Chuck Branscomb wrote:
Gwen,
Congrats on your 2nd National 1st place trophy! The hard work, patience, dedication over the past 7 (?) years -- all set a great example for others. Two years, two different cars/classes, what's up for next year?
Thanks so much, Chuck. It was a great 10 days for sure. According to my "Up" pedometer I logged just under 70 miles of walking, including the two Finale courses, the two National Championship courses, and walking in paddock. Mostly we got around the site on bikes, which helped a lot. On the days that we weren't racing we each spent an hour on the T&T course. So, we had seat time 8 days straight.
The two championship courses were very interesting and I found them both to be challenging in different ways. The Sam Strano East course, which was longer, +-78 seconds, was full of high speed zones followed by digs and at least 3 greater than 130° pin turns. Probably the most shifting many have done on one course in awhile. I actually went to first twice. I found it to be a fun course overall but had some issues with cones and had to stand on my first run, leaving me with only a .27 second lead at the end of day one. The West Course was more slaloms, offsets, and sweepers, and in the 57-58 second range. More of a speed maintenance course, for sure. I was the 4th of the 6 in class to run so had to wait each time for Jocelin to run since she was a second driver. She had finished 2nd on day one, and in my mind was my most fierce competitor, also in an Audi TT. Connie Smith, last year's DSL Champion was also in a TT, and a serious contender. I don't know if it was harder on Joselin having to wait to run, knowing that she had to lay down an awesome time, or harder for me to wait and see if she did. At that point finding over a second would have been difficult and I was able to finish with a 1.4 second lead. I'm very fortunate to have had this opportunity, and grateful for all the coaching and encouragement I've received driving with Team Grab & Go. I'm looking forward to next year. With so many changes I have no idea what we'll be doing at this point.
I can't urge anyone enough to give Nationals a shot. Over a thousand of the best drivers in the country, a week of activities, watching classes, renewing friendships and making new friends, all make the experience a must if you love the sport. Go with the only expectation that of having fun and come home with lots of great memories.
_________________
SCCA Solo Triad Award Recipient 2014
SCCA HSL National Champion 2012
SCCA DSL National Champion 2013
SCCA DSL National Champion 2014
NCR National Driver of the Year 2012
THSCC Heel of the Year 2011
Former Club Secretary
http://www.petscompanioninn.com
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
perfect place for the horse!!!!