First offical race under my belt

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Well, today I finally made my "first offical road race"........went to a two day driving school a couple of weeks ago and found out I did not know half as much about road racing as I thought I did.........................Have been to six or eight "open track" events also,so I have a little seat time..........

Now back to the race,my 65 Mustang is NOT finished,so I used a "track car",1980 or so Porsche 914,worn out some years ago,but a good learner car,safe and nimble,just NO power.........

After the first practice session, 20 cars in my group (I was the slowest),almost all 911s-928s-944s,a couple of drivers came by to offer some advise,told me I was too courteous on track and should hold my line when being overtaken,they said let the other guy get around where ever he wants to,o-k,second session did a lot better and got a little faster,qualifying went well,still knew I was the slowest,but three drivers and two corner workers told me I did a lot better,race went well also,finsihed 3rd in class out of 5 cars and 13th out of 17 cars in my run group, not great but I felt I did o-k considering everything...............After everything was said and done I had 5 drivers willing to "sign off' for my full competition license,only need three,so I must have done something right..............now I have a full comp. license and not a provisional one,stayed on track,did not do any grass cutting or dirt work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing I learned realllllll quick,when it comes to all out racing,most of those guys out there are just plane CRAZY,they were sideways ALL the time,in the grass,in the dirt,and one or two in the tire wall..........I was not driving my own car so I did take a little extra care of someone else's car,I probably would have driven my own car a little harder.........

Another thing,THERE IS NOTHING LIKE WHEEL TO WHEEL RACING on a 1.8 mile,14 turn road course,I thought to myself on the start of the qualifying session when we were 20 cars in all,2 rows of ten,I was 17th,started the session on a short chute between turns 9 and 10,when they dropped the green flag and we all took off,I thought what the HELL am I doing here,but after a lap or two I felt real comfortable with the car and other drivers and drove my little cajun butt for all I could............

Just thought I share my Sunday with everyone...........
Next time out,my 65 Mustang should be ready and that group "only" has about 10 to 12 cars,should be a blast............

David