74 replies to this topic

[Jim Drago]

Congratulations to my friend and teammate Craig Berry on his first national win. Long time coming. My apologies to Chris Halderman, we touched wheels fighting for second and both of our wheels broke with one to go, completely my fault. Glad Chris was able to finish third, my tire went flat. Great run by Matt from 8th to third. reat track if you have never raced it, one of my favorites.

Too tired to write anymore... we do it all again tomorrow
Jim

[mdavis]

Lots of carnage today. Looked like Kent was standing next to his car so I assume he is ok. Looked like quite a few mechanicals too. I actually turned right instead of going into the pits on the cool down lap so we could cross the track and go home. Didn't stick around to see how things sorted themselves out. I like that track but it seems really hard on equipment.

[James York]

Lots of carnage today. Looked like Kent was standing next to his car so I assume he is ok. Looked like quite a few mechanicals too. I actually turned right instead of going into the pits on the cool down lap so we could cross the track and go home. Didn't stick around to see how things sorted themselves out. I like that track but it seems really hard on equipment.

Seeing how I have never been to Hallet, but only heard good things about it from people, food to great track, can you elaborate? Do you feel the track is hard on equipment itself (like MSRH with car eating wall), or the drivers hard on their equipment due to the track layout and competative drive up front?

[MPR22]

Walk of Shame

During Sunday's race with about three laps to go, I made an attempt to pass Blake inside at turn 6. I watched Haldeman manage the pass several times during the race and was ready to give it a try. It appears I ran out of tallent, about two thirds the way through the turn, as I tracked out into Matt Reynolds who had not cleared. Matt went off and I broke up the melee of 5 cars duking it out for second.

I should not have attempted the pass especially with Matt at the exit. It was not a hard rub but it did ruin his race. For that I sincerely apollogize. I know I would be frustrated with someone if they punted me while attempting an ill advised pass of another competitor. Can't take it back, but I can learn from it. I clearly owe you one Matt.

[Gatoratty]

Who hit Kent?

[mdavis]

Seeing how I have never been to Hallet, but only heard good things about it from people, food to great track, can you elaborate? Do you feel the track is hard on equipment itself (like MSRH with car eating wall), or the drivers hard on their equipment due to the track layout and competative drive up front?

It's maybe a little of both. When it rains there (like it did in the AM both days) and you go off in the wrong place- you immediately accelerate into the tires. There are a couple of rough patches of pavement and some really hard braking areas and second gear corners which can lead to missed shifts and ground up 3rd gears. It's very different from a track like TWS. That's not a bad thing in my opinion-just different.

[MPR22]

James,

First time there so take this for what its worth. The track punishes over agressive driving, smooth is fast. I spent all day Friday dirt surfing and chewing up chin spoilers on some old (15+ groove of death tires). 2 second to third gear shifts that if you don't hit the turn in correctly leave the car bound up and could lead to the dreaded 2-5. Rough paving, like cheese grater in some places, punishes the right front hub. Kent and I (and I think Haldeman) lost right front hubs this weekend.

However those same things make it very fun and create passing oppotunities. I found myself fist pumping when I nutted a line because you were instantly rewarded with -.2 on the predictive. Some of the lines are very narrow, 6 and 10 ate my lunch all weekend.

[MPR22]

Who hit Kent?

[Steve D]

http://www.youtube.c...e&v=FjNw9P12VDk

Damn! That guy should lose his license and buy Kent a new car.

...from what I can see in that one camera angle, didn't see the dog run out in front of the hip-checker's car, (insert all other appropriate disclaimers here), etc.

[KentCarter]

The car is toast, but I'm fine. A bit sore here and there. I'm joining the ranks of the eeeeevil NB club.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

So... who drives the #73?

