This was a fantastic event! There seemed to be a sea of National caliber drivers in GStock. I was predictably beaten severly. I did not go to win trophies, but rather to get a feel for a National event, how I stack up against the TopDawgs, and, most importantly, learn from the opporunity to run on National level courses (and they are demanding). It was a total rush. I went there with the goal of not being last, and I accomplished that plus some, so I am thrilled. Yes, I would have loved to have made a better showing, and I certainly left time out on that course, but by NO stretch did I leave 3 seconds on day 1. Maaaybe one second was there that I missed out on, but certainly no more than that. I just don't think the 'Tour has what it takes to be a National competitor. It is just too heavy, too powerful (with no Limited Slip), and too softly sprung.
The killer on these National level events is the fact that you get 3 runs, and that's it. I am appreciably faster if I get 8 runs or so, but I can't seem to put together a decent run in 4, much less 3. Nevertheless, I stuck with my plan, running well off the pace on the first day.
Day two I decided that things needed to change if I was to be fast in 3 runs. I banziied the course on run number one (and I apologize to those shagging cones in the sweeper
) Ran a 40+ second run complete with 3 cones :rolleyes: But I found out where I could push, and where I needed to be slow. Run 2 I took all that knowledge and laid down a run I was proud of. I tried to better that on the 3rd, but missed a brake point and fouled the 180 sweeper again. I eneded up making up a place for the day, so I was elated.
I had hoped to run with Alex, as he is in my region, and that Focus is prepped better for GStock than my Contour is, and he has only had the car for a month or so, but he raised the bar, and I couldn't hang. He used to run a SS RX7tt, but with the advent of the Z06.... :rolleyes:
I tip my hat to Eric, as he pushed me all weekend, and it was great to meet, and compete against him. I hope we run against each other again sometime. I second Andy's invitation... If you can possibly do one of these events, I sincerly encourge you to do so. There is nothing like being pushed hard by National Champs. I learned a lot, and had a blast. Hope to see you all there.
