Many have asked why I named the car Elsa. The car has my company's name, Lion Leaders, on it, so I thought it was appropriate to name the car after a lion. Elsa is the lioness in the movie, Born Free. This 1966 movie was based on a true story of a couple fostering a lion cub and training her to return to the wild. Elsa was that cub. Like Elsa the lioness, the car has personality, survived some extreme conditions, and never let us down. With causes unknown, our car seemed to take over at times and accelerated faster in certain portions of the tracks. She let me know that I could go faster, which I did on the next run. Was it the low pressure created by the faulty fuel pressure regulator that caused the accelerater pedal to push downward? No one seems to know for sure. All I know is that I never felt like I was in serious danger on any of the tracks.
Elsa did her job. Now she's going to get an oil change, brake job, new roof, and repairs to her steering. It is doubtful I will race her again as she does have some impediments e.g. only a four speed transmission. However, without her on this trip, we would not have had such a "unique" experience.
Josie
Monday, May 9, 2011
Finally Home!
Hi all -
After a 10 hour drive from South Bend back to Minneapolis, I returned home after a 1 1/2 week absence. It is good to be home after such an exhausting, but highly rewarding experience. For the first time in my life, I had to stop and sleep at a rest area. I slept for about an hour in the hotrod. I can drive several hours at a time, so this stop indicates how tired I was.
Amusingly, I was stopped by the MN state patrol. Just when I was congratulating myself that I was almost home without any incidents, I saw the blue and cherry lights behind me. I knew the problem -- he saw that we had "cooked" our license plate (I think we already mentioned that the exhaust had melted the license plate bracket and burned the plate). He told me that it "looked like I was driving 70-ish." I refrained from reminding him that the speed limit was 70 mph. Then he commented on my plate. I explained the entire story, and he was understanding about the situation. I asked him whether I had to have a front license plate in MN since it was a specially constructed vehicle. His response, "I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out to me." He cited me for this violation as well. However, he did answer my question. All cars in MN have to have a front plate as of 1972. In all, I had three violations.
Fortunately, he was kind and let me off the hook. Whew!
I stopped by Mom and Dad's on my way home to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day and to show Dad our trophy and the car. The car does look good with all of its decals. They were happy to see me; happier that I came home in one piece.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this race and to raise $$$ for Parkinsons. We fell short of our goal by $10,000, so if you know anyone who would still like to contribute, please send them to our Team Fox website at http://www.teamfox.org/. They can type in my name (Josie Fritsch), and the site will direct them to our page.
Many thanks to my family for their support, Larry for being my co-driver, and Sandy for all of the great PR work. I am also thankful to Gray's Racing and Pro Graphics. The car was superb both in looks and operation! My sincere appreciation goes out to Stitch Studio for the excellent work on our team shirts and my driving suit. Many chuckled when they saw the "I race in heels" graphic on my driving suit. Last, but not least, a special thank you goes out to you - our readers - for cheering us on throughout this journey.
Gratefully,
Josie
After a 10 hour drive from South Bend back to Minneapolis, I returned home after a 1 1/2 week absence. It is good to be home after such an exhausting, but highly rewarding experience. For the first time in my life, I had to stop and sleep at a rest area. I slept for about an hour in the hotrod. I can drive several hours at a time, so this stop indicates how tired I was.
Amusingly, I was stopped by the MN state patrol. Just when I was congratulating myself that I was almost home without any incidents, I saw the blue and cherry lights behind me. I knew the problem -- he saw that we had "cooked" our license plate (I think we already mentioned that the exhaust had melted the license plate bracket and burned the plate). He told me that it "looked like I was driving 70-ish." I refrained from reminding him that the speed limit was 70 mph. Then he commented on my plate. I explained the entire story, and he was understanding about the situation. I asked him whether I had to have a front license plate in MN since it was a specially constructed vehicle. His response, "I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out to me." He cited me for this violation as well. However, he did answer my question. All cars in MN have to have a front plate as of 1972. In all, I had three violations.
Fortunately, he was kind and let me off the hook. Whew!
