[Vicky]

Great Race Update: We had approximately 1,200 miles on our engine when we put the Vicky on the trailer to leave for the Great Race, and when we returned home, we had an an additional 3,100 miles. The Great Race mile were pretty intense, very hard acceleration to ~2500 RPM (can’t have a Tachometer) through First and Second gear, with numerous Speed changes, and periods of constant speeds. Each Stage (Day);of the race considered of 5 or 6 “Legs” where times were measured to the second. The Great Race consisted of a Trophy Run and 9 Stages, as we drove from San Antonio, Texas to Greenville, South Carolina. We finished the race 40th in a group of 128 participants.

The engine ran very well, no problems, I did add a half quart of oil mid-way through the race as a precaution, not a concern. We now have about 4500 miles on the engine, and we do have a very minor oil lead, a few drips from the rear main. After the first day, we did have a minor leak, either from a main bolt or the oil fill tube. I cleaned it off, and it did not return as I monitored it throughout the rally. I am not concerned with the minor leak, as noted, a half a quart in over 3,000 miles really isn’t a problem.

The engine has performed well. In San Antonio, the temperature was above 100 Degrees, and I think, with matching humidity. In freeway stop and go traffic, the temperature did get to 190-195 when stopped (we have 160 thermostat), and would cool to ~180 when moving with engine at higher RPM and more air movement. The engine ran cooler the rest of the rally as the ambient temperature was not as high, and we were constantly moving. The oil pressure throughout the rally was in the 20 to 30 PSI range, never a concern (Stipe Pump with an external Oil Filter). The engine starts right up, idles smooth, accelerates very well, and continues to run smoothly throughout different RPMS.

I’m a little disappointed we didn’t finish with a better score, I think the driver was the problem, not the engine. Great people and friends to spend time with.

I also visited a classmate and his 1941 Stearman. Yep, got to fly her!