Of Course! But with a couple of exceptions, few TMC drivers post and put forth their opinions here (and that is a good thing, especially with that very subject addressed in the CCRs). Most if not all just want to follow whatever rules and directions that NASA sets for them and go race. So with knowing that only a small fraction of the west coast TMC drivers will see this, here goes:
1. All of the TMC drivers did a good job at ACS dealing with a very hectic race weekend. Keep up the good work.
2. Look to your parents and the great people at NASA for guidance this season should you have concerns. These people have your best interest in mind, but don't expect them to never make a mistake. Just know that those mistakes are made thinking that they are doing the right thing for you whether from a safety aspect, race craft aspect, or a social aspect.
3. Continue to follow the stewards instructions for starts. DO NOT IGNORE THEM. Sidebar: ALL of the TMC drivers I saw on Saturday followed the stewards instructions to the letter (that doesn't mean that mistakes weren't made, just that they did not intentional violate any instruction). It is being said that following to the letter was part of the problem. But with people threatening to protest and DQ for any jumped or throttle up start, what did people expect TMC drivers that are known for following rules to a fault were going to do?
4. All will be back to normal soon. Continue to go with the flow. Let the officials experiment with start procedures. I predict we will be back to the way we have always started, but be open to trying new things. But when trying new things, do so like when you are coming up to speed at a brand new track. Slowly, methodically building speed as you approach the edge.
5. Let NASA and the TMC management work through the season. Instead of getting wrapped up in their process, start concentrating on the next race at Buttonwillow. Review onboard videos, prep your cars, making sure they are setup right for this particular race, your alignments are good, your running gear is free. Have spare hubs ready. You might consider dust caps for your hubs for this weekend.
6. Spend the time you might be spending on getting involved with these procedural issues on thinking about your business plans and videos should you win this thing and are in front of the shootout panel. Don't win the TMC only to drop the ball at the big show. Remember too that people are looking at you now, not just at the shootout. Opinions will begin to form as the people in the background are observing you. They will emerge from the background at the appropriate time. Don't be surprised to discover that they have been following you all season. Dress and act for the title and position you want to have, not the one you currently occupy.
7. Dump the go-kart like bumper to bumper pushing starts. Yes this being a single make class lends itself to some advantages of being bumper to bumper and helping each other in your file move past the other file of cars. However, unlike karting, not all the drivers in regional and national races have that same karting experience as most of the TMC drivers do and are not prepared to do this with you.
8. This is going to be a particular challenging season for you guys. Attrition and consistency will be as important as race wins in my opinion. Demonstrate that you can concentrate on a championship season as well as individual race wins.
9. Be safe with your fellow drivers. ALL FELLOW DRIVERS. Because at the the end of the day, you are not a TMC driver. You are just a driver like any other. What you do now may impact the rest of your career as a DRIVER.
10. Hold to the codes of conduct of NASA and TMC. Do not forget at any time that you are a representative of Mazda, NASA, TMC, Toyo, ETC. And sports car racing in general.
11. Always take the high road no matter how difficult it may be. The low road leaves you vulnerable to finger pointing and attacks. Winning at all cost is the low road. And please trust me on this. The people that will have influence on your dreams and aspirations are able to discern between character and race wins. And have no doubt about which of these two characteristics they will choose if they are forced to choose between them. Instead win with character and don't put them in a position to make that choice.
12. Remember that you are a guest in the regions that you travel to outside your region of record.
And in closing; I have seen only drivers that understand these things already. I am deeply impressed with the level of understanding that all the TMC drivers have of these concepts. I would drive next to everyone of these drivers if only I was able to keep up with them. I am humbled by their class and respect, and honored to know each and every one of them.
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, on the starts to James and John?
