So, after yet another day in the garage, I think I'll fill everyone in on what's been going on since racing season left in mid-October. I had purchased a car from Jay Paquette about midway through the 2008 season, but I didn't have it ready until the last 2 point races. Went out and had mixed results until the World Series. I had told my brother Jesse (driver of Gleason Bros. #81 Thompson Sportsman, to those not familiar with us) when I bought the car, I would let him drive it once. Also, I wanted someone with a lot of experience in the car to feel it out.
In the first practice on friday, everything was well. We played with the rear springs and stagger to try and get the car to settle down in the turns. Second practice comes, and the car already looks faster... until a car gets crossed up in front of Jesse in turn 2. He checks up and the car just spins out. He gets it down to the apron, almost completely out of the way. I think "oops, he's going to be a bit embarrassed." That was, until 2 cars come racing out of turn two and head straight for him. You know, when I race, I look through the turn, not only to make sure no one is there, but to also plan my line. This was practice, there was no need to be racing. But, they headed straight for him, and one of them absolutely demolished the front end of the car. It spun through the air, shedding parts and came to rest in the middle of the track. Luckily, the other drivers were competent enought to hit the brakes and avoid it. The impact was so severe that it collapsed the windshield pillar down over the window net, broke the fire extinguisher mounts, and snapped off the fuel pump. So not only was the car leaking gas, but he was trapped by the window net, and the fire extinguisher was somewhere in the car. This was not because it was poorly built, it was just that bad. He got out, but it was a very bad day.
From that day on, I have been working nonstop on the car trying to rebuild it and get ready for the 2009 season. I have literally, close to a thousand hours in this car since October. Instead of telling you, how about you click the album below to see the pics? Besides, as the cliche goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...
Check you later!
~Brent~
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