Much happier with my driving after this past weekend's WDCR event. Shawn co-drove with me in the Open class, while Katie drove my car in Ladies. Temps were in the low 80's and muggy as it had been raining quite a bit, but by the time STX gridded in the 4th heat, the rain had stopped and the course was damp in some areas but mostly dry.
A top local F125 driver, Justin Neal, decided to run his prepped WRX in STX (as he had no rains for his cart), so I knew he would be tough (SportsCar has him listed as a possible to win Solo Nats in F125 this Fall). Shawn is a fast driver, while Travis and John are always quick in their WRX.
Shawn had a spin on his first run (in a damp spot) and turned a 70.6, while Justin and I both hit two cones on our first runs and turned raw times in the 65's. John was at a clean 66.7 while Travis turned a clean 67.8.
2nd runs saw times drop significantly. Justin lead the way with a clean 64.5, while I was right behind with a clean 64.6. Shawn was 3rd with a clean 65.4 while John was 4th with a 65.5. Travis had a dirty 65.1+1 which left him 5th in class.
During 3rd runs, Shawn took the lead with a clean 63.6, while I had a dirty 63.7+1. Justin ran a 64.3+1 so had to stand on his 2nd run, while Travis put down a clean 64.2. John improved sligtly to a clean 65.2.
Fianl runs rolled around and I knew a low 63/high 62 was possible. Shawn came in with a clean 64.6 so had to stand on his 3rd run. John and Travis improved to a 64.7 and 64.1 respectively. At the line was Justin and I was the car directly behind him.
I laid down a very solid lap. I drove a tight line in sweepers, got on the gas early in the power sections and made it through a kink with just a lift, where I previously tapped the brakes. Approaching the finish line I could see that Justin turned a 63.1...would my time be lower??? I cross the line, stare at the light and see a 63.303! Aargh -- so close!!!!
I'm delighted though as this was my best driving in the last 2 months. I absolutely pushed myself to my limits, and kept finding time on each and every run! The car performed absolutely flawlessly and the suspension felt completely dialed-in for the surface!
Summary:
2nd of 13 in class
11th of 185 in PAX
Street Touring X
Pos # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 146 Neal, Justin WRX 65.299+2 64.500 64.357+1 63.109 63.109 0
2T 190 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 65.976+2 64.664 63.744+1 63.303 63.303 0.194
3T 90 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 70.673 65.440 63.624 64.659 63.624 0.321
4 107 Finlay, Travis 2003 Subaru Wrx Blue 67.817 65.144+1 64.284 64.122 64.122 0.498
5 7 Willemin, John 2003 Subaru Impreza Wrx World Rally Blue 66.722 65.599 65.293 64.710 64.710 0.588
6 57 Mero, Matthew 1994 Bmw 325Is White 73.807+1 70.131 67.253 66.333 66.333 1.623
7 13 Hill, Barrett 2004 Subaru Wrx Silver 75.266+1 69.366 67.649 67.436 67.436 1.103
8 49 Bly, Vince 2003 Mini Cooper S Blue And Yellow 71.768+1 68.131 66.958+DNF 67.615 67.615 0.179
9 11 Liu, Edwin 2006 Tony Kart Krypton Cr125 Grn/Wht 73.035 68.914 67.913+1 70.264 68.914 1.299
10 46 Neal, Doug 2005 Subaru Wrx White 78.284+DNF 72.037+DNF 70.171 69.087 69.087 0.173
11 9 Bernard, Charles 2002 Lexus Is300 Graphite Grey 76.992 71.294+DNF 70.509 69.622 69.622 0.535
12 31 Bell, Scott 2007 Vw Gti Red 72.676 72.950 70.234+DNF 70.462 70.462 0.840
13 44 Sibley, Fil 2007 Ford Mustang Blue 74.759 72.719 72.563+DNF 72.389+DNF 72.719 2.257
Pics:
Katie
Shawn
Chike
