Be careful what you wish for. After last week's success I was hoping for a little closer competition. I got it in the form of two drivers who had raced one night earlier in the season, including the guy I was tied for second with.

I got 10 points for the win, but the second place guy got 8 for his spot plus 2 points for fastest lap and most passes so we were both still tied.

I started first in the first race and the second place kart tried to push me into the wall. I was able to shake him after a couple turns though, and he quickly faded back. Then the third place starter got past him and quickly caught up to me. He tried to shove me out of the way but was too close to the wall and wound up spinning himself around. I had nothing to do with it. [wink, wink] From there it was an easy ride to the win. Well, except for all six of the pro drivers lapping me.

Race two I started third, and stayed there. The kart was a total dog that had the double whammy of poor handling and low power. As the race progressed the kart got slower and slower. Nothing I could do.

I'm no longer tied for second in points, but as long as I finish the last race, I've got a lock on second.

The last race of the night was a weird one. The kart was the exact opposite of the one from the last race. It had tons of power and went wherever I pointed it. I started in second, but the third place guy got by me at the start. I was able to stay on his tail for a couple laps but then I faded a bit. It wasn't the kart's fault, it was mine. Somehow, my head sock got knotted up in the helmet strap cutting off my air. I got it loose pretty quick, but the lack of air triggered an asmha attack. For the next several laps I had to take it easy while I tried to catch my breath. It slowly got better and I managed to get going pretty well again. Well despite all that drama I cut 9 tenths of a second off my best time and over a second off my best race average.

So, despite my two last place finishes, I had a good night. I got third place in the championship and put down some good times. It was fun to push myself. It's funny because the racing league never appealed to me. The 8 week commitment and the near 500 dollar cost for the full run, are both beyond my comfort zone. Though in the back of my head I always wondered how I would do. Now I know and I can honestly say that I prefer the occassional race or practice to the organized league.

Race 1 - Yokohama Date: 5/6/2009 Kart: #10 Best Lap: 27.62 Avg Lap: 28.25 Conditions: A bit slippery My Weight: 211 Highlight: Not letting myself get bullied and pushed around.

Race 2 - Yokohama Backwards Date: 5/6/2009 Kart: #3 Best Lap: 27.76 Avg Lap: 28.55 Conditions: Kart was a total dog My Weight: 211 Highlight: Getting to experiment with lines since I was going to lose anyway.

Race 3 - Monza Date: 5/6/2009 Kart: #1 Best Lap: 30.59 Avg Lap: 31.45 Conditions: Great kart My Weight: 211 Highlight: Going fast despite an asmha attack