2004 News

12.22.04 - 2004 Season Summary

Another race season has drawn to a conclusion. I managed to defend my Waterford Hills Improved Touring C Championship and capture third overall in the Waterford Top Ten Drivers Award, missing the top spot by a mere three points. I was able to achieve this by winning every Waterford Hills ITC race I entered. Additionally, I won every SCCA Central Division ITC race I entered too. 

With a successful “regular season” under my belt, I prepared for the American Road Race of Champions at Road Atlanta. The ARRC is considered to be the national championship for the SCCA’s regional only classes, such as Improved Touring.

This would be my first visit to the Road Atlanta circuit. The Thursday practice day began with a torrential downpour that flooded the track in several spots. Fortunately, the skies cleared and the racing surface dried, allowing a couple of dry practice sessions. The schedule for the weekend was two qualifying sessions on Friday, a 20 lap sprint race on Saturday, and a three hour enduro on Sunday.

Qualifying well proved to be difficult. The field consisted of several drivers with multiple ARRC podium finishes and race championships to their credit. I managed to qualify seventh.

During the start of the sprint race, all the front running ITC cars were tightly packed, running three cars wide, as we headed into turn 1. Once the cars strung out, I found myself at the tail of the lead group. As I went through turn 10A at the end of the long back straight, the rear of the car stepped out and I couldn’t save it. I spun on cold tires! In the end, I was able to work my way back up to seventh spot, but was never able to bridge the gap back to the lead group.

The three hour enduro was pretty exciting. I qualified fourth in class and 63^rd of 67 cars. Being on the track with 66 other cars was pretty insane. I managed to keep it clean and stayed out of trouble. Somehow, after the three hours, I was able to bring it home first in class. Unfortunately, during the first of two mandatory five minute pit stops, I stopped short by 1.5 seconds and was assessed a two lap penalty. This relegated me to third place. It was a disappointing way for the race to finish up, but considering the longest race I had ever previously run was only about 30 minutes, I was pretty happy that the car and I were in one piece!

Thanks to everyone for contributing to another successful season. I’d like to give a special thanks to Bob Moser, Todd Robbins, Steve Pleva, David Colletti, and April Jacques. I look forward to another exciting season next year.

Ed.

© 2004 EH Motorsports