Another Podium... Life Is Good!

It feels good to be able to tell you to sit back and relax, because I have a lot to tell you!

There is an old saying around racetracks, “In order to win, you have to finish”. In the two years I have been with Matt, I have heard that phrase at least two million times. I was quite sure I knew what it meant -- sounds pretty simple -- so, what was the big deal? After our race at Road America, I really know what it means. More about that later.

Road America is a beautiful track. Four miles of curves and turns and a straightaway to make you want to cry. All of this amid big, old stately trees, that have more stories to tell than I ever could. And, to top it off, the weather was great. A little on the warm side, but the sun was shining as brightly as possible -- that meant, of course, it would be a great race (even though HOT), and we should do well.

The entry list was pretty big -- 42 cars. The eventual starting grid held 38. SRP-8, SRPII-5, GTS-3, GT-20, and AGT-6. David Murry joined our team, as this race was 5 hours in length. We qualified in the 21st position. And, everyone was anxious to start, as they all had a good feeling about the outcome.

Darren Law will drive first, as he qualified #81. Then he will turn the car over to David Murry and then Murry to Matt. After the pits open, there will be 10 minutes of reconnaissance laps. After their first lap, cars may take their place on the grid. The cars shut off their engines for a short time. Then, the familiar “Gentlemen, start your engines”, will be heard. There will be one pace lap (or parade lap), and the green flag will drop.

Don’t know if you have ever noticed a smaller race, within the larger race, that has been going on most of the season. For one reason or another, a rivalry has developed between #81 and a certain other car. If I were to list the poor sportsmanship displayed by this team, I would be guilty of poor sportsmanship, too, so I won’t. I will only say that what goes around, comes around -- and it finally did! More later.

The first driver change occurs at 1:12, from Darren to David. By 1:30, #81 is in third place in the GT class. About 2:30-driver change from Murry to Matt. Crew chief radios to David, “Pit this lap, loosen belts and thanks for a great job." Chief to Matt,” Radio?" Matt to chief, “Check”. Chief tells crew, “Set him on the ground, guys.”

Chief tells Matt, “Track is slippery because of the heat, you may find grip is iffy. Also, three SRP’s on the way and, car in the gravel at turn 14, otherwise, track is clear." Matt says, “Copy”. After some time, chief radios, “20 seconds ahead of you, #98 on fire. A lot of traffic coming up on you. You need 8 more laps -- put them together for me.”

Matt radios, “Body work on turns 2,3,4 and 5.” Chief replies, “Only need 2 more laps -- stand on it as long as you can. OK, pit this lap.” Matt tells him, “Our “BUDDY” just went into the gravel trap.” Chief tells Matt to stay out there, we need to keep that position. Matt says, “Copy, I’ll stay out.” Chief tells Matt, "We need four more laps.” Things are beginning to “come around” and, we will finish the race while the “other” car will not.

Now Matt is told to pit. “Matt, enter pit lane, loosen belts -- do it by the numbers -- nice and easy. When you get out of the car, sprint to the pit wall, David will help with driver change.” Darren in with Murry’s help. Matt is given water and then watches as the last few laps leave our team third place in GT class!!!!!

Don’t have to tell you -- It’s PODIUM TIME!!!!!!!!! This is, of course, the best time of all! Everyone is “party ready”. This will really help driver’s and owner’s point standings. Life is good!!! See you in Canada, at Trois-Rivieriers. And, don’t forget to bring all your energy -- you’re gona need it. PODIUM, PODIUM, PODIUM!!!!!