Formula Ford - Page 31 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #**451** 09-08-2022, 06:59 AM

We got a third being beat only by two of the best in the country! Ben Martinez and Eric Clements.

in summary, the car was very fast. When we weighed it I was shocked to find it 50 pounds Under the limit with Jim in it. We added 50#of lead with our lighter driver, Jim who weighed 170. It turned out the last runs we overheated the tires and really needed water on them. I should have known better but brain farted on it.

I had brake fluid escaping the reservoir or the fittings. I may have fixed it if it is not empty today. Other than that the car was perfect. My hope in running Nationals was to put the car out for people to see in case I can sell it. In that regard it was a huge success. Ben Martinez the class champion came over and looked it over pretty well. He has a Van Dieman too but a bit older. His car and all the top cars were immaculate. Our car looked good too. I got a lot of comments on my McClaren orange stripe.

I am up early this morning feeling pretty good for an old man. 10 hours in a sunny 90 degree 4 days in a row day sucks it out of you. I spoke with a handful of guys who looked older than I so that is incentive for me to continue racing.

Many thanks to my drivers, Reid and Jim. They took care of the car and still went fast. Reid was new to C mod, havng come autocrossing vettes and is only 24.. He appears to have a bright future in autocrossing. Jim though he did a fine job really was too tall for the car and is going back to autocrossing vettes.

vwnate1 · #**452** 09-08-2022, 11:17 AM

Kudos Tom ! .

You've got a well sorted car and good crew to back you up .

I wish I could have watched .

I hear you about the heat thing, it's been well over 100*F of late and I've been out in it tinkering, whew .

As they say 'at least it's a dry heat, it seems after a few days back at it I'm acclimating to it somewhat, I hope when I reach 80 I'm still able to get out and have fun .

t walgamuth · #**453** 09-14-2022, 03:37 PM

Thanks Nate!

Now the rest of the story,

Saturday I got feverish and was shaking. I did not recognize that I had a fever and decided to take a hot bath to warm up. I got in and soaked for a nice time and stopped shivering. When I went to get out of our largish tub I could not. I hoped to get my son to help but he is suffering with a bad Knee. They called 911 who came and pulled me out.

I ended up in the e room. I have a condition called achasiala which means the sphincter valve at the bottom of the esophagus stops opening reliably and stuff builds up in the esophagus until it begins to spill into the lung area which is very bad. They put me on a ventilator while they cleaned out my esophagus. They also determined I had a life threatening sepsis and urinary infection. When they felt I was stable enough they took off the venitlator. I also have a large soft blood clot in the veins on my left thigh so I am on blood thinner and high blood pressure meds. I also was extremely dehydrated and my kidneys had shut down.

They say I could have easily died.

I was in intensive care for two days and regular hosp. two days. I am home now and am restricted to a liquid diet. I have also set up this computer on the kitchen dining pass through so I have to stand to use it. I am making an effort to walk a lot.

vwnate1 · #**454** 09-14-2022, 11:54 PM

Glad you made it through Tom .

Sepsis and a couple other things there I know and fear .

My Sweet can't use her custom bath tub anymore because she can't get out of it and when I try to lift under her arms they fly up.....

This old age thing isn't as fun as I thought it would be when I was 7 years old .

t walgamuth · #**455** 10-05-2022, 10:13 PM

It is a downhill slide.

feeling better now. Working to get off or reduce thinner and bp medicine.

t walgamuth · #**456** 10-06-2022, 08:40 AM

Yesterday my wife advised me that she had been giving me double the dose on the blood pressure med, so I expect that being corrected should make me feel more solid on my feet.

Did I mention I am on liquid only diet? Today I added a raw egg for breakfast, along with other stuff. I am feeling good so far.

vwnate1 · #**457** 10-06-2022, 10:36 AM

I home you mean aging is a downhill slide Tom .

It sounds to me like you're progressing .

My last 'fatal' Motocycle crash was several years ago and just this Summer I began working much harder than I've been able to for a long time .

Please keep up your efforts .

t walgamuth · #**458** 10-10-2022, 10:36 AM

Yes, it was a general comment.

I am feeling better today but still a bit queasy.

t walgamuth · #**459** 10-10-2022, 10:37 AM

I was hoping to race yesterday but really just didn't have the energy.

t walgamuth · #**460** 11-10-2022, 04:15 PM

Missed the last race too but on the bright side I have a sale agreement with a fellow from the open wheel forum apexspeed.

t walgamuth · #**461** 11-16-2022, 08:20 PM

I drove out here to Corbin MO to deliver the race car to the new owner who lives in TX.

My five children, all but one, tried to talk me out of making this trip. I went by what the doc said and here I am. So far no trouble.

I love that little car. I would not be surprised if I get weepy about selling it...though so far nothing.

t walgamuth · #**462** 11-17-2022, 09:48 AM

The car is loaded and I will be headed home shortly

vwnate1 · #**463** 11-17-2022, 10:21 AM

I think you meant car unloaded ? .

Have a safe and pleasant trip home .

t walgamuth · #**464** 11-18-2022, 10:55 AM

...and loaded on to his trailer.

Home now, heading for the bank soon.

Cheers!

t walgamuth · #**465** 12-06-2022, 11:40 PM

Today I pretty much decided I will get an s2000...classic design sort of an aesthetic equal to the timeless styling of a 240D....good dealer access and parts, good quality and its really handsome too.