Well everything started off OK....
1st time run 13.783 @ 103.69
2nd time run 13.056 @ 103.66
Dial 13.00 for Elim's
Rd1 RT .605 13.215 @ 103.72 (Big block Mustang w/wheelie bars dialed 13.50 WTF??)
Rd2 RT .509 13.118 @ 103.60
Rd3 RT I got the bye run RT .485 13.058 @ 103.56
Crossing the traps I hear a noise, Hmmmm? I get to the time slip booth and smoke starts coming from under the car. OH SH** I got back to the pits and look under the car. The strap came off the CV boot at 100MPH. I run around like a mad man and find some zip ties. I zip tie it back on and get back in the lanes for semi finals.
I pull up to the burnout box, and did not like the burnout, so I reverse to do another one.....I see fluid on the track.
I put it in reverse and head back to the pits. Upon further inspection I find a 1"x 2" hole in the diff case.!!!!!
So here I am 8:00PM in Atco NJ on a Sunday night. What to do... Well, I know I had to be up there next weekend to pack up my dad's apartment, so I called my dad's girl friend and ask if I could park the car there for the week and take his home.
I proceed with the 18 mile limp to safety. 18 miles and 15 quarts later I make it to a driveway. Jump in my dads lovely 1995 Ford Taurus, and head on down the road to Richmond. 2:00AM arive at home and pass out...
Two highlights:
The Jersey crowd lets you know what they like and dislike. When I came down the return road after taking out the big block sand bagging Mustang, I caused a human wave! Me? The whole grandstand went wild. People shaking the fence and yelling and screaming and clapping. That was really cool.
I also had some guy bug me for about 15 mins. in the staging lanes.
Him, "Name your price, I want your car."
Me, "Not for sale"
Him, "Everything is for sale."
Me, "Sorry"
Him, "Here's my number you think about it. If we work out a number, you bring it back to the track and put the same numbers on the boards, and I'll give you the cash at the time slip booth."
Me, "Really? Sorry not for sale"
Him, "Well, If you won't sell this car maybe you can build an engine for me?"
Me, We'll see"
Him, "Think about it and, call me this week"
So it was a long weekend...
1999 Regal GS
Mike