Area 81 Racing’s Car # 81 got an early start on the season by attending the Palm Tree SCCA Majors at Homestead Miami Speedway. While the rest of the eastern US was battling snow and ice, the team completed 3 sessions of practice and qualifying under 80 degree temps and blustery conditions. A respectable 4th place was obtained in Race 1, but an oil leak ended the weekend on the way to the grid of Race 2.
Richard Franklin Car # 81 – “It is the first race of the 2017 season and there are plenty of new things on the car. New belts, helmet, and tires at a track that I’ve never driven before. Practice 1 went quite well and my initial car set-up was not too far off. Unfortunately, I went the wrong way on the set-up for qualifying and also had brake pulsation on the front right wheel, which moved us a bit farther back in the pack. By Qualifier 2 I was able to get back in the groove and all looked good. Race 1 was held on Sunday and I was able to gain some positions to 4th place. All was looking good for Race 2 but I developed a serious oil leak on the way to the grid, ending the weekend. Many thanks to my brother Roger Franklin and crew chief Denis Schembri for helping me with the event.“
The next race on the Area 81 Racing schedule is the March 10-12th SCCA Majors at Road Atlanta. Stay tuned to www.Area81Racing.com and our FaceBook Page à https://www.facebook.com/Area-81-Racing-Team-173745692673454/ for highlights.