THSCC Forums

Cross posted from the sandbox...

Well, I just got back.

I drove terribly all weekend, unfortunately. Today in the challenge I went two and out. The first one was close enough that they initially announced me the winner, but the second one I actually redlighted *after* watching my competitor do the very same thing. The only double redlight the entire day.

I was predictably beating myself up over it, and then I got to thinking. Of course you weren't sharp this morning Shultz, you had heat exhaustion yesterday! I'm *still* not feeling quite myself. By the time it was all over Saturday I had a splitting headache, was cramping badly and nauseous. I slept most of the late afternoon and into the night all the way until this morning, which is really unusual for me. For the first half of today I felt really bad too. So I guess it should not surprise me that I didn't drive real well. My head just wasn't in it.

The heat doesn't explain my dismal driving on Saturday during qualifying unfortunately, but it does dull the sting of going two and out. A little.

Finally having gotten to go up against someone at the tree (Saturday my pairing was a no show) was fun! Rounding the last corner it was really cool getting to see your competition doing the same thing.

Today went really well event wise, and the gang raised the bar yet again by having the Red Bull girls show up with free Red Bulls for the asking. I imagine guys like Feinberg who made the bonus challenge got out of there kind of late though. No surprise, as there's a lot packed into that day.

I'll go back next year. But for the moment, I'm considering taking Nationals off my schedule. I just don't think I'm consistent enough yet to make that trip.

_________________
Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

Do you want to be overwhelmed by your first Nationals while your driving sucks, or while your driving is good.

I'd go the suckage route. Rent a ride in someone else's car and fly out there, make it easy on yourself, no expectations of doing anything but have fun and learn how nationals works.

Scott

A long, long couple of weekends. . .
I'm way behind in work, so I'm going to be brief. . .

ProSolo and DoubleX formats kick ass.

I ended up a 42 seed after qualifying Saturday. Had some real names in our group: Carpenter, Wilcox, Sharp, Jensen. Tough playground.

On Sunday, I had a complete brain cramp in my second heat against Jinx, don't ever listen to the radio on course. That red light may not be for who you think it is.

After that worked my way through the hard way when I ran into Carter Thompson in my last round to go play in the Super Challenge. I totally hosed my last turn to see Thompson beat me to the finish.

Great weekend even though it was a very long trip back.

Thanks to Jim for helping me out this weekend with crew duties. The pace towards the end of a Challenge format is. . . um. . .brisk.

New moto: Radio off. Just drive.

_________________
Not spectacular just decent.
I'm not sure what I'm driving.
Maybe an ITR in DS.
Or half-assed STX prepped 330.

Agreed David. That format was totally different and a heck of a lot of fun. Wish I could have participated in it longer.

Spoke to Aaron this afternoon about the experience and as usual his responses to me were right on. First national event, not much time in the car, last minute thrash to get down there, heat exhaustion, worries about the finances...I had a lot on my mind. Everything except driving well. I think it's been instructive for me anyway, and I feel a little better about going two and out in fabulous fashion in the challenge. Thanks Aaron.

Next bogey is Danville team challenge. Hopefully I've worked the suck out of my system, so Team Sandbox can roll all you fools

_________________
Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)