85 replies to this topic

[Tom Sager]

As a NASA rookie this year, I thought the event was well run and the qualifying race format blows the doors off of the Runoffs format of 4 days of qualifying and only a single race. Tech was very well managed by Glen and Mike IMO. I was impressed with how quickly they got 8-12 cars through the various inspections after each session and even used some of the time at the false grid to look for other things. I do think that a head or two should be pulled after the final race but maybe the dyno results were enough for them to conclude that nobody was way out of bounds.

Until last month I had not been to Mid-Ohio in the past 10 years. I had forgotten what a great track it is. An event or two there will be on my calendar each year going forward. I also enjoyed meeting several other drivers for the first time. The focus NASA puts on eliminating metal to metal contact is a plus. There were enough reminders throughout the event to keep that in the front of everyone's mind and the event was very clean overall.

My apologies to the drivers behind me at the start on Saturday as I badly missed the 2-3 shift which caused some chaos. That turned out to be the beginning of the end for me. Look forward to doing this again next year.

Congratulations to everyone who finished all the laps in the race. Very tough conditions in which to race. You all deserve to feel good about that performance.

[Tom Sager]

Tom Sager's Mom just sent me this picture of Tom when he was growing up... now it all makes sense !!

Keep your eyes on your mailbox. A very appropriate gift for you should arrive in a few days.

[Jim Drago]

Keep your eyes on your mailbox. A very appropriate gift for you should arrive in a few days.

He is known to send some pretty heavy gifts.. I once got a bowling ball so I was fully aware of how much 15 lbs really weighed.

[Nsparks]

I guess it goes without saying that I had a good time.

I really appreciate the support I have received over the last couple years to get me here. Fellow SM drivers pushing me to become a better racer, Race Engineering, Mazda, Toyo Tires, Traqmate, Mazdaracers/Specmiata forum (I've been lurking and learning for a while), OOTSK Performance and of course my parents. Best dang crew ever!

The racing was great the whole weekend. Very clean and very tight with lot's of respect for fellow drivers shown.

I had everything fall in place for me that weekend. On Thursday qualifying I was p17 until the last lap where I managed to squeak out a clean lap and grab the pole. If i hadn't got that 1 lap in I would have started 17th and finished far out of reach of the leaders as the qual race was my first dry session of Mid O in 2 years and it showed as I only posted the 8th fastest time. That one lap was my saving grace.

Also, watching my in car and looking at the traqmate data I never actually came to a stop when I "nudged" the wall.

[Strongbad]

Great job Nate!
Watched the race on Speedcast and thought it was over when you 'bounced' off the tires (interesting rain line!). Nice comeback in those conditions!
Good luck in the shootout.

Also, props to JR Hille for climbing up through the field.

[tferranti]

Congratulations to Nate and everyone running, it was a great race! Good luck at the shootout!

Thanks to Keith Barnes, Ed @ Gilfus Racing Enterprises, my dad, and Matt Barnes for all of your help over the weekend and leading up to the race.

Hope to see everyone again next year!