Michael Gomez, driver: "I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a moving and rewarding experience with the Children's Tumor Foundation. From the NF Heroes to the parents to the family and friends, all were such wonderfully genuine people that I raced with a completely different purpose and focus. As my time in the race car progressed, a bigger and bigger smile developed inside my helmet as I realized each completed lap was assisting those I had met over the magical weekend."
Frank Resciniti (#85 crew chief and Farnbacher Loles team manager): "This was the most worthwhile race at Daytona of my whole career." (Frank was crew chief for the Corvette CR-5, with drivers Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., when it finished fourth overall at the 2001 Rolex 24 so that means a lot.)
No. 85 Pit Crew: The drivers pooled their money which they wanted to give to the #85 crew members as thanks for their hard work during the Rolex 24. When presented with the gift, the Farnbacher Loles crew turned down the offer and instead asked that the money be donated to the Racing4Research program. A remarkable gesture - every member of the team was truly touched by the weekend.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Quotes from the drivers of the #85
Wolf Henzler: (on qualifying) "I left the pits and then I had a big vibration in the car. It was too risky, so I pitted immediately. The crew couldn't find anything, so I said I would go out again and I would do only one timed lap. I did 1:50.1, then I heard on the radio that Andy Lally [in another Porsche] was doing 49.5 and I knew I could go quicker. So I decided to do another lap. Even with the vibration, it was better and the more laps I did, the quicker I went. The crew did a good job and prepared the car very well."
Daniel Graeff: "It's the most unbelievable challenge I've ever experienced – emotionally, physically and mentally. I love it! We brought the car home, but we left a little bit on the table this year. I'm headed back here next year and we're going to get it as a team."
Richard Campollo: (after bringing the No. 85 across the finish line after a 2.5 hour stint behind the wheel) "I'd like to thank fourth gear in my gearbox." The No. 85 lost the clutch and 5th & 6th gear at hour 21 but was still able to finish the race thanks to Richard's skill and hard work.
Michael Gomez: (on driving the No. 85 for CTF) "As a child psychiatrist, I have assisted children who have struggled with genetic disorders, including Neurofibromatosis. When I learned of the opportunity to increase awareness for the Children's Tumor Foundation via my avocational passion of auto racing, my support was without hesitation or reservation."
Ron Yarab: (on driving the No. 85 for CTF) “Driving for the Children’s Tumor Foundation offers a unique opportunity to combine my two passions, medicine and racing for the benefit of neurofibromatosis. An added bonus will be to see the kids in the garage at Daytona. I can’t wait to see the look of wonderment in their faces when they see and touch the race car. I just wish I could channel all that energy!”
Driver Thoughts on the Rolex 24 At Daytona:
Michael Gomez: "The Rolex 24 At Daytona continues to be one of the most exhilarating and challenging experiences of my life. The only personal comparison I can make is the combined mental exhaustion of being up all night on call as a doctor, the physical exhaustion of running a marathon and the adrenaline rush of sky diving. And I wouldn't have it any other way..."
Daniel Graeff: "Since I was a boy, I've dreamed of this place, these cars and this race. For some, it's conquering Everest or the Tour de France, but for a racer this is the pinnacle. A hallowed place that has tested individual and machine and sought out greatness. I am awed, honored and blessed to be here where giants have walked. There is nothing, nothing more challenging to the core than running this race, with and against these great drivers and these great teams."
Ron Yarab: “Winning the 24 hours of Daytona is like climbing Everest, except there are 50 other guys out there ready to push you off the next ledge you come to.”
Richard Campollo: "Esto va ser una locura!"
Daniel Graeff: "It's the most unbelievable challenge I've ever experienced – emotionally, physically and mentally. I love it! We brought the car home, but we left a little bit on the table this year. I'm headed back here next year and we're going to get it as a team."
Richard Campollo: (after bringing the No. 85 across the finish line after a 2.5 hour stint behind the wheel) "I'd like to thank fourth gear in my gearbox." The No. 85 lost the clutch and 5th & 6th gear at hour 21 but was still able to finish the race thanks to Richard's skill and hard work.
Michael Gomez: (on driving the No. 85 for CTF) "As a child psychiatrist, I have assisted children who have struggled with genetic disorders, including Neurofibromatosis. When I learned of the opportunity to increase awareness for the Children's Tumor Foundation via my avocational passion of auto racing, my support was without hesitation or reservation."
Ron Yarab: (on driving the No. 85 for CTF) “Driving for the Children’s Tumor Foundation offers a unique opportunity to combine my two passions, medicine and racing for the benefit of neurofibromatosis. An added bonus will be to see the kids in the garage at Daytona. I can’t wait to see the look of wonderment in their faces when they see and touch the race car. I just wish I could channel all that energy!”
