Leinninger.com

I picked up right where last season ended. I dropped a few tenths off of my best time last year, but I was hoping for even better improvements. There’s a lot that my car needs, but I know there’s a second to be lost by driving better. I’d rather drive better with less horsepower and handling… then add the power rather than learn to rely on it. However, if anyone would like to donate a prepped IT motor, limited slip and new transmission, I would gladly accept it and plaster you name ALL OVER my car.

Last week, Gina contacted Priess Outdoor Supply to give us a quote on an additional driveway by our shop. The price sounded good and they said it could be done this week. On Monday at 8:30 they told us they were on their way. In a few hours, we had a new driveway, extra drainage, and a better landscape grade behind the shop. I’m impressed. It looks a little barren right now, but by mid summer, the ground cover should recover. Never-the-less, it will be a lot easier to get out race trailer in and out of the yard!

- Duane

Last night my recently-retired father-in-law Glenn came over to help get the body panels installed on our race car. The passenger-side fender proved to be the only stubborn bit… and a lack of some fasteners. All that’s left is to adjust the hood latch, bleed the brakes, and shake it down.

The weather at the racetrack promises to be quite nice this weekend. For those that wish to avoid scorching sun and downpours, this is a great opportunity to hit the grandstands with a cold beer (or 2) and see some great action. A lot of drivers will be refreshing their memories as well as a whole new crop of drivers. Excitement for everyone!

- Duane

My first race of 2007 is this weekend at Waterford Hills in Clarkston, MI. The weather promises to be nice. The only complication is that I still have not installed the front end on my racecar. It’s finally painted and ready to go, so it should go on smoothly tonight. After that the car needs a basic shake down and the brakes have to be bled. I’m planning on loading it all up tomorrow night and heading out bright and early on Friday for practice. If you’re curious about road racing or would like to see some door-to-door action, a coupon for general admission is available here.

- Duane

Maybe I’m just getting old, but my WRX is just too loud. I finally took it into the muffler shop to get a resonator put inline as well as fix some of the damaged hangers and flanges on the system. The Tuffy in Northville has done some great work for Brad in the past, so I’m expecting good things.

My Neon has been at SkyTek getting the rollcage modified as well as some safety equipment updated. Once it’s back, all I have left is the paint on the front end and a new bumper and headlights. My first race is May 5-6th at Waterford Hills. I’ll post a full schedule on the homepage soon.

- Duane

Astronomers have predicted the largest solar storm since 1958 will occur in 2012. The last time it happened, the “northern lights” were visible in Mexico. Cover your computers in aluminum foil, hide your cell phone, and get an extra bbattery for your pacemaker… the end might be near… Make sure you check out the audio version, it’s worth it.

- Duane