Expecting his newborn in May, Kenny found a bassinet on Craigslist and sent JellyBean for the pick up. The stand barely passed through the hatch and it fit just like a roll cage! Continue reading Roll Cage for JellyBean

After Oliver’s first karting experience in Illinois, Toby researched option for a faster drive for the boys (and get them another step towards real racing karts.) Perfect timing that the new Radio Flyer electric kart was on sale on Prime Day. Just in time for Theo’s 4th birthday (complete with proper Bell karting gloves – birthday gift from grannies.) The kart has a 24V motor … Continue reading Electric drift kart

Two adults, no kids, so easy choice for Toby to take the Boxster for her first road trip after 2 years! Continue reading (Overdue) Boxster Road Trip

While visiting Grandpa and Grandma in Illinois, they suggested Oliver could go go-karting. Toby wondered about covid risk of sharing helmets, but a quick check confirmed they were not required so it was a go! It was a quiet evening and he had the track all to himself and drove a pretty good racing line immediately. Toby also got in a couple short sessions with … Continue reading Oliver First Karting Session

The 4Runner’s AC had a slow leak and wouldn’t blow cold air. Toby ignored it for a long time (lucky to own another car with working AC). But with instructor’s help, diagnostic equipment, and parts at cost, it was time to fix it. Hooked up to the a/c system tester, and filled with fresh florescent dye, Toby’s instructor Aaron found a tiny small leak near … Continue reading 4Runner AC DIY Repair

After all these years working on his race cars on jack stands, Toby learned from his neighbor that Arlington County offers a “DIY Auto Mechanic” class that includes lift time! The shop was VERY WELL equipped with Snap-On everything, laser alignment rack and Hunter tire mounting and balancing machines. First project was to replace brake pads and rotors. It’s been years since the wheels last … Continue reading DIY 4Runner Brakes

Second time a car rode on top of Toby’s 4Runner. Perfect timing that Oliver and Theo needed to move to bigger beds. Toby found a family selling their Lightning McQueen across town and easily took it home with a couple rachet straps onto the roof rack. Oliver was a great mechanic putting his new bed together. Additional race cars and monster truck accents (including canvas … Continue reading Lightning McQueen Bed

After a challenging start in PCA Simracing Series 1, Jon and Jacob steadily improve their race craft and their results start to improve. In Series 2, Jon and Jacob raced the high downforce (and arguably easier) Porsche 911 RSR. Click link for YouTube replays: Team Shum got off to a great start with Jon’s 17th-place at Laguna Seca. Jacob soon achieved TeamShum’s first top-10, with … Continue reading iRacing Year 1 Review