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Daily Journal - Monday, May 8, 2000
Monday at Road Atlanta was very eventful, in both good and bad ways. The good news first - we finished 4th
Overall this morning in the Supra, just 4 seconds behind Roe in the Hennessey Viper, and 6th Overall in
the afternoon session. We cranked up the boost for the afternoon session, but unfortunately, this really
brought out the worst in the brakes. Going down the back straight at about 155mph or so, I would begin
braking at the TOP of the hill before the two 90-degree corners (which is about 500ft or so from the
turn-in for the first corner), and I would STILL overcook the corner as the brakes were that far gone. In
one lap I literally had to pitch the car sideways to scrub off enough speed to make the corner, otherwise
I would have ended up in the sandpit. Unfortunately we still don't have any brake pads on the way, and I
am really starting to panic about that.. things will not get easier as the week progresses.
The really bad news is that the clutch is now apparently shot on the Eclipse, although we are not sure
why. It appears to be a defect in the disc or the pressure plate. The car is still driveable, so J.M. and
Guy will drive it to the Carolina Rod Shop which is our next checkpoint en route to Sebring anyhow, and
they will inspect it there. Guy drove the Eclipse to a 50th Overall finish in the morning session, and
55th in the afternoon.
Special thanks to Gary and Robert, 2 DSMers whom I had met before during the 1999 One Lap and while
reconing the track back in November of 1998, I appreciate all the help with the clutch, not to mention the
Gatorade! It was also nice to meet Rob Carlisle and his friend, two Supra guys who came down to watch the
event. Thank you as well for your support!
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