MidSeason Championship Night

MidSeason Championship at Evergreen Speedway
Even though the outcome was unknown at the time, I knew it was going to be a good night. Tom Hughs, a fine gentleman and avid racing competitor of mine, states in his THRacingOnline blog that he has no idea what MidSeason Championship at Evergreen Speedway means, but I do now! All my teammates were feeling it, too. I even broke out my super sweet chrome shield from Bell Helmets which I was saving for a special occasion. It definitely brought good luck!

Practice Runs
The car was running a little loose, but this is what we wanted. My car seems to get tight toward the end of each race and by starting it off a little looser; it would be just right by the end of the race. In practice, I got loose coming off of Turn 4. I saved myself from spinning, but shuffled off the asphalt a bit (you know me and my love for dirt!). The car suffered some front end damage and my crew went to work repairing it. By the time they were done, I honestly think it looked better than before I went out! Yeah, they are just that good!
Roger and I strategized a bit about how I can improve my qualifying times. We decided it’d be best to be first out on the run. Well, what was looking to be an awesome lap (best I felt I had ever run), turned into the track having troubles with their clock. Arghh!!!
I was sent to wait in the pits and try again after my tires cooled down. Though the wait was long, anticipation did not get the better of me and I set my fastest qualifying lap so far this season! Roger and the crew said that’s something to be proud of! Improvement is good. That’s what this gig is all about! My teammates are so great! Always encouraging and boosting my confidence which keeps me working hard to improve and develop better driving skills.
The usual 10 lap Heat Race gave way to a 5-minute Hot Lap Session since we were running a 75 lap Main instead of the standard 40 lap Main event. My car was BAD FAST! The best it has ever felt! Roger, Aaron, Toby, and Cris had done an awesome job preparing the car. I was pumped; I told them it was going to be a great night!

The 75 Lap Main
In the feature line up, I’m positioned on the outside next to Dan Moore (my serious competitor from last week) as he sat in Car #16 at the pole. Behind me, Tom Hughs was setting his sights on winning his first race. Last week he commented on my Facebook wall “Nice race last night, Natalie. Let me know when there is an enrollment opportunity in the "Natalie Sather School of Restarts."” So Saturday, he came up to my window and said he was ready! LOL!
Sitting in my car and watching the other class race, I noticed there were multiple red flags flying. A hole had opened up on the front straight away. Before heading onto the track, Roger radioed, “They may have to call it short.” It meant that the officials might shorten the race due to the hole in the front stretch. I took note of its location so I could avoid it once the green flag flew.
The start was a little rough, I dropped into second place behind Dan (Car #16), but not for long… At the next corner, I challenged him on the inside. After about three laps of side-by-side racing action, I made the pass and pulled away fast! Roger came on the radio repeating, “1 car length”, “2 car lengths, “3 and 4!” What great words to hear! The car was hooked up! I knew, if the car’s setup remained true, I definitely had a shot at winning this race!

The Caution Flag
A few laps later, the hole in the front stretch had gotten much worse. Small rocks were pelting the track officials every time we flew by. Larger pieces had damaged some racecars. Roger radioed saying they were probably going to call the race…
They did.

The Red Flag
So what did this mean?! Does the track get repaired and we finish the race later? Or, was I the winner? Granted, we had completed only five laps, but my team had taken the green flag. I wasn’t sure what the rules were.
I’m afraid; I was a bit disappointed the race ended so abruptly. The guys had worked all day to give me an awesome car and I wanted to give them a win so badly. As I returned to the pits, I thanked them for all their hard work.
A lot of discussion ensued after the race between the team owners and the track officials. There was a lot of disagreement on how the situation should be handled. I did not attend the meeting; I stayed up at the trailer and helped the crew load up. Jeff, my car owner and teammate, attended the impromptu meeting to make sure the decision made was fair to all involved. As the night ended, the status I last heard was that the race was cancelled. It didn’t count for anything. We were given qualifying points and the track was going to give us three new tires for the next 3/8th’s race. Personally, I did not like this decision; I had hoped to continue the race from where we left off; same race cars, same tires. But, the outcome was for the officials to decide and we would abide by their ruling.

The Aftermath
Monday June 29th - Morning
I received a call from the NASCAR official at Evergreen Speedway. He told me that they were deciding on one of two options:
• They would call the race short and I would be declared the winner.
• They would have a make-up race and start from lap five using the same tires, same entrants.
The official and I discussed my opinion. He still had to contact a few other drivers to get their opinions. Afterwards, he would get back to me with the final decision.

