3/17/00

I really didn't appreciate or understand Sebring until now. This racetrack is something so special that it is difficult to put in words. I know, a racer is kind of strange talking about the "mystic" of a racetrack. But this place has a special feeling to it like nothing I have ever experienced before. The crowds are something I have never seen. They love to party!!

Anyway, back to the WGGT race. Started in the 2nd row outside, which isn't the optimal place to be on the grid.

And the start was once again exciting. You are flat out 3rd gear trying to make it around the left bend. Well, it was slippery and some drivers, including myself had their hands quite full. I had my hands flying inside the car trying to keep it somewhat straight. Milka Duno slipped by and after reviewing the in car camera, she BARELY slipped by!!!

I didn't want to loose the top 2 leaders so I had to aggressively get by Milka, which I did on lap 2. Now in 3rd place, I started to catch Sonya a little bit and she was catching Divina. But Milka was still on my butt! It was a train race for several laps. My gray hair was growing at an alarming rate!

Anyway, I just waited for a mistake by Divina or Sonya so I could slip by. But no such luck. Trying to force a pass here is not a good thing. It's a very fast racetrack.

So we settled for 3rd today. Not the outcome I push myself towards but I have to accept it and be happy. The competition this year is going to be very tough and that is what the series is all about.

But enough about the WGGT race. Other news I want to share with my friends. Some good news. As many of you know, I lost my primary sponsor last year, The Cobalt Group. So without any funding, it is very difficult to negotiate with a team/owner about moving up into a different car and class. There are many good racecar drivers out there who are not funded and I am just another name on that list.

But wait..... last Thursday night I had the opportunity to sit down with some folks who might be able to help me a little bit. I meet with the MCR/Nygmatech team which fields 3 Porsche's in the GT class in the ALMS series. What we have agreed to is that I will be joining them for their Pirelli tire tests either at Charlotte or another track. They will put me in the car and see how I do. I also agreed to run on my WGGT car FamilyClick.com sponsorship in return for this test. FamilyClick.com is one of the sponsors on the #89 GT car.

It's a small step but it might have big implications for the future. So keep your fingers crossed on this one folks, this is what I have been working for. I am so grateful to those who have helped me in getting to this point.

Well, its time to head to the track for the 12 hours of Sebring. Thanks for tuning in.

Drive fast and drive safe.

Cindi