FOT Listers, et. al.
Russ expanded on his accident at the Jeff 500. He also mentions a source
of axles.
Thanks to HP for sharing "rax" information.
I have been torquing the rear axle nut to 110 foot lbs and then
redrilling the cotter pin hole, if necessary, rather than going light or
heavy on the torque. Some, I understand will change the thickness of the
big washer to di the same thing.
Russ was on the FOT list at one time. Somehow names get blown away from
time to time. Bill Burroughs was on the list at one time, too. I suspect
AOL problems and a full mailbox may have done him in.
A short report on SVRA's meet at Road America indicated that there were
no TR3s or TR4s on the track for this event. Most were at Gingerman or
lurking in the garage. Mr. Biever's very nice (& fast) Austin Healey
went over on it's head. I only mention this because this seems to add to
a high percentage of rollovers this weekend. Not good.
Jeff S. ....when you get a moment, please shoot me an e-mail. Yes I am
rebuilding my Personal Address Book again as now I am PC based instead
of MAC and the addresses were not transfered. I sent the wheels with Les
Gonda and wonder what the status of delivery is.
Later,
Joe
>----------
>From: Russ Moore[SMTP:rem9@cornell.edu]
>Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 1997 4:42 PM
>To: Alexander Joseph H
>Subject: Re: I am out of Mid-Ohio
>
>Joe,
>This was a broken axle and I fractured 3 ribs. I had just rebuilt the entire
>drivetrain save the diff and axles and also replaced every piece of hardware
>ahead of the driver. (I always replace bolts with grade 8 or aircraft alloy)
>This was the first event and the first run of the first day. I completed 2
>laps at light throttle, came into the pit and had Jeff check the corners
>out, them returned to do 3 more laps.
>
>After hard braking on the end of the front straight and cutting into turn 1
>as always and on the same line as I always take when not pushed, the left
>axle broke causing the wheel to go under the car and start my series of
>rolls. Seemed like time stood still and I remember watching the pavement
>over my head rushing by and wondering if and when the rolling would stop. If
>I had not designed the rollbar above my helmet as I did (it was at least 6"
>over the helmet) I would not be here to worry about a rebuild. The problem
>with the Spits is when the axle snaps you loose a wheel and are almost
>always guaranteed a rollover. Tell your buddy there is a way to fix the
>problem. Summitt Bros. axles are a solution. These have been run by Kent
>Bain and have never failed a crack test over the years. They are a bit
>costly but considering I just wrote off a $10,000 plus dent and scratch free
>race car that is now totaled, they probably are pretty inexpensive.
>
>I have started ordering parts. I can still weld with sore ribs and I can get
>someone else to do the lifting. Keep them flying!
>
>Best regards,
>Russ
>
>
>At 01:11 PM 5/20/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>Joe,
>>>Pass on to the Triumph group if you would, please.
>>>
>>>I experienced a broken axle on the left rear of the Spitfire while in the
>>>midst of turn 1 at Summit Point during the Jefferson 500. Spits being as
>>>they are, I lost the wheel and rolled 3 times sideways and once end over
>>>end. The car is totally spent, and I think I can save the drive train. I am
>>>looking for a tub to start the rebuild and hope to have an entry ready for
>>>Watkins in September.
>>>
>>>As a result of injuries and damage I will not be at Mid-Ohio, Pocono,
>>>Mosport, or Lime Rock. Best of luck to all of you. My thoughts will be with
>>>you all. I hope to rejoin you at the Glen event in September and again at
>>>Summit Point.
>>>Russ Moore
>>>Spitfire #49
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
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