Driver Thoughts on the Rolex 24 At Daytona:
Michael Gomez: "The Rolex 24 At Daytona continues to be one of the most exhilarating and challenging experiences of my life. The only personal comparison I can make is the combined mental exhaustion of being up all night on call as a doctor, the physical exhaustion of running a marathon and the adrenaline rush of sky diving. And I wouldn't have it any other way..."
Daniel Graeff: "Since I was a boy, I've dreamed of this place, these cars and this race. For some, it's conquering Everest or the Tour de France, but for a racer this is the pinnacle. A hallowed place that has tested individual and machine and sought out greatness. I am awed, honored and blessed to be here where giants have walked. There is nothing, nothing more challenging to the core than running this race, with and against these great drivers and these great teams."
Ron Yarab: “Winning the 24 hours of Daytona is like climbing Everest, except there are 50 other guys out there ready to push you off the next ledge you come to.”
Richard Campollo: "Esto va ser una locura!"
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Post Race Recap
As your faithful blogger sits here in the airport exhausted yet invigorated, waiting to return to the cold of New York, I feel a profound sense of gratefulness to the people who made this weekend possible. First, the drivers; our drivers are what's called in the racing world "gentlemen drivers," they are individuals who pay their own way and in essence sponsor the car so that the Children's Tumor Foundation can receive the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for research into neurofibromatosis. Second, the crew and staff of Farnbacher Loles Racing; without their support this weekend simply could not happen, they are the essence of any race car and they have been absolutely wonderful to CTF and our NF Heroes. Third, our sponsors; Wireless Zone, Trane, Fathead, Quicken Loans, Bergen County Auto, their support drives NF research. And finally, our NF Heroes, their families and all of you who read this blog and support the cause; whatever NF may do to the body it seems to to the opposite to the spirit. We had some of the kindest and most caring people at the track this weekend (and commenting on this blog!) and the opportunity to have them share with us was an inspiring experience.
Boarding calls but check back all week for more pictures from an amazing weekend. Thanks again everyone!
Boarding calls but check back all week for more pictures from an amazing weekend. Thanks again everyone!
The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Comes to an End
David Donahue's 58 car outlasted Juan Pablo Montoya's 01 car in the closest finish in Rolex 24 history. A wonderfully exciting finish even for novice race fans (like your faithful blogger). The Children's Tumor Foundation No. 85 car finished more than 600 laps in an effort reminiscent of many of those who live with neurofibromatosis but endure through the many, often times unexpected and unpredictable, struggles they face. Many many thanks to our amazing drivers, Farnbacher Loles crew, Wireless Zone, Trane, Quicken Loans, Fathead, Bergen County Auto and all our readers. I'm going to join the Racing4Research crew down by the car but will be back with further updates as soon as possible. Thanks again everyone, what fun!
15 Minutes Left!
Looks like the CTF No. 85 car's going to make it! The whole Racing4Research team is gathering in the Pit Row Patio to chear it on to the finish! As for the DP class the front of the pack is still very tight with the 01 car stalking the 58 in what is sure to be a great finish. We'll be right here posting when it happens!
Wow, What a Race!
If you can tune into Speed for the last hour of the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona we strongly recommend doing so. In addition to the valiant effort of Children's Tumor Foundation No. 85 car in the GT class there is also an amazing battle unfolding in the Daytona Prototype class. The lead three cars are separated by mere seconds after more than 23 hours of racing! There's speculation that this may be the closest 24 hour race since a race at Le Mans in France 40 years ago!
If you can't tune into Speed worry not, your faithful blogger will be right here with all your race needs!
If you can't tune into Speed worry not, your faithful blogger will be right here with all your race needs!
Exchange Between Richard and Crew Member
Richard: "Hey [crew members name - couldn't hear who it was] where's the stereo on this thing, does it have a radio?"
Crew Member: "No cause if it did you wouldn't listen to me."
A nice moment of levity as we reach the back stretch. Richard will be coming in soon to pit. The crew seems to feel that if he can make it another "ten, twelve laps" they'll be able to finish the race despite the transmission concerns.
Crew Member: "No cause if it did you wouldn't listen to me."
A nice moment of levity as we reach the back stretch. Richard will be coming in soon to pit. The crew seems to feel that if he can make it another "ten, twelve laps" they'll be able to finish the race despite the transmission concerns.