I stopped by Mom and Dad's on my way home to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day and to show Dad our trophy and the car. The car does look good with all of its decals. They were happy to see me; happier that I came home in one piece.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this race and to raise $$$ for Parkinsons. We fell short of our goal by $10,000, so if you know anyone who would still like to contribute, please send them to our Team Fox website at http://www.teamfox.org/. They can type in my name (Josie Fritsch), and the site will direct them to our page.
Many thanks to my family for their support, Larry for being my co-driver, and Sandy for all of the great PR work. I am also thankful to Gray's Racing and Pro Graphics. The car was superb both in looks and operation! My sincere appreciation goes out to Stitch Studio for the excellent work on our team shirts and my driving suit. Many chuckled when they saw the "I race in heels" graphic on my driving suit. Last, but not least, a special thank you goes out to you - our readers - for cheering us on throughout this journey.
Gratefully,
Josie
 |
| "Cooked" Plate |
Sunday, May 8, 2011
On the road again
Josie and Elsa (the car) are on their way back to MN to regal Mom and Dad with stories, pictures, and videos of the race. The awards ceremony was in the Tire Rack warehouse - appropriate no? Josie and Larry finished first in class and 64th in a field of 75 cars. They received their Award from Brock Yates Sr., founder of the race with Brock Yates Jr (organizer) providing the commentary.
Congratulations to the entire Team Fritsch and everyone who supported us along the way.
Congratulations to the entire Team Fritsch and everyone who supported us along the way.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Last Road Race
It's almost 5 pm and we are heading back to Tire Rack after our last road race. I can't believe the week is almost over. There's was so much racing and transit driving that the week is a big blur. Larry and I both look forward to being able to sit back, enjoy, and really relish the experience.
My goal for the race was to raise awareness/money for our fundraiser, have fun, and learn more about racing. I think we accomplished all three. With respect to my racing, I've told many people that this week was an intense course. I learned so much from so many racers.
I received a lot of affirmations today, which was totally wonderful. However, before we get to this part, I have to tell you about my most spectacular spin. As with every track, I really try to push myself to do my best and be outside my comfort zone. I was definitely doing that today. I came in too hot into a corner, accelerated too early, and started to go off into the grass. I man-handled it back onto the track where it fishtailed wildly. Then Elsa (the car) decided to spin in the opposite direction, kicking up a lot of dirt onto the track. I let go of the wheel and let it safely stop. It was a wicked ride. I was a little fazed, but immediately started again and finished the session. At least Elsa did not have to return to the paddock on a flatbed truck or via a tow - unlike some of the other drivers.
When I drove off the track, many of the drivers cheered, clapped their hands, and waved to me. It was completed unexpected. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but I'm deeply humbled. I suspect that they were honoring the courage it took to compete with them during such an intense week. Or... they were totally laughing at me. Who knows??? At least I got some attention!
I received another ego biscuit, one that I gave myself. The organizer had wanted to drive my car for some time. I said no, but today I changed my mind. I wanted him to drive it with me along. I thought it would be a good experience to have an experienced, certified instructor show me what the car could really do. What I learned was that my racing line was identical to his. Woo hoo! Having the right line is critical. I also learned that he was not all that much faster than me. AWESOME!!! My driving was far better than I thought. Don't get me wrong; I'm still making a lot of mistakes, but I'm delighted to know that I'm not terrible!
We have one more event - skid pad. Hopefully, I will improve upon my first outing on the pad :). Despite the remaining event, the general mood is jubilant. Everyone knows that the tough racing is done.
We wish we had counted all of the times we heard "What is that?!? Clearly the car has been popular with the spectators. They love it when I blast the music. If I don't have it on while on the grid, they will shout to me to turn it on!
Speaking of the infamous "what is that question", two guys in a rusty pick-up truck just asked us across the lanes about the car. They wanted to know if the sheet metal was bullet proof. I was stunned. I had never received that question before. It left me wondering... what would make them think that we even needed a bullet-proof car? Perhaps Larry and I look like superheroes, and Elsa is a car with very special powers.
A true highlight for today was the arrival of Pam. An avid supporter of our cause, she drove 3 1/2 hours from Madison to cheer and enjoy the experience. While I didn't have an opportunity to visit a lot with her, I was deeply grateful that she had come out.
Sandy has rejoined us for the finish. It's good to have her back. I think we're all going to kick back and do a little partying tonight. I hear that in the past drivers have driven the skid pad with huge hangovers. I don't think I want to carry on the tradition, although who knows? I might drive even better :).
