Finally, the track layout favored the BB Cobra's!!
Brakes were not a factor as the track was faster and the times showed. Lap speed exceeded 100 MPH on the straights. Wow!!
With an average lap time of 55 seconds, the quicker cars ran mid to low 50's, and the slower group ran times just over 1 minute.
Things were just getting started when the rain shortened us to only a half day of runs.
The first runs had been completed and the BB's were boasting a second or two leads on the small blocks.
Scrambling to preserve our Gainesville champion standings, a few of us small block guys tried different tire pressures to compete with the faster running Big Blocks. Dennis on the other hand swapped to his slicks.....,
Dennis showed us how to drive a Cobra... sideways!!!
He makes it look so easy turning a best lap time of 49 seconds.
The next fastest time was the Corvette~Cobra of Robert Lightsey.
The stretched wheelbase and BB Chevy motor handled this faster course with ease.
Jerry's was right behind him with the Jaguar IRS Big block Cobra.
Kuhmo Victoracer tires were worn by most of the cars and were definitely the tire of choice.
I am finally done with my street tires. This event scrubbed off what little tread I had left. Time for some Kuhmo's for FFR1997K.
We had the normal stoppage of runs to clean up radiator fluid on the track and a few minor incidents of cars running off the track.
The scariest time of the day was when a fire erupted in one of the Cobra's after the first run.
Brake fluid from an improperly tightened reservoir dripped onto the headers and burst into flames.
Thankfully, an on-board hand held fire extinguisher ended the drama before the fire caused any damage. The car was able to get back on the track to make a second run later in the morning.
The battle of attrition continued at Gainesville as cars were lost due to thrown belts, Exhaust leak, alternator failure, a bent throttle pedal slowed Jerry momentarily, low
oil pressure kept the GT40 from running fast and I believe we had a fuel runoff problem in one of the Cobra's as well.
For the second time in a row, a thrown belt and loss of radiator fluid cost one of the drivers his chance to compete.
It was finally fixed, but the track was shut down before he could get a chance to make timed runs.
We should have stayed longer as the weather DID clear up. The Weather service forecasted rain all afternoon. Guess what, it didn't! We lost an entire half-day of running, as we believed the weather was going to duplicate Friday. Yep, it rained all afternoon on Friday. Next time, were not leaving till the end, the hell with the forecast!!!
For all who were waiting to see how the EE / Pomroy / Dino battle would end, lets just say I have lots of
free beer sitting in my refridge at home!!!
A third chance make changes never happened...
We gambled on the rain and lost.
14 laps ( two sets of 7) were all we were able to get in on Saturday morning. No time to try different setups and make improvements.
Well, there is always next time....
I got lucky with an initial setup and was able to preserve my winning status over Jim and Dino.
Only .4 seconds separated our fastest lap as Jim did put on the pressure with a better setup on his second runs.
I was impressed with the way he handled his Supercharged Fox Body Mustang.
Again, Gainesville was awesome! Too bad Mother Nature fooled us and we were unable to run all day. We learned a bit more and will try to alter the track next time to give us different challenges.
Saturday was fast and furious.
Looking like we are going to schedule something for late in the year. The wet season is upon us till October.
If you haven't tried Gainesville, you don’t know what you are missing.
Thanks for another great weekend of racing.
Ed
FFR1997K