[Matthew Wolfe]

I apologized profusely to Kent for the fact we had contact and he got the worst of it. I am extremely happy that he is ok and it was only property damage. If you look in the earlier part of the video you can see that I left him room when he stuck his nose in on the right before moving all the way to the left in turn 10. I was aware he was there and faster. I had a better drive out of the corner and held my line as I was passing him. Looks like our lines were on an intersecting path and the rear of my front right tire touch the front of his left front tire causing the wheel to jerk to the right. This was a very unfortunate incident with a very bad outcome. To insinuate that I would porously put someone’s life at risk is ludicrous and just shows that you do not know me. I have been drilled and had my car damaged to the point of being un-drivable multiple times myself and I know it sucks.

Kent, again, I am very sorry we had to meet this way on track and am glad you are ok. That was a very hard hit. Thank you for posting the video so I could see it from your point of view.

[James York]

You need to adjust your line when it means another competitor will either 1) be forced off the racing surface, or 2) result in contact if that driver elects not to leave the racing surface to give you the optimum line.

That being said, I am sure you didn't intend the outcome that happened.

[Nash Lawson]

Holding your line while overtaking and passing someone doesnt sound right. If you had a better line you should have driven around him. Kent should hold his line.

[Cnj]

The car is toast, but I'm fine. A bit sore here and there. I'm joining the ranks of the eeeeevil NB club.

Kent, I am really thrilled that you were not seriously injured. Good safety equipment and good fortune - this one could have been ugly. Irrespective of Mathews intent or his in car perspective, you clearly did nothing to bring about the accident. The video is going to stir the pot.

I know that this was not the way you planned it, but welcome to the 99 club. By the way, I remember being told by someone who broke his thumb after hitting tires that I should let go the steering wheel before the hit....

Cnj

[Matthew Wolfe]

James, I agree. If I knew that our lines were on an intersecting course I would have adjusted. Unfortunately I did not know that until it was too late. If I were further back at the time of impact I would have seen and adjusted.

[James York]

The car is toast, but I'm fine. A bit sore here and there. I'm joining the ranks of the eeeeevil NB club.

Kent, when I saw the video this morning, I was glad you were ok. The twisting motion and rapid change of direction when the car struck the tires concerned me. It's amazing the hits we take in these cars sometimes and walk away with little effects. The cars and equipment really do a good job of protection.

And welcome to the dark side. Sooner or later, everyone succumbs to the force.

[KentCarter]

Matthew, I was very angry with you when I found you in the pits and was wondering if you did it intentionally. However, I felt your apology was sincere and after talking with you, I was convinced that you did not intend to do something that dangerous. I withdrew the protest after your apology, as I told you I would. Your apology is accepted unconditionally.

Craig, I realize that this will 'stir the pot' a bit, but I needed to post it so my friends and family could see how one of the first Spec Miatas retired from its 8 year racing career. I also come from a culture of 'peer review' where everyone learns when things go badly. I thank my excellent safety gear (Safecraft harness, HANS device and Arai helmet) for my well-being. There are lessons to be learned here and we all can learn them.

As Dire Straits once noted "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug." Splat.

[suck fumes]

It's funny that you say you're holding your line cause you're going straight!!!! You shouldn't be moving to the side anyway if there is a car there! I'm sorry but that looked very intentional and if I were in kent's place I probably would have socked you in the mouth if I saw you after the race. Just my two cents. Because in Texas we have what we call peripheral vision!

[Cnj]

Matthew, I was very angry with you when I found you in the pits and was wondering if you did it intentionally. However, I felt your apology was sincere and after talking with you, I was convinced that you did not intend to do something that dangerous. I withdrew the protest after your apology, as I told you I would. Your apology is accepted unconditionally.

Craig, I realize that this will 'stir the pot' a bit, but I needed to post it so my friends and family could see how one of the first Spec Miatas retired from its 8 year racing career. I also come from a culture of 'peer review' where everyone learns when things go badly. I thank my excellent safety gear (Safecraft harness, HANS device and Arai helmet) for my well-being. There are lessons to be learned here and we all can learn them.

As Dire Straits once noted "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug." Splat.

A really good post. Incidently my comment on "stir the pot" was not intended to critique the choice of showing the video, simply that it will result in many comments - as it has. I agree with your thoughts on peer review. Your public acceptance of the public and private apology speaks well of you.

Cnj