Goin' Legit

In anticipation of our next race, a few Federation members journeyed to Gosford to enter a legitimate race and get some match fitness.
There have been quite a few mods done to the carts since the first hit-out, including bodies, bearings and brakes, so this was a good chance to test before our main event next weekend.
We were very disappointed by the wussy hill, especially since there was so much more of it we could have used and others around that would have been so much better. It didn't really suit our more maneuverable machines, but heavy, straight-line beasts did OK. Rope steering carts stacked all over the place, leaving bloody, bawling kids strewn all over the road. Serves 'em right for letting their dads build their rigs.
We discovered racing two-at-a-time is not for us. Waiting sucks. We could have been all down at once, sorted the legends from the try-hards, had at least five more runs and been in the pub comparing scars by the time they finished the first heats. We told them this when they asked us if we had experience organising races.
So, we didn't win, but we did test the carts and and found an awesome track on the way home for next month's race. Stay tuned.

Race Two

Interested drivers and spectators should meet in the carpark behind Hoyts Cinemas at Charlestown at 6.00am on Sunday 28th October for race briefing before we move to the track location. Afterwards there will be a BBQ breakfast, trophy presentation and bullshit session – BYO bacon and eggs.

Body Beautiful

"Double Trouble", formerly Number 23, is getting a custom fiberglass body. Here are some work in progress pics.
Fiberglass on, now time for the bog.



Now it just needs some decent wheels an bearings that will cope with the weight...

Welcome to the Federation

We welcome anyone with this many carts who wants to play with us. We are both impressed and slightly intimidated... it's quite a quiver.

First up "Ajax" – Ajax started out as a three wheeler in '93 and has been through a heap of changes over the years. It's now my girl's cart and she recently pimped it.

Started racing "Dogma" in'99 and its been through a lot of changes. Raced it at 70kg, 100kg and 150kg. I don't think I could get it under 80kg these days.

"Dogma II"

"Hermans Revenge" is a 150kg cart built for racing two particular courses.

"Screw Loose" is pretty light but it won't do corners.

And so, if you had this many carts to choose from, which would you race in the AIGRF?

Why, this one of course!

But there's method to the madness: "I built Dogbandit in '95 and raced it till '97 when it literally rolled over the line as seen here. I stripped it and the chassis has been living in a panel shop roof for the last ten years. This is the cart I'll rebuild to race with you guys, though probably without the pushy wheels".

Lightweight chassis, custom built for street racing. This is going to be fun!

The Birth of 'Fruit Loop'

Okay, it doesn't look like much yet, but you are witnessing the birth of the long-promised 'Fruit Loop'. You'll be able to tell your grandkids "I remember when that kart was just two trollies and a wheel in the driveway".
Pretty impressive angle grinder work though...

Race 1, run and won!

The first offical race of the AIGRF has been run and won. The 'Death Machine' did in fact kill us. Five starters lined up in perfect conditions, cheered on by a further eighteen pit crew, camera operators, radar gun shooters and general hangers on. Special thanks must go to the man on the corner who moved his truck off the course than sat with his family out the front to watch the action and the WWII veteran checking his mail who entertained us with his recollections of racing billy carts along the deck of an aircraft carrier during the war.
First race is trophy race, with results as follows:

1. Death Machine (awarded First trophy)
   
2. Superkart 3000
3. Silver Bullet
   
4. Number 23
5. Blue Bandit (awarded last trophy)

Superkart 3000 went on to win the second heat and got second in the third heat despite starting from the second row of the grid. That kart flies!
The three karts built from Supercheap trollies suffered from supercheap bearings, especially 23, but they're dialled in now, so look out come race two!
Check the action here.

Aerodynamic

Okay, maybe not, but pretty!

Badge of Honour

This is what you're racing for. And trophies, of course. And chicks.

Beware the 'Blue Bandit'

Weighing in at 28.5 kilos, the Blue Bandit is a force to be reckoned with. With only a steering wheel and brake lines between it and it's completion, this marvel of engineering excellence will dominate the AIGRF circuit.
Sporting a sleek tubular steel construction and...
...chrome tipped exhaust, this blue beauty will surely turn heads.
Manufacture Date: 09/09/07. Current Top Speed: 1 kph.

Testing Footage

Check out some test footage of the 'Death Machine' (and here) and the 'Superkart 3000'.

Wet weather night testing

Just testing the brakes, and what better time to do that but at night in the rain. Then you know if they really work.
The body's off for the moment and this is how it looks. You'll notice the brake is on the wrong side and doesn't have much clearance to the ground. This will sometimes happen when you make stuff up as you go along and weld upside down. All fixed up now though and goes unreal.

Work In Progess

A mere taste of things to come. It may not look like much at the moment, but this is destined to be the fastest thing on four wheels with no motor.
Again using the classic SuperCheap $19.95 hand trolley chassis.
Still to come are brakes, a floor, body attachment, a cool keg for the front and, of course, a flamed paint job. Watch out.

Red Ones Go Faster

Introducing 'Number 23', a two seater billy cart for twice the fun.
Work is already quite advanced, with only a few minor tweaks required.
The passenger seat will hold the co-pilot/camera operator.
Two $19.95 hand trollies from SuperCheap = 4 wheels and a chassis.
Steering is sorted and also virtually bulletproof.
Brakes are a requirement, but aren't expected to get much use.
Details, details. Hand made chain steering wheel.
Go-faster lucky dice valve caps.
Bask in its glory!

'Death Machine' Build up – Part 3

Once you go black...
...you can never go back.
'Death Machine' has undergone speed trials and handling testing at a top secret location. Not only does it look unreal, it goes bloody fast! Driven by multiple test pilots, it averaged speeds of 55km/h.
But, when the Illustrated Man got behind the wheel, he managed a tarmac blistering 65km/h!
Very excite!