Monday June 29th - 5:30pm
The return call came at 5:30pm. The NASCAR official told me that I would be declared the winner of the race as I was leading and had battled from second to take the first place running spot when the race was called. It is unfortunate that, due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the race had to be cancelled. I was really looking forward to running the entire race and knew that we had a very competitive car.
It was a great night for the team! We really made a lot of good adjustments to the car that will help in future setups. I am excited to receive my first win at Evergreen Speedway this year, even though it was a short race. The points will apply to Evergreen Speedway Track Championship standings, but will not apply to or change the NASCAR National Championship Standings.
Them’s the rules.
Either case, I am proud to take to the podium for my team!
I really wish to thank my crew chief: Roger Habich and crew members: Aaron, Toby, Cris, Stevie, and my car owner: Jeff Knight. And my sponsors, TVM, K&N, Lady Eagle Safety Wear, Butler Built Seats, Firedown Graphics, Massage Envy, and Speedway Performance.
They have been so amazing to work with.

Action on the 3/8th's Track!

Action on the 3/8^th’s Track – Heat Races

Saturday we were back in ACTION on the 3/8^th’s track. That morning, we met at the shop and finished prepping the car for the race. Stevie and I took off a little early, so we could stop and get the team some lunch at Quizno’s. 

When we got to the track and unloaded, it was time to go. We started off the first practice with our sticker tires so we could make sure they got scuffed in. The second practice focused on how the car was handling. Roger, my crew chief, had made a few minor adjustments that he and I went over. He is very good at explaining the changes he makes and how it will affect the car. He answers all the questions I have about the changes he makes. Each week our communication continues to improve, and that helps out on the track.

In the heat race, we started tail-end. I passed two cars and gained quickly on the guys in front of me. The heat race doesn’t determine where we start in the feature. I knew I’d be starting on the pole, so I didn’t push my car too hard which helps save the tires. I made some really good laps and the car was feeling awesome. Roger and I decided for the feature that we were going to leave the car alone and not make any adjustments. I was very confident going into the A main.

Action on the 3/8^th’s Track – A Main

We lined up for the A Main, I started on the pole. The crowd shouted those famous words in motorsports, “Driver’s start your engines!” It was time.

A few laps to put some heat in the tires…,

The green flag drops!

Coming out of Turn 2, I’m neck-and-neck with a competitor. Down the backstretch, we bump tires. I maintain control and he went for a ride in the grass. I was surprised that no yellow caution flag arrived until a lap later. My competitor was given the black flag and sent to the tail.

On the restart, I chose the low line which is a significant change for me. Dan Moore (Car #16) was at my side. He is a serious competitor and is placed fifth overall in the standings according to the Evergreen Speedway website. 

At the start, it was side by side. Dan led coming off of Turn 2, but I was right on his tail. As we crossed the line and entered Turn 1, I was flying! My car was definitely hooked up! I had a great drive in the center of the corner. Dan (the leader) was slightly in front and running higher than me. I had run deep into center and ended up bumping him which resulted in him spinning.

I radioed to Roger to please apologize to Dan. He relayed back that I would probably be given the black flag. My first black flag! I was sent to the tail-end along with Car #16.

On the restart, I got the jump on Dan. This race was getting into some serious nose-to-tail competition! We turned a few good laps. The car was changing and I was adjusting to the changes. As my car started pushing, coming off of Turn 2, Dan took the advantage and closed the gap between us.

Racing off of Turn 2, I suddenly got hit hard on the left rear side. Both cars went spinning down the back straight away. What a race!

I have to admit; I was disappointed with the situation, but racing incidents like these happen.  The officials came down and were waving the black flag. Well, little did I know that it was for me?! I was confused and had to make a lap to the pits to discuss the situation with an official.

With the rules firmly re-established, I was ready to get back on the track and race! With just a few laps remaining, I knew I had to get moving. A caution flew with only six laps to go. In those six laps, I passed a few cars to cross the finish line with a 4^th place finish. Not bad!

Each weekend, I continue to learn and adjust to driving the late model. Roger, my crew chief, and the entire crew Aaron, Toby, Cris, and Stevie have been very supportive of my learning curve. I am not used to having someone tell me if a car is under, or outside of me or if I am clear, etc. With sprint cars, you just did it on your own. The asphalt oval and driving the super late model has required a different mindset. But, Roger says, “I’m getting fast enough for the fast guys to struggle with.” I’m pretty sure, that’s a good thing! Many, many thanks to my team for helping me reach this point in my career.

