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While we
were changing fluids, the Firestone brothers where
rebuilding the front end of their car from scratch by
pilfering components from a Subaru dealership lot and Ace
Hardware. Despite the gloomy forecast yesterday at Road
America, it now looks like they will finish One Lap. Way to
go!!
‘Nuff said.
The moment
of truth…. If we out-skidpad Blake Fuller’s STi, we’ll win
our Class. If we don’t, we’ll come in second (or worse!).
The pressure is on and I’m pacing like a nervous cricket.
Even Paul is a little anxious which is something I don’t see
often!
Paul
attacks the skidpad with understated vigor. The car looks
smooth and fast. Real fast. Fast enough to achieve a
ridiculously good 1.05G! Up to this point, this is the
highest of any sedan. Next, Blake Fuller gives it his best
shot in his STI and achieves a solid .96G. Good, but not
good enough to hold on to his points lead.
After 9
days of sleep deprivation, a rotten bottom-of-the-pack
start, over 6000 miles of road driving, burning through
nearly 600 gallons of gasoline, and flogging the car on 9
different tracks all over the continental United States….
WE
JUST WON ONE LAP OF AMERICA!!!
After all
the timed skidpad runs, Brock Yates decided to hold an
impromptu gross display of horsepower competition. Yes, you
guessed it… burnouts!!! While the Porsches and Vipers did
well, I think set the new standard with power drifts around
the skidpad and one hell of a spinning-like-a-top burnout.
It’s dinner
and awards ceremony time and Brock Yates gives is famous
speech. For those who don’t know, Brock created the
Cannonball Run decades ago. The very same event which
morphed into One Lap of America as we know it today.
That’s Paul and me accepting our trophy for 1st
in Class win. I gave a lame speech.
That’s Paul
and me accepting another trophy for our 5th place overall
win. He scolded me for my narcolepsy and scoffed at those
who didn’t think a 2.0L running 25-30lbs of boost could
survive the most grueling One Lap in history.
We’re
tired, dirty and malnourished. But look Mom! We Won!!!
Major thanks to Paul for lending us his time and his hot
shoes. Big thanks for Garret Turbochargers for their turbo
and wonderful car package that kept us alive and full of Red
Bull. Big thanks to Jason at Brits for his sage advice.
Thanks to Stasis for their assistance at Sears Point. And
to Luke at The Tire Rack for all his time and help. Major
props to Mitsubishi USA supporting all along the way and
generously supplying us with another EVO to race next
year. And of course, massive thanks to all our friends,
family and customers who rooted us on when things looked
bleak! We couldn’t have done it without any of you!!
And to our
competition: Wait until next year boys. We’re turning the
dial up to 11!
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