July 23 – Boys seem to have overcome Jacob’s over-heating problems.  He drove from the back in his heat race to take 2^nd place.  This got him a 3^rd row, outside starting position in the feature.  He drove an amazing race.  The race was for second between three cars for the majority of the race.  They were even three wide going into the turns.  Jacob eventually made it around and took the second place position, but he could not hold on to it.  The other guy made his way through.  Jacob was able to take 3^rd.  He was very happy with that.  I think the track had every type of condition possible from mud to dry.  Jacob just looked as smooth as possible and it sure did not look like he made any mistakes.  Back in tech, they are going to ensure they find something there every time.  It makes Steve laugh.   Last time, it was more driver padding in Matthew’s car but then this time, one tech guy overruled the other saying he did not need it because of the type of seat.  They definitely enforce all the rules.  Actually, we wish every tech was like this.  It is the best thing about this track.

The worst thing about the track is their heat race rule.  If you stop for any reason at all, you are black flagged.  This guy spins out on the back stretch (yes, on a straight away – basically, he about lost it coming out of turn 2 but it was right before turn 3 when he finally lost it) and there are at least four cars dodging him with Matthew in the worst position in the middle of them so he spins out to avoid hitting the guy.  So, Matthew does not get to race the heat race either.  Now, with 21 cars in the feature and being put to the back, you can imagine how frustrating that is.  I was flat out pissed.  The rule makes absolutely no sense.  Some other guy can ensure your finish if they choose to drive dirty. I do not mind it if you are taken out for causing the caution, but others should not be penalized.  Anyone out there that can talk some sense into Mayetta on that one, please go for it! 

Anyway, Matthew had fuel pressure problems all night plus only second gear since we had to put in an old, worn out transmission.  Even with that, he managed to drive it up to 9^th place.  The weather all day was miserable.  I wonder if it ever cooled down below 100.  Grandma Effie, Grandpa Carl, Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Clarence and Uncle Rich made the long drive and endured the heat.  I sure hope they had fun.

We have decided not to push our luck by going to Osborne.  Jacob has had the chance to run a half-mile track and now that the car is running right, we do not want to risk being torn up.  So, next weekend, we will travel back to Mayetta and then on to Wakeeney where we hope to gain two more top fives.  Now, it is time to wash their gear.  I teased Jacob that when he passed the other cars, they probably had to back off just from the smell.  Both boys were dripping wet as you can imagine.  Now, we have today to get caught up on such things!

~CBR Mom