Race two at Maple Valley was another strange affair. I started 6th and moved my way up a bit on the first couple of laps, before having contact on lap three and spinning off course, hitting a barrier. I recovered fairly quickly, losing only two spots, and went on to challenge for the win on the final lap, but coming up just short to finish 2nd.
I like winning as much as the next guy (Unless the next guy is Michael Jordan), but my speed at Maple Valley just isn’t right. I’m significantly faster than the drivatars, which isn’t the case at other tracks. I’ve gotten a few fastest laps this year, but not by much. At Maple Valley, I’m one or two seconds faster than the other cars. I’m grateful for two good finishes, but it shouldn’t have happened, not after spinning in both races.
Regardless, the two races at Maple Valley are in the books. As I said after race one, I really enjoy driving Maple Valley. I’m going to miss it. But the season must move forward. Next stop: Watkins Glen.
The top five in points after eighteen rounds are:
- Lou Mindar (244 pts)
- Josh Pettibone (110 pts)
- Don McGowan (105 pts)
- Hugh Navarro (101 pts)
- Peter Ward Jr (100 pts)
Next race: Watkins Glen – Race #1