First and foremost, thanks to Mike, Art, and the rest of the Cloverleaf Racing group for hosting this event. It requires a tremendous amount of work and coordination for an event like this to move along smoothly. I know this probably sounds like a broken record, but it takes a lot of work to keep 30+ content with food, space, etc. Cloverleaf Racing's generosity does not go unnoticed in this event. My only suggestion is to stock up on more brownies - more brownies means Jason spends more time eating - that means he's not talking even when he's awake.
I'm having a tough time finding the right words to describe my experience this year, and this is because it was the best time I've ever had racing slot cars. We could have finished last this year and it wouldn't change a thing. The camaraderie in this event is amazing, and our group is very thankful for the folks that gave a helping hand when we needed it most - Fumey, Kurt, Rob, Team Cinci, and everyone that I have forgotten - thank you! I also want to thank James of team CanAm, Craig of Cloverleaf, and Mike of Cloverleaf for good, clean racing throughout the entire race.
On paper, Dickie looks like he barely lifted a finger only having run 2 heats out of his 6 and marshaling while laying in bed in his hotel room. The truth is that Dickie's efforts to helping our team this year started months before the race with team talks about car setup, tire preparation, etc. - he even attempted to get us coordinated and purchase team shirts. You are always welcome to come race on our team Dickie. Just never forget this.....
To Steve Sawtelle, Christian Gingras, and all those who help Slotcarcorner USA & CA operate - thank you for being the "go to" for many of the components required to build these amazing endurance cars. It must be rewarding to watch your precision parts at work and withstanding the test of endurance racing. It truly is a testament to the quality of parts you provide when the majority of the cars are sporting some form of SCC parts - all you have to do is look at the spec sheets! Thank you guys.
Smokeio, thank you for all of the tips you have provided over the years on this site and to me personally. I have the utmost respect for you, your driving, and your car building. I missed racing along side you this year. I'm lying - it was nice not to have to dodge the swivel.
To Mr. Rob Hall - You are a class act. You have turned this event into something you and the rest of Cloverleaf Racing can truly be proud of. Team Dickie's Dixie Hazzard Chicks' total charity donation of $240 will be split into two - we will be donating $120 to our original charity of choice, SPCA, and $120 to the Wounded Warriors Project - a great suggestion by our good friend, Jay Hodges (The Old Jaybird).
Last but not the least, thank you to my great team mates. We set a goal for ourselves to do better - all we wanted was a podium. We never expected to win the race, especially after Friday practice was over, but we somehow made it happen. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to race with every Wednesday evenings. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to race with away from home. But ****, please make sure you guys serve more brownies next year.
Does anyone know what Rob likes to eat???
Mark
Team Dickie's Dixie Hazzard Chicks