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10/3/05
Our
season came to a conclusion this weekend at the Jayhawk Nationals. The
event wound up running all weekend due to rain in the area. Friday night
was the first night of qualifying for the main event. Starting positions
were determined by a random number drawing; I drew 93 out of 100 so I
had to start at the rear of my heat. On Friday you had to win your heat
or a B to qualify. Needless to say, I fell short of qualifying on
Friday. Saturday the weather came into play. I again drew a terrible
number and had to start at the rear of my heat. However, on Saturday
they changed the format a little and instead of running multiple Bs they
ran multiple Cs which rolled up into a single B. I didn't finish in the
top 2 in my heat and was forced to run a C to try and move up. The rain
came on Saturday and although they tried to get the event in it wound up
being postponed until Sunday during the day. In the C on Sunday I
started 6th, moved up to 3rd but bobbled and allowed 2 cars to get past.
I wound up finishing 5th which was not good enough to move up to the B.
This was the first time I have ever run a dirt track race during the day
and it was a very interesting experience. The track got dry slick real
quick and traction was no where to be found.
9/9/05
We
had a descent run this week at Lakeside. I started on the pole in my
heat and finished a strong 2nd. Making the A right out of the heat is
always a good deal! In the A I started 13th and wound up finishing the
same. The car was extremely difficult to get around the track and we
would up finding one of the bolts in the RR shock had come out. Per one
of the other drivers it must have come out right at the start of the
race. Not sure how drastic this would effect the car but I guess it
could explain why I had such a tough time getting it around the track.
Regardless, we made the A and finished the feature with no major damage
to the car so it was a good night.
9/2/05
No
luck at Lakeside this weekend. We didn't make the A and had a minor
wreck in the B. Car is not seriously damaged and I will not have any
trouble getting it back together for next week.
8/26/05
We
did not run anywhere this weekend since I could not get the car back
together from damage received in last weeks race. However, I fully
expect to be back at Lakeside this coming Friday.
8/21/05
We
went down to the Missouri State Fair this weekend to give the State Fair
Speedway a run. There were 65 modifieds on hand. I drew a great number
and started on the pole in the 7th heat race. I had severe difficulty
getting the car through turns 3 & 4 and I dropped way back in the heat.
We changed several things on the car and started the B in the back. The
changes helped the car and I managed to move up several positions before
another car spun out directly in front of me. I collided with him in
turns 1 & 2. Damage was significant enough to end the night.
8/13/05
We
did not race anywhere this weekend due to rain. Our current plans are to
race at the Missouri State Fair on August 21.
8/5/05
I
had a fun night at Lakeside this week. I made the A by finishing 5th in
my heat then finished the A in 18th. The racing action was non-stop in
the A with no yellows. There was no damage to the car and the racing
action was really fun. It was a good week!
7/29/05
It
was an interesting night of racing at Lakeside this week. I blew a great
starting position in my heat when I brushed the wall coming out of turn
2 causing my rear deck lid to come off and draw a yellow flag. The
incident caused me to be DQd for the heat since the rules state that if
you are involved in any yellow during the heat you are DQd.. In the B I
started 5th row inside (9th) and fell one short of making the cut for
the A. The track was really slick and the car was just not setup right.
However, I still got into the A via the Promoter's Provisional. I was
really surprised and I didn't have any problems taking it. In the A I
started dead last and wound up only moving up a few positions before I
ran over a driveshaft one of the cars dropped onto the track. I
initially thought I flattened my RF tire but as it turns out the tire
was fine but I did have a hole poked in my oil pan. I came off the track
somewhere around lap 19 thus costing me a couple more positions on the
finish but I didn't hurt my engine at all so it was well worth it. Some
good news is I think I figured out a little more on the setup of the car
so hopefully things will start getting better.
7/23/05
I
haven't posted any news for the last few weeks simply because there
really hasn't been much to say. We made the A last week from the heat
but the week prior and this week we failed to make the A. Last night the
car felt good but I was simply not fast enough to get into the A. Not
sure what we need to change but I am going to try and figure something
out. Hopefully we will have a better run next week. Good news is the car
hasn't gotten torn up for a few weeks now!
