Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/565367
September / October 2015 49 day, which I replaced with an aftermarket one. We had finished well Sunday, taking 3rd place. The driveline had been clunky, and the rear end had a knock. At impound for podium I noticed the chassis had torn where the suspension attached: hence the knock. The steering rack also had also failed, devel- oping massive play. So prior to the WRL race I had torn the rear end apart to weld the chassis. New suspension bushings all around, new driveshaft and half shafts, new steering rack, and both new (aftermarket front con- trol arms). I figured I was good to go for years of trou- ble free running. Lots of money had been spent on repairs and funds were depleted, so to reduce cost we (the Bennett's) de- cided to camp at the track. It's also a lot of fun (usu- ally), and save travel time back and forth to Council Bluffs. We arrive mid-afternoon Friday. Full of hope for a Fun weekend. The track is open for test and tune. I typ- ically pass on T&T, as there is no tuning or adjustability in the car, and the drivers typically know the tracks. I prefer to save the equipment for the Race. As the car had been wrenched on so heav- ily, I figured a couple of laps just to make sure everything was copacetic was a good idea. One of our Drivers, Ja- son Whitney, took the car for a couple of laps, reporting back that she was running great except the shifter was mushy. Odd I think as that was one area that was fine at Hastings. "Bring her in and we'll check" I tell Jason. On inspection of the shift knob inside the car, I can see something's not right as it's angled instead of straight as it should be. Up on jack stands, crawl- ing on the car, peering into a dark cavity with itty bitty flashlights, shows that the shift mechanism under the car is failing. I have lots of spares but guess where they are? You guessed it; back in Kansas City. I almost packed them as well! Jason Whitney takes on phone duties to call around all the local junk yards and also the dealers in search of a replacement, with no luck. Luckily Kris Loveless was en route, and agreed to head back to KC to meet my son, who I had directed to find the spares and get them to Kris. Big shout out to Kris for helping us out. For plan B, we took off the failing rod, and went around the paddock looking for someone who might be able to help us out. It's amazing what some teams take to the track, welding equipment is not uncommon. Luck- ily there was a Team with a very nice Miller MIG weld- er, a very skilled operator. Within a few minutes it was Up on jack stands, crawling on the car, peering into a dark cavity with itty bitty flashlights, shows that the shift mechanism under the car is failing.