Race #1 at Daytona didn’t turn out the way I expected. I started 10th on the grid, and picked up one spot through the first few turns, then picked up another position on lap three.
On lap 4 the Lamboghini and I had contact in turn 3 (I ran into the back of him), but we both continued. I passed the Lamborghini going into turn 5 and got three-quarters of a car ahead of him when the drivatar hit me in the quarter panel, knocking me off course. He passed me, but I amazingly saved it without losing further positions.
On lap five, I dove under the Lambo in turn six (I made the move later than I should have, but I owed him), getting by him, and mantaining my position on the high banks.
In the end, I finished sixth, which was better than I expected. My Honda Civic Type R is really at a power deficit on the high banks, but somehow, we made it work today. I hope I’m just as lucky in the next race at Daytona.
The top five in points after 25 races are:
- Lou Mindar (304 pts)
- Josh Pettibone (170 pts)
- Hugh Navarro (145 pts)
- Richard Chan (142 pts)
- Callie Carr (140 pts)
Next Race: Daytona International Speedway – Race #2.