4/1/00

Today was a racing day I will soon want to forget. Let's just say I hope not to have one of these again in the near future.

After a Starbucks stop with Fred (we have to have our latte's), we made it out to the track nice and early. After Chapel, I went to the car to get ready for the race. Starting on the front row was a good place to start and Divina and I had a good chat on our strategy for the first part of the race.

Being the Grand Marshall of the race today, I gave the command "racers, start your engines." That was a real trip and a real honor they asked.

Took the green flag and tucked in behind Divina in turn 1. The car felt good for the first 2 laps. Then hell broke out going into turn 2. The alarm light began flashing and then the motor started to lay down. No power. It was like the emergency brake being pulled. I knew I wasn't going to get around the track because the car was loosing too much power, so I just pulled off and parked it.

Extremely frustrated, I radioed to Fred and let him know what had just happened. So there I sat in the infield and watched the longest race in my life. Divina just cruised to victory which broke my heart. Don't get my wrong, I was very happy for her but I could have been a fun race for the both of us.

Stayed around to watch the main ALMS race. I said to Fred before the start, "You know what would top my day? If the #89 Porsche crashed in the race." Well, guess what? It did!!! This was the car I was supposed to test in Virginia on Tuesday. I just couldn't believe it. It was the icing on the cake for the day.

These days happen in the world of motorsports. I am just not accustomed to them. I think I have been very lucky to drive race cars that has been prepped by my husband Fred. He also experienced a high level of frustration today watching me stand there in the infield during the race. But there will be another day. Just have to dust myself off and get ready for the next race.

Don't know what our plans are for the future but this test hopefully tomorrow with the MCR team will lead us into a new direction. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks for turning in and I really appreciate everyone's emails. Keep them coming.

Be safe.

Cindi