Hectic two weeks but a lot of fun at Homestead and Sebring. Our team managed to win all four with Todd Buras winning the opener and Preston winning the next three including a win at Homestead from DFL to the win. We also managed ESR our first 1-2-3 with Preston, Jim and Todd at Sebring 1.
Racing seems to bring out the best and worst in people. I know it has in me unfortunately Accusations and rumors once again going around the paddock of the compliance of our cars. Now, obviously the concentration is on Preston. I get it, if I was on the outside looking in I would likely have the same concerns as well. This weekend they pulled our computers, immobilizers, keys, ignitions and key rings and make no mistake that was targeted at us directly. I have heard these rumors for years . Evidently Mazda has helped SCCA so they will be able to inspect each line of code in the computer. This has been "what we are doing" for some time, sorry to disappoint those who went through such lengths to "catch us", but both Prestons and Brian Hendersons computer will come back 100% compliant as we have not touched them.
Instead of throwing the accusations around, sit back and look what this young man is doing. Every once in awhile someone comes around that is truly just a little better than the rest. This is one of those times. Preston is really is that good. I see it in the data, the video and in person at every event, more so than anyone else. I have raced every national champion that has EVER raced Sm. He is clearly #1 and sad to say there may be a few empty places between him and number two. He is strong in EVERY category. He is the most complete driver to come through SM. Don't tarnish what he is doing behind the scenes with gossip and accusations. What he is doing and will continue doing is truly remarkable at times and is good for our class! If you need a villain, send it my way, I'm used to it I can assure you that if there is "something" in our cars, it is certainly in mine
To other teams and competitors who think something is wrong, you know who you are. I respect you for at least saying something to me personally. I appreciate the warning, There is a system in place to verify whatever you think we are doing. If you think we are outside the rules. Write a protest and file it. No hard feelings from us at all. I have been in that position and it is not fun. I get it. You said you could escalate your program if that is what it takes. I suggest you do all that you can within the rules, that's your job. If I feel as you do now, I will have no problem writing a protest on anyone if I feel their equipment is outside the rules. I have not felt that way in a long time. That's the system we have. I personally think the top builds from every engine builder are all within 1/1 right now and the parity is better than ever.
To save you some time.. Here is what has been checked on our cars in the last two seasons.
Four engines tore to the crank
several heads
transmission
differential
drive shaft
shocks, springs,bars
stall test
fuel 10-20x or more
intake and exhaust manifold
exhaust system
wiring harness removed from the car and inspected from engine to ecu at VIR runoffs
this weekend ecus and immobilzers
That and countless other things that I cant even remember.
I suggest people start paying attention to what we do at the track. Other than X factor, I rarely( if ever) see anyone scaling their cars at all. We show up with cars and drivers prepared to win, we work on the cars and set up all weekend relentlessly, study data and video while there trying to get faster. We have three national champion drivers that can actually drive the cars and we don't go home until the cars are ready to race and win.
FWIW, any one of our cars is available to buy after any race, as raced. Preston's as well.
Sorry for the rant, just feel the best way to deal with things is head on.
Jim