Weather was wet the night before but looked like we might be able to get the races in before showers moved in. In the months of July and August, rain does not stop the racing but any other time the club will postpone or cancel races for rain. The track was still damp before practice started and the older kids and adults were asked to run some laps to help get it safe for the Kid Kart drivers to begin their practice. Lian enjoyed the challenge of driving in the slick conditions and did better than most keeping it on the pavement.
Practice times reflected that conditions were not ideal and were about a half second slower than ideal but she told me the kart was balanced and she didn't want any changes for the heats. She and her friend agreed to perform the National Anthem after the drivers meeting so they set up Lian's drums, her friend's flute and a microphone in the control tower (out of view of the crowd so her friend would not be so nervous). Well, it was not the worst rendition but it definitely revealed the lack of practice her friend had. The crowed eventually began singing it to help her along and we got through it. Lian did fine with her drums and cymbals but was frustrated by how it went. She was ready to put that performance behind her and race.
She lined up in second place for the start of Heat 1 and I felt a few stray raindrops. For the second week in a row we had only the four toughest competitors in the class present. These were the points leaders and the final season results were in play with the race results. I warned Lian that conditions may worsen during the race and to be ready to adjust to the area outside the racing groove to find bite.
Lian had a pretty good start and held second place through the first turn. The number 25 made a few runs at her but never really had a shot until the second-to-last lap. Check out this attempted pass during Heat 1. When she came off the track, she was very pleased with herself and optimistic it was going to be a good day.
We lined up for Heat 2 in the third position and waited for the previous class to clear the track. Before we started engines, a light drizzle began. The officials took about a minute to consider options while the intensity of the rain increased. They decided to have us cover our karts while they waited a short time to watch what the weather was going to do. Eventually, they declared a rain-out and we started to pack up for the last time this season.
My friend from work - Myron and his wife and son were in the area visiting family. I was hoping that they could see some great racing action. Unfortunately, they arrived just as we moved off the starting grid for the rain and they never saw any racing. They did ask some questions about the club and the karts and promised to visit again sometime next season.
Thanks for following us so far. That puts a wrap on the racing action for this year. We plan to attend the Awards Banquet next month so I'll update this blog after that.
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