Could things really get any better than this? Maybe, if we find ourselves lucky enough to be the chosen few from the states who get to compete in Europe this November. But even if we don't, things are looking good for us lately and for a change we have much to be thankful and happy about. In a sport where so much can go wrong and end an otherwise good day, it's a nice change to have a weekend that for the most part went error free.
Rounds three and four of the Central Division US Rotax Max Challenge rolled into town this past weekend and we were very serious about turning the tables on our lackluster performance at MRP two weeks ago. Heading into the weekend we had all three check marks on our to-do list: We had tested, we had all the right components, and we had knowledge of just about every square inch of that track. And since I couldn't be in the pit on Saturday, we had a well known and respected tuner (Cale Wyse) working with Sam for the day. This proved to be extremely beneficial to both driver and mechanic since the two of us learned an enormous amount from working with him.
Doesn't everyone wear their company dress blues to the track?
Saturday we were the fastest qualifier but without a transponder on the kart we were relegated to last place on the staring grid. This didn't last long as Sam moved quickly up to the rear bumper of Scott Kopp who was leading the race. The lead changed between the two of them a dozen times before the checkered flag would finally fall with Scott finishing first and Sam not even a kart length behind. Shinya Michimi rounded out the top three. Some disappointment in his voice showed when I talked to him by phone but from what I heard there was clearly nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone who was there said the race itself was more exciting than anything they've seen in while, and on a personal note, he bettered his quickest lap time by nearly a half second! Not too shabby of a days work at all.
Sunday would arrive as a carbon copy of Saturday. Sunny skies, light winds, and temps in the 60's. We managed to grab the pole again with a fast qualifying time, but this time we hung on for the win. And doing so in nothing shy of spectacular fashion. Scott Kopp once again proved to be a tough man to lead, as he was all over the back end of our kart for several laps. He eventually took the lead away from us on lap twelve but we quickly took it back. Then on lap 14 Scott got ahead of us and began creeping slowly away, but in either an act of desperation, out right driving skill, or a little of both, Sam slipped by him with two turns to go on the last lap. The drag race from the last turn was on and when the checkered flew it was the polar opposite of the previous day's race with Scott arriving at the line a half kart length short.
A lot of hard work has finally paid off. Days like these are far and few between in this sport but when you take the time to prepare for an event it only broadens your chances of success. And we're hoping we can ride this wave as long as possible. With this weekend's win we are now qualified for the Grand Nationals and we're going to need all the help we can get if we're going to shine there. We realize that being amongst the best drivers from the US is going to be no easy chore so we're now focusing our attention on New Castle Indiana. Technically we are off for the next 6 weeks but we're going to have to find a way to get down there to test so we can hit the ground running come mid July.
The top finishers at the Grand Nationals go on to represent the United States in the World Finals held in La Conca Italy in November. One unbelievably steep hill to climb but we have as much of a chance as the next guy. After all, we never thought we'd be in the place we're at now so the sky is really the limit, along with our checking account!
I'll work the overtime and you stay tuned.