6/24/05
I
started on the pole in my heat but dropped back to 6th missing the cut
for the A. In the B I started front row outside. I grabbed the lead and
was running good until some idiot in another car (87) rammed into me
while coming out of turn 2 resulting in my LF upper ball joint breaking.
I really wonder what some of these guys are thinking when behind the
wheel of their cars. The race wasn't even half way over and the guy
could have paid a little attention to what he was doing and we both
could have probably made it to the A. Instead we both got DNFs and our
nights were cut short. I understand that things happen sometimes but
after talking with some other drivers it appears this clown has done
this to many others. Really stinks to work all week on the car then have
some idiot end your night prematurely. Oh well, if you didn't already
figure it out I am a little frustrated right now. The car is repairable
so I will get her back together for the next race.
6/17/05
I started on the pole in the 4th heat and about half way through the
steering box broke in the car which veered me right into the
wall in turns 1 & 2. I hit it pretty hard then got clipped by another
car. The car suffered some damage but it appears to be nothing I can't
fix. Needless to say that was it for the night. I am fine other than being a little frustrated.
6/10/05
Nothing new this week. I made a few changes to the car for this week
hoping to loosen up a tight condition I experienced in the last race and
man did I mess things up! The car was terrible in my heat race and I
blew a great starting position. Made some changes before the B hoping to
correct my previous mistakes and the car felt pretty good in the B. I
started way back in the B was moving up in the pack when a car spun
right in front of me. I had no where to go and I hit the car with my
right front tire. Needless to say it bent the rim and flattened the tire
resulting in another DNF.
6/4/05
Weather caused Lakeside and virtually every other track in the area to
cancel this week so I did no racing this week. The car is ready to go
for next week.
5/27/05
It
was a disappointing night at Lakeside Speedway. After having a great
starting position for my heat race I fell victim to those who think the
way to pass another car is to crash into it until it either breaks or
gets out of the way. Needless to say I got crashed into numerous times
and wound up with a flat left rear tire. In the B I started 4th and
while running a strong 3rd a piece of the ignition system came loose
causing the engine to not run. That was it for the night.
5/14/05
Not
much to talk about tonight. I just didn't get where I needed to be to
make the A. I fell short in both the heat and the B feature.
5/14/05
No
racing this week at Lakeside due to weather. We'll be back next Friday
night.
5/6/05
I
started in 7th position in the fourth heat race and with the help of
some overly ambitious driving from a few of the other drivers that
knocked several of the cars out finished 4th just making the cut for the
A. In the A I started 18th and finished 15th. Overall it was a good
night. The car worked ok; new engine didn't feel quite up to par yet so
I have a few things to try for next week. At least we finally got some
points!
4/28/05
The
car is ready to go but the races have been cancelled for tomorrow night
due to low temperatures and potential rain. We will be back at the track
for the next scheduled event on May 6.
4/22/05
Looks like I am not going to have my engine back together in time to
make the race tonight. Should be ready to go for next week.
4/16/05
There is good and bad news for last night. First the good news; I won my
heat race! My first win in the mod! I had some help starting on the pole
but hey I will take any win I can get! The crew said I was a straight
away ahead of the closest car so it was an impressive win. Now the bad
news; the engine let go right as I crossed the finish line so although I
made the A feature I didn't get to race in it. Bummer... Made an
exciting show for the fans though when the engine oil caught fire on the
headers. It was quite a ball of flames for a moment. Today I plan on
tearing the engine down and finding out exactly what happened and what
may still be salvageable in it. Hopefully I can use some of it. The
whole engine thing is rather ironic in that I have just started getting
my backup together. Might be tough to make the show this next week but I
am going to give it a try.
4/9/05
The
season has officially started! We headed out to Lakeside Speedway on
Friday to kick off the 2005 season. For the first night heat starting
positions were determined by a random draw and I drew a descent number.
We started the 6th heat in the 3rd position (2nd row inside). We wound
up dropping back in our finishing position and didn't make the transfer
to the A (top 3) so we had to run the 2nd B feature. Started this race
in 9th position and didn't make the cutoff for the A. We have a few bugs
to work out in the car and will be ready to give it another shot next
Friday.
4/4/05
We
got the car out for the first time this season Saturday at Lakeside's
practice session. The car was complete minus the graphics. Overall the
car worked great. We put 20+ laps on it and there were no problems. Our
initial base setup felt pretty good so that is what we will start the
season with. I have a few minor items that I want to address but we are
definitely ready for opening night! I now have the graphics on the car
and I will get some pictures up as soon as I can.