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It is more appreciated than you know.
Josie
My goal for the race was to raise awareness/money for our fundraiser, have fun, and learn more about racing. I think we accomplished all three. With respect to my racing, I've told many people that this week was an intense course. I learned so much from so many racers.
I received a lot of affirmations today, which was totally wonderful. However, before we get to this part, I have to tell you about my most spectacular spin. As with every track, I really try to push myself to do my best and be outside my comfort zone. I was definitely doing that today. I came in too hot into a corner, accelerated too early, and started to go off into the grass. I man-handled it back onto the track where it fishtailed wildly. Then Elsa (the car) decided to spin in the opposite direction, kicking up a lot of dirt onto the track. I let go of the wheel and let it safely stop. It was a wicked ride. I was a little fazed, but immediately started again and finished the session. At least Elsa did not have to return to the paddock on a flatbed truck or via a tow - unlike some of the other drivers.
When I drove off the track, many of the drivers cheered, clapped their hands, and waved to me. It was completed unexpected. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but I'm deeply humbled. I suspect that they were honoring the courage it took to compete with them during such an intense week. Or... they were totally laughing at me. Who knows??? At least I got some attention!
I received another ego biscuit, one that I gave myself. The organizer had wanted to drive my car for some time. I said no, but today I changed my mind. I wanted him to drive it with me along. I thought it would be a good experience to have an experienced, certified instructor show me what the car could really do. What I learned was that my racing line was identical to his. Woo hoo! Having the right line is critical. I also learned that he was not all that much faster than me. AWESOME!!! My driving was far better than I thought. Don't get me wrong; I'm still making a lot of mistakes, but I'm delighted to know that I'm not terrible!
We have one more event - skid pad. Hopefully, I will improve upon my first outing on the pad :). Despite the remaining event, the general mood is jubilant. Everyone knows that the tough racing is done.
We wish we had counted all of the times we heard "What is that?!? Clearly the car has been popular with the spectators. They love it when I blast the music. If I don't have it on while on the grid, they will shout to me to turn it on!
Speaking of the infamous "what is that question", two guys in a rusty pick-up truck just asked us across the lanes about the car. They wanted to know if the sheet metal was bullet proof. I was stunned. I had never received that question before. It left me wondering... what would make them think that we even needed a bullet-proof car? Perhaps Larry and I look like superheroes, and Elsa is a car with very special powers.
A true highlight for today was the arrival of Pam. An avid supporter of our cause, she drove 3 1/2 hours from Madison to cheer and enjoy the experience. While I didn't have an opportunity to visit a lot with her, I was deeply grateful that she had come out.
Sandy has rejoined us for the finish. It's good to have her back. I think we're all going to kick back and do a little partying tonight. I hear that in the past drivers have driven the skid pad with huge hangovers. I don't think I want to carry on the tradition, although who knows? I might drive even better :).
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It is more appreciated than you know.
Josie
Video from Daytona
The PR maven is back on line and reunited with the rest of the team so I'm catching up. I'll be posting a series of videos while we wait for the second event at Autobahn Country Club. Here's Josie crossing the finish line at Daytona.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
In Joliet... finally
We just finished our longest transit - 11 hours. Larry had a great day! Of course all he had to do was the standard prep - both the car and me - and eat a chocolate donut at the track. I, on the other hand, had a more difficult day. First, I made mistakes on the track. I make mistakes all the time, but I was really prepared for this track. I should have done better. Second, I accidentally dropped my helmet. Now there are dings and scrapes all over it -- cannot be easily buffed. I'll just have to tell everyone that I was in a racing "incident" and was lucky to survive.
The highlight of the day for me was a trip to the Waffle House! I love Waffle Houses. I wish we had them in MN. It was Larry's first trip in over 10 years. We both enjoyed pecan-packed waffles.
The drive here was uneventful. We did see some tornado damage outside of Burningham. In particular, we noticed down trees with odd pieces of household items and garbage. I finished the drive from Indianapolis to here. The drive was tough -- lots of traffic, wet conditions, and constant glare.
The race is almost over. We have mixed feelings. We have enjoyed the camaraderie and the racing. However, 24 hours of uninterrupted sleep is looking really attractive right now.
