One of the best parts of the Rolex 24 experience is going down to the pit and seeing where the magic happens (or where the sausage is made depending on your perspective). The smell of burnt rubber permeates the entirety of the area and a certain camaraderie bonds everyone in the pits. To be in the pits is to feel like you're part of something greater.
I was down there about an hour ago when Glen Gatlin was taking over for Daniel Graeff during a driver change. At this point the crew and the drivers are all pretty tired but when Daniel pulled up everyone was all business. Daniel hopped out, patted Glen on the back as he jumped in, the crew dropped the car and the #14 car was gone.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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.
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:
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:
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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...
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
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