I was a bit concerned about myself repairing and replacing parts the two previous weeks, but I cheated fate again and everything worked like a champ.
Wednesday:
Left work early. Killed two birds with one stone: business meeting in route to Tulsa. Nice write off, eh? Rain?? You bet. But no problem with an enclosed trailer!
Only screwup, turned right instead of left and missed Clois's party. Hit the sack early.
Thursday:
Up early and caravaned to the track with Miles and found perfect parking in the thick of things adjacent to Clois and Scott. Two of the nicest Okie's you will ever meet.
Hit the drivers meeting, then the parade laps, got advice from instructors and some tips from Miles he learned about the track in school the day before. Then five more sessions ever increasing pucker factor until I was comfortable. Rain...absolutally!!! I want to learn how to drive these cars. So I put it in wet conditions. It feels like 1000 HP. It makes really cool looking photographs too.
I was chasing and following some really good and really bad drivers. I learned a whole bunch from them. I was passed by 80% of the cars this day. My daughter even showed up and took a hot lap session with me.
That night, was cruise night. Took Kristen's advice and beat the down pour back to the hotel. Car in trailer, cue the rain. James, Caroline and I had a few rounds of beer to celebrate missing the storm.
Friday:
Caravaned with James Yale. Same parking spaces, 6 driving sessions, increasing speed and becoming comfortable. 50% pass me, I pass 50%. Rain or shine, I'm on the track. Now starting to learn how to steer in turns with throttle only. Catching "the line" maybe up to 50% of the time. It's like driving butter, smoooooth. The other 50% wears my a$$ out.
Watched the "Vintage" guys with shear delight.
Saturday:
Same story about the parking, but only half the people show up. All others went to the drag races.
Lets go CLOCKWISE!!! Right on. Basically a whole new coarse. Now I'm passing 80%, and 20% passing me. (Probably because the other 60% went to the drags.)
Rented a transponder last 3 out of 5 session. Best lap time clockwise was 1:43. Not sure how good that is with street tires and an non-"tuned" suspension, but it was a blast.
Today I'm home, exhausted, and ready to go again.
Thanks to all that helped me drive and let me hang out.