Will post more after we have undertaken the Joliet experience.
Thanks!
Josie
The highlight of the day for me was a trip to the Waffle House! I love Waffle Houses. I wish we had them in MN. It was Larry's first trip in over 10 years. We both enjoyed pecan-packed waffles.
The drive here was uneventful. We did see some tornado damage outside of Burningham. In particular, we noticed down trees with odd pieces of household items and garbage. I finished the drive from Indianapolis to here. The drive was tough -- lots of traffic, wet conditions, and constant glare.
The race is almost over. We have mixed feelings. We have enjoyed the camaraderie and the racing. However, 24 hours of uninterrupted sleep is looking really attractive right now.
Will post more after we have undertaken the Joliet experience.
Thanks!
Josie
Still in this thing!
Hi all-
We are on the way to Joliet, decided to take off early for the 11 hours drive and get there around 11 in time to get another night's sleep. Barber went pretty well, though Josie is less than satisfied with how it went on the track. I'll let her fill in the details
We are on the way to Joliet, decided to take off early for the 11 hours drive and get there around 11 in time to get another night's sleep. Barber went pretty well, though Josie is less than satisfied with how it went on the track. I'll let her fill in the details
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
No Problem Raceway
Hi all!
This is a joint post from Larry and me.
LARRY: We arrived on-time to the New Orleans speedway at 3:50 a.m. after a 9 hour transit from Gainesville. It was dark with stinky refineries, and heavy, pea-soup fog. The hotel was nice, but a little spooky. The kid who checked us in was nice, but not the brightest bulb. He kept trying to charge us twice the amount we actually owed. Then there was Josie's paranoia.
JOSIE: I admit that I was overly cautious. The hotel was spooky with no other One Lappers and no other guests for that matter. The parking lot was filled with drivers who did shift work - very transitory. I think it was legitimate to sleep in the car. We were only sleeping for 3 hours and I could scare the living crap out of anyone who might try to touch the car.
LARRY: In the morning we went to get gas. I was ready to put the pump into the car when I realized we had no gas cap. Oh oh! Josie was not pleased as we had already overslept and were late getting to the track.
JOSIE: We arrived at the track, and I was still able to take my first run. It was OK, but I was really tired. The organizer has been repeatedly pushing me to go faster. He has mentioned several times that he'd like to show me what the car can really do.....
Larry: Suddenly Josie is overcome by sleep, so I'll give a brief recap.
I think it must have been almost 10 by the time we arrived at the track. The rules where prominently posted. The only one I can remember now is: Have fun! The other 2 rules were equally easy to abide by. Josie did her usual thing by looking for trusted (presumably by now) advice on the lay of the track, or 'line' as I've heard it called around here. I did my thing, laying out her suit, helmet, gloves, shoes and checking fluids before wiping down the car- we wouldn't want any pictures of a car with love bugs on the front, would we? Actually, this would be my ideal for getting to the track- we are last, so 10ish gives us just enough time to check the car, check the track, and drive it before lunch. By the way lunch was good and cheap- unusual for a concession. They had crawfish or crabbugers $4 and some other fine things.
Josie's first and second runs went well, and we had a short day. All done well before the 4PM schedule, and NO second track to get to for a change. After a relatively short 6.5 hour run, we were in Leeds, Al at a little after 9PM at the first truly nice Hotel on the One Lap. We'll Have at least 7 hours to sleep tonight, which is a good thing since tomorrow is the longest transit up to Joliet, about 11 hours if you count short stops.
To be continued!
This is a joint post from Larry and me.
LARRY: We arrived on-time to the New Orleans speedway at 3:50 a.m. after a 9 hour transit from Gainesville. It was dark with stinky refineries, and heavy, pea-soup fog. The hotel was nice, but a little spooky. The kid who checked us in was nice, but not the brightest bulb. He kept trying to charge us twice the amount we actually owed. Then there was Josie's paranoia.
JOSIE: I admit that I was overly cautious. The hotel was spooky with no other One Lappers and no other guests for that matter. The parking lot was filled with drivers who did shift work - very transitory. I think it was legitimate to sleep in the car. We were only sleeping for 3 hours and I could scare the living crap out of anyone who might try to touch the car.
