Blur.
That sums up the entire trip. Everything, and I mean, everything, was super fast-paced I’m just now starting to just take it all in. I took all but four pictures, all from my phone. Seriously.
That’s my super awesome ticket, that I’m going to keep and put in some scrapbook of mine. My first ever ticket across the country, and it just so happened to be paired up with not just my favorite number, but letter as well! So sick!
My cup of ginger ale. It wasn’t even Canada Dry! I was upset, but hey, considering I’ve always had a can of ginger ale for every flight I’ve been on, I figure I didn’t wanna break tradition.
The ticket in. Credentials were vital this weekend, Grand-Am is no joke. If you’re not supposed to be there, you won’t get far. The track facility is BEAUTIFUL. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a more, prettier, track! It was a country club, seriously.
Our baby, #04! Second Grand-Am event, and I believe the 4th or 5th time the car has seen the track. Pretty impressive to see the car bone-stock and being there when the car(s) took delivery, to now. Yes, the second time I’ve seen the car in the span of a month, but she’s running now!
Tires are ever so important in racing, especially when everyone uses the same tire. Making sure your tire pressures are set correctly is key. It’s common to go through a few sets of tires just in practice sessions just to make sure you’ve got the right temperatures and pressures. So that was me. I was placed in charge of tires. Whether it was the grunt work of hauling tires to and from Continental Tire, scraping the wheel weights off the wheels and scrubbing the leftover glue/tape, detailing the wheels, setting the tire pressures, to throwing the wheels on and off the car.
It may sound boring or not fun at all to some people, but I had a blast. I was constantly moving, consistently busy, and tried to make use of my time effectively. Speaking with the team, making sure I had things right, I did not want to be responsible for anything negative at all. (Although, can I really be held responsible for anything negative, period? Look at me!)
Come race day, another role added to my plate. Fire Guy. You know, the guy involved in the pit stop, but not really involved with it at all? He hops out with the pit crew, but just stands there with a fire extinguisher. You may think that’s boring, or lame, but dude, what an adrenaline rush! These cars are flying into the pits HOT, fuel is highly combustible, and fire can and does frequently happen. I had the most important job of anyone. Safety first!
All in all, we finished completed the race and finished in 16th! I was impressed with everyone’s hard work, and I’m proud to say I helped the team to their first ever completed Grand-Am event!
I’m hoping I get the opportunity to join the team once again!! Whether it’s Road America, or Laguna, either way, I’m hoping I can support the guys once more! I couldn’t thank them enough for this Grand Opportunity!