3/19/05
The
engine is in and running, the body is about 75% complete and we have
about 8 hours worth of other misc stuff to do to get the car ready to
go. Things are looking good. First time out will be the April 2 practice
session at Lakeside. We are getting close!
1/15/05
The
2005 season is approaching fast and we have made good progress on
preparing for the new year. I am currently rebuilding our primary engine
and expect to have it done in the next couple weeks. I am planning on
running the BMS chassis we ran last year again this year. I will make a
few minor repairs but overall it is in good shape for another season. I
hope to have the car completed and ready to roll by no later than the
middle of March.
11/23/04
The
2004 season has come to a close and I want to take a moment to thank all
those who helped with our efforts on and off the track.
First, thanks to Mark Paris for sticking with the team and always being
there to help out. I couldn't do it without you man! Thanks. Also thanks
to those part time crew members who made the effort to come out and
help. Dave, Jeff, Dad and Curtis; thanks. Your time and efforts
are appreciated.
Second, thanks to both of my sponsors. Asign Company does a great job
with all the graphics for the car. I highly recommend them for any of
your graphics/signage needs. They do quality work and don't charge you
an arm and a leg; I call that value! Also thanks to Salvatore's for
their contributions to our efforts. I know the free dinner gift
certificates we gave to the track to give away during the nightly events
were a hit!
Last but not least, thanks to my wife and son for giving me their
support and not complaining when I spend all that time in the garage! I
look forward to the day when my son can be out there actively
participating with our racing! Hopefully I will have learned something
by the time he is old enough to compete! He's only 4 now so I have a
little time...
10/8/04
Friday night at Lakeside; tonight is the first night of the Modified
Shootout. The place was packed! We got to the track before 5 pm and the
pits were already packed. We had to pit wayyyy out back in the field. I
drew 119 out of 120 to determine my starting position in the heats.
Needless to say this put me in the very back of the very last heat. The
track was extremely rough; the worst I have ever seen it and my RR went
flat after bouncing through one of the many deep ruts. I still managed
to finish 7th even with the flat so we made it to the B. Started the B
in the 20th position and managed to move up to 10th which was not good
enough to transfer to the A.
9/25/04
I
got the car all repaired and ready to go for our second chance to
qualify for the big race. We went out in hot laps and the car felt
great. It was going to be our night! Well, after hot laps I got out of
the car and did my normal ritual of walking around the car looking at
the wheel travel indicators, etc and I noticed the LR wheel was not in
the correct position (drastically slanted in at the top). It was very
apparent there was a problem. Further investigation revealed one of the
bearings had gone bad resulting in the snout getting really hot and
breaking off. That was it for our second attempt at making the race!
Third times the charm?? Let's hope so.
9/24/04
Tonight was the start of our second attempt at making the Jayhawk
Classic. Things started off good with me drawing #28 for our starting
position in the heats. This number put me in the 3rd starting spot
(inside row 2). We had a good run and finished 4th. Not enough to make
the A or the B for this night so we had to run the C. We started 6th
(outside row 3) and got tangled up in a crash right at the start of the
race. The car was unable to continue so that was it for the night.
9/17/04
A
mechanical failure put a quick end to the night for us tonight at
Lakeside Speedway. A stripped drive plate caused the car to have only 1
wheel completely driving the car forward and obviously made the car
extremely slow. That is it for the regular season for the Asign Company
Salvatore's modified. Our next event will be the Jayhawk Modified
Classic next week at Lakeside Speedway.
9/10/04
Bad
luck returned tonight. After having a good run in the heat (started 4th
finished 3rd) we got tangled up with another car in the feature and went
out early. Apparently someone blew a motor and dumped oil on the track.
Another car lost control in turn 2 and hit the wall. I managed to stop
short of hitting the car but someone behind me hit me in the rear and
pushed me into the car. We broke some front suspension parts and that
was it for the night. Really stunk since the car was hooked up really
good. Oh well, that's racing...
9/3/04
It
was double feature night at Lakeside Speedway. Man, did we get to do
some racing! Two 25 lap features and two 8 lap qualifying races; all
together 66 green flag laps.
