Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

David Pintaric · 03-18-2006, 05:02 PM

Sunday dawns bright. There were severe thunderstorms during the night, so I am watching the sky to see if we will get a dry qualifying session. Since we are Group One, I am pretty sure we will be OK.

I am second in the False Grid behind an A/S Camaro. He and I talk and he knows I am going to be going out fast to get a good time. He points me by before we hit Grant's Tomb (long right hander before the long straight), so I am off and running.

I get the second lap in a Matt Miller radios 1:13 (garbled). So I am thinking 1:13.8ish. Not bad, especially with these old tires that have their 7th heat cycle on them.

When I get back to the paddock I ask Matt about the time, asking "1:13.8, right?" He looks at me and says "1:13.08, dummy" You could have knocked me over with a feather. The track record (held by Chris Ingle) was/is a 1:13.2 "something." This is new territory for me: being fast.

So my goal for the race is to #1 finish half the laps to get the automatic win, #2 bring the car home in one piece, and # set a new track record. Despite having no competitive pressure in this race, I am still a bundle of nerves prior to the start.

The race went well, the GT1 cars in front of me all got good, clean, fast starts. This leaves me with a clean track ahead. On lap two Matt radios to me "1:12.689" which is under the track record...it's mine! So goal #3 is taken care of. Goal #1 is taken care in good time as I slow the car down to some 1:15s and 1:16s (even a 17 thrown in for good measure). I take the checkered flag and goal #2 is achieved. The car even got sideways the whole weekend. Perfect!

I am not the least boastful of winning a race with no other competitors. But those 12 points will go a long way in helping me secure a spot in the 2006 Run Offs.

I am much more satisfied about setting a track record. The old record was set last summer by Chris. This is significant as it was a recent record, and Chris is a very skilled driver. Maybe I am getting the hang of this driving stuff.

We will see. Next race is at Summit Point April 8th and 9th to open the SCCA NeDiv season.

ReddyZ06 · 03-18-2006, 05:48 PM

Congrats, well done.
Mike

**DennyM** · 03-18-2006, 05:55 PM

Congratulations, David.

I wish I could say I will see you run at Summit, but its problematic at this point.
Want to see new T1 guy Joe there as well ... and will go if I can get away.
All the Best

**StoneyJ** · 03-18-2006, 06:01 PM

Congratulations David on the new record!
Looking forward to your Summit Point report.
Mel

Subdriver · 03-18-2006, 08:51 PM

Nice job David. Wish I could've been there to give you a run for your money.

Good luck at Summit.

Z06 Fever · 03-19-2006, 06:35 AM

Great drive, David. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

Good luck at Summit Point.

wtknght1 · 03-19-2006, 07:36 AM

Nice job bud!!

Yeah, that 13.2 was set my first time there.. in late May...it was HOT!!! I should be making the pilgramage back out there again for the May race...mostly to see my Mom who's recovering from breast cancer. Hopefully we can have a head to head match.

David Pintaric · 03-19-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Yeah, that 13.2 was set my first time there.. in late May...it was HOT!!!

Chris, I thought the whole time that that record was a bit "soft." I am not at your (or Brad's) level yet, but I am making progress. I think an 1:11 is very doable. IMHO.

Bob · 03-19-2006, 10:37 AM

I may ride out to Summit to say hello!

David Pintaric · 03-19-2006, 12:12 PM

Quote:

I may ride out to Summit to say hello!

Let me know and be sure to visit our paddock. I think there are going to be 16 T1 cars there, of which 15 should be Vettes.

sleeper02Z06 · 03-19-2006, 09:31 PM

You guys talking about 1:13's being soft are killing me!!

Joe

wtknght1 · 03-20-2006, 09:03 AM

I think you're probably right...given cool temps especially. I qual'd in the 11s (I think) in May so I'm sure it's possible with the right conditions. That track really goes to hell quickly when the temps go up...and it eats tires like nobody's business.

Bob · 03-20-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Pintaric

Let me know and be sure to visit our paddock. I think there are going to be 16 T1 cars there, of which 15 should be Vettes.

I will be sure to let you know. Is one day better than the other?

David Pintaric · 03-20-2006, 05:14 PM

Quote:

I will be sure to let you know. Is one day better than the other?

Sunday is race day. This year we are group 7 (of 8); so my day will be a lot of waiting around until late afternoon.

Saturday is offical practice in the morning and qualifying in the afternoon (although I think both sessions count for qualifying).

Either, or both days, are fine. C'mon down!

Subdriver · 03-20-2006, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper02Z06

You guys talking about 1:13's being soft are killing me!!

Joe

Me too...

Chris and David, good luck in May. It is normally much hotter in May than March and I've found it tough to match my March times in May. Helps when the wind is from the south blowing down that long straight though...