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Congratulations to Brandon Dixon on his impressive championship run this season!
Brandon of course is very humble about the effort and gives much credit to his great crew. Brandon has always been willing to help anyone in the paddock, and volunteers time to be on the FSRAC. A well deserving champion!
It was a great racing weekend at Road Atlanta. Fantastic weather, and a great track.
The FRP series continues to provide great value for the cost.
I know a lot of you think you shouldn't run with the pros. I disagree. Here are some of the advantages:
Imagine if you played golf and had a chance to play rounds with the likes of Tiger Woods, and he was offering suggestions to improve your game... would you turn that down to play with your buds on the local course?
There is so much great knowledge in the paddock and a willingness to help others.
The big pro teams bring tractor trailers full of of hardware, pieces and parts that they can make available to keep you on the track.
Usually Primus is on site to provides parts quickly.
Add to that, every weekend this year Quicksilver had personnel in the paddock providing help. This weekend Sandy assisted in everything from a Weber carb issue, to a zetec issue. That is a major plus.
Here's another myth that may need shattering...
I hear folks say that there is no reason to play unless you have the latest chassis, or a MZR.
Not true, The Walkos have proven that you can be very competitive with the very popular VD/zetec platform.
They had a second and first this weekend with that package.
I think the reason we have seen Mygale and Citation wins is just because those teams are putting in the work.
Walko has proven the VD still has life. Turning laps as fast as Dixon this weekend.
People like Brandon, Wren, etc. make the series better. Congratulations to Brandon and the team.
Here is my neat story of the event this past weekend.
Doug Stewart. A true one man team. Shows up by himself to a pro event. Racks up two third place finishes.
Now, for the rest of the story...
Doug built the car himself from parts he purchased a box at a time from Primus. And, Doug had not owned a formula car before. He had access to another VD nearby, so he would look at it and build his the same way. I'm sure there were a few calls to Brad. He did the project in like 4 months.
Neat story.
What can i say? Its an honor that he even lets me touch his car.
Dave and Sherrie ... competitive racing into their 80s. ;)
Next year the chassis will be 26 years old...
Marc Stern came up to play.
He had Brad Baytos turning the wrenches.
He also had the best looking crew on pit lane.
Besides, do you think i would pass up a chance to photograph a purple helmet. ;)
Now here is a guy that was always smiling all weekend. He was really enjoying the experience and so upbeat it was infectous.
Dimitrios Tsesmetzis (I just called him the Greek) had Walko turning the wrenches. :thumbsup:
There is no way to show what a fantastic color this car was with a cell phone camera. Some sort of special gold/copper color.
This picture does it no justice. Blinding bright.
Austin Hill had some good finishes this weekend.
Another Florida boy wandered up to Road Atlanta.
Did you notice the skies in all these pictures? Road Atlanta... first week in November... never fails.
Hartley MacDonald in a beautifully turned out VD.
This car was SO RED. The photo does not do it justice. Even if you look at it sideways. :)
A picture that proves it is still 2020.
A "socially Distanced", mask wearing podium.
You could possibly show it to folks and tell them that's you in the center, and get away with it. :o
L to R Dave, Brandon, Trent
Here is my big shoutout of the weekend:
Brad and Patti Baer - the best timing and scoring team in the country.
Something like 15 or 16 years with FRP. Don't remember them missing an event. Their results are accurate and blazingly fast.
It is a shame they don't get to enjoy the fresh outdoor weather every day at the track. Sitting up in the tower while it boils, rains, snows, hails...etc down on pit lane. ;)
Unsung heroes of the FRP series in my opinion.
OK, my biased vote for F2000 2020 crewman of the year.
(yes, he did pay me.)
Dave from ADSA/Wright. I don't know why he stays with them. Constant abuse, dirty jobs, no respect for the aged, and having to put up with big John... The abuse he takes for no pay and motel breakfasts ... Dave is a better man than I.
That'll be 2 years from now (I'm 78)...and we'll still be racing. :greenflag:Quote:
Originally Posted by Purple Frog
Already 26 - built in 1994 - next year it'll be 27. :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Purple Frog
Cool paint scheme!Quote:
Originally Posted by Purple Frog
Awesome thread, Mike, thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to attending the ARRC next year. Hope to see you there. :D