Thanks everyone!
I really appreciate the kudos guys. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive taking on the assignment of National Series Director after the initial reaction (it was like I threw a stink bomb into church) to the rule change requiring the spec fuel. I was thinking that I may have to have the Tech Officials go out and search everyone’s paddock for pitchforks, torches and heavy rope!
Believe me this wasn’t a thankless task at all. I had a lot of fun! Meeting all of you was great. I’m sorry I missed Carter’s BBQ. Carter had told me it was called off with the rain…but it seems everyone showed up anyway. I ended up at Applebees with the Tech guys.
Everyone (racers and NASA staff) had challenges to overcome. For you guys, you had to adapt to standing starts and ever-changing weather. For the NASA brass, the big challenge was trying to sort out (in the fairest way possible) the on-track incidents (believe me they worked hard studying videos and studying incident reports. I personally watched Jerry K, Dave Lang and Will Faules intently analyzing videos; I’m confident that they took every claim seriously and tried to make the best and fairest ruling). Racing was much simpler before the days of in-car video.
My number one goal was to make sure this was a fair fight. I had to convince myself, you the racers and the NASA brass that this was a fair and just competition. I left Mid Ohio with the feeling that I was able to do just that. I told Will and Jerry that I want to be back next year…just don’t put me back in the Best Western in a smoking room…that was the worst part of the trip. The best part was getting to be a part of NASA history and meeting a bunch of great racing folks.
Hopefully I will see most of you (as well as some new folks) next year!
Congratulations to our SE30 Champs Robert Grace, Eric Palacio and Jonathan Allen!
Many Thanks!
Scott “Scoot” Neville
