I didn't see another post summing up the event so I'll start one.
All in all we had a really good time. As usual though, the diesel class is bullied around by the promotors. We ran time trials using a full tree and then during first round eliminations they switch the tree back to a pro tree and catch several people off guard.
(This happens at EVERY clash race we've attended.)
Scott complained and forced them to redo first round eliminations using the bracket tree like we practiced on. That seemed like a good idea at the time, and they invited all the trucks back to give everyone a second chance at 7:30 pm. But after that round they intentionally skipped the diesel class for 5 hours. They finished off the bracket cars before they called us back to the lanes again. By that time, it was 12:40 am and most of the crowd had left. So much for showing off for the fans and advertising diesel performance.
I believe at the next race, I'm going to quit the diesel truck class and race in the true street bracket class with Joe Hellman. The crowd doesn't seem impressed with the diesel trucks running against each other even when doing 12 second passes. But when Joe lines up against a mustang or camaro in the 13.00 index class and runs them down on the top end of the track, the crowd is standing on their feet in amazement.
I had two close and exciting races in round 2 & 3 of eliminations. Both with finish margins of .04 seconds. For those of you that don't race, that means the other trucks front bumper is even with the front of my door. I was dialed slow at a 12.9, so I had to finish each race hard on the brakes to keep from breaking out. At 105 mph on the brakes with the other truck charging ahead full steam with only 5 feet between you, that's a pretty exciting race.
The closest race I had was with a man named Bradford in a white and grey first generation. I never had the priveledge of meeting him because he wasn't pitted with the diesel class. He cut a .503 light against me and only missed his dial in by a tenth. Considering we hadn't run in 5 hours and the temperature had dropped about 20 degress that was a very respectable run.
I squeeked by him at the finish line with a 12.94 @ 89 mph nearly locking up the tires from the hard braking, and luckily came away with the win.
The rest of you better watch out for this guy. I'll definately be dodging him in the staging lanes at the next race.
So far I'm happy with the new motor. It only had about 250 miles on it when I lined up at the track and it's still breaking in. I never got a complete full throttle pass out of it. My fastest pass actually was the 12.94 @ 89 mph. My 60 foot times were consistantly in the 1.74 - 1.79 range with 20 psi launches. Not bad for 35" mud tires.
If the promotors ever come around and start respecting us as racers, the events will be more enjoyable. Until then, unfortunately, we basically have to put up with it.
-Chris
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