That's it, we're done, there is no more!
We've officially ended our 2006 season 1 race before the club calls it quits. Prior committments that I have personally are forcing us to miss the last race scheduled for next weekend but all of that aside, I think it's still the right time for us to hang it up for the year. We've been going almost non stop since April and it really takes a toll on you fast. We've secured our spot as the runner-up in the championship for HPV Jr. Sportsman anyway so it's now time for a collective sigh of relief. One last time we'll head back to the track on the 22nd for the Fun Race and Backwards Enduro but then it's off to a long deserved break for all.
These past two weekends saw beautiful weather and relatively easy days for us at the track. After competing there so much you start to figure out what set-up works and you just stick with it. We were lucky enough not to break anything, Sam consistently reduced his lap times to a personal best 42.14, and even managed his first 1st place finish that he actually took to the track for. It's too bad that this all had to happen on the last two days of the season. It sure would have been nice to experience this a little more frequently this year.
Unlike last season's lengthy year end speech on lesson's learned, I can honestly say this one will be shorter,(I'll wait for the roar of your applause to subside) and much more to the point.
Being that this was our second full year of racing we already knew alot of the things that were new to us last year making the anxiety level much lower at the beginning of the season. We knew there were still going to be people that seem to take it all way too seriously and make fools of themselves. And we knew there were going to be plenty of people that we were eager to see again and race with. My son and I both have a much better understanding of how a track changes during the day which will ultimately judge when you'll find quick times and when you won't. He's learned that 2-cycle engines can be felt much more through the chassis and steering wheel than his 4-stroker did from last season. And we learned that no matter how good of a time we're having, we're just not going to be really happy until we can keep up with the Jones's and afford a monster RV with a nice big trailer that I can't crack my forehead open on every weekend. My wife has actually been trying to talk me into it. She says that hotel rooms cost money, and we all know they do. She also said we need to drive there anyway so why not drive our hotel to the track with us! Well why didn't I think of that! It's brilliant! And I want to make it clear that I'm not being facetious. We already have the fuel costs factored into pulling the trailer there in the first place so in theory it sounds great. But this theory comes crashing straight down to earth when you find out how much one of these things cost and you figure you might get your money's worth if he's still living at home and racing with us when he's 30 years old. Don't count on this one happening any time soon.
Our long list of thank you's starts with Margay Race Products and Keith Freber, Brandon and Bonnie. All of whom listened to my silly questions all year long as we were making our transition from last year's chassis to the new Margay. We still have some work to do but came a long way with your help. I also want to thank them for completing our kart and shipping it to us literally ready to go. Unlike the erector set that most people have to deal with when they buy a new kart, ours just needed the wheels thrown on and off we went.
Kent Laukaitis of Laukaitis Racing Engines provided a good strong motor for us this season. And being racers on a budget, we didn't even send it in for a mid season refresh but managed to better our times every weekend we raced. A testament to a good package and a fine builder. Thanks Ken.
Jim Bennett. For his help on and off the track. We learned an awful lot from you this season, both myself and my son. Joe Hewitt. Who started this season with his son Ben as the only other Margay pilot in our class. He was more than willing to divulge any of his secrets to help us give the Birel camp a run for their money. And Willie Kootstra for continuously reminding me that we showed up to the grid with only half a motor!
Sam and I would like to give a very big thanks to Chris and Carla Heitman of Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies. Again your generosity and kindness continues to overwhelm us. When we started racing 2 years ago we never dreamed that we would ever compete in new equipment with top of the line products at our fingertips. This was something that we believed to be reserved only for factory drivers or the fortunate few. Working with, and knowing both of you has now made it possible for us to be in this group. Without your help this year none of this would have ever been possible.
And of course we saved the best for last. I especially would like to thank my wife Lori for all of her help this season and for weathering the occasional attitude problem from Sam and/or myself. She played a pivotal role in securing all of our work days required of us to be eligible for our class points. Not one time did I nor Sam have to volunteer ourselves to do some type of work that neither of us particularily wanted to do. She did them all and then some! And if anyone from Badger is reading this, I want it to be known that some sort of recognition should come to her for this. She has gone above and beyond what was asked of her and never once asked for anything in return. There were times when no one even asked if she wanted something to eat or drink while she was working! I say this not out of spite but because there are people in this great club of ours who do very little by contrast, but are very vocal about how much they want you to believe they do. These are the people who are always first in line for the accolades whether it's a much publicized pat on the back or a free meal. Don't worry dear. Like confucious said, "A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions". You've definitely done that.
And to Abi. The best tire cleaner a team could have. And for having to give up most of her summer weekends so her brother (and dad) could go play. For all of her work we're going to give her a chance at driving in two weeks in the powder puff race with Sam's kart. I know she'll do well and god help anyone on the track with her. I've seen how competitive she can be.
I know that I may have missed a few. The relatives that stopped out at the track, the friends who always have time to ask how he was doing, and everyone who comes to this site week after week to read up on our journey. Thank you all. I know this was originally intended to be his words recounting our efforts but I think I may have overestimated what a child of his age can really be expected to do. Although I hope the day finally comes when he can take over the task of writing these columns, I have no problem filling in until that happens. I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I have writing them.
Cheers
