Race one of the WHRRI series will forever stand out as one of my greatest achievements, no matter where my life takes me going forward. Once again at the wheel of a Spec-Racer Ford machine, I was competing for AGR Racing, led by our good friend Alex dela Torre.
Since my first stint in SRF last year, I’ve always felt I had affinity for this chassis, and even though I have what amounts to very little time in the car and track, stepping into it was like second nature. I credit many things for this, for most importantly is never letting up on physical and mental preparation in the off season. Devoting time to going to the gym, eating right and putting on the sim racing rig are, in my view, extremely important, as well as continued tutelage from Alex. It certainly paid off on this first race of the season.
Pole position was established immediately. I achieved it by a considerable margin, and from there on I did not look back. At the start of the Saturday race I had a challenge from second place, which was piloted by an experienced racer who knows the track and car extremely well, being an SRF owner himself. I lost first place on the first lap, as he had a great start. However, hour upon hour of sim racing let me keep my race craft senses sharp, and with patience and an eye for opportunities I quickly found the passing opportunity I needed to grab first again.
From there on, the outcome was never in doubt. Smoothness, consistency and concentration were my allies during the race, and ended up winning the race by more than 5 seconds over second place. Moreover, I came within hundredths of beating the lap record owned by Alex himself. But mechanical sympathy was the order of the day, and I had to nurse a suspect wheel bearing in the right rear corner. This called for a measured approach for most of the race, especially after I had set enough of a gap from second that I did not have to push the equipment more than was needed. Being extra smooth and staying out of the curbs was extra important.
I actually did not know how close I had been to breaking the lap record for SRF at Waterford Hills. Admittedly, it might have been more of a challenge, to keep from pushing the car during those last laps if had known, but the sight of the checkered flag was so sweet that the record would not have seemed all that important.
It was my first victory in cars, and it came after finally being in a situation in which I could secure a situation in which I’d be racing regularly, and with a team that allows me to stretch out and show my potential. After all the preparation, all the practice and sacrifice, this first P1 will definitely stand out for the rest of my racing career.
The following Sunday the domination continued. I won the two races in the same fashion, always with an eye to nurse that wheel bearing, but nevertheless getting even closer to the lap record and winning by an even greater margin. The weekend tally then was Pole Position, 3 out of 3 wins, and fastest lap in all.
This kind of satisfaction tells me that the drive and the effort are completely justified, and I can’t wait to continue to work and fight towards my goal. Thank you to Alex de la Torre of AGR Racing for preparing such a good car for me, and to the wonderful folks that wrenched and assisted that weekend. This year looks to be one to remember!
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