2011 New Jersey Regional @ Lighting Raceway at New Jersey Mortorsports Park
Mark Connolly and I arrived Friday evening to register, tech inspection and set up for the regional event. Had enough daylight left to walk the track to that mark was prepared mentally for Saturday’s practice and 2 sprint 10 lap races.
Saturday David Heinz arrived and got registered and tech just in time to suit up for the 18 minute qualifying session. After the session David came in stating that he lost 3rd gear. Mark was excited that the mini had boost. However he tore the CV Boot to the left axel. Mark and I started working on the axel and got the CV Boot replaced in time for the 10 lap sprint race. Mark told Dave go out and try it again to see what is going on with 3rd gear.
Both lined up for the pace lap and at the green Mark took the field and was out in front before he even pass the start finish. David called over the radio and said no go for 3rd gear. He stayed out there and drove the best he could between 2nd and 4th gear. Mark won the race with an over all margin of victory by 2 seconds.
Lunchtime we all drove to the auto parts store to get new gear oil thinking of an easy fix to get David back out to race for the 2nd 10 lap race. Mark and David started working on the car and got all the fluids changed in time to suit up and race again.
Both lined up for the 2nd 10 lap sprint race. Mark being the pole setter was ready. At the green Mark took off yet again and was way out in front. By the checkered flag Mark was so far in front the margin of victory was 17 seconds. David was able to finish the race again and also improving his time. Still no 3rd gear in his car.
Mark and David serviced the cars and cleaned up so that we can head back to the hotel to clean up and head to Atlantic City for dinner and a stroll on the Boardwalk. NICE.
Sunday we arrived back at the track to suite up and prepare for the 15 lap race. Mark being the pole setter and David was 8th in group was ready. At the green flag, Mark was out in front yet again. Leading each and every lap. At the checker Mark’s margin of victory was 22 seconds. He walked away from the field. David also improved. Still finished 8th in group but time he improved. Not bad for loosing 3rd gear.
