Experience counts, so when we want to know about a subject, we go to time honored and experienced professionals. You know, the oldest, wisest owls in the zoo. It doesn't make sense to ask the newest guy on the track for advice. There's simply no substitute for experience. So, when we wanted to know about about the "little" things that dirt track drivers often overlook that can make a big difference on the track, we went to the "experienced" guys at
Old Man's Garage.
We talked with Karl McMichael, one of the old men at
OMG, to get the sage one's seasoned advice on checking the small details that mean a big deal in racing. Karl gave us his top ten list of things to look at, mentally and physically, to improve your chances in the heat of battle. These tips are time tested and track proven by OMG racer James Cline. Finally we will profile Cline's racing background as proof that you should keep a close eye on the fine details if you want good results on the track.
1. Check the Attitude
According to Karl, the single greatest influence on how well you do is attitude. "Attitude has a direct impact on whether you qualify, win, lose, or go home with your tail tucked".
Mental preparedness has to be number one in your book. If you believe that you will not win a race, the chances are very probable that you won't. Take a lesson from the boy scouts and be prepared. Karl Added, "Nothing can take the place of being ready mentally when things change, someone cuts you off or a part breaks". Being prepared and having a CAN DO attitude will get you on the right track at winning on the dirt track.
If you look like THIS right before you go hot lapping.... you have a problem:
2. Check the Chassis
Once you've found the right chassis that fits you and your style, check it often. The old men at OMG "continuously check your chassis for signs of fatigue, wear, unseen damage, and anything that is not like it should be. Hairline cracks in key areas such as welds and bends can give way on the crucial lap and ruin your race".
Karl also gave us some advice on shopping for a new chassis; "be patient, look around, ask questions, and see which chassis are winning races. Then, get in one and see if it fits and feels good to you. To be a winner, you have to become an extension of your chassis, and it has to become and extension of you". While we are not into the zen of racing a la caddyshack (see the ball, be the ball), becoming one with the chassis makes sense to us.
3. Tired of Tires?
Ahhh, the never-ending discussion on tires. Groove depth, aggressive tread and when to change tires dominate the pit area and forum chatter. The old men gave it to us plain and simple. "Tire tech is a part of racing so get used to it". Here's the OMG story on tires: The track changes its’ personality as the race progresses. Initially, you will probably have a wet, tacky track that has just been prepped for the race.
For this, you need larger grooves in your tires to shed water and wet debris (mud). As the track gets used and there are cars screaming around it for a while, the dirt gets packed in and starts getting slick. This requires a little more bite from your tires and some deeper edges to grip the track. Like the chassis, tires are something you learn, and experiment with. You will know if your tires aren’t biting! When you do select rubber, give it time, learn the tires, experiment with tread design, cut some grooves and edges, and get a feel for what’s right for your style of driving.
4. Get familiar with Dirt
The old men know dirt, and in a couple of them remember when dirt was made. In this case, Karl tells us to get familiar with the tracks that you will race on. "Dirt in Iowa WILL NOT respond like dirt in Alabama! Ease into your adjustments and make small changes as the track changes. If the crew puts water to a tight track, it will be slicker, so be prepared with your equipment to handle the changes". Much like old men are all different, not all dirt is the same.
The oldest and wisest owls in the zoo - Old Man's Garage Crew 5. Use your Lifelines!
The old men tell us that teamwork is often overlooked. Another area that OMG focuses on is building a good cohesive team. Karl says, "Teamwork is very important to your race. Don’t be a loner. Consult with your team continuously. They may see something you are doing that you don’t see. Your crew is your lifeline to success and safety. If you have some team members who have been around a while and seen it all, listen to what they are telling you. They are usually right." Especially if they are old men.
6. Don't let routine become Routine
Nothing takes the place of a well maintained car, especially one that rides around in dirt all the time. Your car should be meticulously checked after every race. There could be loose nuts and bolts, hair line cracks, springs or shocks going bad or broken, and a number of things that would affect your success, and more importantly, your safety. The old men tell us not to be routine and complacent in this task. Karl's advice is, "Demand it of yourself to take the time and, like and airline pilot, check your machine BEFORE you start the engine AND after you shut it down". The old men told us that they keep a maintenance log on each engine and chassis. They also told us to keep the car and parts clean. It's easier to spot trouble areas if the car is clean.
7. Write it down and you'll be right
Karl tells us that the men at the old man's garage write everything down before they have a senior moment and forget it. According the old men, keeping a journal is the best way to go. "Take the time to write down the results of every race. Include the track conditions, weather conditions, how your car handled, what changes you made and why, and who you were racing against.
Maybe throw a program in the journal, or some piece of memorabilia that will remind you in years to come about that race. You can refer back to your journal before you race on that track again". This information can be quite useful, as any old man can tell you, history repeats itself. Past track conditions can give you a good indication on what you can expect next time at that track.
8. Making Adjustments
Karl tells us "Don't get carried away with big adjustments. This might mean for you and your car to have a stiff right rear and front spring set up as well as a higher “J” bar. You may want to make sure your weight is low in the car with more on the left side with less rear steering and bite. As the track loosens, you may want to soften the springs, drop the “J” bar a little and move the weight back to the right A LITTLE!! "
9. Consistency
Once you are "there”, don’t tinker around with what you know is working for you. It takes time, hours behind the wheel, and experience, but once you get to where you can FEEL your car respond like you want it to, stick to your set up. Don’t start tweaking! One little change that is un-necessary can throw everything you have been working on out the window. It’s hard not to keep trying and trying something new, especially with all you hear and see in the industry, but a consistent driver who can punch it at the end of the race will win.
10. Partner yourself with a Pro
Get a mentor. Find someone you admire who has been around the track a few times, and learn from them. You will find that the older, more experienced drivers, and the legends like James Cline, are great to work with, offer helpful advice, and want to see the sport grow. If you are new, listen, be humble, take advice, and learn form those who know.
While these ten items may seem unimportant compared to engines or set ups, think of how disappointed you will be in the middle a race and you have to pull out because of something you overlooked. From personal experience, we can tell you that it only has to happen one time to learn that lesson.
Follow our Guide, you'll find success like OMG driver, James Cline:
Using the practices outlined above, OMG and their drivers have enjoyed great success. Karl McMichael considers James Cline to be a legend in dirt late model racing and one of the premier drivers in the OMG stable. Many of the tips listed in this article are based on his personal experiences. We can take a look at his accomplishments and understand the value of the top ten tips that OMG has provided.
Also, special thanks to the guys at OMG for all of their help. Remember OMG for all of your Dirt Track needs. These guys can hook you up!
James Cline's Accomplishments:
1980 Tommy Noblin Memorial Champion
1981 Rebel Dirt Track Champion
1988 NASCAR Sunbelt Regional Champion
1988 Talladega Short Track Champion
1988 Diet Coke 50
1988 Rebel Dirt Track Champion
1990 Southern All Star Champion
2000 James King Memorial Champion – Columbus, MS
2004 Talladega Short Track’s Annual Triple 20’s Feature winning 2 out of 3 events
2004 Birmingham International Raceways Southern All Star Summer Tour Winner
2008 Keith Hayes Tribute Winner
Source:
Old Man's Garage
Phone: (256) 413-8224
Web: http://oldmansgarage.com/