1/19/03

With the Christmas lights just being put away in their boxes, it was time to load up the red Z06 #78 Corvette hotrod and head south for our first 2 races. But Scotty being the ole' pro that he is, thought it would be a good idea of stopping by Willow Springs Raceway for a little test and tune day. So it was off to LA first and then head over to Phoenix International Raceway for the races. Not a bad way to come off the holiday season!

It is a huge advantage having Scotty as a resource on the team. He has been around these cars both in SCCA and World Challenge for many years and his knowledge is wonderful. Never been to Phoenix before, it was challenging trying to learn the track as well as figure out the personality of a new race car.

So needless to say, the first day wasn't too impressive on my part. However both Scotty and Rick were tearing up the track putting up some very good times.

The one issue that my car seemed to have had in the past was an ABS problem that was difficult to resolve. I was told that many hours were spent by some incredibly smart and talented individuals on this problem but had a tough time diagnosing it. Some changes were made during the winter to the car to hopefully correct the problem. Even though we were not "up to speed" yet with the car, I was relived every time I got done with a session and the ABS didn't malfunction.

For the first race, I qualified 5th in class. Not the best in the world but within 6 tenths of the pole time. We had our work cut out for us. My two NayKid teammates qualified 2nd and 3rd! I was really happy for the both of them.

As the checkered flag dropped in the first race, Team NayKid Racing finished 1st, 3rd and 4th. Rick lead the way, I managed to sneak by a few folks for 3rd but Scotty had problems. His car was having some electrical problems and was down on power. So he had a frustrating run.

After a few pats on the backs with our crew, it was time to get to work for our next race. The crew really wanted to figure out what was giving Scotty's car a problem. Within a few minutes they saw the problem and went to work to correct it. Let's just say, they worked their magic.

Qualifying for the second race, was a 1-2-3 team NayKid Racing!! It was Rick on the pole, Scotty in 2nd and you know who, rounding out the top 3. It was a good feeling for the team.

The 2nd race went for the most part according to plan. Rick took the lead and did a great job driving and holding everybody off. My old buddy Scotty was probably encountering his fair share of problems for the entire year in the first 2 races!! Due to a wheel-bearing problem, his ABS went out. Again, when the ABS unit goes out in these cars, they get extremely difficult to drive. He did a great job holding on to 3rd place as the checkered flag was dropped.

So there you have it.....a 1-2-3 team finish!! It was a great showing for the team and sponsors. If these first couple of races are any indication of what the year holds for myself and teammates, it will prove to be one challenging but fun year. The competitors in this group of T1 racers seem to be very close and helpful towards each other. I am looking forward to getting to know them better.

The next race for all 3 of us is at the new Arizona Motorsports Park in Phoenix Arizona. It will be the first time an event will be held there.

Thanks for tuning in and we will keep you posted. If you have any questions for my self or the team, please let us know.