SuperRanger
09-23-2008, 06:25 AM
Well, we finally got back from the WE-Rock and XRRA finals and I had plenty of time to think while driving across Kansas. I don't really know where to start, but so many people deserve thanks for pulling these events together. I don't really want to start a list because nobody will read it but there are two stories I should share.
WE-Rock Nationals - As most people there knew, Roger could not spot for me and this is the first time we not crawled together. I spent a lot of time sharing ideas with other teams to get input. After day #1 we were tied for 7th place because my engine stalled and I rolled off a drop. Brian and Jochiam of Rock Runner Racing were well ahead in 2nd I think. The running order was moving fast and we did not get a chance to see anyone run a couple courses. Brian and Jochiam were in front of us in our group and several times I flat out asked Jochiam how thier car reacted and where the line was. He was completely forthcomming and helped me all day as if I was on his team. At the end of the day, we got 2nd and they got 3rd. We could not have done it without thier help. I also borrowed fuel from them. Brian, Jochiam, George, Jason, and the rest of the Rock Runner crew are great sportsmen and have my respect. Thank you guys!
XRRA Finals - I had a pretty good day going with only minor wrenching. Our team was small for this event and we were working hard running two cars. I was 11 seconds behind Shannon in the final two rounds of racing and focused on the win. The first race went well and I beat his previous time on that course by 2 seconds. I was beginning to think that maybe I could pull out a win if he rolled on the tabletop or something (like that would happen). Shannon and I waited for the race before us and out of nowhere my engine died. This is my worst nightmare. Everything is one last go for broke race and my truck dies. I freaked out and started yelling at everyone around me. JT Taylor responded and grabbed 5 gallons of fuel he had. Matt poured it in and it seamed to fix the problem. Now I could relax and focuss on the race again. We pull out on to the starting line and as I stage, it starts leaning out again. I freaked out again, screamed at Pepper that I had two minutes, and started hollering for my wife. She in turn yelled at anyone who would listen and an army of drivers came to my aid. She ripped the hood off and Ken Blume, Creighton King, JT, and Matt (among others) had a look. We bled the fuel which was a dumb move and Natalie (my wife) got fuel in her eyes. JT, or Matt, or somebody had the sense to pour water on the fuel pump and the engine started running well again. I guess that with many hours of run time on the truck and two fuel pumps, I was still suffering from vapor lock. The army dissapeared and the race began.
After the first lap, Shannon and I were neck and neck. He was on the faster course and pulled away for the win. It still bugs me that we came so close to the win but what I really need to focus on is the fact that I was able to race the finals. JT ended up in 6th I think, I would have been in 6th if it was not for the selfless help of him and everyone else out there. I was so excited I don't exactly remember who helped but thanks a lot everyone, I owe you all a 2nd Place finish. JT, I'll be sure to buy you a beer and get you some fuel.
A lot have people have helped us this year. Jason Scherer gave us a $1200 steering pump with little regard about getting it back. Andrea Burger sewed up my elbow in the field at Cedar City after I fell. Buzzy and Shon Wilson opened thier shop to weld up my radiator also in Cedar City.
My point? Rockcrawling and rock racing is full of great people. I am proud and thankful to have been able to compete this season. See you at KOH.
WE-Rock Nationals - As most people there knew, Roger could not spot for me and this is the first time we not crawled together. I spent a lot of time sharing ideas with other teams to get input. After day #1 we were tied for 7th place because my engine stalled and I rolled off a drop. Brian and Jochiam of Rock Runner Racing were well ahead in 2nd I think. The running order was moving fast and we did not get a chance to see anyone run a couple courses. Brian and Jochiam were in front of us in our group and several times I flat out asked Jochiam how thier car reacted and where the line was. He was completely forthcomming and helped me all day as if I was on his team. At the end of the day, we got 2nd and they got 3rd. We could not have done it without thier help. I also borrowed fuel from them. Brian, Jochiam, George, Jason, and the rest of the Rock Runner crew are great sportsmen and have my respect. Thank you guys!
XRRA Finals - I had a pretty good day going with only minor wrenching. Our team was small for this event and we were working hard running two cars. I was 11 seconds behind Shannon in the final two rounds of racing and focused on the win. The first race went well and I beat his previous time on that course by 2 seconds. I was beginning to think that maybe I could pull out a win if he rolled on the tabletop or something (like that would happen). Shannon and I waited for the race before us and out of nowhere my engine died. This is my worst nightmare. Everything is one last go for broke race and my truck dies. I freaked out and started yelling at everyone around me. JT Taylor responded and grabbed 5 gallons of fuel he had. Matt poured it in and it seamed to fix the problem. Now I could relax and focuss on the race again. We pull out on to the starting line and as I stage, it starts leaning out again. I freaked out again, screamed at Pepper that I had two minutes, and started hollering for my wife. She in turn yelled at anyone who would listen and an army of drivers came to my aid. She ripped the hood off and Ken Blume, Creighton King, JT, and Matt (among others) had a look. We bled the fuel which was a dumb move and Natalie (my wife) got fuel in her eyes. JT, or Matt, or somebody had the sense to pour water on the fuel pump and the engine started running well again. I guess that with many hours of run time on the truck and two fuel pumps, I was still suffering from vapor lock. The army dissapeared and the race began.
After the first lap, Shannon and I were neck and neck. He was on the faster course and pulled away for the win. It still bugs me that we came so close to the win but what I really need to focus on is the fact that I was able to race the finals. JT ended up in 6th I think, I would have been in 6th if it was not for the selfless help of him and everyone else out there. I was so excited I don't exactly remember who helped but thanks a lot everyone, I owe you all a 2nd Place finish. JT, I'll be sure to buy you a beer and get you some fuel.
A lot have people have helped us this year. Jason Scherer gave us a $1200 steering pump with little regard about getting it back. Andrea Burger sewed up my elbow in the field at Cedar City after I fell. Buzzy and Shon Wilson opened thier shop to weld up my radiator also in Cedar City.
My point? Rockcrawling and rock racing is full of great people. I am proud and thankful to have been able to compete this season. See you at KOH.