Just a quick note about a crazy weekend at the Pocono Nationals race. First off Bill Z sat this one out since he already has the NE championship sewn up, but he was nice enough to come out and visit. I got to pocono but continued to have clutch issues, so it was up to CJ and Charles to lead the way. Charles is still getting his feet wet at the National level and will be fast soon enough. Soo race one, CJ quals around 7th in a field of 10 and gets a great jump on the outside passing all but 3 of the T2 cars (nice to have that turbo power ) He then had a nice battle with an STI which he eventually won and then moved on to take second place from Seg in his F body. They had a great run down the front straight where they traded positions back and forth with CJ coming out front, then all hell broke loose. Both cars were sliding like crazy at the end of the front straight from some fluids that got spilled on the track. Seg managed to save his car but CJ slid off impacting the wall with the front right side of the car. The entire side of his car also impacted the wall as he bounced away from it. CJ is ok but is feeling pretty sore today, ribs neck etc... but will be fine. With CJ packed up and home and Me without the ablility to get my car in 5th gear, I planned on packing it up and going home Sunday, but the skies opened up and it started a nice drizzle. hmmmmmm So I ran over an registered. I did not qual so I knew id be in the back of the pack 45th overall and basically have to pass 25 cars just to get to the T2 pack. Sooo while cars were lining up in the grid, I was sitting there trying to decide on tires, most everyone chose full race dot slicks as the drizzle was intermittent, I decided to go with half tread RA1s (my intermediates). As I lined up the drizzle got more and more steady. My only concern was my speed being limited from no 5th gear on the over 150mph front straight (in dry conditions). The race was underway and I have to say, with AWD and tires that had good grip in the wet, it was like taking candy from a baby . In just over 3 laps I went from 45th overall to 4th in T2 (about 8th overall) life was good. But then the car shut off coming down the front straight, not sure what the issue is but the car just died. Im thinkin timing belt slipped/or fell off from trying to get the car into 5th and then going back to 4th. Or an electrical issue, I guess ill find out tonight when I pull the cover and check timing (if the belt is still on of course). Well, it was fun while it lasted. Great meeting you Charles, you just need to learn to maximize the EVOs strengths and minimize its weaknesses against the other cars out there and youll be good to go.

Marty

 

Very disappointing weekend for the Evo crew! Saturdays race was REALLY messy and we lost a lot of cars, which was unfortunate. CJ and Marty both had really fantastic races.

CJ - I hope you are OK and that you get the car rebuilt soon. You had a hell of a drive out there!

Marty - Great meeting you also, you also had a hell of a run, I was thrilled when I saw you blow by the crowd, I was really hoping that you would pull it off. At least you gave the pack a good run.

I'd also just like to point out what a great guy Marty is, he saw that my two front Hoosier tires were hurting and let me use some of his old ones, keep in mind these tires are not cheap! Thanks again Marty, you really saved my weekend.

 

I was dying for an update all weekend and this is not exactly what i was expecting to hear with how things were looking. I am very happy that our boy is ok.

Now it's going to be yet another month of craziness but rest assured that our boys will be back out soon terrorizing the field.

 

Marty,
Do a code check before you do anything else. It may save you a lot of aggravation. CJ, sorry I didn't stop by after your car came in on the wrecker. Figured you weren't in the mood to chat. Now you know the truth about racing. It's not "if" your going to have the big one, it's "when". I'll never forget putting my Evo into the armco at the Glen backwards at 100 mph. Ever seen a Evo hatchback?
Cheers,

 

Guys...Thanks for the kind words. It is all a part of racing and I accept it. Parts are ordered and the car will be fixed, hopefully good as new, shortly. I'm still sore as hell and my right side ribs are still on fire, but all the safety equipment did its job. Bill and Charles you'll get an in car video viewing at the Runoffs

 

Not pocono pics but a few pictures from VIR I just found
Marty

http://www.vfnewman.com/gallery2/v/0...e2134.JPG.html

http://www.vfnewman.com/gallery2/v/0...e2225.JPG.html

http://www.vfnewman.com/gallery2/v/0...e2498.JPG.html