The new year started off rocky, lots of unknowns. Its difficult to be excited about racing when you have so many looming things on your mind. After much indecision, we finally took the leap and left for Fontana Saturday night. We couldn't leave any earlier, because I had an obligation to fulfill. And as usual I am USELESS when it comes to night driving. Really, its quite pathetic. My body is so programed to shut down at 9-10pm, by the time we hit the road (11:20pm) my eyes were already heavy. I give all the kudos to Joey for his impressive ability to stay awake and drive (no matter the hour).
We arrived at Auto Club Dragway at a bit after 5am. Surprisingly the track was open and since we had never been there before, we asked the guard at the gate if we were in the right place... he had jokes. However, due to the hour AND the long drive behind us... we didn't necessarily see him as "funny". We decided to end our day and start our morning with breakfast. So after finding a place that would not give us "dysentary" as we were advised... we settled in for a quick bite and a full day of racing!
We arrived at Auto Club Dragway at a bit after 5am. Surprisingly the track was open and since we had never been there before, we asked the guard at the gate if we were in the right place... he had jokes. However, due to the hour AND the long drive behind us... we didn't necessarily see him as "funny". We decided to end our day and start our morning with breakfast. So after finding a place that would not give us "dysentary" as we were advised... we settled in for a quick bite and a full day of racing!
Upon getting into the track, which is no joke, in the parking lot of California Speedway. Despite its location, it actually is a very well prepped track. So we settled into our home for the day near MDRA and got ready to have some fun. I met up with Brandy and made my official transition into Crew Chief/Media Director. We were pleased to see all the bikes that showed up, especially with it being January and a bad economy. It was turning out to be a nice day, warming up quickly!
There was one Pro Gas bike but since he was the only one, he decided to run an ET Class. And despite our Championship in Pro Gas in 2008, we decided to run the Super Bike class this year (9.50 Index). There were five bikes (including us) in our class, which gave us a chance to actually compete.
There was one Pro Gas bike but since he was the only one, he decided to run an ET Class. And despite our Championship in Pro Gas in 2008, we decided to run the Super Bike class this year (9.50 Index). There were five bikes (including us) in our class, which gave us a chance to actually compete.
Unfortunately, Auto Club Dragway does not have lights for evening racing, so they were unable to complete qualifying on Saturday. They buttoned up qualifying for those that did not get to complete Saturdays session and started eliminations.
Our first run was spot on, against Wil Kimbrough, with a 9.51 @ 148.36 mph. Not bad for our first pass on a brand new track after driving all night. [Seems to be our thing...drive all night, race all day, to drive all night home... LOL!!!] Due the odd number of bikes registered in the class, our next pass produced a bye run for us. WooHoo! It was a great opportunity for us to see what we could get out of her without hesitation. She gave us a 9.40 @ 151.39, not bad!! Now we're in the finals and we pair up against Laverk Harper (2008 Super Bike Champion). What a great way to start the 2009 season, the 2008 Super Bike Champion and the 2008 Pro Gas Champion, running head to head (of course within the index) in this round. In the end, we rode away with runner-up! The race was such a great display of two racers, two bikes, that push each other to perform at the highest degree. We were happy with the day overall, the race was fun and the weather was phenomenal!
Photo by Hooliganunderground.com
We wrapped up our race at Fontana around 4pm, headed to an early dinner. Now compared to our drive to Arizona, it surely wasn't a "long" drive... But considering the drive less than 12 hours earlier and the 7 hours ahead, it was for all intensive purposes a long drive home. Again, with astonishing amazement, Joey pulled off the driving feat with little to no effort (sorta). He rocks, seriously! We pulled into the driveway around 11:30pm. So within 24 hours we drove to Los Angeles, raced all day, and drove home. WOW, we are crazy! ;)
Overall, we had a great time, with several bikes and great competition! We can't wait till Vegas in April.
For more information about rules, schedule, pics, and winners visit http://www.mdra4u.com/.
