Ran Atco gamblers tonight with Pete and Andrew (well Andrew was ET chasing...congrats on the 10 sec timeslip buddy). I was having a great night until I ran up against one of Atco's legends, Dave Harvey, in Round 3.

The Mustang was running perfect all night. Both time shots were identical 11.550 and I was seeing the tree well with a -.003 and .008. First round I dial down a bit, 11.53, due to the drop in air temp. My opponent trees me .026 to .061, but I run dead on with a 3, tapping the brakes, for the W.

Second round I dial down .01, tree my opponent .036 to .134, and win on a double break out with a 11.509 pedaling and braking at the stripe. Enter Dave Harvey.

The air temp is dropping more and based on the prior break out run, I dial an 11.48. Harvey is dialed 11.21. We're pretty much side by side from the 1/8th on and I figure I'm dialed hard so just gonna run it out the back door. I look over at Harvey just past the 1000 and it looks like his car is moving back and forth almost in slow motion and just keeping a half fender on me. No pedaling, whomping or braking, just slow easy adjustments. Anyway, I go dead on , he goes .04 over, but takes the stripe and win light due to his better RT (.041 to my .093). MOV .018.

So I talk to him in the pits and he explained that his technique, at least on that run, was to ride the brake, while flat footed, making sure he took the stripe by a hair. I've heard of that technique, but never seen it up close. Pretty neat and a good learning experience.

 

You were on buddy. I sure wish I hadnt screwed up in the first round. You might not have had to face him. Although, it takes a lot to get inside his package.

 

Nice, he's gone a 10 before but did he beat his best (a 10.92 I believe) tonight?





That was a close one, good job goin' rounds dude.

 

The numbers get so small when you are racing those guys it is unbelievable. That kind of package you had would be good for many wins but not in the big leagues...for him it was a walk in the park and you gave him lots of room.

 

Dave is a great guy and that was a pretty big mov for him. These guys can see.00x on the top end.

 

Two words

"sneaky pete"

 

Standard equipment for the Pro class at Atco.

 

True. Being late on the tree made it easy for him. But the way he stuck a fender on me and rode it out 300 feet by riding the brake was very impressive.

Definitely a great guy. Very approachable and willing to give advice. And doesn't seem to take himself too seriously either which seems to be rare in this sport.

 

I believe he ran a 94...but in summer air of course. He will undoubtedly shatter his prior PB in a couple weeks.

 

 

Isn't that the way everone races?????

 

No not at all. I make sure that I hold a ton so I don't get caught at the 1000'