Race Update
With a little more than two hours left in the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona the Children's Tumor Foundation No. 85 car is in 17th place and Richard Campollo of the Dominican Republic is at the wheel. An interesting development that's occured since I started writing this post (it's 1:27 EST right now) is the car's inability to shift into 5th gear. Richard came over the radio and told the crew that it'll go into 4th but ever since he downshifted from 5th it's not allowed him to go back. The crew has decided that with 2 hours left in the race they'll let it go and hope the transmission holds. We'll keep you updated right here on anything else coming over the radio.
Pit Update
Sorry for the delay on the "pronto" promise. Your faithful blogger just had a chance to go down to the pits and then stuffed way more chicken piccata into his belly than can possibly be healthy. Anyway we're experiencing some internet connectivity issues that are limiting our abilities to upload images. In the meantime you may be interested in the experience of going down to the pits in the 21st hour of an auto endurance race.
The most striking feature of the Farnbacher pit (and one can reasonably assume all the other pits) is the level of exhaustion the crew members are experiencing. 5 o'clock shadows have stayed up past their curfew and crew members are sleeping in positions in which only the truly exhausted can reach REM. As I entered a crew member on my right was receiving a massage from a woman who had the countenance and appearance of a mother - a welcome sight I'm sure for the worn out ladies and gentlemen of the Farnbacher crew - and on my left a crew member was passed out sitting up with his feet in a pins and needles inducing position. A group of four men sat perched on a four foot high stand glued to computer monitors and tires stacked in groups of four were littered about everywhere. A crew member named Adam, with scruff that looked like he had been working back to back to back endurance races, approached me and asked if I had an extra Children's Tumor Foundation hat. He said he appreciated the work of the Foundation and was impressed with the dedication of our volunteers. I thanked him, told him I'd look into finding a hat (and I will) and thanked him for the great work he and his crew members are doing. He seemed excited to talk to someone who wasn't discussing tire pressure and we shared a few laughs before he returned to work.
Shortly thereafter a gigantic fireman walked by me as the CTF No. 85 car came into pit. The gentleman was decked head-to-toe in flame retardant gear (literally head-to-toe, including over his face) and I realized the potential danger of the pits area and importance of precaution (about 15 minutes after I left the pits a car caught fire not far from the Farnbacher area - everyone was okay). The crew jumped into action but were not quite as speedy as the pit guys you see in shorter races, quality and thoroughness being more important than a second here or there.
As the car pulled away it was time to go but not without a new found respect for the dedication and commitment of the great Farnbacher crew.
The most striking feature of the Farnbacher pit (and one can reasonably assume all the other pits) is the level of exhaustion the crew members are experiencing. 5 o'clock shadows have stayed up past their curfew and crew members are sleeping in positions in which only the truly exhausted can reach REM. As I entered a crew member on my right was receiving a massage from a woman who had the countenance and appearance of a mother - a welcome sight I'm sure for the worn out ladies and gentlemen of the Farnbacher crew - and on my left a crew member was passed out sitting up with his feet in a pins and needles inducing position. A group of four men sat perched on a four foot high stand glued to computer monitors and tires stacked in groups of four were littered about everywhere. A crew member named Adam, with scruff that looked like he had been working back to back to back endurance races, approached me and asked if I had an extra Children's Tumor Foundation hat. He said he appreciated the work of the Foundation and was impressed with the dedication of our volunteers. I thanked him, told him I'd look into finding a hat (and I will) and thanked him for the great work he and his crew members are doing. He seemed excited to talk to someone who wasn't discussing tire pressure and we shared a few laughs before he returned to work.
Shortly thereafter a gigantic fireman walked by me as the CTF No. 85 car came into pit. The gentleman was decked head-to-toe in flame retardant gear (literally head-to-toe, including over his face) and I realized the potential danger of the pits area and importance of precaution (about 15 minutes after I left the pits a car caught fire not far from the Farnbacher area - everyone was okay). The crew jumped into action but were not quite as speedy as the pit guys you see in shorter races, quality and thoroughness being more important than a second here or there.
As the car pulled away it was time to go but not without a new found respect for the dedication and commitment of the great Farnbacher crew.
Speed Coverage!
In a development that was goosebump-level exciting Speed just spent nearly 5 minutes covering the CTF car. We're not sure what the announcers were saying but regardless the exposure is great for raising awareness about NF. Below are two pictures from the Farnbacher Loles Facebook page. Check it out for further pictures from the race and updates about a great organization. We'll be back pronto with a whole treasure trove of photos.
