- or more?

SEGMENT RACE???

Everyone take a peek at the segment race rules for Saturday eve at the Icebreaker:  Segment Race Info.   The Sportsman division will have a special event, divided into three segments. 8 laps,  leave the track, then invert the field and race 9 laps, leave the track again, and come back for a final 10 lap leg, with starting positions based on lap times from the first segment.  Winner is car with lowest total number of the added up finish positions.  Confusing?- yes, will take a lot of time?-yes, but it won’t be without action.  I think the magic number could be 9 for the winner.

Engine:

If we listen closely, we may be able to hear the engine being run on Nat’s engine dyno at some point today. If it is ready, I may be able to pick it up later today.  Nat and crew hope for an even better engine, I asked him to make as many parts out of lead as possible.

SHORT INTERRUPTION FROM KIM TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACING:

We got a puppy!  She's a lot of work but very cute and someday she'll be a really good girl.  Her name is Ella and hopefully you'll see her with us at the track.  Here is a very short video showing her first day learning how to walk down stairs.

OK BACK TO RACING....

Body:

As seen in the photo, the body isn’t really on the car yet.  I have picked up all the body parts made by Rayline and Duraflex.  I will begin painting panels today.  Lettering will come from Jeff Winsor, and there is plenty of space on our car for some commercial sponsorship.  Want to be the first?

Chassis:

After having the front clip replaced by SPAFCO, we have installed all of the chassis parts, bled the brakes, and are ready to install the engine and body.  Final chassis tweaks will follow that.

Crew:

As always, Jonny has led the charge in the shop.  I have had to use up an entire vacation week to attempt to get back on schedule with the car.  Extra help here in the Moosup, CT shop, and at the track, is always welcome.

See everyone soon,

Larry

Racing in the Smith Family

Racing in the Smith Family
written by Leadfoot's sister-in-law Melissa Smith

Racing In The Smith Family - A Mom's Perspective

Nate’s Story

Camping at Thompson’s World Series has long been a Smith tradition. Nathan enjoys watching the Limited Sportsman cars, and one car in particular is important to him – Nathan’s uncle – #73 – Larry “Leadfoot” Barnett.

The 2010 World Series was fast approaching, and like most, Ron and Nate brought the camper down early to “rope off a spot.” They heard the unmistakable hum of Quarter Midget engines coming from the Little T and walked down to watch cars practicing that day. 3 year old Nate looked up at Ron – wide eyed – “Daddy, can I do that someday, like Uncle Larry?”  It was exactly what Ron wanted to hear his only child say. Ron grew up in racing, in one form or another. Three generations of Smiths have enjoyed following all forms of stock cars. Ron’s father, Bob, and Ron’s uncle, Charlie (AKA “Jake”), started at the Lonsdale Sports arena in the early 60’s racing backyard built “cut downs” and “jalopies”. His dad then moved on to drag racing. Ron, his dad, and brother have all helped out on various pit crews through the years. And Ron, an A Rider (Expert Class) in the NETRA Enduro circuit, had years of racing under his belt and in his blood.  That was all Ron had to hear Nathan say. He was off… Planning… Thinking…  And formulating a plan to get me on board… 

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Photo credit: Kim Smith Barnett

Now, I’m the first one to admit – Racing is not in my blood.  Unlike Ron, I did not grow up with the sport, and being a mom, my first thought was – Are you NUTS?  You’re going to put our only child in a gas powered car, in a fire suit, with a helmet on, in a 5 point harness, and encourage him to race around a track this size, with other kids doing the exact same thing? Yeah…Riiiiiight… But when Santa ever so graciously delivered a Quarter Midget on the Christmas that Nathan was 3 years old, (Unbeknownst to Mom by the way – That Santa is one tricky guy!), I had to get on board. Safety was my biggest concern, so I did my research, looked up some stats, and began to realize that more bad can happen to Nate riding a bike than it can in that car.  I also know that Ron would never do anything that would put Nate in harm’s way. Nathan turned 4 in April of 2011. Ron started taking Nathan to parking lots; they were practicing and having fun. We could see potential, and Nate enjoyed driving, so we were in!

On March 18, 2012, at just shy of 5 years of age, Nathan started his Red Rookie training. It became glaringly apparent to me that the leadership at the Little T was exemplary, stellar and second to none. Any safety concerns – if I had any left – were completely gone.

