August 31st, Barberton Night Show


Results

Medium class: 4 entries
Heat 1 (10 laps): Started-2nd, Finished-2nd
Heat 2 (10 laps): Started-3rd, Finished-3rd
Feature (20 laps): Rained-out, credited for 2nd

This week we made our way back to Barberton for their special Labor Day Night Program. We decided to try something a little different with our set-up, and during hot laps, we knew things were looking pretty good. The only problem was, the engine seemed to running hot again. We checked everything we could and did everything we could to make it run cooler, but we ended up switching engines before the heat races started.

For the frist heat race, we started on the outside pole. Bobby started on the pole, and we had a pretty good start. The kart handled well everywhere, but Bobby's kart just came in about 2 laps before ours. He pulled out to about a 10 kart length lead which I wasn't able to close-up by the end of the heat. In the second heat we started 3rd. Off the 2nd turn, I was able to jump into 2nd place behind Shaun Middaugh even though the kart was a tick loose. Going into the 3 turn, Bobby gave me a little bump from behind which actually helped me close on Shaun. Coming off of 4 turn, I signalled Bobby to give me another bump down the stretch, so we could both go by Shaun. Unfortunately, Bobby had already committed to passing me, and I had to drop in behind Shaun as Bobby took the lead. For the next 8 laps, Bobby was able to slowly pull away as Shaun and I were about 3 kart lengths apart, and that's how we finished. As the day went on, more and more clouds had rolled into the area. We knew that they were calling for rain, that it was on it's way from Toledo, and time was running out. The program was promoted as being under the lights though, so it seemed to me, they weren't progressing the races with the urgency they should have. Either way, they ended up starting the road course features when it started to lightly rain. Eventually, they did call all the racing for the day, and we weren't able to run our feature. However, we were credited for 2nd place since that's were we would have started.

Well, the outdoor karting season is quickly coming to a close. We still have 2 more NOBSS point races at Toledo on Sept. 20th and 21st. Hopefully with our new way of thinking, we'll be able to put in a good showing at Toledo, and maybe move up a spot in the standings. I have to thank Chuck's Custom for all the help this year. Also, I must thank, Kremer, Miller, Rylee, Tammy, and Abby who were able to make to the track Sunday to help out and if nothing else provide moral support! Thanks everyone, and I hope we can see you at the track again soon!
Back to 2003 Reports