Wife's view from the pits - by Lynda Makinson (August 2020)
Disclaimer: This is my view and opinion, not the view or opinion of Bruce Makinson or anyone else.
August 15, 2020
Hi Everybody,
I know I haven’t been diligent in writing updates lately, but there hasn’t been much to write about. We did a few practice sessions at BOS but that was about it until this past weekend.
Finally, Bruce was able to get out and really race. We went to BOS on Saturday and we were very pleased with the car….and Bruce. Just remember, Bruce hasn’t had much seat time in the car, and he’s been playing around with the set up to try to get it right. So, seat time is very important. This past weekend he did get some time in the car and spoke to Pete Bicknell about the set up and all is looking up.
The night started with 20 Modified showing up. A good-sized field for that track. (I find Cornwall is starting way too many cars for the size of the track).
There were time trials, a Heat race and a Feature. The time trials and heat were before Bruce spoke to Peter. The Feature was after. And you could see a difference in Bruce once he had the talk with the master. Bruce got a better understanding of the car and the handling and it showed in the Feature. Unfortunately, Bruce had to start at the back but starting from 18th (2 cars were DNS) he made it to 14th and that was his finish for the night. From my point of view that was a win. He really started to look good out there...a little too good, damn those cars look a heck of a lot faster than the Sportsman class…why did I ever agree to move up to Mods?!?!
Well, I think overall we all enjoyed that race. As you may have heard from me in the past, the Mod drivers can be a bit better class of drivers. There were no “racing incidents”, there was a car malfunction and a car that left the track (not sure if he had help or did it on his own) but no wrecks! It was nice to see and be part of. I’ve never been overly fond of going to BOS because of the carnage but maybe with being in Modified class now there will be less and we can actually see some real racing.
Also, very important to most of the racing wives and women drivers…they built a proper washroom in the pit area! Yes, clean and with running water!!
I have a few thank you’s I’d like to get out there:
1st – Pete Bicknell for the advice he gave Bruce and the time he spent talking to me. He really is a true racing legend and an all-round nice guy...and he has damn good cars too :)
2nd – All of our sponsors that have stuck with us during this unusual time.
3rd - I’d like to also thank Cheryl and Paul from Brockville Ontario Speedway (BOS), it was a pleasant experience (and the race director seemed great, he talked to the drivers when necessary and kept things going).
4th – Rick from Rick at the Races, thanks for the great on track photos.
People like you make racing a fun sport….thanks!
We are now looking forward to the next Modified race at BOS on September 29th.
We have one crew spot available if you’d like to join our team for the night. Just let me know and I’ll give you the details.
Take care, stay safe and have a great next 2 weeks.
Cheers,
Lynda