Congrats Rob and Tim! I tried to keep Rob busy.
I'm happy to finish. After a screen freeze in qualifying, I was worried I wouldn't finish. A disco in the race would have made me angry. With our recent Lemans testing, it's been happening too much lately.
I wasn't really looking to take the lead early. My only thought early was, try to open a gap on Tim as soon as possible. The lead seemed as good a place as any. I was a little worried about entering T1. Prib was showing Rob 12 meters or yards behind me when I wanted to turn in. I hoped that was enough room to sweep across in front of him. I gave it everything I had the first 10 laps. I almost lost it at least 3 times. Finally I got sideways exiting the T6 hairpin. I could have fought the car more to stay on track but I didn't want to risk causing an accident. I also felt a like break to recover would be helpful. Unfortunately by the end of the backstraight I was giving it everything I had again. I was desperate to get into Rob's tow. I clipped the orange post inside of the final turn and spun. I should have been a little more patient but at that point I felt my pace wasn't good enough to really challenge Rob so I was gambling. I pushed hard for most of the race. I couldn't make much headway against Rob but I kept him in a position where he couldn't really afford a spin. Rob, I doubt I could have won if I hadn't made two mistakes on one lap but I could have been closer.
That was an excellent drive by Rob. I like when you fast guys show as much patience and discipline as you do speed. I was a little worried at times that Rob might get surprised and hit me under braking for T2, T6, T8, and T10. He seemed much better than me in those 4 places. After a few laps I wasn't concerned much with that anymore since I figured Rob knew where I was slow and would compensate for it. I was defending as you mentioned Rob. There was no way you could pass me on the outside in T8.
I kept my car fairly clean. I don't remember hitting any polos although I may have clipped one in the esses early in the race. The only contact I do remember, is hitting the inside post in the final turn. I also pleased to see I did better than Donohue did. He finished P3 in 1966. He was the first driver that I was a fan.
Nice pace by Tim too. I'm glad I had an extra 45 hp. I needed it.
I wondered about the race results being listed as non-championship too. I was a bit annoyed seeing that, thinking I should have used the Genie instead.
Thanks guys. It was good fun. I'm getting myself in good shape with these cars. All I really need now is practice driving in the tow. I'm probably still lacking in that aspect.