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| Race Diary | |
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Race Diary
June 12, 2005
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| Things have finally settled down after a month-long hectic race schedule. We ran back-to-back weekends starting with the Mid-Atlantic Time Trial race followed by the 12 Hours at the Point. Our work really started several weeks prior when we began ground-up prep on both the MR2 and the Auto Stop Racing 12 Hour RX-7.
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| First, I want to thank everyone who came out to watch the racing and especially those who helped out with our crew and worker duties. As reported in the race recap, the Time Trial event went beautifully. Aside from a few track delays that reduced the total number of laps turned, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend. |
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| The 12 Hour, while our preparations came down to the very last minute (after finding out that we were indeed in the race only two days prior!), went relatively well. The race started with a slight hiccup when a small water hose broke causing a several minute pit stop to replace. After that, it was smooth sailing. The extreme daytime heat caused shortened driver stints, which added to our overall number of stops, but the team was able to compensate with a few pit stop strategy changes. When nightfall came, we were ready to put our heads down and charge as I jumped back into the car for my second stint of the race. Fifteen minutes into my drive, a brake failure at 115mph brought our race to a sudden hault (excuse the pun). While I was able to keep the car out of trouble during that heart-stopping moment when the brake pedal went to the floor, the failure was enough to ultimately end our race after 9 hours despite attempted repairs. Thanks again to every with the Auto Stop team. |
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| Our efforts here are now turned toward 2006 and the Rolex Series. We can't make any specific announcements at this time, but as things become public, news and updates will be posted here first. I can tell you that next season will be big! |
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| Enjoy the June racing with the US Grand Prix and Le Mans and God bless,
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| -Tim Stephens |
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