Rayvun Motorsports 518

I had the day off so I got to get the trailer ready and picked up Ray at 5pm. Stopped and got some more ice and some snacks and headed up to Belle Rive. Before we got out of the parking lot at the gas station I got a phone call from my sister saying they were coming up to watch us race. I couldn't believe it. I think I even asked her if she was serious. And they were. Then closer to the track Greg (Dakota and Coletons dad) called and said he was coming to watch as well. I guess all along if I wanted people to watch we just had to get Dakota to drive. So we got up there and got signed in and got the kart all ready to go. Dakota entered into the rookie class and I entered her kart into the clone class. A little nervous about running the same kart in the two classes, but we did it. Clones were up first and we didn't have the gearing right. We didn't do too bad, but it was fun. Two classes after that was Dakota's class. She was ready to go and there were four in her class. We had her start in the rear of the field because it was her first real race. She did so good. She finished second! They give you ten laps per heat too. So we changed gears real quick before the clones were up again. It did help a little but I still didn't do too great. Dakota got ready to go in her class again and again we had her start in the rear. She did so well. I was so proud of her. She made good clean passes and just drove her little heart out. She placed 2nd again. So at the break we borrowed a used gear and changed it again. Then we got to visit for a while with the family. It was such a nice relaxing night. It was then time for clones to be up. Let's just say, it was no show that we gave them. I got lapped. I don't remember ever being lapped in my life. But I smiled right through it. Well you have to when you have about twenty pounds of lead in the seat behind you and you can't really fit down into it. That kart is definately set up for Dakota. But we had fun! Then it was time for Dakota's feature. She was starting second and we told her we'd let her start there. I knew she could handle it. They waved the green flag and she got a wonderful start. Lead into turn one and took the lead. She lead about four laps, with me not breating I swear! She got high coming out of turn four and got passed. She kept digging and a couple of laps later got high again. Backed the kart off the track and they threw the caution. She tried coming back onto the track and didn't look to see if it was clear. She got Tboned right into the left hand side hard. The other kid killed his kart, but Dakota kept hers going. They did let the other kid restart thankfully. But the other kid couldn't keep it running and didn't restart. They lined the other three up and she kept digging, but you could tell she was a little rattled and finished in third. She was digging on the second place kart though. It was really close finish. We had her go down to the other kids pits and apologize to him. They were very nice people and he took some fault for not avoiding her. But it was rookie inexperience, at least they neither one got hurt. We are all so proud of how she handled the kart. She's got some natural talent. I can't wait for next week. After the races we hung out and chatted with some old freinds that we haven't seen in a while and the family. It was such a great time. Can't wait til next week. Ordering an engine for me soon. I can't wait!!!!

Went to State Pond Speedway for the first race of the season (again). We entered Dakota in the Powder Puff race and me in Outlaw. There was only three in outlaw. Of course with the temperature of 95 degrees, I don't blame them. Dakota had 7 sign up for the powder puff race. She went out for hotlaps first and was looking good. I came up for hotlaps next and was flying. That track was dry and dusty, I was running the upper groove and it felt good. Just the way I like them.

Dakota's first heat race: She did really well. She placed fifth out of the seven.

Dakota's second heat race: She passed one kart! She was so proud of herself. She's not used to driving let alone what it feels like to pass someone. So it was Huge for her.

Dakota's feature race: She did really well. Did not spin out all night. She did get sideways trying not to hit a kart that slid sideways in front of her. She had good reaction to the wreck and I was really proud of her. She finished fifth again. She is showing alot of promise. I'm really excited about her racing!

My first heat race: Drew pole. Only two karts? Don't know what happened to #55? Took off, lead about 4 laps, got too low in turn 3 and started to spin, the other kart hit me and caused the caution. We lined up and took off, about one lap in the kart stopped pulling, really bogging down. I figured I'd take it off the track, but it blew up in turn 2. Big ol hole in the block.  Don't know what we are going to do now.

Went out to a buddy's track just to see what the little engine would do and get Dakota some seat time. For a first time ever driving I thought she did really well. Now of course she was just making laps by herself and only made about 15-20, but I was impressed and seen some good qualities. Coleton even got to put some laps in. I took her green kart out and raced with the Smith boys. I can't get over how much power those little clone motors have. It was a ball!! Both karts seem to be running well.

Drove up to Bellerive for our first race of the season. Dakota was going to get her first race in, but a big cloud came over and knocked out the power, hailed, lightning, the whole nine yards. So we packed up and came back home.

Looks like we are ready to go racing. Belle Rive has told us that Dakota will run with another class just to gain some experience. I just think they all need to come into the 21st century and get a class going for the youngers ones that don't want an old wore out flat head. We have her a clone motor, because they are cheap and it's going to be good for her to learn.

So both karts are ready and if the rain will hold out, we'll be racing this Friday night. Jury is still out for State Pond on Saturday's. Got to find a class for her, or we stay home. Not worth taking one kart if she can't run too.

Wish us luck and hopefully the next update will be with results!!

Hope to see you all soon!!

Well Ray has been busy trying to get the two karts ready to race. Yes, two. We have bought a clone motor for Dakota to race with. No, she won't be racing full time. She's not even sat in the seat yet. No experience what so ever. We hope to get her a couple of practice times before races or even race a couple times at Bellerive. She can race the powder puff race at State Pond, but I don't want her full time in the class she would be starting off in. They (kids in that class) had some ugly arguements over the winter and we just don't feel she needs to be thrown in that class. It's best to start her off slow. We may even let Coleton take it out for hot laps eventually this summer. But it is Dakota's kart. She's excited and I am too. Ray keeps telling her that I can teach her. It's going to be fun!!!

Also Ray is still building my engine. It's slowly but surely coming together. We are going to try to be ready to race on May 30th. That is also the day Dakota graduates from 8th grade. So it will be a busy day!

Ray is sick really bad right now, so please keep him in your prayers. He could really use them.

Thanks, stay tuned!