The track event this past weekend (at VIR's North Course) came with weather that was certainly less than ideal for trying to drive sports cars as fast as they will go. Saturday started off wet and settled into a pattern of overcast skies and annoying light drizzle. Even though precipitation was falling, all the cars on track were drying it out fairly well...at least until 4:15. As my last student pulls off track and I prepare to go to the Time Trial driver's meeting, the rain starts. Hard. It becomes evident our TT will be done in the downpour. Oh boy.
Due to the fact that I had forgotten to turn my transponder (lap time recorder) on all day, I had no qualifying times. That meant they put me in the back of Group 3, the slowest group. I went out with 5 cars in front of me, all spaced 7 seconds apart leaving the pits. I was not ready for how slippery the track was. Once I figured out how to dance between going fast and not flying off into the grass, I managed to get going pretty well. I passed every car in front of me in my group during my 4 laps. I parked the car, glad that was over. As it turns out, even though I was held up during my time on track by slower traffic, I managed a 2nd place finish in my class (out of 7 cars)! I now have a cheap little plaque for all my efforts.
Sunday started out wet again but never rained during the day. Even though it was cold and windy and no where near Spring weather, it was much nicer having a dry track the whole day.
The car ran great. My new suspension feels SO much better than the old one. My students did great and picked up a lot of speed as the weekend progressed.
Now...if only May 17th would get here sooner so I can do it again!
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