The Children's Tumor Foundation #14 finished 15th in class and completed 611 laps which, I do believe, is a new record for the Racing4Research team! Many thanks to everyone for following along, for raising much needed money for NF research and for your race day parties throughout the country. We'll let you know the final tally when we know but whether we got to $300,000 or not we have ensured that a great deal of funds will be put in the hands of some of the best reseachers in the world to help find treatments and a cure for neurofibromatosis, and that's what we're all about.
More pictures, video and some final thoughts on the race tomorrow, thanks again to everyone, hope you enjoyed the race!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Less than 15 Minutes Left!
And just moments ago the Children's Tumor Foundation #14 car went over 600 laps! The car's battered and there's duct tape all over it but it's still running along. We're 15th in class and Ron Yarab, a doctor who sees patients with NF, is behind the wheel to bring it home!
Down in the Pits
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
