Monday, February 26, 2007

Pastrana/Edstrom take 2nd on 100 Acre Wood.

Salem, MO - Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino simply ran away this weekend at the 100 Acre Wood rally! Congrats to them on a dominating win.

Travis and I made some very good changes on the notes during the 100AW recce and were all set for a good start to the rally, but we had a few niggling issues on Friday night which didn't leave us 100% comfortable with the car or with attacking full-out. The car felt just a little bit down on power, and seemed to have some issues with oversteer, too. We fixed them at the service, but it wasn't the best night for us. Meanwhile, Ken and Alex started out of the gate as if chased by a bear. Apparently, they don't know that if you're chased by a bear, you're supposed to drop on the ground, roll into a ball, and protect your neck and head. We ended up in 4th place at the end of Friday night, just off the podium, behind Block, Ramana Lagemann and ACP, so it's no mystery what we had to do on Saturday.

Saturday proved better for us, with a change in the weather coming as an interesting surprise, and our car working 100% again. We set some good stage times on the first few stages and at the start of SS7 we had a funny little moment with a camera guy who was positioned on the outside after a R5 in a 150 R5 180 section. Travis and I had marked the corner as nearly flat out in the recce, so we planned to use 99.9% of the road. And we did, much to the cameraman's chagrin! He was pretty brave but dove into the (very wet) woods at the last minute. I think we must have missed the tripod by a good foot or two. Right, Travis? We passed ACP on Saturday morning, and with Ramana going out with engine problems, Saturday afternoon was a game of chess, driving just fast enough to stay ahead of ACP while taking the minimum risks. Travis did great, though I think he'd have been eager to chase Ken, too.

Anyway, with a 1st at Sno*Drift and a 2nd at 100AW, Travis and I are now the only team to podium at both events, and have a 39 to 30 lead in the championship over Ken and Alex. So congrats to them on a fine event. Let's hope they don't do this too often!
Next Sunday, we're off to Mexico. If you're down there, stop by and say hello!

8 comments:

gloriafanbud8subaru199 said...

Niggling?! Well Christian now I know what to do if I'm being chased by a bear, although I don't think we have bears in Texas. But if I do spot one I'll think of your great advice, lol. It sounds like you guys had your hands full with mechanical problems and Ken coming out of the gate strong. Those darn cameramen! Always a problem, huh? Well you guys definitely gave it 1000% after your problems and you should definitely be proud of that.

Good luck in Mexico! I know you want to go down there and gain experience, but you guys can definitely podium if not win the thing! Think positive, you guys have the team, equipment and definitely have the talent to win! I was planning on going to check you out, but my loving professor decided to give a test that weekend! I do love school! :)

Christian said...

Thanks Gloria. I think a podium finish is a lot to hope for; if we come away with a good recce experience, a good understanding of PWRC operations, and a top 8 finish, I think we'd be really really satisfied.

gloriafanbud8subaru199 said...

You're right! I guess I got a little overzealous. But I'm so excited that SRTUSA is giving you guys this opportunity. Any nerves? In the end, make sure you have fun and enjoy the experience!

Christian said...

Nah, no nerves. Rally is rally. Just have to drive fast and keep our noses clean. Just put together a schedule for our recce support crew, so now we know where we're going to meet on the recce and get water/soft drinks/lunch.

gloriafanbud8subaru199 said...

Exactly! Good way to approach your first(or is it?) PWRC race. Wow, hard at work already! What would they do without you? Keep up the good work, you and Travis! Tell Travis to keep the car in one piece, oh and watch out for those cameramen, lol :)

Arlene said...

Good luck in Mexico next week. =)

Christian said...

Thanks Arlene. I appreciate that.

gloriafanbud8subaru199 said...

¡Buena suerte!