ROGER LOVELL TAKES ON THE LANDS END HILL CLIMB.
 The Boss Speaks
The 4432 Amsoil Ford was ready. I had stripped every bit of weight off that I could. I had new BF Goodrich All Terrain TA’s fitted and ready to go. I had chosen to run a tire that anyone can buy off the shelf of the local tire store, was it the right choice? The time to question myself was over, time to concentrate. As I waited in line for the green flag to drop my mind wandered, I was running solo, could I remember all the turns, what if, what if. The green flag dropped and I focused on my first run of four practice runs for the day. Each practice run I was able to better my time.
Sunday was race day and as the sun came up the jitters in my stomach followed. Why was I nervous? I knew the road, the car was working well, and it’s only as bad as I make it. First race of the day I ran somewhat conservative but pushed as hard as I dared. My tire choice had paid off and the BFG All Terrain tires held the road like glue as the Proformance Unlimited 347 Ford screamed up the hill. The run felt good and I laid down the 4th fastest time in the Ultra 4 class. Second and final run I was going for it, no holding back!
As I left the start line on the second run I had committed myself to pushing harder into the turns before mashing my Spidertrax brakes. The first turn was a reality check as the front left caught a groove and the right rear tire lunged into the air, as I pictured myself cart wheeling into the trees instinct took over and I hit the gas. No time to think, I had to prepare for the next turn. Each turn brought me closer to finish line, the temperature gauge kept climbing but I wasn’t about to back out of it.  Drifting through switchbacks I knew I was fast, was I fast enough? I had bettered my time but my 5:58.80 was only good enough for 7th place. Finishing position was determined by only a few seconds but that doesn’t matter. As I packed up the trailer I found my mind wandering again, if I only had one more chance...
Brad had a very successful weekend in TRAXXS TORC Series qualifying 4th and taking 4th in both races – his best performance yet. Look for more news from the team soon with the next rounds of TORC racing in Chicago IL, August 25 & 26 and Crandon WI, September 4 & 5. We will then race the Reno Stampede in Reno NV on September 11th. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by our AMSOIL trailer.
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