September, 2001

This year's Runoffs was a frustrating one for me due to some handling problems that were never solved. Due in some part to that I twice found  myself in gravel traps. On Wednesday I slipped off of turn 6 in my number 5 Spec Racer Ford, and quickly was yanked out of harms way by Mark Hirt and another course marshal unknown to me. I was sure the car would be nailed by another during the qualifying session (probably the most intense session on any weekend), but I could see the cornerworkers working hard to convince the oncoming hoard that there indeed was a car just over the hill that they should be aware of. Nice job folks, and thank you!

On race day, (Saturday), I again struggled with the handling and found myself in the gravel at turn one. My in-car video clearly shows how once again the car was exposed to the entire field. Within a matter of minutes I was dragged backwards along the side of the trap until I could, with the encouragement of a "Go get 'em" , re-enter the track. I felt badly that after the race ended I had driven to turn 3 before I realized I had neglected to give a wave of "thanks" to those on the corner. (I suspect most turn 1 crews are shorted waves as it takes a while to mentally let down from a racing mind set and switch to other things.) Anyway, please accept my thanks for keeping me and my car safe and allowing me to run until the race was over.
     
You ALL do a great job every weekend. Thank you.

Jim Marinangel
SRF #5
Chicago Region