LARRY: In the morning we went to get gas. I was ready to put the pump into the car when I realized we had no gas cap. Oh oh! Josie was not pleased as we had already overslept and were late getting to the track.
JOSIE: We arrived at the track, and I was still able to take my first run. It was OK, but I was really tired. The organizer has been repeatedly pushing me to go faster. He has mentioned several times that he'd like to show me what the car can really do.....
Larry: Suddenly Josie is overcome by sleep, so I'll give a brief recap.
I think it must have been almost 10 by the time we arrived at the track. The rules where prominently posted. The only one I can remember now is: Have fun! The other 2 rules were equally easy to abide by. Josie did her usual thing by looking for trusted (presumably by now) advice on the lay of the track, or 'line' as I've heard it called around here. I did my thing, laying out her suit, helmet, gloves, shoes and checking fluids before wiping down the car- we wouldn't want any pictures of a car with love bugs on the front, would we? Actually, this would be my ideal for getting to the track- we are last, so 10ish gives us just enough time to check the car, check the track, and drive it before lunch. By the way lunch was good and cheap- unusual for a concession. They had crawfish or crabbugers $4 and some other fine things.
Josie's first and second runs went well, and we had a short day. All done well before the 4PM schedule, and NO second track to get to for a change. After a relatively short 6.5 hour run, we were in Leeds, Al at a little after 9PM at the first truly nice Hotel on the One Lap. We'll Have at least 7 hours to sleep tonight, which is a good thing since tomorrow is the longest transit up to Joliet, about 11 hours if you count short stops.
To be continued!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I drove Daytona!
It's 11:00 pm EST and we're heading to a race course just west of New Orleans. We're still in the FL panhandle, so it will be a long night. We should arrive at 4:30 am EST. It's a good thing that Larry and I didn't plan to get any beauty rest this week. We're averaging 3-4 hours/night. So far adrenaline and nervousness has kept me wide awake in the morning so that I can race.
The Daytona session was both exhilarating and nerve-racking. I was concerned about the car as well as all of the warnings about the track. I did manage - with a host of other One Lapper mechanics - to fix the car. It seems that it needed a new fuel pressure regulator. The car is performing better, and we are relieved. The steering, however, is a different story. The current parts are old and rotting. I will be able to finish the overall race, but I was cautioned to not be crazy about pushing the car.
Needless to say, I was so nervous before the Daytona session that I felt like throwing up. Our buddies in a Corvette spun out and hit the tire wall. The driver was so rattled that he had to leave the track for a while. Another buddy told me that he had captured the accident on his in-car camera. Didn't I want to see it? NO!!! Not before I did my session.
Thankfully, Larry arrived to make sure that I didn't puke in my helmet -- especially after I was told to do a minimum speed of 100 mph on the high banks.
While Daytona is not a technically difficult track, it is dangerous because it is so fast. The high banks (used for NASCAR's Daytona 500 track) are steep. The angle is only 33 degrees, but it feels like you're driving at 45 degrees. Since you're going fast, it feels like you are suspended in the air --- that is, if you do it right. You don't want to think of what happens when you slip too low or too high on the banks.
Fortunately, I did it right. The car and I traveled at 110 mph and then sling-shot onto the back straightaway. The car was approaching 120 mph when I decided to stop looking. The speedometer only goes up to 140 mph. The faster cars were clocking in speeds at 145+ mph on these banks.
There were two hairy-scary moments for me. The car in front of me was spewing something. I was aware there might be fluid on the track, but I wasn't exactly sure where on the track. It wasn't long before I found out. I did almost spin, but I was able to keep the car on the track. I had never had to manage such car control at these higher speeds. The second scare came at the "Bus Stop" - a zig zag pattern designed to slow cars after they are exiting the high banks and the fast straightaway. Another car had hit a cone, which ended up in front of me. Hard braking and trying to avoid the object was unnerving.
Upon the finish, I got out of the car and noticed that my legs were shaking. While I now have bragging rights to say that I've driven on this famous track, I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy it as well as some of the other tracks. However, I am proud that I did it!
A true highlight of the day was a visit by Kurt (bro), Amy (sis-in-law) and my niece Tessa and nephew Max. Amy and the kids came to see me drive at Daytona. It was very special to have them there. I think they were also pleased to see the car that they had all worked to build. Who knew it would be running at Daytona!