And We're Back
We arrived at the track for the second day of the Rolex 24 about an hour ago and passed the Children's Tumor Foundation No. 85 car on an infield road as it was travelling on the track (or rather it passed us). We noticed the driver's side seemed to be a bit charred and the "8" on the 85 was all but gone. We talked with some of the race die-hards, who've been here all night, and they said that a little past 3 in the morning the car blew a tire, the drivers side front tire, and as a result the radiator went (your faithful blogger is uniquely familiar with radiator problems having cracked one on a pothole during a ski trip in Vermont). The Farnbacher Loles crew took the car back to the garage and about an hour later it was back on the track.
This is a very, very long race and car troubles are bound to happen along the way. Thankfully the CTF No. 85 car has the services of a very talented (and genuinely nice) crew of technicians who were able to get it back on the track in good time. We had been up to 8th place but we dropped to 20th following the troubles. Michael Gomez, a doctor who sees patients with NF -when not flying around a racetrack at ungodly speeds - has us back up to 17th place and climbing. Over the radio I just heard the pit say that he's on lap 21 of his 30 lap stint. When Dr. Gomez initially went out the pit was encouraging him to remain cautious and focus on taking the turns carefully. "Lets make sure we bring this guy in," said one of the crew members. I think this speaks to the challenge of keeping a race car on a track for 24 straight hours. The team is on the precipice of accomplishing a true feat and do not want to compromise it at this point. We'll be back soon with more pictures.
This is a very, very long race and car troubles are bound to happen along the way. Thankfully the CTF No. 85 car has the services of a very talented (and genuinely nice) crew of technicians who were able to get it back on the track in good time. We had been up to 8th place but we dropped to 20th following the troubles. Michael Gomez, a doctor who sees patients with NF -when not flying around a racetrack at ungodly speeds - has us back up to 17th place and climbing. Over the radio I just heard the pit say that he's on lap 21 of his 30 lap stint. When Dr. Gomez initially went out the pit was encouraging him to remain cautious and focus on taking the turns carefully. "Lets make sure we bring this guy in," said one of the crew members. I think this speaks to the challenge of keeping a race car on a track for 24 straight hours. The team is on the precipice of accomplishing a true feat and do not want to compromise it at this point. We'll be back soon with more pictures.
A Few Last Images Until the Morning
What a great event the Rolex 24 At Daytona has been! In addition to several local television segments here in the Daytona/Orlando area we've had Speed and Fox national coverage of the car and the cause. These are small steps but taken together we can make giant leaps toward ending neurofibromatosis. Below are a few more images of the pre-race festivities, we'll be back around 9 am EST to bring you race photos and updates. Have a great evening!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fireworks!
The fireworks are off and they're stunning. Speed Channel has just left the race until tomorrow morning but if you still wish to follow it online you may do so here. And without further ado, at the (semi)request of Lynne S. more photos from this morning's festivities:
129 Laps In...
with many more to go the CTF No. 85 car is in 12th place and Richard Campollo is now at the wheel. Many members of the Racing4Research team (including one blogger) have retired to the hotel for a brief respite. We'll be back at the racetrack later this evening for the fireworks show. The fireworks are among the many kid-centric activities offered during the course of the Rolex 24. The infield offers an old-fashioned amusement park with Ferris Wheel and carnival games. There's also a climbing wall and bungee chair in the new-this-year Tropicana Zone. The offerings seem to be attracting a great deal of participants and with the race, several measures larger this year than last, there will certainly be even more fun games for children to get involved in next year. I'll be back later this evening with an update and additional photos.
No. 85 on Speed Channel
Speed just came back from a commercial break with the view from the top of the CTF No. 85 car which prominently features the Children's Tumor Foundation logo!
Your faithful blogger also just returned from the "Pit Road Patio" where he was treated to a delicious bbq sandwich known in Baltimore, and maybe soon to be adopted at racetracks around the country as "Pit Beef". CTF has three sections of the Pit Road Patio, which is located just past the start line, and perched up 3 stories high for a true birds eye view of the track. While Speed and Fox have done very well in their coverage of the Rolex 24 thus far, it's difficult to describe how much different the experience of actually being here is. The closest analogy this blogger can think of is the difference between a hockey game on TV and a hockey game live. The raw power of the players/cars and the devastating effect as they crash into the boards simply cannot be fully captured on a screen in a den. No matter how big they make televisions.
Also of note is recent coverage of the CTF car here and here, and for those in the Orlando/Daytona area make sure to tune in to Fox 35 News at 5 and 10 for segments on the Racing4Research campaign.
Ron Yarab Jr. has taken over for Wolf Henzler and seems to be taking a more cautious approach but the crew sounds pleased with his driving. After all, it is a marathon, certainly not a sprint.
