Tire gremlins yield 9th place in a valiant effort

[brenshlus]

Well, not exactly what we were hoping for but the Garris brothers still put on one hell of a show. Mike started last in a 24 car field in the 75 lap small car enduro. As usual, it didn't take him long to work his way through the heavy traffic. With only about 10 laps down, Mike was in 2nd place and about 3/4 of a lap behind the leader. Traffic proved to be a hinderence as the #44 car was forced to make many passes on the outside. Also, several "non-enforced" yellow flag laps didn't help either. While Mike was quick to react to the caution signals, apparently some other drivers in the field did not and the Jetta lost ground. But despite these setbacks, #44 was within 3 car lengths of the 1st place Ford and closing rapidly with only 14 laps to go when the RH rear tire decided it had enough. While the Jetta headed off the track for a fast tire change, the rest of the field raced on. With 5 laps remaining, Mike rejoined the pack and managed a 9th place finish.
The Garris family and the VWF crew still deserve major props for a clean, well run race. I had a chance to speak with Jay prior to the race and his words were almost prophetic. He told me how important a finish was because of the close points standings. Jay also said if the car "gets a flat tire", Mike would get off the track ASAP for a quick tire change so they could still get the finish. Kinda scary, eh??
We had a great time watching all of the action on Saturday night. MVS put on a great fireworks show before the enduro. I'm sure the VWF team will have all gremlins expelled for race #4!!

EDIT: (The above text include some biased opinions based upon the observations of this spectator.)

[JFryauff]

Great recap Bill.
Very unfortunate result for the team, but still given the conditions, another great race as usual.
Good job guys!

[slo goin]

thanx bill for your support i give you a big thumbs up for being a big part of vwf racing and supporter i must converse with you more so give me a call 610 751 7890 thanx again to bill and family

[sLaab]

I'm really sorry I could not make it I had an unexpected Birthday party That I had to go to. Sucks about the flat tire, But glad to hear that the Jetta atleast had a finish.

Jon

[brenshlus]

(To Jay, Mike, or Solidinside) Out of curiousity, what was the cause of the tire failure?

[solidinside]

there was a bumper on the track, it was on there for a good 4 or 5 laps, mike didnt see it till it was too late, damn, if it was the left rear tire we could of kept going with no concern, but since all the wieght is on the right side it was a little sloppy, we talked to the winner of the race and he even said we would of won if it wasnt for the flat, cant win em all I guess

[lilcritter]

no tire gremlin just got a little to relaxed and didnt see the bumper they said it was there for a couple of laps but never seen it til it was to late i blame that one on myself should of been a three peat was pretty hard on myself for a day or two but like they say shi* happens thanks for all the support hope to see yous all at the next one mike

[JFryauff]

As you said, it happens.
You'll get them next time, no problem.

[brenshlus]

I suppose racing wouldn't be racing without unpredicatable situations. Mike, we all know that you did the best you could. As for the existence of gremlins....how do you think that bumper got on the track in the first place? (j/k)

[db]

If wins would be based on effort of the team we would win every week. Bill thanks for the write up and I will be in touch will you all later this week.