We’re as ready as we’re going to be. We left the Blazer basically packed from NNR and Idaho. I had to replace a rear wheel stud on the Neon. The Blazer however was more complicated. Our $6,000 truck just sucked about $2500 out of us in the last 3 months. New shocks, engine mounts and helper springs in the rear. When we got to Idaho the car no longer started – so – New Chevy fuel pump. (Sideline – don’t EVER buy an aftermarket one for a Blazer. If it’s lower then 50psi it WILL NOT start.) Special thanks to Dick and Marie for taking care of that for us. Then – let’s see… Oh, a nice new whining noise from the rear end that started when we hit Vegas on our way home. That turned out to be a diff bearing, or should I say the LAST differential bearing in the case. Larry at Full Tilt Off Road in San Clemente helped us out and also found a stuck brake caliper that was obliterating the right rear inner pad. Rear brakes are now fresh. Even with all that – We’ve certainly pulled our monies worth out of the truck. It gets 15+MPG towing with the dolly. I installed a tranny cooler before any towing and the motor and trans are running strong. We’ve got about 134,000 on the clock and I can see having it for the next 65,000. Now if I could only get the drivers side window motor for less then $300. That stopped rolling down about 4 months ago…

Gorman is going to be a party – I’m sure. Our goal for the event is the same as it was in 2005. Just finish. I got word that the roads are as rough as ever, so there is no need to be a hero out there. This rally will be won by the survivors. I’m sure the standings will change radically on SS1 and as soon as the sun sets. Check your ego at the door – wish us luck. The after-party looks to be epic.

For your viewing pleasure:
Gorman Ridge Rally Results on RallyData.com
We will be running APRS and the coverage ‘should’ be good. Check out APRS Rally Car Tracking.
I fixed the video camera! As some of you may have noticed (or been following), I had glitchy video on day 2 of Idaho. This turned out to be a crimped and broken wire in the connector for the bullet cam. I localized it, and soldered up a new camera cable that is longer and removable. The old one was always attached to the box ‘umbilical style’. I’m going to be experimenting with all kinds of different shots for this rally. I’ll also have my other handycam with me for an inside look at the rallynotes.com team. I don’t know how it will be shot or edited yet – or even what I’ll shoot – but it should be good for some YouTubery.

UPDATE: The rallycar is up and tracking on APRS. You should be able to enjoy our tow through LA in the morning on Friday. Look for the good stuff to start at 10AM PST on Saturday, August 16th. – Kris