Your faithful blogger also just returned from the "Pit Road Patio" where he was treated to a delicious bbq sandwich known in Baltimore, and maybe soon to be adopted at racetracks around the country as "Pit Beef". CTF has three sections of the Pit Road Patio, which is located just past the start line, and perched up 3 stories high for a true birds eye view of the track. While Speed and Fox have done very well in their coverage of the Rolex 24 thus far, it's difficult to describe how much different the experience of actually being here is. The closest analogy this blogger can think of is the difference between a hockey game on TV and a hockey game live. The raw power of the players/cars and the devastating effect as they crash into the boards simply cannot be fully captured on a screen in a den. No matter how big they make televisions.
Also of note is recent coverage of the CTF car here and here, and for those in the Orlando/Daytona area make sure to tune in to Fox 35 News at 5 and 10 for segments on the Racing4Research campaign.
Ron Yarab Jr. has taken over for Wolf Henzler and seems to be taking a more cautious approach but the crew sounds pleased with his driving. After all, it is a marathon, certainly not a sprint.
CTF No. 85 11th out of 31
Wolf Henzler has the CTF No. 85 car positioned well after a little over an hour of racing. After spending much of the first hour in the 6-8th position Henzler dropped a few spots but is still withing striking distance of leader Dominick Farnbacher (son of the co-founder of CTF partner Farnbacher Loles).
Of note in the first hour of racing are the problems the No. 70 car has experienced. Last years Rolex 24 winner the 70 was forced into the garage after leaking fuel in the pit. This may prove fortuitous for the CTF No. 85 car going forward.
Of note in the first hour of racing are the problems the No. 70 car has experienced. Last years Rolex 24 winner the 70 was forced into the garage after leaking fuel in the pit. This may prove fortuitous for the CTF No. 85 car going forward.
Start Your Engines!
Following a moving rendition of the National Anthem and a very very cool fly over by two fighter jets we're ready to begin. The cars are following the pace car around the track right now awaiting the green flag, the CTF No. 85 Porsche GT3 will be driven by the great Wolf Henzler for the first leg...and the green flag is out and their off! Great start by the No. 85 car, I'm plugged in to the pit's radio and the crew is very happy with their start, "best pre-race ever" was just said. More to come.
Minutes Away...
We're mere minutes away from the start of the 2009 Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona. The whole Children's Tumor Foundation Racing4Research team just followed the drivers and the car from the garage to the pit in a parade procession that included all the other cars and their supporters. Over 100 strong, the CTF R4R group was the largest (and loudest) by a wide margin. The parade included a marching band, cheerleading group and legions of onlookers.
Following the parade the team gathered for a picture on the Daytona track at the top of a turn bank. For race novices, and even seasoned race fans, the slope of the bank was something to marvel at. It's difficult to walk straight up the slope as you get the sensation you might fall straight back.
Great photos from the parade will follow at some point. But for now, many thanks to Farnbacher Loles, Wireless Zone, Bergen County Auto, Quicken Loans, Fathead and others for their support. Stay with us and root on the No. 85 on Fox!
Following the parade the team gathered for a picture on the Daytona track at the top of a turn bank. For race novices, and even seasoned race fans, the slope of the bank was something to marvel at. It's difficult to walk straight up the slope as you get the sensation you might fall straight back.
Great photos from the parade will follow at some point. But for now, many thanks to Farnbacher Loles, Wireless Zone, Bergen County Auto, Quicken Loans, Fathead and others for their support. Stay with us and root on the No. 85 on Fox!
Daytona 5k Run and Fun Walk
Today was kicked off with a 5k Run and Fun Walk that included several NF Hero family members and three Children's Tumor Foundation staffers (including one blogger in need of some coffee). The event began at 7 am and participants were able to watch the sun rise over Daytona as they ran/walked on the most famous track in all of auto racing. The rest of the Racing4Research team arrived around 10 am and were greeted with another opportunity to meet the soon-to-be winning drivers and the No. 85 Children's Tumor Foundation Porsche GT3. After another quick photo op the team - including all the NF Heroes - signed the under-wing of the car for good luck. Also among the signers was Dr. Peggy Wallace, a researcher whose work was instrumental in the isolation of the NF1 gene. We'll have pictures of the very moving event soon (after the aforementioned coffee or two) and don't forget to tune into the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona starting today at 3 pm EST on Fox.
Friday's Pictures
The Friday and Saturday morning of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona provide a unique opportunity for race attendees to meet the drivers and get an up-close look at the car. Below are images from yesterday's meet and greet as well as a look at the names of all the NF Heroes featured on the car (click on pictures to enlarge).
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