Overall I am happy with the results. We started on the pole for the
first heat race and finished 3rd qualifying for the first feature. We
started 14th and finished 15th which I was happy with considering I used
all my tearoffs and drove the last 10 or so laps trying to see through a
mud caked shield. For the second feature we had to run the equivalent of
a B feature to try and qualify since we did not finish in the top 12 for
the first feature. We started up front again and finished 4th qualifying
for the second feature. For the second feature we started 22nd and
finished 17th. We ran a good race in the second feature and had some fun
battling it out for position.
So,
we qualified for both features, had some good competitive racing, earned
a little money and didn't tear anything up. It was a good night!
8/27/04
No
racing this weekend due to rainouts at both Lakeside and CMS. Next
Friday night we will be at Lakeside to give another "double feature"
night a try.
8/21/04
We ran CMS this week since Lakeside Speedway didn't have a modified
show. For the heat I started 3rd row inside (5th). We had a good run and
finished 4th; just enough to make the A. Started the A in the 16th
position. On the start some cars in front of me got tangled up and while
I managed to avoid everyone the guy behind me didn't and ran right up my
left rear flattening my tire and tearing up some sheet metal. That was
it for the night. It really stunk because the car felt the best I can
ever remember it at CMS. I really think we could have had a good run. It
seems like another example of something that could have easily been
avoided if people would just pay attention and not try to win the race
on the first lap! Next week we will be back to Lakeside on Friday night.
8/13/04
Lakeside Speedway. I started 2nd in the first heat race and held on for
a strong fourth place finish. Car felt good and we ran a strong race.
Kerry Davis and Tim Karrick were the two cars that got around me so I
don't feel to badly about that! I started 19th for the feature. Managed
to move up to 15th or so when two cars in front of me got tangled up. I
missed the accident but in the process another car hit me in the LR. I
immediately noticed the car felt different. No indications from any
officials that I was broken so I planned on trying to continue. Shortly
thereafter another yellow came out for some reason and during the yellow
one of the officials directed me to the pits. Upon arriving in the pits
we found my fuel pump was leaking fuel badly. That was it for the night.
Further investigation revealed the LR drive plate was stripped out so
the car was only driving with the RR. This would definitely cause some
abnormal handling! So, it was
probably good the officials sent me off the track!!
8/6/04
Another Friday night at Lakeside Speedway. We started on the pole in the
fourth heat race. Lead the race for 3 laps then we got passed by several
cars when I couldn't figure out how to properly manage a severe push in
the car in turns 3 & 4. I had to get out of the throttle way too much
several times which allowed cars to get by. For the A feature we started
20th and finished 17th. We tried a simple adjustment to fix the push for
the A feature but it didn't work out as I had hoped. We had no damage
and no wrecks so the evening was a modest success.
7/30/04
It
was double feature night at Lakeside Speedway. I wasn't sure how this
would work out! Well, my fear of getting damaged in the first feature
and not being able to make the second wound up happening. We ran 5th in
the heat race just good enough to qualify for the first feature and
started the feature in 19th position. We got a clean start and were
running descent when a car behind me rammed into my LR in turns 3/4. I
spun into the infield but continued without causing a yellow.
Unfortunately, this allowed most of the pack to get ahead of me. Another
yellow allowed us to get back up with the pack. But that was not the end
of the bad luck. Next, another car spun in front of me and I slid into
the side of it. Damage was limited to bending a lower control arm and I
continued the race. The car was handling poorly but I was gaining ground
on the cars immediately in front of me when on another yellow (we were
not involved in this one!) the car simply died. We were unable to
complete diagnosis and repair and that was it for the night. The next
day I found the ignition coil had gone bad. I believe we wound up 20th
for the feature. I definitely think the whole concept of "double
features" is seriously flawed and should not be done unless absolutely
necessary. It was not in this case. The promoters should have added our
class to one of the nights we are not racing instead. Oh well, if only I
could dictate policy to the world!! :)
Next week, back at Lakeside Speedway on August 6...
7/23/04
Team #27 had another descent night at Lakeside Speedway. We started fourth in the heat and
managed to work up to second and give the leader a quick challenge
before falling back to finish fourth. We had a good strong run. For the
feature, we started 16th and managed to finish 15th. We got caught up in
a yellow when a couple cars in front of us spun out and left no where to
go. Should have had a better finish but that's the way it goes!! Car is
not damaged and we made and finished the A so I am happy with the
results!
