Why Old Crows?

by Jerry Albertus

Rich and Marie Albertus with little Jerry

Everyone begins life with a set of predetermined physical properties, and some personality traits. We have all noticed this, that from birth, babies are unique.   They are happy, loud, content, active, placid or impatient.  Life and surroundings then begin to shape our values, dreams and character.  A major influence on my life was my father, Rich Albertus.  He is my wise Old Crow.  His attitude and humor enriched all who knew him.  He was content if his life contained the simple dignity of an honest job done well, the company of family and friends, a good meal, and at the end of the day... a glass of Old Crow bourbon.

That Old Crow salute to another good day has, with his passing, evolved into a family toast of thanks to him and all our ancestors.  If he had seen Scarlet, our One Lap Mustang, he would have most likely said, "That car is slicker than a schoolmarm’s leg!”  Since he would have enjoyed One Lap, we are inviting his spirit to ride along with our Old Crows Racing Team.

We do not endorse drinking or any commercial product nor is our name meant to imply any association with the most famous Old Crow, the P-51 Mustang flown by triple Ace, Bud Anderson.

It's Tony's fault

by Ric Albertus

It all started shortly after I took a job in 2007 at Evergreen Bicycle Outfitters working for one Tony Song.  I had no idea then that Tony was a master of manipulation and would convince me to spend all of my money and knowingly enter into a new addiction.  So it began, and months after first discussing One Lap of America (OLOA,) my Dad, Tony, our friend Sebastian, and myself were on our way to Skip Barber driving school to get two days of instruction - the minimum required to enter OLOA. 

Ric, Tony and Sebastian

The plan was hatched - we'd enter in 2009.  Tony and Sebastian would pilot Tony's Lotus and my friend Loye Troxler would co-pilot with me in Merlot Magic (my 2000 Boxster S) - aptly named due to it's lovely maroon color, fine nutty notes, and fruity delicious finish.  I had asked my Dad on our trip to Skip Barber if OLOA was something he would entertain doing at some point and I remember him responding with a look that very clearly just said, "What?  So, let me get this straight - me sitting in a car for a week, no sleep and bad food?"  The Thanks, but No Thanks message was delivered loud and clear.  He also reminded me that Colorado was about to get a new race track, High Plains Raceway, which he could drive to in one hour, spend the day open-lapping, and promptly return to his lovely wife, a nice meal and his own bed. 

But Tony is a persistent fellow, and would ask my Dad every time they were at the track together for the next three years, "Hey Jerry, so are you gonna do One Lap this year?"  Tony's tone was always the same, clearly suggesting that, of course you know that you can't resist, so just say Yes!  This year I asked my Dad, "Hey Pop, think you would be interested in One Lap this year?  It's coming to High Plains Raceway."  His expression was different this time.  He smiled, leaned back and said "What car would we take?"  I had already sold Merlot Magic to fellow One Lapper Eric Scheimer.  My Dad's Viper scares the crap out of me, so The Boss 302 idea was born. All we needed was the actual car..........

What's More Important Than the Car?

by Jerry Albertus

This is Scarlet's sister waiting for me. 
Note the driver's name on the windshield.  Nice touch.

Ric on the left getting some pointers

Some among us are born with a special sense.  These special ones have an internal motion detector and mechanical analyzer which allows them to know things before they happen.  If they wish, they can become great race car drivers, because they “feel” the grip of the tires is about to fail, or sense the need to add power or brakes to help the car turn.  Those of us without the gift must rely on instruction, practice or luck to be merely adequate in piloting a car at speed.

Jerry on the left getting some pointers

Scarlet, the Mustang, is going to perform quite well I’m almost certain.  However, the critical performance component is not the car, nor the tires, nor the brakes… it is the driver!  With this in mind, Ford offers all Boss buyers a driver upgrade in the form of a day of instruction at Miller Motorsports Park outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.  This “deal” is called the Boss Track Attack.  It sounded like so much fun that Ric and I signed up for the experience, and added a second day.

Jerry

 The Boss Track Attack can be supplemented with a second day of instruction and track time in a Ford FR500S race prepped Mustang.  We spent two magnificent days learning about the Boss and about ourselves.  Anyone who loves high performance driving MUST go and do this, and take the second day, even if it means taking a second job, selling your comic book collection, mowing lawns, foregoing a new winter coat or having a garage sale every weekend for the next year.  It is the “E” ticket for those of us who love to drive performance automobiles.  

Ric

 For a professional evaluation of the experience, just keep watching 5.0 MUSTANG Magazine for writer and Editor-In-Chief Steve Turner’s views, as he was one of our classmates.

All photos this week are courtesy of Boss Track Attack by Jeremy Henrie.

Making a Track Ready Car Ready for the Track

by Jerry Albertus

This Mustang is a gift from Ford to the customers who want to take it to the road course track. It is a balanced, fun to drive package.  A factory track ready (almost) car.  Ford gives you a head start on making the track preparations with a box of goodies in the trunk.  These are a front brake cooling kit and a transmission cooling scoop.  My dealer installed these for me (Did I mention that Homes Tuttle Ford is a neat dealership?)  Sent separately is a larger front splitter which must be owner installed.  Ford also included a bullet list of things to change.

"I'm sure it says to look under the car!"

So now the work begins and choices must be made about what’s best for the road and what’s best for the track… On One Lap, as in life, a balance must be maintained. 

Ford says:

1) Change the brake fluid to Super DOT 4.   Plus we will add track brake pads and disks.

2) Remove rear brake dust shields and rear tire spoilers.

3) Install the trans cooler and front brake cooling kit.

4) To allow more cooling air…remove the upper grill.  We replace the stock grill with a Roush version.

5) Install the bigger front splitter kit.

"Where's my spare?"

In addition to all this, we must have Tire Rack One Lap approved tires installed, which must last the entire event. There have been shifting problems reported so we elected to install a MGW shifter kit.  Finally a front tow loop was fabricated.  No changes were made to the rest of the car.  It’s the stock drive train and suspension for us!

New grill is the one on top... now Scarlet can breathe!

Modern cars have a mind numbing amount of computer power which monitors and controls almost every aspect of the vehicle’s operation.  From how fast the windows go up and down to what happens when you step on the brakes, or gas , or turn the wheel. The computer makes a judgment about what is best for safety, economy, comfort and performance.  But Ford has the Red Track Key and programming (available for an additional charge of course,) which is a Ford computer re-programing for use on the track…… Verrrrry Interesting!

New spoiler is the one on the bottom... bigger is better!

 All we need now is a map (Folding GPS, no batteries needed,) a supply of fresh underwear, a smartphone app showing the nearest 24 hour Starbucks and fast food joints, and some other stuff, which I’m sure we’ll remember at 2 am while crossing Nebraska!