Erik and I ended up carpooling down at the last minute. We arrived a little late but were able to get reg’d and kitted up in short order. Garry had a sweet spot for the team just 50 yards or so from the turn 4 staging area. Thanks for the great support Gaz!
The 4’s had 75 or so starters. The official started us on the whistle and the typical Cat 4 mayhem began. I like this course for the most part. Turn 2 seemed to be the area that gave us the most trouble. I moved up to the top 20 straight away. After the race I heard there was an early wreck but I didn’t see or hear it. Other than that our race was pretty safe. Normal cat 4 fare : Get up front then get swarmed and slide back a bit, rinse, repeat. Also did plenty of talking to make sure guys new I was there. Our races would be so much safer and saner if dudes would look around before moving. None of the larger teams seemed to have a plan of attack. It seemed every man for himself. At about 3 to go I decided to go to the front. On the long straight before turn 4 I slotted in about 4th wheel or so. I felt that was a good spot to be but I knew it would be hard to stay there. Coming out of the turn the guy on the front hit the headwind and slowed up. At which point we got swarmed again and found ourselves midpack. Bell lap, turn one , Erik pulls up on my wheel and says now or never. I hit the gas and squeeze my way up to the top 10. I looked back and Erik is gone. Nuts! We hit turn 2 and the group practically comes to a stop. Pack gets all reshuffled as we sprint out of the corner. Lined out on the backside at 28 or 29 mph. Turn 4 we take at speed and I get pushed a bit outside as guys have a hard time holding their lines. No worries as we all make it through. Time to sprint! As I spool up I have to weave and dodge to get around some slow movers. End up crossing the line in 15th. Not terrible but a bit frustrating as I was closing on the leaders quite fast.
Mike Baxter