My brother took time away from his busy, busy, job to come to Gainsville to see me drag race with the car. Who knew that I would be such a good drag racer! :). I kept winning when I wanted to lose so that I could spend time with my brother. It was Kurt's idea to build the car, and I'm glad he was able to see how well the car has performed in such extreme situations.
Tomorrow's course is affectionately known as the 'no problem' course. People laugh as they say this and lead you to believe that it's actually the opposite. I'm choosing to be Pollyanish and really think about it as a no problem course.
A note to my students. I race with the stereo as loud as I can play it without blowing the speakers. I also play it as I'm waiting on the starting grid. The other racers, staff, and visitors love it. I play "Black and Yellow," your suggested theme song before every race.
Well, that's about it. I'm signing off in the hopes of catching a few z's - we still have 5 1/2 hours to go.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. Larry has been faithfully passing out info cards about our fundraiser. Hopefully, we will be able to inspire others to donate to our cause.
Josie
The Daytona session was both exhilarating and nerve-racking. I was concerned about the car as well as all of the warnings about the track. I did manage - with a host of other One Lapper mechanics - to fix the car. It seems that it needed a new fuel pressure regulator. The car is performing better, and we are relieved. The steering, however, is a different story. The current parts are old and rotting. I will be able to finish the overall race, but I was cautioned to not be crazy about pushing the car.
Needless to say, I was so nervous before the Daytona session that I felt like throwing up. Our buddies in a Corvette spun out and hit the tire wall. The driver was so rattled that he had to leave the track for a while. Another buddy told me that he had captured the accident on his in-car camera. Didn't I want to see it? NO!!! Not before I did my session.
Thankfully, Larry arrived to make sure that I didn't puke in my helmet -- especially after I was told to do a minimum speed of 100 mph on the high banks.
While Daytona is not a technically difficult track, it is dangerous because it is so fast. The high banks (used for NASCAR's Daytona 500 track) are steep. The angle is only 33 degrees, but it feels like you're driving at 45 degrees. Since you're going fast, it feels like you are suspended in the air --- that is, if you do it right. You don't want to think of what happens when you slip too low or too high on the banks.
Fortunately, I did it right. The car and I traveled at 110 mph and then sling-shot onto the back straightaway. The car was approaching 120 mph when I decided to stop looking. The speedometer only goes up to 140 mph. The faster cars were clocking in speeds at 145+ mph on these banks.
There were two hairy-scary moments for me. The car in front of me was spewing something. I was aware there might be fluid on the track, but I wasn't exactly sure where on the track. It wasn't long before I found out. I did almost spin, but I was able to keep the car on the track. I had never had to manage such car control at these higher speeds. The second scare came at the "Bus Stop" - a zig zag pattern designed to slow cars after they are exiting the high banks and the fast straightaway. Another car had hit a cone, which ended up in front of me. Hard braking and trying to avoid the object was unnerving.
Upon the finish, I got out of the car and noticed that my legs were shaking. While I now have bragging rights to say that I've driven on this famous track, I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy it as well as some of the other tracks. However, I am proud that I did it!
A true highlight of the day was a visit by Kurt (bro), Amy (sis-in-law) and my niece Tessa and nephew Max. Amy and the kids came to see me drive at Daytona. It was very special to have them there. I think they were also pleased to see the car that they had all worked to build. Who knew it would be running at Daytona!
My brother took time away from his busy, busy, job to come to Gainsville to see me drag race with the car. Who knew that I would be such a good drag racer! :). I kept winning when I wanted to lose so that I could spend time with my brother. It was Kurt's idea to build the car, and I'm glad he was able to see how well the car has performed in such extreme situations.
Tomorrow's course is affectionately known as the 'no problem' course. People laugh as they say this and lead you to believe that it's actually the opposite. I'm choosing to be Pollyanish and really think about it as a no problem course.
A note to my students. I race with the stereo as loud as I can play it without blowing the speakers. I also play it as I'm waiting on the starting grid. The other racers, staff, and visitors love it. I play "Black and Yellow," your suggested theme song before every race.
Well, that's about it. I'm signing off in the hopes of catching a few z's - we still have 5 1/2 hours to go.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. Larry has been faithfully passing out info cards about our fundraiser. Hopefully, we will be able to inspire others to donate to our cause.