7/16/04
Another event at Lakeside Speedway. We had a descent run again this
week. We made the A by finishing 3rd in the heat thanks in part to
several of the really fast guys taking each other out in a wreck.
I
started 11th in the A and managed to hold on to finish 13th. The track
was extremely rough and I just couldn't get into any consistent motion.
I consider the evening an overall success since I made the A, avoided
numerous wrecks and didn't tear anything up. Ahhhhh, the simple
pleasures of life!!!
7/9/04
This week we ran Lakeside Speedway. We started 4th in my heat race and
had a really strong run finishing 2nd. Car was hooked up and we ran a
strong race. For the feature, we started in 13th spot. We got a descent
start but got spun around coming out of turn 2. Someone decided it was
better to try and drive through the car than around it. Needless to say,
we got sent to the back but the guy that spun us stayed where he was.
Not fair but things happen. Anyway we got back underway and spent way
too much time trying to get around a couple guys ahead of us. During
this time the leaders managed to lap me and a couple other cars. When
the next yellow came out they put me up with the leaders and the guys
behind me somehow managed to retain their positions in the back of the
current lap cars. Not sure how this worked but I found myself in between
Karrick and Charles, the first and second place cars. I didn't want to
impede Tom's chance at taking the win so I got out of the way as quickly
as I could thus making our run even worse. In summary we had a great
heat race and a lousy main event. We are making progress; maybe at a
snail's pace but progress none the less...
7/2/04
No
racing this weekend for Team 27. Lakeside got rained out on Friday and
we decided to skip the race at CMS to spend time at the lake with the
family. Next week we will be back at Lakeside.
6/25/04
We had a
descent night at Lakeside. Started 4th in the heat and fell back to 6th
missing the cut for the A. We found a mechanical problem after the heat that
I believe was causing the rear suspension to bind up slowing the car
significantly. In the B I started 2nd and finished a strong 2nd. Car was
working great in the B and I was giving the leader some serious pressure.
Started 22nd in the A and managed to move up to 15th. Still not as good as I
want but at least I was in the heat of the battle and ran a good race.
6/19/04
No
luck this weekend at CMS. I drew a great number and started on the pole
for the 5th heat race. The track was rough, slow and slick and the race
turned into a mini demolition derby. I got passed on the last couple
laps and fell out of the transfer to the A. Car only had sheet metal
damage and we got it hacked back together for the B. Started in the 5th
spot in the second B feature. I moved up to 2nd and had my sites on the
guy up front but couldn't get it done. I wound up falling back a couple
spots and a flat tire at the end of the race resulted in a 5th place
finish which was not good enough to make the transfer to the A.
6/11/04
We had a
descent run in the heat race and made the cut for the A Feature. Started
19th in the A and finished 14th. We were way off the pace of the leaders but
we made and finished the race. Overall descent results. The car worked great
in the heats but was not up to its full potential for the feature. Next week
we will be at CMS on Saturday night.
6/4/04
We
had some good news this week and as usual some less than optimal
results. First, I got the engine running great!! I found the cause of
our lack of power and have it corrected! The car is now much faster than
it has been all season. Unfortunately, our results for the night were
still not up to par. I started on the pole in my heat race but dropped
out of the race when I thought I felt something break in the suspension.
As it turns out there was nothing broken so I am not sure what I felt.
We started 1st and finished 7th. Luckily the car count fell to a point
where everyone got into the A. I started in the 25th spot (13th row
inside). We moved up several spots before I clipped another car with my
right front wheel and broke the upper ball joint. I had to pull off and
we wound up finishing 21st. Even though our results were not that great
I am pleased to have resolved the engine issue and am happy with the
car. Better things to come!
5/28/04
This week's events were limited to racing at Lakeside on Friday night.
We decided to skip the race at CMS on Saturday to instead spend more
time with the family over the holiday weekend.
At
Lakeside we just didn't have a very productive night. Mechanical
problems thwarted our efforts in the heat to make the cut for the A. Our
attempt to resolve the problem delayed our lining up for the B and I had
to start the race from the rear (barely made the race at all). We were
supposed to start in the 3rd spot (second row inside) and instead
started dead last. The car was hooked up nicely although it is still
lacking in power. I was in the race to make the cut for the A when
another car spun in front of me and I failed to avoid contact with it
resulting in a broken front suspension. That was the end of the night.
