Gravity racers 

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Gravity racing

In my spare time I dabble in gravity racing (adult soapbox races)  I am the current champion in the Cripple Creek and Victor, CO races.  on July 19, 2009 I took first place in a small field of 10 cars and trikes  in the second annual victor, CO race.  In 2008 I beat the previously unbeaten seven-time champion.   I plan to race again in Sand Springs, OK in October, 2009.

 The three cars shown include the 2006 car where I was the third fastest car of the day going backward across the finish line.  That led me to believe I could do better if I could go across the line facing forward.  Doing so proved to be a better idea.  I finished second in 2007 breaking into the top two, something that had not happened for many years.

Backwards is not the best way to finish!  In 2006 it proved to be the only way I could finish.!!

In 2007 and 2008 I fine-tuned the steering geometry to keep my butt end behind me, finishing second and first respectively!!

In 2009 it was time to improve my aerodynamics.  On July 19th, 2009 the Victor, CO race proved to be a test of my car's new aerodynamics, its durability, and my nerves.  The race was faster (38 mph) than the previous years, and the environment was more interesting.  I had a pedestrian start out in front of me during my run, and the second place car had to worry about broad-siding a Lincoln Continental on the way down the street, and the pavement was bumpy enough to catch air going over the last bump.  With a windscreen and and a new roof I was ready to see what I could do!

                                                                         (Left) Jeff Lanning #2 car

Sand Springs, OK 2009:  "David against Goliath".  I entered the Sand Springs gravity derby with the hopes of doing well, realizing that the competition may be quite different than I'd experienced before.  On October 10, 2009 the test began.  I had a very slow first run, a full 6-8 seconds behind the best of the competition.  After some self doubt, and vehicle inspecting I discovered a rubbing brake arm.  After I remedied the situation I removed more than 6 seconds from my time during my second run which placed me in the top 16 cars.  With a little skill and much luck I found myself moving into the top 8 cars, then 4, then there I was running against the fastest car of the day.  As luck would have it he had damaged an axle in his previous run so I had to race a crippled car.  That allowed me to take first place even though I was the third fastest car.  I guess that means I have work to do before the 2010 race.  My highest  compliments to Cathy and the Sand Springs Civitan Club for an outstanding race.

More to come!!!???

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