Wow thats quite a hike for someone from NY. You might have easier time driving to Detroit MWS next through canada.

Short track setup might be part of it. Perhaps gearing could solve your economy. Lower gear ratio would of course keep the revs down. Also the 2speed shift point. Get that 2 speed to shift sooner. I've been in races where tire wear caused me to pit sooner too.

Well, the Great Lakes challenge in Toledo is definately something to check out. You may actually make up in raffel prizes at least half the entry fee.

A little Arturo Carbonell trick: As far as running lean. If you run a bit fatter on the bottom, you can run leaner on the top.

Hmm. I'm not sure about mc8, i'm no expert on these. You might want to go to a colder plug. Colder plug might let you run leaner (I think). This summer anyway you will need to be running cold plugs.

Finally, Check your bearings, drive train, and differentials for any binding. You using a one way?

Good thing we're not at sea level here, how close are you to it?