In his first year, our Red Rookie drove a 2004 Cheetah, small chassis car (which had many updates to be still competitive) and proudly stood on the podium with two 2nd places and two 3rd places. He worked hard and learned a lot. We all did! Ron acquired two sponsors for Nate that year: East Coast Collision, and Precision Saw & Mower. I created a website (www.nathansmithracing.com) and a facebook fan page (Nathan Smith Racing) for Nathan.

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Photo credit: Christina Hovey

When year 2 came, Ron bought Nathan a different car: a 2007 Nervo Grizzly, small chassis, built by NC Chassis, with all the bells and whistles.  We picked up two additional sponsors: The Trailer Outlet, which helped us acquire our race trailer; and Hamlett Signs & Graphics, which created the vehicle body wrap, as well as all the vinyl decals for our trailer. Nate started his second year as a Red Rookie, achieved his first 1st place win, along with finishing 3rd on his Super Feature day. We decided it was time to move to Blue Rookie. He achieved a 1st place in his very first Blue Rookie race, but, truthfully, Nate struggled with the faster pace. He faced challenges (both mechanically and personally) in his next couple of races, but then achieved a 3rd place finish at the Fall Finale, his last race of his second season. He stuck with it, tried his best, trusted in his own abilities, and overcame his fears. And that’s a skill set that all of our great kids – every one of the kids that race – will keep with them forever – A benefit that this mom never considered when the subject of Quarter Midget racing first came up…

In fact, Nathan has reaped a plethora of benefits from Quarter Midget racing:

1. Promotes self reliance
2. Provides an opportunity to overcome fears
3. Teaches the importance of following directions
4. Encourages focus
5. Instills a lifelong respect for driving and cars
6. Teaches how to be gracious – a gentleman – in wins and losses
7. Teaches that you aren’t going to win them all (In this world of “over-trophying”)
8. Brings our whole family unit – our team – closer

Yes, that is what Quarter Midget racing has done for Nathan for the last two (going on three) years. And I’m grateful for it. On a personal note, it’s helped Ron and I grow as parents: Figuring out how to encourage, and not push too hard; not getting caught up in Nathan’s accomplishments or challenges and not thinking of them as our own; focusing attention on small personal victories, instead of on checkered flags and trophies; understanding that Nate is a cautious kid, but once he gains his confidence, he spreads his wings and he flies – Allowing him the freedom and the time to do that is key.

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Photo credit: Kim Smith Barnett

Looking Up To Leadfoot

For all of us, there is a very important person who was a calm, encouraging voice as we navigated being rookie parents. Nathan’s uncle – Larry “Leadfoot” Barnett – has been racing over at Thompson and other local tracks for YEARS. Larry has had 67 career wins in his time as a race car driver, with 4 Limited Sportsman Championships at CT's Thompson Speedway. His resume boasts 57 track wins at Thompson alone. In 2012 and 2013, Larry raced not only in his Limited Sportsman car, but he also challenged himself by trying something new - Racing in the Modified Racing Series.  Larry had helped out on several Modified teams, and he always had it in the back of his mind that he wanted to try it someday. He really wanted to have a chance to do the set up on a Modified race car and then go out and attempt to prove that he could master the race set up. Racing in the Modified Racing Series offered many new challenges to Leadfoot, and he – and his Limited Sportsman pit crew – learned a lot as they navigated a new car, with new competition, at new tracks. In the end, Larry learned that challenging yourself is a great thing, even if it means that things don’t work out quite as you had hoped, and that going back to something that is within your means is OK. Sportsman racing, at the Big T, is where he will race for the rest of his career. He will continue to get his Modified Racing fix as a spotter. We can’t wait to cheer him on at The Icebreaker!

Larry is a consummate professional on the race circuit, and is always there to lend advice and offer support to Nathan. His biggest piece of advice to Nathan is: “Remember to enjoy what you are doing now. ‘Moving up’ isn't the key to success; having fun is.” Larry leads by example, and we try to encourage Nathan to always follow that example. What has Nate learned from his Uncle Larry?  Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, to try something new, even when the tide is against you. It’s important to always try to do your best, to strive for improvement, but still be humble and a gentleman. Gracious in wins, gracious in losses: Be grateful for the experience. And we are very grateful that he is in our corner.

