MSOKC Race No. 13 - Five for Eight (2003)

Originally sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 9:58 AM

Conor had another near-perfect outing last Sunday. The morning weather (cloudy and 45F) provided him with an opportunity to learn about coefficient of adhesion for racing slicks as a function of temperature. On the first lap of the first practice session, he spun twice -- in consecutive corners! During sign-up, we learned that there would be two new competitors in the Rookie Box class, who would start at the back of the grid. Conor drew the fifth starting position (of eight competitors) for the first heat race. He lost one position at the start, in spite of the changes we made (including a lighter disk brake rotor) that were intended to help him out with his starts. He did seem to have a bit more speed coming out of the corners, as he was able to work his way up to second place, just behind his main rival who had started on pole, by lap four (of six). He pulled along side the leader twice on the final lap, but couldn't get past. Starting from the second position in the second heat race, Conor held his position through the first few corners and passed the pole sitter on the back straight-away on the first lap. He then held on for a comfortable win. Starting on the pole for the feature, he dropped a position to his main rival at the start, but was once again able to pass on the back straight-away on the first lap. He must have had the bit between his teeth, because he began pulling away by about a second a lap. He recorded a best lap of 0:58.41 - his fastest since Race No. 10 on August 24 - in route to his fifth feature win in eight starts. The feature also provided Conor with an opportunity to experience something else that was new -- lapping traffic! I'm sure that the two new guys will be up to speed in no time, however.

The season championship is decided based on the best 10 finishes of the 13 race season. To qualify for the championship, a competitor must complete at least 9 races out of the 13. Conor got a late start to the season, so he missed the first four races. This makes him eligible for the championship, but one race short of the full complement. He easily has the highest number of points per race in his class, but having to include a "zero" in the total for the one race he is short (there are 160 points available per race), kills his chance for this year. Conor's main competitor (Ryan Fox) has the championship all but locked up with one race remaining -- the rescheduled Race No. 3, which is next Sunday, October 12.

Happy trails!

Bill