Well, I was going to pass on running Buttonwillow next weekend. I have never run the track (which is incentive *to* to the event), but budget and time constraints seemed to tip the scales towards just hanging out for the weekend and getting stuff done. That is until I happen to post on Pelican on the track forum. Next thing I know good guy and fast racer Jim asks if I want to be co-driver for the Buttonwillow 100. I had actually thought about doing this a few weeks back and asked fellow racer Matt if he was interested in doing the orange group "fubar" relay. But he couldn't, and the budget/time thing came into play.
When Jim first mentioned it I though he meant doing the relay, but I didn't think it would be allowed to mix teams (he has a very fast car that runs in red). But that wasn't what he was thinking. No, this would be me driving a stint in his car. With big hp. And a bigger wing. Let's see...never driven the track, never driven anything near that prep level...*gulp*
But how often do you get a chance like that? And Jim's comment was, "I've seen you drive, I ain't scared." Budget and time will have to wait...I'm going to Buttonwillow. Still don't know when/where or if I'll stay over (about a 2 hour drive from my apt). I'll definitely run my car on Saturday so I can learn the track in practice and then run qualifying and the orange race. Then climb into his beast later in the afternoon to dice in the deep end. Did I say, *gulp*?
I suppose this is what it is about though. Challenging oneself (in a sane fashion) and telling the voices in your head to go play somewhere else for awhile. So Wednesday my car goes in for new pads and tech. Then either Friday night or early Saturday I'll be northbound. Remember...late apex.
