|
|
Team Hector: Hot Rod Drags 2004
Friday:
Arrived at Shakespeare County Raceway in the early evening
after a 5.5 hour drive (which included a 3.3 hour traffic jam) and were
immediately cheered up by a madly waving Sarah (DASH Racing) who said we
could park “Trespasser” under their awning next to the “Chemical Reaction”
dragster. Cool or what! They were to regret that kind offer later, however,
when a visiting Trespasser Demon, upon finding a nice new machine to play
with, decided to bite them on the start line. Sorry guys, but as you know
he’s back in his box now (gearbox, that is) so no worries.
Saturday:
Despite promises from some passing Cherokee Indians and
a bloke with a moustache the weather was shite. We were still keen to sign
on but the experienced drivers (and Crazy Chris) advised against it until
the weather improved—no refunds for a rained-off event in this game. The
rain never did stop enough for us to get a run in. I blame Chris.
Sunday:
We waited, and when the time seemed right rushed off to
sign on, then pushed out into the queue with the “Chemical Reaction” team to
wait for our first run.Getting paired with the guys we’d got “Trespasser”
from originally would be brilliant for all concerned—a sort of family
affair..When, some months later, we actually got to the end of the fire-up
lane I was really looking forward to the race. Darryl popped a cool rolling
burnout and I decided to wait until his car had been pulled back past the
tree and he was ready before moving into pre-stage. But the Demon had
struck. Goodbye one “Chemical Reaction” halfshaft.
With the Demon distracted and the starter beckoning I did a quick
burnout—the first proper one I’d managed so far, and rolled into pre-stage;
then stage, and almost immediately got the lights and went. This start was
to earn “Trespasser” the Best Reaction Time trophy for the Wild Bunch event
that day. Doubly cool as it was a special Roy Wilding birthday commemorative
type. Sad for Darryl and Sarah, but hey, that’s the way the halfshaft
crumbles, and I know “Trespasser” and “Chemical Reaction” will run side by
side next season. Something Team Hector is really looking forward to. I did
seize the moment, however, and pushed “Trespasser” to it’s best time (in our
hands) so far with a PB ET of 12.2 at 112.74.
Of course, once the Demon realised what was happening he raced after us and
just before the traps ripped out the gear change linkage...Whilst the box
fix has worked well, the linkage is an obvious weak point and will be sorted
properly for next season! As ever, Team Hector had a great time. The evening
entertainment was surreal with The WB Players dressing as characters from
"Grease" mingling with Hot Rod guys wearing 50s club/gang colours. And a
band called "No Spring Chicken" who are, without doubt, the most fucking
astonishing rock covers band on the circuit. The crowd just wouldn't let 'em
stop playing. A big thanks to Roy for the food and booze, and thanks to his
missus for the cool trophys. Trespasser will be back out in 2005!
Close This Window