September 18, 2011

Dodging Orange DISASTER!

Photo by Ed Savage - NoWin Photography
SCCA NER's 7th points event was today and it was unfortunately a disaster. The course was amazing (big ups to PJ for the setup), with many elements that were featured at this year's Solo Nationals event. My disaster was not with the course however, but it was actually in my car's transmission. 2nd gear had been grinding occasionally, but it was not often enough to have me worried this late into the season.


Photo by Ed Savage - NoWin Photography
Since this course required 3rd, I was frequently met with problems every run. Grinding gears each run, as well as being locked out from shifting into 3rd really broke my groove. I lost my cool with the whole situation unfortunately and I know I did, which also did not help stay focused when out on the course. I mean, who wouldn't lose their temper after spending money to fix a few engine issues? Fixing issue after issue is how I feel this build has gone since day one. For now, I'm planning on flushing all the fluids and potentially trying out Redline Lightweight Shockproof to see if it helps.

I have my hopes up that she will last the next two NER events so I can at least finish the year in my car. As for the rest of the day, the results are posted on the NER website, here. My fastest run was a 50.1' but with a cone, and I didn't try shifting into 3rd. The videos below will show the whole course, and then my fastest raw time run. The points are getting very close and if I don't do so well next Sunday, I will lose my first place spot for the year. I need to stay focused, determined, and not let this slow me down.

In good news, my friend James had taken out my Miata and managed to take first in both Novice and STS open class on his first autocross in a very long time. Check out my YouTube Channel for some videos of me instructing James, as well as some of the other videos of the event. I'd like to give a big thanks to everyone who offered to help me out and supported me during the event, and especially to my girlfriend for her loving support and for taking some amazing pictures during the event! Until next weekend, stay tuned with fingers crossed.




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