I wanted to say what an incredible experience I had with Kirk's team! Even if we hadn’t won, I could still say that it was the highlight of my racing career due to having such great teammates. Kirk’s car was so well prepared and so easy to drive, even after an hour and a half driving it felt like I was in there for only ten (I am now a firm believer that my A1 needs a weight adjustment!
). The Hoosiers from Phil (philstireservice.com) were a fantastic tire! They handled just as well my first lap as they did on the last lap. After all I had heard about them I was shocked at their durability. We all were impressed that we could drive any line and they would still stick. They got me out of trouble several times!
I know I’m going to sound like a NASCAR interview, but I wanted to thank a bunch of people:
Crew chief Cameron Conover for doing an awesome prep job on the car, his calm demeanor and working with Bill Miller to pull off a 16 minute rear wheel bearing change (despite getting a face full of brake cleaner)!!
Bill Miller: Bill busted his butt like it was his own car. His help, his advice to me on driving Summit Point and his ability to give as well as he got, made him a great member of the team. (and being able to change wheel bearings while blinded with brake cleaner!!)
Manager Lee Grimes. Great organizational skills, great strategies and planning on the pit stops (NO penalties!!), great sense of humor (except while he was on the radio) and I only saw him leave the pit wall once! (not sure how he went to the bathroom??) Lee, I REALLY wanted to go for fastest “official” lap!!
Phil Phillips: I learned more about tires in two days than I had in my entire career. Great advice on driving the line, great sense of humor, easygoing nature and a great driver!
Greg Amy: Like a crack dealer, gave me a little taste and now has me addicted to this enduro stuff. Greg’s not afraid to slap me up side the head when needed and his racing knowledge is second to none (just ask him). He and Kirk worked very hard to put this team together. Oh yeah, he’s a pretty good driver too!
Kirk: I can’t express how much I appreciate to opportunity to drive with this team. EVERYTHING was done first class. There are pro race teams that don’t come close to the level of preparation that Kirk brought to this race. Sorry about the shopping cart ding…… (You can only dodge the out-of-control Miata’s so long before one of them is going to tag you!!
) Thanks again!
There were a lot of other people that helped to make this race a success and it’s nice to have that hard work pay off. I only hope I was half the teammate that everyone else was.
As Matt said (and yes, you had the coolest vehicle in the paddock with your pit bike!!) I was amazed at some of the “rough” driving I saw. However, the fastest cars were very patient (911s and BMWs).
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Jeff L
#74 ITB GTi
[This message has been edited by JLawton (edited June 06, 2005).]