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9/17/99
 It was another beautiful day at Road Atlanta. The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather to go racin' in.
Got to the track and was supposed to start out the day with a session in the G and W Motorsports Porsche RSR car. Now I say "suppose" to because the crew was working on the car until 4:30 AM to rebuild the motor due to an over shift in qualifying yesterday. Well, when they started the car, they found out that the clutch was toast and needed to be changed. So, no morning session. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. I was really ready to get in the car and see what I could do and get over my apprehensions about the gearbox. I will tell you......... 6 speed gearboxes are a little tough to adjust to!
So, off to the other side of the paddock to get ready for the WGGT qualifying sessions. Fred, Keith Watson and myself talked about some changes we wanted to make to the car to help it quit understeering. Well, the change we made was very radical and it was really risky. Then to top it off, my radio didn't work when I went out for my first session. Great, the biggest change and scariest change we make to the car and I have no radio contact!! That kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Anyway, the car was terrible and I only made 3 laps and came in. It was bottoming out in the corners in the front. So now we know what doesn't work on these cars. So after the 1st qualifying session, I was 10th. I was not too pleased with my performance. We only had 30 minutes between our two sessions, so changes had to be made quickly. But again, with the limited number of crewmembers, it was a little nerve racking as to whether or not it was going to get done.
At this point in the day, my enthusiasm was starting to dwindle a tad bit. Both cars that I am supposed to drive are having major difficulties.
The second session was a little better and I moved up to 5th on the grid. The car was very comfortable to drive but with a large push in the middle of the corners. Something I will have to live with, I guess.
 Right after I got out of the car, Fred and I jumped into the golf cart and off we went across the pits to the Porsche. The car was on the track with one of my other co-drivers at the wheel. It was on track and that was cool!! Right when I got to the pits the car was waiting for me and I jumped in and went out!! Things were happening a little too quickly.
Being very sensitive to the gearbox, I went out and just "cruised" around. But still I made some mistakes with shifting. I was very mad at myself. Come on Cindi, let’s get it together.
But just being out there was a thrill of a lifetime. The car is the best thing I have ever driven and I can't wait until tomorrow for the big race. The team has been wonderful to work with. Even with a rookie!! I am making some rookie mistakes but they are very understanding and they know how to settle me down on the radio. There is something about a southern mans voice on the radio that works great!!! Hope that didn't sound bad!
I am hoping for a top 5 finish in the WGGT race tomorrow. It is going to be very tough and I am going to have to dig very deep inside myself for some good and smart driving.
Let the green flag drop!!! Twice!
Cindi |
