It was a long, crazy weekend. But it was a good one!
On Friday, we drove down to downtown Dallas to Fair Park - home of the Texas State Fair and the Cotton Bowl. We got parked by some great friends of ours from New Braunfels and set up for a great weekend of racing. Friday afternoon, we were allowed to go out and walk the race course. The City of Dallas had repaved some areas, but it was most certainly going to be a rough one. We heard that some people decided to go ahead and pull out, but we trusted our young driver to give it a go and let's see what can be done. Since no one had driven this course - ever - no one really knew how to set up for it. There was a lot of discussing and sharing of suggestions going around the pits with our class and we all set up for the first practice on Saturday morning.
Throughout our practices there were many more changes made. When it finally came time for qualifying, we were still trying to dial in a good set up. We were limited on our choices, but when limited, you make do with what you have and ask your driver to do the rest. And he did a great job. He went out and drove a tough course - still trying to build confidence - and being VERY cautious - and qualified in 4th position.
Getting coaching from our friend, Chris Williams. |
Starting in 4th position for the final heat on Sunday, he moved up to 3rd after our friend Kaleb's side pod fell off (yeah, we know how THAT one feels, too). The front two karts had a big lead so there no catching them. The race, however, was for 3rd and Hunter was leading the charge. In the 1.4 mile long course, we could only see the kids for about 25-30 seconds, and then they would disappear for over a minute. Nerve wracking hardly describes the feeling. Finally, they came around and took the white flag - only one more lap to go. When they emerged again, Hunter was still in front of the pack for 3rd. He came around the last couple of turns when all of a sudden...
He started to slow down - pulled to the side to get out of the way of the others on his tail and coasted around the final turn - with the checkered flag in sight - and then coasted off the course into the infield lot. *Sigh* It was a broken chain. And a broken heart. The supporting cheers that went up for him from the spectators around the fence was incredible. People we did not know were yelling for him - telling him how good he had done. The corner worker told me later in a FaceBook post how impressed she was with his sportsmanship.
He was crushed, but he handled himself so well. We have been trying to teach him all along that people won't remember who won, but how the racers handled themselves. So it wasn't the finish we were hoping for, but it is one that we can remember and rejoice in.
Until next time....race on, my friends!
Hunter being interviewed during a Red Flag stop in practice. This is for the Kidz In Motion TV show. |