Whoever wrote, “practice makes perfect” probably never knew how right they were. I have gotten a bit more seat time in the race car, and to date, I have had two Test & Tune sessions, three 10-lap Heat races, and three 30-lap Feature races under my belt. I guess I have about 200 laps or so on the new oval track at Alaska Raceway Park.
As I spend more time in the car, I must keep reminding myself that I am first new at circle track racing. Second, I’m racing against drivers with much more experience than I do. Third, I am doing this because of a lifelong dream, which is supposed to be fun.
Even though I may feel like I should be faster and driving better, I’m doing pretty well. I have kept the car off the wall and, even better, off other cars on the track, that is, until this weekend. All race car drivers know that they will have incidents on the track, and they try their hardest to prevent them, but sometimes it just happens. Well, during the 30-lap Feature, #66 Paul Houston and I were at it. He started ahead of me, but by lap 10, I could get around him when he got loose in Turn Two. He stayed right on my tail, and around lap 20, I pushed a little high, and he dove in below me and took the spot. Being determined to get my spot back, I pushed even harder. It was a great race between the two of us, and we were able to keep our cars off each other and race clean. Thanks, Paul!
Well, I had finally caught him on lap 24 and getting ready to pass him when I got a big surprise. Diving into Turn 1, I saw Paul slip up a little, and then suddenly, the back end of my car started to come around. So I pushed in the clutch like everyone had told me to do and would ride it out till I stopped. I had almost done a complete 360° when I felt the left front wheel dig in, and over I went. I remember thinking then, “this really can’t be happening.” So like that, one second, I am fighting for 2nd place, and the next moment I am sitting upside down on my top, looking like a turtle that has just been put on its back.
Now being upside down was a new experience, so I just sat there and gathered my thoughts for a second. Being a big NASCAR fan, I remember the drivers always dropping their window nets, so the safety crew would know they were alright. I released the safety net; of course, it didn’t move because it was upside down like me. So I stuck my arm out the window and waved so people would know I was ok. The only time that I was concerned was when I noticed gasoline pouring from carburetors onto the ground. It only seemed like seconds had gone by when one of the safety crew was at my window asking me if I was ok. Thank you to ARP – your Safety Team is top-notch!
With my Baby Grand car, I get in and out through the roof, so I wasn’t going anywhere until they rolled me back over. Moments later, I was back upright and able to unstrap myself and get out. I remember hearing the crowds’ cheers as I crawled out, so I gave them a wave to say “thank you.”
Rolling a car is hazardous to the people inside and the car itself. Luckily, the car and I were fine except for the body, but nothing a little fiberglass couldn’t fix. As I continue with my race program, my learning curve is still pretty steep, but I am getting smarter after every lap. The ultimate goal is to be the fastest person on the track and finish 1st, but I have learned very quickly that speed is a learning process.
Brad Generous, Velocity Motorsport #63