|
July 2002, Portland International Raceway
|
Taking care of the car before and in between races takes
up a great deal of time. Above, I'm cleaning my window—it's
important to be
able to see! Just before heading to the hot pits, I posed for an
insistent photographer [right]. |
 |
Weekends at the track usually include practice sessions,
qualifying races that establish starting order, and the actual races.
During a practice session, I took a break to check my tire pressure [above left]. I
don't usually have a crew to help me, but race stewards sometimes lend a hand.
Before entering the track, the cars
sit lined up in the hot pits [above right] in the order in which they finished
during the qualifying session. This time is a short opportunity for
mental preparation.
| Finally, the race begins. I enter the track under the
watchful eye—and low-tech sign—of a race steward [right]. |
 |
 |
You can tell this is still early in the race because the
cars haven't dispersed yet. I'd love to pass Doug Hebenthal's white and green GT3 Cup
Car ("The X-Box"), the same model as mine but a year newer, but
his car has the edge. |
 |
However, during this race, Doug had car trouble, leaving me
in the lead. While I concentrate on my driving, Cameron prays that
nothing goes wrong for the last few laps [left]. |
 |
Victorious! I managed to keep it together to the
end. My reward is a checkered flag, a plaque, very smelly clothes—and
a great feeling of accomplishment. |
| Back in the paddock, at the end of a day of racing, I use a winch
to slowly pull my car into its trailer. (The car doesn't have a gear low
enough to move slowly enough to be safe.)
Some weekends are frustrating and even disappointing, but
this has been a good one!
|
 |
Top
  
[ Home ] [ Our Travels ] [ Family Features ]
|
