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