No camera in my car. I think I maybe able to budget for one for 2010. We shall see. I now have to focus on my regional series. I am first in overall points, but 2nd (30 pts) back when drops are considered. I need to take the fight to Rich Geisler to make up those points over the last 4 races. Rich has no more drops to use so I have an edge there. Austin is on my butt too. So it will be an intersting final 4 races in Az.
I officially lead 8 of the 16 laps. I lead the first one after I passed Norm in Tooele on the opening lap. He came right back however and had run down the main straight on my on that first lap and passed me into turn 1. I was then behind him for 5 laps. I then lead the next 7 laps till Charlie pass Jim and me in the attitudes in the final 10 minues. Charlie then lead the final 4 lap to the checkers.
I think part of the reason I lost was my mental prep was not good enough. My goal for the event wa to run in the lead pack. Knowing I needed to run faster than last year I focused on dailing in the car all weekend long. Starting wedensday I was looking each session for a bit more speed. Thursday's race gave me some confidence that I could run with the lead pack. Friday's 9th to 13th back to 9th showed me that I NEEDED a good start to have chance at being in the top 5-6 cars.
Saturday warm up was a shock with that 2:19.282. Great single lap time, but that lap time was useless if I lost 4-5 positions at the start. Till that point I had run 6 races at Miller and 5 of those I had lost postions on the start. So I focused on getting a good start and figured the rest would just happen.
So I got a fantastic start and had room to use it being on the outside. Plus Steve Agoston's tap shoved me forward even more. So by going into turn 1 I was in spot to challenge Norm a bit, but pretty easly tuck in to 2nd. From there I figured I would just take what came to me.
So the pass on the opening lap just came to me. Norm had a slight bobble and took advantage. Norm then came back as expected and I slotted in to 2nd agagain. Then he pulled a gap and then I closed it up. By then I knew I could run with the lead pack, but had no idea how it would end up.
So then I get run on Norm and figure I will try a pass. It worked and I was in the lead. 2-3 corners later I pulled a small gap and then about 1 lap later my mind got to me.
It was flipping amazing not just staying with the lead pack, but leading it and pulling a away. WTF
I had not lead Norm in race in well... ever! Frankly that thought had never crossed my mind. I look at my stopwatch showing total race time and I knew I had too much time left. However with all the open space infront I found it hard to be perfect on my brake points and in general got a little sloppy. My mind wandered about maybe I could win, what would I do? All this did was cause me to loose a little focus and it enough that you guys chasing were able to chip away and close up. Once that happened I had to fight for my life to stay in front.
I think I did a pretty good job, but what really hurt was the tag team stuff. Looking at the various videos it became clear that most passes were a result of a failed pass move by the car in front. In the end I did all I could, but no dice. Even so coming in 4th only 2.5 seconds back after 38 minutues of racing is pretty good.
Lesson learn however is that if I EVER find myself leading again I must remain focused and not to into protection mode. That might not have stopped you guys, but it could have given me 1-2 more laps clear running which could have saved me a spot or two.
Who knows... Still I was very happy that I made a good showing of it. Like I said my main goal was to be competitive with the lead pack. Even if that meant 10th place. So 4th place, fastest lap in practice and leading half the championship race counts as doing pretty well.
