7/30/99

The following report came in early Saturday morning.

Friday report:

Started out the day with an early wake up call. Had to be at the track at 6:00 am for a live TV remote. That's too early!! But it gave me some time afterwards to walk around the pits and talk with some friends and reflect on the next 3 days.

The #14 car is definitely NOT the same as the #17 car at Sears Point. It has a terrible throttle-on over steer that is evil. Don't get me wrong, I like a loose racecar but this one is strange. The "green team" crew has been wonderful trying to find the problem. We have made several changes but nothing has done the trick, yet. There is a fine line here of not complaining too much about the cars. There are some drivers who constantly complain about this and that!

Had 2 sessions today. Needless to say, I was very, very disappointed in the times. My worst nightmare is coming true...coming to my home track and things are not going right. I can't believe how slow I have to drive turns 1,2 and 3. Almost to the point of coasting through them.

The personality of some of the drivers is really starting to emerge. Just like any racers when you spend time with them. Some of them are wonderful and the others are very interesting to watch and listen to.

My family arrives today from Yakima for the weekend. It will be good to have them there. It is difficult to explain to people about the series but when they see it for themselves, I know they will find it very magical.

Well, I definitely need to step it up in Saturday's qualifying. Let’s see what we can do.