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Photo credit: Kim Smith Barnett

Happy New Year!

1-1-14

Happy New Year Everyone!

This photo shows us trying to get the heavily damaged car back inside the

shop.  We are all trying to figure out how to keep front of car balanced on

a small cart, in the rain, on muddy ground, and manage to still steer the

car.  We gave the three stooges a run for comedy value. 

Everything modified related is still up for sale.  Have sold some of the

spare parts, the engine plates, the tranny, a few of the rims etc.

I have yet to sell the SK engine, the Modified car itself, the tour type

headers, clutch/ scatter shield kit and many of the parts.  Lots of calls

for info etc.  Make offers please.

My Current Plans for 2014

1. Fix our own Limited Sportsman car by replacing front clip.

2. Have our engine rebuilt top to bottom by Nats Racing Engines. (hope to

make it even better)

3. Run the entire 7 event (10 races) season at Thompson Speedway in the

Limited Sportsman Division.

4. I plan to be Spotter for Bobby Santos driving the Tinio #44 Whelen Mod

for entire schedule.

5. I might also Spot / or help out again for Damon Tinio (Thomson Late

Model), Mike Holdridge (vMRS Mod), and Todd Ceravolo (SK Mod) as time allows.

6. NO intention to drive in any modified car events with my car in 2014.  It

will get sold to the best offer made.

Cheers

Larry

Selling the Mod

We hope to sell our modified stuff.  Why you ask?

Reasons include the following:

1. costs to race keep climbing. For example, vMRS series rules now allow 4 tires each race vs 3 tires a year ago.  Change tires coming soon?
2. crew member availability declining. Had 10 crew members many races in 2012. had 3 attend final Seekonk race.
3. sponsorship decline. 0 dollars of sponsorship in 2013.
4. competition levels. More cars attend and compete for qualifying positions. 2011 season had less than full field often.  2013 season 10 cars went home several times.  Racing hasn’t suited my more conservative driving style, where I hoped to make my move at lap 73.  I completed only 1 of 6 attempted races in 2013.  Went home 4 times without even making the show.
5. My income has shrunk some, and fear further challenges in future.
6. Part time teams are very rarely successful.  We simply cannot afford to race enough to raise the bar.  Giving it your best, and yet not making a race isn’t very fun.
7. Might return to sportsman division, or find another driving option.  I still hope to hold a steering wheel in 2014 (in a place where I can compete, at reasonable out of my pocket cost).  I also enjoy playing spotter.

73 Mod & Equipment For Sale!!

2008 Design Troyer Modified

Chassis Built Dec. 2009

Last raced as #73 vMRS Seekonk DAV 2013

Larry Barnett 860-917-7056

leadfoot@barnett73.com

Car history:

*Raced the 2010 season as #91 SK modified at Waterford by Jeff  Paul / Gary Paul owner

* Purchased SK-complete. (LB winter of 2011) Converted to vMRS rules.  Attempted 11 events in 2012.  Attempted 6 events in 2013.  Stripped and frame corrected at North East (Brad L. and Co.) summer of 2013.  chassis set up at North East following assembly.

Bought $9000 in spare parts at 50% off with car.  Bought many more parts since to outfit as tour type car, plus tour type spares.  Many items never raced / new in boxes etc.

 

Car Buying Options:

As vMRS car.  Could sell “race ready” minus engine proper. Car has Jerico Transmission (rebuilt by Magnus august 2013). Quick change rear. Sweet steering rack. Pro Shocks.

As complete SK package.  Could remove tour type only parts.  Could supply SK engine, headers etc.  Engine was built by Gary Espinosa.  18K value at build time. 3 races old.

Stripped down chassis?

Current “in/on  car” details:

Best quality “Fast shaft” moly driveshaft. Lightweight battery. vMRS legal body. Adjustable panhard mount. Rs torque arm. Left panhard. 2.25 sweet rack. Headers for steel head engine. Bolaws 750 carb (have offer). 5-1/2 clutch, starter,  set up. 22 gallon cell.  Lajoie Seat ( I plan to remove it). 4 wil-wood calipers new 2013. oil tank / heater.

