Hi all!
Whew -- it was a long trip back from Mid-Ohio, but WOW, what a week!
That was the best time racing I have had so far, and being part of the
big FOT contingent certainly made it even greater! What a FUN FUN FUN
track! I made it to a 2:00 lap time, and figured out on the way home
where an extra couple or three seconds could be had when I next return.
As I went to return the rental transponder to the tech shed, they had an
array of medallions spread out on the table. I said, "Gee, I wish I was
here to pick up one of those, but I'm just here to return one of these,"
holding out the transponder. The lady behind the table said, "Are you
sure? Why don't you check the lists and see." I looked at the
All-Triumph Feature race results, and by golly, I had taken second in
class! (I had so much fun battling Russ that I didn't even think about
the possibility of placing.) So I happily fondled my SVRA medallion
with the red ribbon all the way home. One word of caution -- medallions
aren't too comfortable under your pillow. Put them on your display
shelf instead. :)
I had a wonderful time visiting everyone and meeting new friends. A
HUGE thank-you to Tom Strange, who had an enormous canopy with our names
and race team on it waiting for us when we arrived, and who also brought
tools and spares including rain tires for me, even though he decided to
leave his car at home due to mechanical problems. He helped
tremendously in working on the car, and we had a much better time due to
him! What a guy!!
Thanks also to Ed Barnard, who has been a big help in setting up and
getting the car ready, and for his help at the track; to Tony Drews,
whose eagle eyes spotted the cause of the problem we had been having
with the transmission; to Greg Petrolati for his help and company during
the transmission change; to everyone else who helped us out; to Joe and
the other event planners for such an AWESOME event; and especially to
Brad, whose dedication and hard work has made it possible for me to
enjoy productive time on the track. After the bell housing replacement
Thursday night, mostly all we had to do was check the air pressures,
torque the tires, and turn the camera on! Tristan really did me proud.
A big thank-you also to Russ Moore, who continued to give me tips on how
to improve my time even after I managed to get by him in the qualifying
race and in the Triumph feaure. I learned a good bit about Mid-Ohio
from the time I spent behind him, and from the in-car video afterward.
It was immense fun battling to see who would stay in front at the
checker! I think I had the advantage of a locked rear end over his open
one, so my car handled a little better in the corners. And it's funny
to race against a car that looks so similar to Tristan! I hope someone
has a good shot of the two of us and one of the other red Spits all in a
row in the Triumph feature race... I ended up 28th out of 45 in Group 1
-- cool!
I have in-car video of the Brit TR5 passing me in 2, and then
disappearing into the distance down the back straight like I was in
reverse, with the yellow wedge hot in pursuit. I swear I saw him light
the JATO bottle as he was exiting the carousel... It was a delight to
watch those guys drive, and I sure hope they return for another race
soon.
A big hug to everyone from me! It was great to be included in the 50th
Anniversary event, and I am eagerly looking forward to the 60th! And
maybe the local wildlife will have learned by then to get out of the way
of the Grand Wazoo. I heard several folks around the paddock saying his
driving stinks...
Keep Triumphing,
Susan :)
#42 FP Spit Tristan -- getting a well-deserved rest!
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