It's hard to say what was tougher on us heading into series race number thirteen at the Badger Kart Club this past weekend in Dousman Wisconsin. Sam having his wisdom teeth pulled just two days before we got there, or the fact that our race season would come to an end after this event.
As previously mentioned, the Rotax Max series ended for us in late July and with our switch to the Leopard TaG motor we thought we had a combination that would take us to the end of the season. The problem is we didn't account for a bye week in August and the fact that our leased engine would find a new home in another kart for the month of September. We'll most likely get it back for the backwards enduro in October but for now this was going to be our last opportunity at competing in this class and we really wanted to make it count.
Entries were up a bit over previous events and perfect weather promised a lot of good racing action for all. Sam struggled with some comfort issues and even missed one of the morning heat races to catch up on much needed sleep. If it wasn't enough that his mouth was extremely sore, an infestation of mosquitoes in our trailer kept him up for most of the night. By day break we were all a bit weary but it was obvious that he suffered the most.
Before we go any further, allow me this moment to make it clear that it was his decision to drive this weekend and his only. I still remember getting my wisdom teeth pulled about 30 years ago and I believe I was down for the count for days. I didn't get off the couch much less get behind the wheel of a kart! I have to admit this kid has brass tacks and more than most people that I know. I myself would not be able to pull off what he did. So the ball was always in his court and we even suggested throwing in the towel after our sleepless night but he chose to continue. It was decided that we would re-evaluate the situation after his few moments of shut eye and take it from there.
I can say with all honesty that we are both glad that his decision in the end was to continue on. Another stellar performance from him and our trusty Merlin found us at the head of the pack for the second week in a row. This time the battle was strictly fought in the early stages of the race to afford plenty of time to either stay with or overtake the two drivers who find themselves up front quickest. Sam stayed within reach of them but in the end third place was going to be as far as we would get. Or was it?
With any race at any track, the top three finishers are usually detained in tech for either a specified period of time, the inspection of certain equipment, or both. Our scrutineer was particularly interested in our Reed Valves. A certain basket of pieces that sits directly between the carburetor and the engine and which regulates the fuel/air mixture going to the combustion chamber. A quick measurement of ours showed we were legal, but one of the other individuals had a tear in his. Unfortunately for him this infraction is an automatic equipment DQ and one that awarded us the second place position. Not our way of wanting to finish in this fashion but nonetheless an every day occurrence in the racing world. Like they say, to finish first you first have to finish. And finish legally too I might add.
So here we find ourselves once again at the end of another season. New challenges for us this year in the form of our Rotax Max bid was bittersweet. We did well in our division and loved the package, It's just a sin that more people don't realize the benefits of this class, and it's also heartbreaking for us in our lackluster performance at the US Grand Nationals. In hindsight it was a bit too much too soon, and unfortunately if we don't see a healthy increase in teams for 2011 we are going to reluctantly abandon the class for TaG. And that's not all that bad of a thing considering how well we took to it once we switched.
Again it's with much appreciation that we thank everyone who contributed to our success on and off the track this season. Without the thoughtfullness and generosity of all of you, this sport would be something that we just watched on tv on any given Sunday.
Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies. And not only Chris and Carla Heitman but to all the employees who cover for me when we go off and play nearly every weekend for seven months straight. To just have a job in this economy is a miracle much less have someone who gladly cuts you loose whenever you want to get out to the track.
To everyone at OMP, not only in Miami but to the people who build the suits, shoes, and gloves in their Italian factory. Thank you for providing us with by far the best safety equipment money can buy. The entire package is never complete until you can stroll down pit lane in some of the best looking, safe, and comfortable gear in the industry and having piece of mind that my driver will be safe at all times is priceless. We look forward to working with you again in 2011.
Jamie and George of Franklin Motorsports, as well as their entire staff has been a godsend this year for us and we thank you so much for it. Coming into Rotax blind, they've opened our eyes on many occasions and helped us shorten the learning curve and actually begin to compete in the series. Cale, Scott, Shawn and Wes all helped us at the drop of a hat and made even our darkest weekends all that much more manageable. I'm now convinced that our move to Merlin was based much more than just on the chassis. Your customer service is unsurpassed by anyone that we've dealt with in our seven years in this sport and we'd follow you regardless of what you sold.
Aside from the Backwards Enduro in October, we're pretty much going to be packing it up for the season and focusing on rebuilding everything, securing sponsorships, and putting together some sort of schedule for next year. We're positive we'll be contesting another season in our Merlin, but as far as the engine and class goes we are still undecided. We promise to bring the news to you as it becomes available and want to thank you again for following us and we look forward to seeing you at the track again soon.