Next up, Mid-Season Championship! Come on out and join us for a ride! Hope you to see you at the track!

Pro Tricycle Racer...

             

This weekend, I competed in a very serious racing gig...,

A Tricycle Relay Race at the Strawberry Festival in Marysville, WA.

What a blast!

Friday afternoon, I had a live radio interview with Jeff, “The Fish” from KRKO 1380 Sports Radio. He wanted to confirm that I was participating in that evening

’s tricycle race part of his team. I of course confirmed. He then informed me that I would have to jump into a pool filled with JELLO

“Sure,” I thought, “I can handle that!”

As the day progressed, it rained off and on. Every great racer knows it’s important to be well-prepared. So, I wore my trusty rain boots, my pink hoodie, and my bubble goggles!

When I arrived, the officials were explaining the relay race route:

You start over a see-saw bridge and onto a basketball hoop shoot! Continuing along the route to the hanging inner tube, then dismount, jump through the inner tube and follow-up eating strawberry shortcake with no hands! Get back on the tricycle and ride over a crazy ramp, through some cones, and on to the pool of JELLO.

In the pool, you had to touch your hands to the bottom and jump back on your tricycle to cross the finish line!

Our team was first up. I was the last to go. So, the pressure would be intense if we were behind! When my turn arrived, it turned out, our team was trailing! I took the reins and started cruising, pedaling FAST!  I fell behind a bit shooting hoops, but I made up for it in my pedaling ability!

(Short legs are a benefit on a tricycle. I pedal fast!!!)

I was the first through the tube and the shortcake meal.

Up next?

The pool of JELLO!  I sunk in, up to my waist!

Back out and I crossed the finish line in first place! Unfortunately, when all was tallied, we ended up second due to a penalty.

Bummer!

But…, I so enjoyed the day. My thanks to Jeff and everyone at KRKO for inviting me to participate! 

My Sis Gets Married!

This last week I traveled back home to North Dakota to be with my family and friends to celebrate a wonderful occasion. My younger sister Whiney got married to her boyfriend of seven years Simon. I arrived back in Fargo on Monday June 8th, my mom and sister didn’t waste any time putting me to work. All week we finished up with the decorations, folding napkins, table placements, packing everything up, and hauling it over to where her reception was held, etc. Between helping out my sister, the wedding party had some work of our own to get done before the wedding… We had planned a surprise dance to Michael Jacksons Thriller, each night we would sneak out after helping Whitney and practice at a top secret location, the shop at my dad’s Chevrolet dealership!
Following a long week of hard work, the big day finally arrived. Saturday was an early morning; of course it was kicked off with Starbucks. We all took turns getting our hair done, then we all did our makeup and packed up our bags to head over to the church. When we arrived at the church we all finished some touch ups and got dressed for pictures. My sister and her fiancé were not seeing each other before the wedding so we had to be very careful so she wasn’t seen. Time flew by while we took pictures. The next thing we knew it was time to make our way to the back of the church!
The moment we had all been waiting for was finally here. My Dad was the most nervous of everyone, he kept rehearsing his one, yes one line “her mother and I’’, his response to when the pastor asked him who gives this women. After all the bridesmaids and groomsmen had taken their places at the front of the church the doors were closed, “here comes the bride” began to play and the doors opened and my amazingly beautiful sister Whitney, and my dad walked down the aisle. After a wonderful ceremony, a few tears and some laughs they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Irish!
After a few more pictures it was time to head to the reception for some dinner and dancing! My family had done an amazing job decorating, the reception was gorgeous. Once dinner and cake was served I was up… I had prepared a slide show for my sister and new husband. The rest of the night was filled with dancing and catching up with family and friends. OH and the big surprise dance! I had it all prearranged with the band, and once I gave them “the cue” they suddenly had some “technical difficulties” and cleared everyone off the dance floor. The entire wedding party then proceeded to creep out onto the dance floor. Everyone had gathered around the dance floor, going crazy laughing and cheering. The guests were completely surprised, as were the bride and groom who loved it! Over all it was an amazing wedding and I am so happy for my sister Whitney, and my new bother-in-law Simon. Congrats!