Josie
Made it to Daytona
At about 0330. Original time was blown because we spent and hour looking for the source of gas fumes in the car. No leaks anywhere, but we did note the the right exhaust pipe had melted part of the licence plate frame! Also cooked the paint on the tag a bit- just on the right, and a little rough at idle. Cylinder missing? Josie got a second wind, and took us all the way to Daytona. I really don't know how she does it! We drove for about an hour with the windows out before I cried 'uncle'. The fancy one lap blanket came in handy (finally) but if I didn't have it wrapped under me I think it would have been ripped right out of the car. Josie took pity on me and let us put the windows back on, but I think she was actually having fun in the huricane! The fumes didn't return, so that's a relief.
Later, Florida roads finally! Great roads. We went through memory lane for me: Jacksonville is where I grew up, and all those familiar road signs bring it back as my eyelids flutter open occasionally. Sleep is still impossible, even on these great roads.
We also have a lot of added play in steering since the start, so Josie decided that has priority this morning. She strongly suggested I sleep in, so did while she is out consulting with the pros at the track and figuring out what to do. The gas smell never returned, but we both smelled it, and Josie got a splitting headache from it.
All this is causing some jitters about the car. Josie has named 'her' Ilsa (or Elsa? ill-sa), and has been talking to her. We let the car run the last few fuel stops because staring is taking long, with a bit of extra throttle.
I hope Josie gets to run this track- she was really really really looking forward to it.
Time to get kicked out of this room now, so I need to pack up and wait for word from Car & Driver
Larry
Later, Florida roads finally! Great roads. We went through memory lane for me: Jacksonville is where I grew up, and all those familiar road signs bring it back as my eyelids flutter open occasionally. Sleep is still impossible, even on these great roads.
We also have a lot of added play in steering since the start, so Josie decided that has priority this morning. She strongly suggested I sleep in, so did while she is out consulting with the pros at the track and figuring out what to do. The gas smell never returned, but we both smelled it, and Josie got a splitting headache from it.
All this is causing some jitters about the car. Josie has named 'her' Ilsa (or Elsa? ill-sa), and has been talking to her. We let the car run the last few fuel stops because staring is taking long, with a bit of extra throttle.
I hope Josie gets to run this track- she was really really really looking forward to it.
Time to get kicked out of this room now, so I need to pack up and wait for word from Car & Driver
Larry
Monday, May 2, 2011
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Enroute to Daytona
Got mis-cued and lost 25 minutes getting to BMW, but still had plenty of time to set up, and little wait to do the one run here. Josie said it felt good! Long night. Repeats tomorrow, with Daytona + Gainesville + drive to LA . Sleep? Not in the B29, which is what we're calling it because it feels like a WWII bomber taking flack over Berlin. We keep asking, "are we over the target yet" Sorry not to be posting pics, but as you can see, we have very little time when there is a fast connection.
Enroute to BMW
We are on the way BMW performance school with Josie at the wheel. GPS says 1753, but she usually shaves several minutes per hour of that on mostly interstate. No goofs on our part today so far, so it has been a good but sometimes boring day so far- lots of waiting to go again for your few minutes of track experience.
Josie provided entertainment via her car songs on the sound system, which most got a kick out of.
We're seeing a lot of car work, some major, and there have been several exciting moments for other cars. Parts are being flown in, and some who are out of the race are pitching in to help those who have a chance to continue. I wish it were easier to go into detail, but even on interstates it isn't hard to kmake thetsesstst lok very funny, all for now.. Larry G
Josie provided entertainment via her car songs on the sound system, which most got a kick out of.
We're seeing a lot of car work, some major, and there have been several exciting moments for other cars. Parts are being flown in, and some who are out of the race are pitching in to help those who have a chance to continue. I wish it were easier to go into detail, but even on interstates it isn't hard to kmake thetsesstst lok very funny, all for now.. Larry G
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Summit Point Spin
Larry and I woke up -- surprisingly only half comatose - after only 4 hours of sleep. Yes, we have managed to finish last in every category, including arriving at the hotel for a good night's rest. As I told one of the organizers, at least we're consistent!
