Dirt Missile rebuild begins

[rrunner68]

No worries guys, you know I've got nothing but love for everyone.

What I did see happen which may have been a learning curve issue for you guys, that group was NOT a TT/HPDE4 mix, what did happen was you guys gridded first and "jumped" the start.

For a detailed explanation....

The first lap is a no passing/"gentleman's agreement" lap usually the sub 1:50 guys are in the front and bunch us up towards the end of the lap, and REALLY bunch us up from 8 to 11 ESPECIALLY at 11.
Unfortunately from what I saw, the pace vehicle pulled in after 10 and Dirt Missile TOOK OFF, hahaha.
We were still bunching, and I was in 10 when I saw the Missile disappear into 2. The regular fast guys hadn't even nailed it out of 11 yet. I knew the Missile was screwed and would be into the TT6&5 cars before they got up to speed and after looking at the video, it looks like I was right.
Easy and honest mistake to make, and the car is stupid fast. Most of the guys on Slicks are out for 2-3 laps tops and pull it in knowing that there's nothing to be done after the traffic jam starts. I'm usually only out for 4-5 laps for the same reason. spec Miatas and e30's become roving chicanes and you're not going to have a good lap.
ALL THAT said, it is always the responsibility of the passer to execute a safe and undisturbed pass without endangering the cars. As a rule of thumb in a non racing class, once the first car in a braking zone's lights come on, overtaking is over. Line up and power out. Great teachable moment and with the wonderful technology of on board cameras and the "Incredible, edible Internet", we can share these teachable moments with everyone. I spoke with the driver afterwards and the track and had a laugh about it. The car ius hard to see and like I said, I knew the E46 was there (and I know the driver and his style/personality), but had it not been for me hearing the Missile banging gears and double checking my mirrors, and subsequently surrendering the corner, that would have been an expensive turn for what was already not going to be the best lap of the day. Risk vs. Reward.
Looking forward to teh next one guys! THill in August, hope to see you there! and Greg... Seriously hope the car is legal for& you're making a push for TTU at NASA Nationals in Sept. Seeing that car on track is nothing short of awesome.