2011 Trans-Am Series – Round #1 Update

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The first round of the Trans-Am series was frought with peril for our intrepid drivers.  Reliability became an issue very early in the race for the two Mustangs. Ary had a motor wire break at the pickup solder joint and a bit further into the race Marty’s car started to sound like a 1:1 Mustang getting ready to shed a transmission and his car began to slow.  Both were able to recover and continue racing, but only Marty was able to stay on pace with the pack.  Ary’s repairs cost him most of his first heat, which is reflected in the low lap count.  The three Camaros proved reliable, finishing the race without any issues other than Brian’s car leaving a front bumper (in three pieces) on the track. 

Car control was paramount in this series, as the top-heavy cars seem to spend as much time on two wheels as on four when pushed to the limit.  This kept the marshals busy and the drivers searching for just the right touch on the throttle.  In the end, tires and balance would be a major factor.  Too much grip flipped the cars in the turns, and too little gave up speed coming out of them.  Good balance would help the cars stay over the slot, even when pushed to the point of lifting the inside wheels end under heavy cornering, but it was all for naught if the driver wasn’t paying very close attention to throttle. (And quite a bit lucky!)

Congratulations to the podium finishers in this inagural race! 

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