This is just a classic race! A great course, awesome atmosphere and an aggressive field make it one of my favorite races of the year. I think we lined up with about 50 guys for the E4 race. It was also Oliver’s first race as a 4 as well as his first time lining up in an open field. I have to say I was a bit worried for him at first but he did just fine in the end.
Oliver scored a spot right up front for the start while I was sitting at the back. Fine by me as my plan was to sit back and keep an eye on our new Cat 4. They started us on time at 7:00am (to damn early!). I settled in mid pack straight away. Oliver was up in the top 10 for the first 5 or 6 laps. Personally, not my style but I figured at least he’s safe. He slid back to mid pack after a bit and I sat on or near his wheel for a good 15 minutes. Oliver seemed to be comfortable in the group but tended to stay on the inside. His cornering was a little rough so I tried to give him some advice on lines and such. At 30 minutes in or so I decided to move up closer to the front. As I was picking my way forward a crash took out 5-6 guys just to the right of me. I was able to avoid the wreck easily enough. I didn’t know what happened to Oliver though. So, I moved to the outside and sat up till the back of the bunch came around. Hopped on the tail gunner position till I was able to find our junior. He didn’t go down but did get slowed up by the crash. Now I’m at the back and as we cross the start/finish line I realize the lap counter is lit up. For some reason I thought it said 5 to go instead of 9 to go. In a bit of a panic I make a few efforts to improve my position. So after 4 laps I’m in the top 15 when I realize now it’s 5 to go. Well, nuts, that’s not what I was expecting. I slid back to mid pack and that’s were I ended up finishing. I wasn’t in position for a top 10 so I didn’t sprint. Oliver ended up finishing right behind me. Great job for your first race as a 4!
Mike