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Cindi's Reflections on the 2003 Championship Year |
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 01/04/04
What a kick ass year!
Coming into the 2003 racing season, I really didn't have any expectations. I just approached the year like anyother racing season...to give 110% at all times.
Joining forces with Scotty B.White was an important factor to our success. We met when I was running in the American Le Mans Series and he was running in World Challenge back in 1999. The chemistry between us on how we approach racing both on and off the track is a great match and is something you don't find very often. Both of us really feel we can take this business relationship well into the future in other areas of racing.
My third teammate was new comer Rick Gilhart (or better know as Gilbert). Eventhough we didn't know each other when the first race came along, we fast became partners in crime. Not only did he have tremendous amount of talent behind the wheel of a race car but he also had a sick/fun sense of humor.....need I say more?
Our sponsors for 2003 were really the backbone to our success. Kumho Tires were there every single time we hit the track. They were the most reliable and consistant tire in producing the necessary speed. Suburban Chevorolet in Sandy Oregon... these guys know their stuff! Everytime we needed product support, they were always there ready to help! And RedLine Oil and Kodiak Wheels provided product support that was second to none.
 And the crew...... or I should call them family.
Joe...the first one there in the mornings and the last one to leave, Howard who always had a smile on his face and willing to help, Jack and Janet Kendall, who got the transporter to all the races and kept us feed with some great food! Katie who never stops working on making the cars look so good. Ben or (Jen) who became my "car chief" mid-year is an electrical wizzard and has a another great sense of humor! Keith, a great friend who was the technical guru on all sorts of data that helped me keep focused and worry free.
And the guy who makes my life as a race car driver much easier is my best friend and husband... Fred. His magical touch overseeing all three cars has brought a huge level of confidence to the team. And for drivers, this is something critical for better performance.
At the start of 2003, we experienced the typical startup challenges with new drivers and crew working together. But it didn't take too long before the chemistry started to build and the performance started to soar!
Because road racing consumes a fair amount of time, its important to have a supportive family and friends. I am truly blessed in these 2 areas.
I really believe we have assembled a strong core group of people that are second to none. We had so much momentum at the end of the year, that is why I cannot wait to get the 2004 season started! |
