MRP on Pole at RoboPong 200

[Jeff Myers]

Was that Zach Beard w/MRP I saw on pole for the RoboPong 200?? Way to go!

[Garry Lobaugh]

Zack is a very gifted driver, but he has an excellent surprise team mate as well! I wish them well.

[Craig H. Lintner]

As the father of the co-driver, I wanted to thank MRP for the opportunity to team up with Zach.

Friday was CJ's first time in a Birel and under Rotax power. It was also my first time around either.

Zach had the kart set up perfectly and through three days of varying track conditions, we only made a couple of very, very minor chassis adjustments. The kart worked very well for both especially considering the 30 lb difference in weight (I about fell over when I had them both take their turns on the scales Friday morning!).

With careful tire pressure management (the only thing I can really hang my hat on), Zach was able to put the kart on pole by a commanding 0.2 seconds. Keep in mind that in the timed practice prior to qualifying, the top 21 teams were separated by less than 0.5 second.

Yesterday's race produced a strong top 10 finish. However, the mileage on our second stint was not as expected and we unfortunately ran out of fuel without warning. After pushing the kart 1/3 mile, waiting for permission to enter the pits, pushing back to pits, refueling, and waiting for fuel to works it's way through the system, we had a 6 and a half minute longer than normal stop. We finished 5 laps down which is about 5 and a half minutes. So, we had the kart for the win.

Regardless, both drivers said the kart handled like it was on rails through 200 laps, one set of tires, 10-20 degree swings in track temperature and cloud cover.

Perhaps we will be seeing more red in the future.

Craig H. Lintner

[Craig H. Lintner]

double post

[Garry Lobaugh]

You guys put on a terrific performance. Thank you for the effort. I know you had the winning package, it was tragic to hear of the fuel issue. One must give credit for heroic effort in the come back. I look forward to future testing at the MRP track this fall. MRP was glad to have such fine representation from such outstanding young men.