.
Mark Strpko and Randy have just brought the car home. The date is May 18, 2009. The engine is "broke" and we will spend the next several months rebuilding and gett
ing it race ready.Mark is owner and Chairman of the Board of B(arn)Y(ard) Engineering. He also is a sprint car owner/driver. Super nice guy and a GREAT engine builder.
I immediately start peeling the vinyl flames from the machine.
We go to test and tune day, it runs, and runs good, in fact. You can see that the top of Rand's helmet is just above the roll cage. Not good. But, it's a good day and the set-up not bad, we learn alot and Rand sets a little seat time.
Michael and Ben (with Tommy behind) inspect the car. We're a diverse group and do not discriminate against Trevor and his rubber ducky helmet.
It is race day, and we're building and installing a "halo" which will add heighth to the roll cage. While Rand isn't tall by any means, the chassis is built for someone shorter. Randy is feeling stress for all involved. Time is passing and he suggests to Mark that it'll be fine without it. Mark does not listen, but continues to supervise the building and installing of the halo.
Dave Ockerman and Ben Curtis help in the pits and assist Randy with his gear, belts, head sock, helmet, then push him into the line-up to be pushed off for hotlaps.
