The Sweet Smell of Burning Rubber

We finally had our first day of practice! Rookie practice was scheduled for last Saturday, but the weather didn't cooperate and they had to cancel practice.

Most of practice was spent today tuning the clutch and carburetor settings. We had some issues with the engine running hot, but I think once we switch the fuel types and oil mixtures we should be ok. If anyone has carb advice, I'm all ears.
Alex looked fast and confident out on the track, and at the end of the day we had a Top 10 lap time! I could tell he was excited to be back in the driver seat. This season looks very promising already!

Were scheduled to have practice through Saturday, as long as the weather keeps up! Ill keep you updated on our progress throughout this week.

-Matt

Passed Tech Inspection!

Hi Everyone,

Im happy to report that we passed tech inspection tonight! The only change is that we will have to design a new fuel distribution system next year, as they will no longer allow us to have the tanks mounted to the roll cage. We got the green flag this year, and we're all ready to go start practice next week! Lets hope for good weather!

-Matt

The kart at tech inspection

Pictures

New Horstman 2 Disk Dry Clutch Assembly 

The dry clutch required running a linkage and running the sprocket on the inside.

Side view of the Yamaha KT100 engine

Side view of the entire cart minus rollcage

-Matt

Rebuild Complete!

Hi everyone,
Good news, were just about ready to race! Barrett Marrocco '11 , Dereck Andrews '11 Alex LaFortune '13 stayed back the first weekend of spring break to put the finishing touches on the cart with Alex's dad. Something new this year is we have switched from a wet clutch to a dry clutch. We especially would like to thank the LaFortune family for funding the new clutch and many cart repairs and improvements. Tech inspection is on Tuesday the 30th and were hoping to pass with flying colors. We'll update you with some pictures soon, and if you can help provide us funding in any way we could greatly use it! Tires aren't cheap!

-Christian Biarnesen'13
Grand Prix Chair

Phi Kappa Theta - #28

I'm happy to announce were officially registered for Grand Prix, and we will be racing under number 28 this April! We cant wait for the snow to melt so we can get the cart up and running!


- Matt Popow
President
Phi Kappa Theta

Welcome to PKT Racing!

Hello,

I'm Alex LaFortune and I'm proud to be the new Phi Kappa Theta Grand Prix Chair. Racing has been part of my life since day one,  and has a long history in my family.  My father introduced me to the sport of go-kart racing when I was 8 years old.  I have over eight years of experience racing throughout the Midwest in the Midwest Sprint Series and other local races.  I am hoping I can bring my past experiences to help lead Phi Kappa Theta Racing to victory at this years' Grand Prix race.

Grand Prix 2010 will be taking place on April 24th, 2010. You can find more information about the grand prix race at http://www.purduegrandprix.org/

We will be providing you with more updates and a chance to track the teams progress on this blog.  This year we have no house funding, and we will be funded entirely off donations. If you have any questions, or wish to support our team, please contact me at alafortu@purdue.edu

Sincerely,

Alex Lafortune

Grand Prix Chair

Phi Kappa Theta