Hi folks,
Took the LP H-production X1/9 to Grattan Raceway in Grand Rapids, MI for our second SCCA race of the season.
We had high hopes for the weekend, but we broke pretty badly and came home early.
Friday it rained all day, and drowned out any hopes of an early practice. After it rained, then it decided to get cold.
Friday night was very chilly and not a lot of fun to be camping in. Saturday morning didn’t look much better,
low 50’s, clouds, and a threat of rain.
The track was very sloppy Saturday morning. Running water still crossed it in many areas, and it was generally
damp, slick, and cold. 5 laps into Sat. morning practice, the aluminum flywheel decided to let go. It wasn't
completely disasterous, but wasn't pretty either.
It broke at the mounting hub, on a 3-4 upshift. Fortunately the RPMs were pretty low (5K) and it didn't turn
into shrapnel. It did chew up and crack the top of the bellhousing, but didn't puncture it. Unfortunately,
it also took out the pressure plate, clutch disc, and throw-out bearing. Last thing I expected was a torn
up flywheel, so of course, we were 6 hours from home with no spares. (but several on the shelf at home... doh!)
http://www.midwest-x19.com/images/web-pictures/flywheel.jpg
http://www.midwest-x19.com/images/web-pictures/hub.jpg
http://www.midwest-x19.com/images/web-pictures/hub-crank.jpg
http://www.midwest-x19.com/images/web-pictures/bellhouse1.jpg
http://www.midwest-x19.com/images/web-pictures/bellhouse2.jpg
With no spares, and a broken bell housing on the transmission, we simply loaded up the trailer.
We stayed and watched the rest of the qualifying, had dinner, and left the track around 6:00 PM
It was a shame too because we had a lot of visitors this weekend, including Patrick and his family on
Friday during the monsoon, members of mine and Marnie’s family Saturday, and more were scheduled for Sunday....
The good news is that it appears fixable before the next race, which
is Mid Ohio June 5/6.
Respectfully Submitted,
Matt Brannon
74 Fiat/Bertone X1/9 HP
