Bad Days Happen
Everyone says that you have to have bad days mixed with the good, but man, that still doesn't make them any easier.
Saturday, August 30 was race day at Colorado National Speedway for the 21 GAM team and despite a little rain in the forecast, I was really excited for the day. My sister was in town, and so was big Rick and Christian Oster. And of course, we had all of the friends and family that support us from near and far - which I'm so grateful for.
We started out with a strong first practice set and went out between sprinkling rain for the following two sets after making minor handling adjustments to the car. I was feeling good... and then I wasn't.
As I was coming to the green flag to qualify, I lost handle of the car and spun in between corners 3 and 4, and backed it into the wall. I was so disappointed in that moment, just mad at myself for losing it for no real reason. Thankfully, I got to restart, so I still got a full qualifying set but I qualified P6 just feeling bad. The team gave me a really strong car, so I'm confident that if my head had been in the game, I could have qualified better.
Instead of a heat and main, we were slated to run two main events - one 20 lap and one 30 lap main. So with that, we started the first main in P6. And the bad day continued. Before we even completed one lap, I was collected in a mess - again - in turns 3 and 4. It's such a shame when there is a lack of patience and respect on the first lap and it takes out fast, competitive cars.
Our night was over with significant front and rear end damage to the car. After getting hauled off on the wrecker, spirits were pretty low in the 21 Pit.
On a brighter note, big shout out to my buddy CJ Wilson for winning the first GAM feature last night! It was his first career win at CNS, made even better with a full grand stands, and I couldn't be more excited for him!
We haven't gotten the car out of the trailer yet today to fully assess the damage, but needless to say, we'll get it out and do a full run through to get a better idea of what work needs to be done. I don't imagine we'll be able to get the car put back together for next weekend's race, but just the same, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.
Dad and Gramps, Chris and Mike - The hours we spend in the garage every single week hold some of my best memories. We really do put blood, sweat and tears into making the car run and be competitive. I can't say thank you enough for making this possible. I can't forget mom, too. The entire 21 crew is well fed on dinners, full of delicious snacks and always hydrated thanks to my mom. Not one of us could do it without her!
Rick and Christian - Rick, you're a tire genius. Thank you for flying in, putting so much work into making our weekends possible. And for encouraging me along the way. Christian, you were a huge help this weekend, and your buddies. Thank you for coming! Oh - and make sure to check out Oster Golf Co.
Tim, Mikey and everyone else that came by offering help, encouragement and well wishes. Thank you - please know that we are so appreciative.
The bad days happen, and they aren't easy, but I know that everything we do is only possible with the support we receive week in and week out.