Tour Type parts / spares:

See above in car. Plus new flywheel. Ignition box, tour rear engine plate. 2013 belts.

SK Type parts:

Sk engine. Raced 3 races. Waterford 2010 season rules. 18k cost to build. Dart heads. Bowtie block. Told should sell for 12K. make offer.  VDL carb. Headers. Mufflers. W engine plates. Spare engine plates. Scatter shield. Clutch. Flywheel. Hood.

Misc. Parts. (Many items never raced)

*5.0” rims, 4.5’ inch rims, 6” rims, 1/4inch spacers. ½ spacers. Long studs. Wheel weights.

*New in box front hub, new in box rear hub. Sets of bearings and seals. Used hubs.

* 2 left side nerf bars. 3 rs nerf bars. Rear nerf bars.  Jigs to make all nerf bars.

* 4 new Frame saver sections plus 2 used frame savers. Plus jigs.

*Tin: New rear quarter panels. New rear section. Corvette style.  3 belly pans. Lots of misc. and used tin sections.

84 outlaw brake calipers. Used. Staggered piston size.

*2 Left side panhard support brackets. 2 spare shock tower bars. Rear end brackets. 1 plus spare for every bracket on car.

*RF sweet spindle. Spare pro shocks. 12+ springs, tie rod ends, race ready sweet rack, repairable sweet rack, shock hardware. Factory rebuilt small alternator. Hub drives.

Inventory reduction of Street stock type parts:

2 of 15” wide rims w/ modified tires 5 on 4 ¾” pattern.  4- 8” wide rims used for 2 open races. 3.73 posi rear end from Monty SS.  Several rear end housings.  Several Saginaw trannies rebuilt by Buzzy. Many chassis springs. Endless chassis parts.

 

Note: this is 10-16-13 version of my list. Will update as I remember / find more.

Cash talks.  Promise notes walk. Thanx to teams like 23 sportsman.

I am getting out of owning / driving a modified completely.  May consider repairing my sportsman car, pending rules, selling of modified stuff, and track schedules.

 

Next Mod Race - Seekonk Speedway DAV, October 5th

Larry and crew are preparing the car for its next race - at Seekonk Speedway's D.A.V. on Saturday, October 5th.  Hope to see you there!

Here's a long overdue update on the last three races of the 73 mod.

8-20-12
Rain has been altering race events for much of the summer.
The sportsman car still sits resting, no idea if I will ever care to repair it. I will sell the nats engine if someone wants a solid piece. Maybe the car too?

The modified:
Beech Ridge 8-3-13.
We made the long tow up to Beech Ridge, Maine. Had a good car in practice, but missed the set up for the heat race and missed qualifying in the heat.  On to the consi, and I could not get the car in gear for the start. Caught up to the pack (car was pretty fast), but didn't get far enough to make the race. Bummed out.

Waterford 8-10-13.
Made a few changes to the car for set up. Car was better. Missed qualifying in heat by one position again. This stuff isn't easy.  On to the consi. Was comfortably running in third when caution came out.  18 car forced me to the grass, and then a 5 car pile up ensued. After getting hit on all 4 corners, plus a car hit the a pillar with its tire. I was pretty sure that was a season ending crash.  Have I mentioned Waterford is not my favorite track?

Seekonk 8-17-13
Once getting the crumpled modified home and unloaded, we started finding some of the parts that were ok.
It turns out damage was nearly as bad as thought. Bumpers, nerf bars, rims, and several front end parts, but most of which we had spares.  We decide to shoot for going to seekonk.

Rob swapped the broken front end parts, Jonny swapped the bars, and hammered out the body. I began planning how to set the car up.  I flipped open the sportsman notebook and dove in. Actually made the decision to try some things on my own.

We make it to Seekonk and run practice, the car is really good.  Wayne Darling offers to jump on the radio as spotter. He gives me some "seekonk" tips, and we are fast. Qualify easily.

Race: start 9th. Get tapped from behind on lap 5 and infield I come.  Start working my way back forward, but I get too aggressive on Lap 36, and make contact with 19 car and break a tie rod end. Our race is done.
Bummer!

Until my next race, as usual I will play spotter for the Tinio modified, spot for Todd Ceravolo, and try to help the Holdridge team as much as I can.

Cheers,
LB