The Runoffs
03/25/02

Despite the tragedy that struck our country just days before the Valvoline Runoffs events were scheduled to begin, the SCCA decided to proceed with the event. Air travel was still not available and the uncertainty of the times saw several opting out of the National Championship competition. However, those that did show up, flew their American flags in the pits and on their cars. It was a beautiful site indeed.

I spent the first practice session on Monday trying to learn a track that I had only spent about 45 minutes on previously back in July. Lack of experience and cold, hard tires did not make for a very impressive run as I spun early in the session going into turn 13. The car stalled and some of the excess fuel from the spin ignited causing a small fire under the engine cowling. It was quickly extinguished and nothing was damaged, however there was quite a mess to clean up.

Tuesday went much better. I was able to complete a full session and to better my time by about seven seconds over Monday qualifying me in eighth position. Despite the fact that I cut my time by a second on Wednesday and another half second on Thursday, I would remain in eighth position behind Chas Shaffer to start the race.

It was an exciting start with a late drop of the green flag bunching everyone up into the first turn. I dove into turn eight under Chas Chaffer hoping to gain a spot going down the hill. However, it was not to be. Chas was able to hold me off and a close battle ensued. About four laps into the race, problems with Chas’s brakes allowed me to slip underneath into turn seven at the end of the long back straightaway. By the time I was able to get around Chas, I had nearly ten seconds to make up to Bernie Sunier’s fifth place position. I made up all but about four seconds, however a deflating tire for Mike Biangardi caused him to slip back to fifth and I was a mere two seconds and gaining behind him. I finished the race less than a second behind fifth capturing the last medal winning position for the race and another half second improvement over my qualifying times.

We were all satisfied with the results of the race. Although my goals were to finish in the top five, considering the competition we were up against, I was happy.

Dad, Mike and Orlando did a great job of preparing the car for the week and I would consider it a success. Other than the one mishap on Monday, the majority of the week consisted of GTO (Gas, Tires, Oil). The tragedy at the WTC was weighing on everyone’s minds, and our eyes were glued to the television in the RV whenever we were not busy working. Along with the checkered flag waved a glorious American flag to show all of our support. Our hearts and prayers go out to all that lost loved ones. Stay strong and God Bless!

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