The 2009 Grattan race is in the books. An interesting weekend for the weather, but some great on track racing. Friday's practice was a complete wash out with rain falling most of the day. Dave Larson ultimately canceled practice....so we spent the day in GR!
Saturday was race day one, with no testing time that we had planned for on Friday! Oh well....luckily we were pretty much spot on with our set-up out of the trailer (as usual for Grattan!). Practice found me with quick time in the Rotax, and 4th quick overall in the shifter. The tag race was the first for the day...and turned into a great race. 4 karts were nose to tail for 30 minutes! Passing multiple times per lap. There were easily 15 lead changes during the course of the race. Luckily for me, I was fastest through the bottom section of the track and through turn 10 leading onto the front straight. The white flag lap found me in 4th place until turn 10, where I made a diving pass on the inside of 3 karts and found myself in the lead when we all exited onto the front stretch. I managed to hold on and take the checker flag in first! Great clean racing by everyone.
The balance of the day Saturday saw on and off rain showers, and at the last minute they decided to run the shifter race in the rain. I decided to pass and wait until Sunday.
Sunday's weather was a great improvement, and sunny for the day. The tag race was first for the day. After a minor gear change in the morning we were off again for a 30 minute duel. Our 4 kart battle was short lived today....as by lap 10 I had pulled a few second lead over the field and managed to break away from the pack. This gave me a comfortable tag win for the day.
Sunday's shifter qualifying had be on the inside of row 3. Fifth quick overall was not bad for a stock moto, but I'd have some good racing and should be able to pick up a few spots through the 30 minute race. Unfortunately, we would not get to find out how many spots I'd be able to gain during the race. As I pulled out for the warm up lap....the kart made it about 200 yards before completely dying. With the help of a corner worker, we pulled the kart over the wall and into the pit road. After what seemed like forever (about 5min) we realized that the carburetor had not been fully tightened and had come loose. RATS!! One quick run for a screwdriver, tightening of the clamp and I was off.....about 2 laps behind, but I managed to pick off a few karts during the remaining laps.
All-in-all a great weekend. Great turnout from friends, family and fellow racers!
