2023
New 811 Dodge Challenger First Race Day
Ruapuna Raceway - 20 Aug 2023
The 811 Motorsport Team were really looking froward to our first race meeting. Our day began with qualifying and all I was wanting to do was attempt a sub 1:40 lap around Ruapuna.
The car just got better and better during qualifying and I was blown away when Jason said a 1:36 lap over the radio and 3rd fastest in class, WOW!!!
We now had 3 races for the day. I was a little cautious for the race starts as I hadn't done any standing starts with the new car at this stage. So all I wanted to do was make sure I didn't stall and although I got away from the mark ok, once I hooked 2nd gear the engine power just caused the rear wheels to break into wheel spin. This meant losing a few places but during the race I was able to make those back again okay, and unknown by me we were first in class for a majority of the race. However on the last corner of the last lap, I missed a gear change leading onto the front straight. This allowed a car to pass me before the checkered flag. Back in the pits I was told what happened and that I very nearly won our first ever race in the new car. Definitely wasn't expecting to do so well but stoked at the same time.
Second race was a handicap deal which saw the 811 Dodge Challenger start from near the rear of the field and 45 seconds delay from the first cars away. This meant a lot of cars were ahead and I just kept passing as many as possible while also being cautious of where and when to make those passes. Finished 6th in our "Open Saloon" class and still grinning from ear to ear. I even recall relaying back to the pits over my radio: "This Is So Much Fun!"
The last race of the day I started on grid 9 and finished 3rd in class. To say I was wrapt would be an understatement plus to discover we are 2nd overall in class is a great achievement so early. I'm still smiling and can't wait to get back on the track again. Our next meeting is the first round of the South Island Endurance Chapionship at Ruapuna 8-9 September. See ya's there :)