Today was a good day. Larry and I are developing a routine. We prepare the car together. Then I run off to speak with the other drivers about the track in question, and Larry manages the pit area and the directions and preparations for the next leg of the trip.
Today was extra special because my good friend, Andee, and her husband Jack came out to visit from northern VA. Andee has been a huge supporter of our fundraiser and has managed the accounting process. Fortunately, I was able to put in a couple of good hot laps while they were watching.
However, when they were not watching (i.e. they had already left), I logged in an interesting lap. I was starting to feel comfortable with the track when it started to rain. I believed that since it had just started raining, I would not have any issues on the track. Wrong! Just as I was coming out of one turn and rushing at full throttle (yes, I'm so proud) to the next turn, I hit a wet spot and started to severely fishtail. I was able to manage the fishtail (I kept chanting: drive like you're on ice; you can do this), when I hit another spot and got sideways. I was heading towards the tire wall. Bizarre how slowly an event can happen in your mind. I resigned myself to the hit and merely thought... this could hurt. Fortunately, I hit a dry spot and it sent me into a 360 spin back towards the track! I recovered and moved on.
Just as I was congratulating myself, I saw the checkered flag and thought, I can come in. I didn't need a cool lap because I was moving gingerly after the spin. Unfortunately, I never crossed the checkered flag!!! My session - which was good for me -- was not counted. Repeating yesterday, can she not count the number of laps in a session???
Actually, Team Fritsch is doing OK. We have little experience and the rest of the field has way more than us. Also, each track is a little stressful as I try to learn it as quickly as possible.
Tomorrow morning is Carolina Motorsports (SC) followed by BMW private performance center with 150 miles in between. Then we're off to Daytona!
You should know that Larry is carrying the flag for our cause. He has been handing out cards (specially made by Sandy) highlighting our fundraiser and how they can help. Since our car receives the most attention (of course, I'm biased), there are ample opportunities to spread the word. Thank you, Larry!!
Off to a 6 hour sleep. We're exhausted, and we need to arrive at the track early so that I have plenty of time to see the track and to ask questions.
Thank you loyal fans! We can make a dent in the fight against PD.
Good night!
Josie
Today was a good day. Larry and I are developing a routine. We prepare the car together. Then I run off to speak with the other drivers about the track in question, and Larry manages the pit area and the directions and preparations for the next leg of the trip.
Today was extra special because my good friend, Andee, and her husband Jack came out to visit from northern VA. Andee has been a huge supporter of our fundraiser and has managed the accounting process. Fortunately, I was able to put in a couple of good hot laps while they were watching.
However, when they were not watching (i.e. they had already left), I logged in an interesting lap. I was starting to feel comfortable with the track when it started to rain. I believed that since it had just started raining, I would not have any issues on the track. Wrong! Just as I was coming out of one turn and rushing at full throttle (yes, I'm so proud) to the next turn, I hit a wet spot and started to severely fishtail. I was able to manage the fishtail (I kept chanting: drive like you're on ice; you can do this), when I hit another spot and got sideways. I was heading towards the tire wall. Bizarre how slowly an event can happen in your mind. I resigned myself to the hit and merely thought... this could hurt. Fortunately, I hit a dry spot and it sent me into a 360 spin back towards the track! I recovered and moved on.
Just as I was congratulating myself, I saw the checkered flag and thought, I can come in. I didn't need a cool lap because I was moving gingerly after the spin. Unfortunately, I never crossed the checkered flag!!! My session - which was good for me -- was not counted. Repeating yesterday, can she not count the number of laps in a session???
Actually, Team Fritsch is doing OK. We have little experience and the rest of the field has way more than us. Also, each track is a little stressful as I try to learn it as quickly as possible.
Tomorrow morning is Carolina Motorsports (SC) followed by BMW private performance center with 150 miles in between. Then we're off to Daytona!
You should know that Larry is carrying the flag for our cause. He has been handing out cards (specially made by Sandy) highlighting our fundraiser and how they can help. Since our car receives the most attention (of course, I'm biased), there are ample opportunities to spread the word. Thank you, Larry!!
Off to a 6 hour sleep. We're exhausted, and we need to arrive at the track early so that I have plenty of time to see the track and to ask questions.
Thank you loyal fans! We can make a dent in the fight against PD.
Good night!
Josie
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