If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!

NASA-AZ’s night event at Firebird is the biggest event of the year and I’ve never had much luck.  I’ve had mechanical failures the 2 previous years I competed in the event.  But heading into the event this year I was confident there would be no mechanical issues.  The event would actually be split into two events, one in the morning/afternoon at the West track and the other in the afternoon/night on the Main track.  I was set to compete in both NASA Time Trial and UMS Time Attack.  Going for 3 wins on 2 different tracks in 1 day was no easy task.

So the plan was simple win everything, all day and night!  Well, that plan got derailed rather quickly as I struggled all over the West track.  With no grip and diabolical handling, I was unable to put a solid lap together.  One of my competitors put in a strong 1:06.8 laptime while I was way back with a 1:08.2 after the first session.  Unable to make it on track for the 2nd session I went out for the third and final session on the West track. I gave everything I had and more, but it wasn’t enough.  A 1:07:6 was the best I could produce with the car.  Having to settle for 2nd was tough to deal with, but fortunately the event quickly moved onto the Main track.  A fresher set of tires and I was out for the 2nd session on the Main track around 7pm under the lights.  Knowing that I had the car to get the job done, I hit the track ready to go for victory.  It was absolutely crazy out on track, with some 2-3 wide action and eating up slower cars mid session.  Somehow I was able to get a gap and put the hammer down for 2 laps and got the time I needed to win, 1:12.2!  I had a short break before I had to compete in the UMS Time Attack where I was determined to keep my Time Attack win streak alive!  So I ripped off another 1:12.2 and called it a night with another win in hand.

Weekend Results:
2nd Place NASA-TT: 1:07.6 (West Track)
1st Place NASA-TT: 1:12.2 (Main Track)
1st Place UMS Time Attack: 1:12.2 (Main Track)

Here’s a photo of my front splitter after my TT and Time Attack runs on the Main track.  My Dad said as long as I keep winning he doesn’t mind fixing the splitter, I’ll do as I’m told!