(thanks to the website for this wonderful AD www.thailand24h.com)NAMES HAVE BEEN OMITTED TO PROTECT PRIVACY
This time i wasn't able to go because of ...... BASTA many things :(
But of course, that won't stop me from getting text updates from friends who are there.
The enduro race is a four day event in the Birakart Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand which showcases on the last two days, a 24 hour enduro karting race. Since their very first one last 2006 (which I went to when the skies were still bright and sunnY), I heard improvements have been made (so far, I'm not there remember?!) and the event organizers are learning (thank God).
Like the fact that they actually have tents (with doors) for the teams but the problem now is not the non stop rain or poor-excuse-for-living-space which was what made the 2006 event quite unforgettable, but the hundreds of BUGS (non lethal)!!!
The ff. is a text account of events from pre race day to race day (in progress) which ends on Sunday, February 11.
FEBRUARY 8, 2007
A: Such an irony that last year D and V were struggling in the wet with minimum laps. Today, V was 3rd quickest in his stint while D was fastest of them ALL - a full 2 secs quicker than J! It is great as their confidence is up. Very important more strong teams this year.
T: Wow! So there is hope for the team to place in the top 3?
A: There is hope. In a race like this, though, I want them to have the right frame of mind. It will be a long race pa, but they started it right.
T: Good to hear that. :) Will be rooting for all of you here in Manila. Thanks for the update.
FEBRUARY 10, 2007 (early morning, race day)
T: This is it! Good luck to all you! I know you guys will do well. Dont forget to bring Shout hahahaha. VERY IMPORTANT!
A: Thank you! packed a secret stash of Shout, but the bugs will be our biggest nightmare. There are hundreds of them. They don't bite but they're just there!
T: Then Baygon katol and a lighter will be your best friend, or Citronella candles too. I can just imagine sleeping then having them crawling on you. Ugh.
A: Of course the "experts" that we are, we bought katol and imitation OFF lotion. We really should do candles. I'll update you as soon as we get on. Should start by 1 pm.
2:44 pm
A: Race started 12nn.
We qualified 7th and took the lead in traffic at 30 minute mark.
Gap is 1 second 23 hours and 15 minutes to go!
3:46 pm
A: 22 hours 20 minutes. V maintains pace. Al in. P1, 5 second lead
A: Some problems as driver change computerized with swipe card - Al forget to swipe on first stint. We almost got a penalty. Then on this change, Al didn't stop at fuel and went straight to driver box. Asked V to sit Al down and clear his mind. J in after 40 mins. Js and and V in charge now.
T: It's good to se you guys working as a team. go go go!
7:32 pm
A: 18 hours 38 minutes.
A did 45 minutes, J did 30 minutes.
Gap static at 1 lap to leaders.
We're in P2. Al out now (setting fastest laps), then P (our 80kilo Canadian)
T: How are the bugs? Which team is in P1 and P3?
A: Octopus in P1, Benefica in P3, French 1 in 5th. Benefica and French 1 won Le Mans 24 hour karting!
9:41 pm
A: 16 hours 27 minutes.
P7, 11 laps down as we did compulsory 8 minute maintenace stop.
Other teams must do maintenance also.
We must drive 0.5 seconds quicker than others now
T: Any chance of rain tonight?
A: No rain tonight. Besides D quick in the rain.
We really miss you - C just arrived and before that, we were struggling with duties.
It cant be done by 7 racers alone as 3 are always in rotation, 1 boss/strategist,
1 laptop/notebook encoder. And am always out as pics needed for sponsors.
T: Wish I was there, but....... Good thing C is there at least you guys have 1 den mother around.
T: You guys are 2/3rds away from the finish! konti na lang
D: Still P2!
T: Galing! Nahabol from P7.
11:12 pm
A: 14 ours and 55 minutes
Just outside 1 lap deficit but we are setting fastest times.
Js, D and I alternate till early morning. If you want updates past 12am, reply by SMS.
T: Okay, will apreciate the updates even after 12. Good luck to the three of you!
TO BE CONTINUED
_over and out_
No comments:
Post a Comment