5/21/04
I finally made it back to Lakeside. Overall, I had a good night. Started
on the pole in the 3rd heat race and managed to hold on to the 5th which
was the final transfer spot to the A. I started 19th for the feature
(10th row inside). The track got pretty slick and I missed the setup on
the car pretty significantly; car was just not fast. I managed to finish
the race in 18th. Better than a swift kick in the butt but definitely
not where I want to be.
5/15/04
Lakeside rained out on Friday so we headed down to CMS to battle it out
again this week. There were 47 cars there this week. The track was
pretty rough again this week but I felt confident that I had replaced
the weak suspension components that failed the previous time the track
was rough. Good news is there were no mechanical failures!! I drew a
descent number and started outside front row in my heat. I finished
third in my heat and missed the transfer to the A by one spot. To get to
the A I had to make it through the B. I started on the pole in the third
B feature. I managed to finish second and make the feature! For the
feature I started on the tenth row outside. The track was extremely
rough by now and I was happy to finish fifteenth. Good news is I got to
race a whole bunch and the car made it through the night with minimal
damage.
5/8/04
Second event at CMS. I started 3rd row inside for my heat. Had a descent
run going but didn't make the cut for the A. Started in the same spot
for the B and again didn't make the cut. Next week Lakeside...
5/1/04
I
ran the season opener at CMS this week. There were 65 modifieds that
showed up! I drew a great number and started on the pole in the 6th heat
race. I ran second almost the whole race but broke the panhard bar and
didn't make the cut for the A. With so many cars only the top two
finishers in either the heats or the B features transferred to the A. We
got the car fixed and started 4th in the second of four B features.
Again, I was running strong but the extremely rough track caused another
rear suspension component to break. That was it for the night.
4/23/04
No
racing this week at either Lakeside or CMS. Both events were rained out.
4/16/04
I
started on the pole for my heat race but fell back to 6th for the
finish. We didn't make the A from the heat so we got to run the B.
Started 3rd row inside (5th). I got a descent start and was running well
when a car spun out directly in front of me in turns 3 & 4. I was unable
to avoid the car and also got nailed by another car behind me resulting
in another DNF. Nothing to do but fix the car and give it another shot
next week.
4/9/04
We
got off to a poor start at the season opener at Lakeside Speedway. I
started in 6th position in the third heat. Immediately upon the start of
the race another car slammed into my side and steered me directly into
the wall coming out of turn 4. Disappointing to say the least! Needless
to say the impact broke several front suspension components and we were
done for the night. I have assessed the damage and I will definitely be
able to get it back together for next week. Until then...
4/3/04
I
got in the car for the first time today at the Lakeside practice
session. We ran 4 sessions and I believe I am going to like the new car.
It is really hard to tell where you are at on the setup on these day
practice sessions since the track dries out so quickly. I did make
several adjustments in between each session and the car felt better each
time so I hope we are heading in the right direction!! We did have one
minor problem with the ignition system on the final run but we quickly
diagnosed the problem and will easily have it resolved for the opening
night at Lakeside.
3/25/04
I just got
back from having the graphics put on the car. Lisa and the guys at ASign
Company did a great job again this year! Thanks to ASign Company...
It
looks like the car will be complete this weekend ready to head out to
Lakeside next Saturday (April 3).
I
posted a few pictures of the car on the Photos page... check it out.
3/17/04
The car is
almost done. All that is left are the graphics and I need to make the rub
rails. I am really pleased with the car so far. I will get some pictures of it
up on the site as soon as I can.
3/1/04
Still making progress on getting the car put together for the 04 season.
Chassis is together, body panels are almost done and the engine is going
together. I hope to get the body done this week and the engine in
another week or so. First time out will be the practice session at
Lakeside the first week of April. Things are coming together!
1/29/04
We
are making good progress on getting the car setup for the upcoming
season. Chassis is almost complete and I will begin the engine work this
weekend.
1/07/04
I
happy to announce the return of Asign
Company as a sponsor for the 2004 season. If you need any graphic
work done give Lisa a call and tell her Rick sent you... :)
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