The Great Save

Video interview with driver Glen Gatlin describing his experience as the left front ball-joint failed at 170 mph with 3 hours left in the race.  The Autometrics Motorsports team quickly replaced the damaged parts, spending just 30 minutes in the pits.

The Pits!

Back on Track

After an earlier tire problem that took the car off the track, the Children's Tumor Foundation #14 is back and humming along behind the capable hands of Daniel Graeff.  After 486 laps we're 15th in class and still competing, no small feet when you consider all the cars that have packed it in (10 by my count).

We were just in the pits and had an opportunity to speak with Autometrics crew member Mac McGehee.  McGehee said the team is happy with how the car has performed mechanically.  The tire issue forced the car into a side bank and the ensuing crash required a fender and radiator replacement as well as some power steering issues.  Otherwise they've had some problems with the alternator but this is not uncommon when you have a car traveling for the better part of 20 hours.

Pics from the pit:

If You Can't Stand The Waiting

If you're like me and you're up late and need to know what's happening at the track, check out Grand-Am's live timing and scoring page - check out the GT Class and look for #14 to see how we're doing throughout the night.  SPEED's live television coverage begins again at 7:00 AM EST.

A Different Perspective

Garrett suggested I share some pix from my travels with our team spotter trying to solve a communications issue.  We took a trip to the spotter's perch high atop the Sprint Tower, on top of the big grandstand along the front stretch of the superspeedway.  We ended up resolving the communications issue and I enjoyed the unique chance to watch the #14 from such a great location.  Pretty cool...

That's the #14 crossing the finish line

More Pictures

The rainy grid just before the start of the race

CTF drivers (l-r): Ron Yarab, Daniel Graeff, Seth Thomas, Glen Gatlin

From the pits - driver Daniel Graeff gets ready for his first stint in the #14

Crew chief Frank Resciniti discussing strategy

and for our McDreamy fans... George speaking with Patrick Dempsey

Live Rolex 24 Standings

Can be found here by clicking on the green icon on the right hand side.  These standings are substantially more difficult to find than one might expect, hence the post.  No word yet on exactly what happened to the car but it seems that it was just a spin-out as we're back on the track and have just closed to 9 laps behind the leader.

Fireworks in the near future, hopefully not for the car (knocking on wood).   Another great Rolex 24! Be back soon.