Little did I know that at the first race of the season it would be colder than some of the days I spent this winter ski patrolling. The cold has been following the team around as evidenced by the first two days we were at Volusia (Fla) for the All Star/WOO races where we experienced 27 degrees and wind – BRRR!
Watching Billy come in second in his first race of the year, however, warmed up all of us. A starting spot of 6th and a good run up to third got Billy in the invert and passing points found him starting on the pole. Had he not dropped to second on the first lap, and if it had not been for a momentum-killing yellow flag with two to go, I believe Billy may have had a shot at his first win. A second place finish, and our ever present goal of putting the car and driver on the trailer in one piece will go down as an OK result.
Billy’s only engine ran strong thanks to set up help from Don Ott and his guys. This year my two races attended have yielded a whole slew of blown engines, perhaps from the cold air. A blown engine can ruin a team owner’s whole day with damages often in 5 figures and rarely less than well into four figures. The only financial relief this year so far has been that the price of methanol is down from $4.00 per gallon to $3.00. We went through 30 gallons plus Friday night.
I will try to be more regular at updating this page this year, and now that our Clipboard Chick Emeritus has finished her Masters Degree at UNC, more time may be available. Our next race is April 17 and hopefully my taxes will be done and it will be warmer.
E-mail any comments or questions to the Webmaster.
Until next time:
“Big Dave”
