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Originally Posted by Ted7rns
Shawn finished 3rd in TTE. He was like .044 behind the 2nd place car. In the Race he finished right behind the #69 SF in a Spec Miata.
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I was firmly in 2nd in TTE even with all the little BS problems we had. But in the last session on saturday, Ted came off his qualifying race and I jumped right into the car (back to back sessions from the race group and TT group) with hot tires. Previously this was a bonus for me because I could get out there and run 10/10ths right off the pit exit and just go. Since Saturday was much warmer and the sun was out, this was not to my advantage as the tires were already somewhat greasy and I couldnt go any faster than I did previously. So even tho im dissapointed with a better finish than I did, at least the guy I helped is the one who beat me out of 2nd for TTE.
As far as the race group, before the race I told the SF drivers to just pass me (I started in front of them) as soon as they got to me, since im racing a Miata in PTE so they could just stay together and put on a good show. After some creative lines to allow them to stay close and get by me, I ended up behind the yellow SF and did my best to push him up to the other 2 cars. I couldnt see Ted behind me anywhere so I just kept pushing and watched the SF show and did my best to help where I could.
I wasnt really there to race in PTE as much as I was simply trying to get more track time by running PTE and learn the track so that I could do well in TTE. So I spent my race session trying to help out as much as I could. Since I didnt have a radio I didnt know where Ted was or why. I suspected that my temporary fix on the shifter let go but I know better, my stuff stays fixed!
Poor Ted got a little behind on the start and it looked (poor quality incar video) like he was trying really hard too soon and got bit with the spin going into the keyhole. Then after he got back on track (He really didnt loose that much time) he had a incident where he had 2 Legends cars trying to pass him split him on the front straight. He only saw one car and moved over to give him room and didnt realize there was a second one passing him on the other side which forced the legends car in the grass. OOPS!
We were told in the drivers meeting that any action that puts a competitor in the grass would be black flagged for a stop and go penalty. Ted got the flag and came in for his stop and go and was sent right out. Hes cruizing up pit road to go back out and some doofus runs out on pit road in front of him, stops, turns around with his back to Ted and runs right in front of him again! Ted locks up the wheels trying not to hurt the guy but he still got a piece of him. Good thing it didnt mess up the car.
Then there was a full course caution which could have helped Ted get caught up but the black flag kinda screwed him. Those Legends cars are really small and with radio ear buds in your skull, they are hard to hear unless they are right next to you. I hope next year they are in another race group.
Did I mention the time when we came off the race group and Ted is still sitting in the car? I jump out of the Miata and dash over to the Focus (My run group is already out on track) Ted is still sitting in the car, Mindy looks upset. I ask, whats wrong? Minday says, the shift knob came off. I say WHAT!? Get the **** out of the car, I dont need no shift knob!
Ted scurries out of the car and I go out and actually ran my fastest time with no shift knob, the shifter assembly is held together by some bolts and steel we got in Home Depot, some rubber bushing I lost and couldnt find for the shifter is rolling around the floor hitting my foot (is that a mouse?) and I pull off a 1:48.5xx. Thats racing!
I had a great time, fantastic time really! The SF program will continue to grow. How can it not? Come on!
I want to publically thank Ted for allowing me to drive the piss out of his car, run a 1:48.5xx and then let me fix it for him after he broke it, twice!
And I echo the sentiments of Ted big thanks and great to finally meet: Leo, Andy, CJ, Chris, Charles, Sandy,
Mindy (<---my TTE crewchief!), and my own Big Congrades to Brett Mars being the first ever Spec Focus National Champion!!!! Great job and it was an honor getting smoked on every start by that red beast!
Dear lord, sorry for the rant, this
WAS the short version.
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