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Racerdog 45, I’m sorry if I offended you. But there is no training ground for this race other then the race itself. I have countless laps around that track with a wing. And I’ve run without a wing at a few places, but that race is totally different. You are in constant traffic. There is no other race where our cars are run with a full fuel load. The strain is incredible.
They stressed on the entry form this year that if anyone was considered in the way, they would not hesitate to black flag them. I saw no black flags for erratic driving.
I first went to this race in 1976. My dad crewed for Billy Joe Havens that year. I was too young to get into the pits so I sat up in the stands. It was love at first sight. The start thrilled me. The race was even better. Billy Joe finished 11th that year. From that moment on, I wanted to run that race. I started to run pavement in order to achieve that goal. Three years ago, I achieved that goal. And I admittedly backed into the race. I didn’t qualify for the race as much on speed as I did weather. I started 32nd and finished 15th.
And there were those on this board who said I didn’t belong. And yes, you never mentioned my name this year, but people mentioned my name (among others) that year. No driver has ever told me that I was in their way, but apparently a few fans thought so. So it became my goal to drive my way into that race where nobody could say that. This year I felt I belonged. So yes, I’m overly sensitive to someone not driving the race saying another driver was in the way. Until you drive that race, you have no idea what it’s like.
And Dave, thank you for your kind words. And thank you to everyone that called, texted and e-mailed asking how I was. I have some bruises and a black eye, but I’m OK. Unfortunately, the car is done. Hopefully the motor is OK, but the frame and most of the bolt on stuff is junk. Even my helmet is ruined.
One thing I will mention to lighten the mood. I have always said there are two types of crashes. Those that are over instantly and those that seem to last all day. This one seem to last all day.
As I was flipping, I could hear the motor screaming. I kept telling myself to get my foot off the throttle. But I just couldn’t manage to lift my foot. I saw pictures of the crash today. I understand why now. Thank you all.
Tom Paterson
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