Wife's view from the pits - by Lynda Makinson (May 2019)
Disclaimer: This is my view and opinion, not the view or opinion of Bruce Makinson or anyone else.
May 31, 2019
Hi Everybody,
What can I say about this past Friday’s racing. Most importantly (at least to me), Bruce is fine, and the car is in one piece.
The track conditions were not the best. The track was dry and rough and eventually very slick (was black and shiny by the Sportsman Feature).
As for Bruce’s Heat race, it didn’t go well, he started on the front row, but something didn’t seem right as he couldn’t keep it tamed. He ended up finishing further back, this led him to start the Feature in 24th.
As for the Feature, the car was handling like crap, yup I said it, crap! Around lap 10 there was a red flag for a car that had flipped after hitting an infield tire off corner two. Thankfully, the driver was OK but when the cars started to move again Bruce pulled into the pits. He said off corner four the car kept pulling up to the wall and it was a handful to keep it off the wall. So, I’m very happy he didn’t try to be a hero and stay out there, he pulled it in for the night. But shortly after that the track got quiet. Again, a red flag. This time there were several cars involved including two of our friends. Number 30, Brent Kelsey (fellow Canadian) had hit the back-stretch wall (yeah, the same one Bruce hit last year…that damn wall that needs to be addressed by the track!) and was then hit by our friend number 45 car Junior Delormier and a few others. Junior was taken to the hospital with a broken arm and leg. He will be out for the season. And Brent walked way, sore but out for the season. Let’s just say, there were a couple of teams at his trailer to get his car loaded. It’s a mess.
Also, number 19 Jamy Begor was transported to the hospital during his Heat race earlier because his driveshaft broke and a part hit him in the leg, he had to be assisted out of the car. He’s not out for the season but most likely will be sore for a bit.
It’s great that the track emergency crews had practiced earlier in the spring on driver extrication because they had to use it twice this past Friday. Thank you for watching out for our drivers.
I’m happy that Bruce came out of the night unharmed but not happy that a couple of our friends are out for the season. Last weeks race was great, the track was tacky and there were no mishaps. This week the track was rough, dry and slick and there were 2 red flags…funny huh?!?! Coincidence?!?! I’m thinking the track needs to work on the surface more before the races and address that back wall. Last year there were several bad wrecks at that wall and only 2 races into this season and there’s another one. I love going to MIR, the people are great, the teams are great, the facility (excluding the track) are great. Please MIR, hear our cries for change. Look at the track surface maintenance and that back-stretch wall.
Well, that’s it for me this week. If you’re planning on coming out to see Bruce race this coming Friday, please check in with me during the week. I’m not sure at this point where we will be racing.
Have a safe and great week everyone!
Lynda
What can I say about this past Friday’s racing. Most importantly (at least to me), Bruce is fine, and the car is in one piece.
The track conditions were not the best. The track was dry and rough and eventually very slick (was black and shiny by the Sportsman Feature).
As for Bruce’s Heat race, it didn’t go well, he started on the front row, but something didn’t seem right as he couldn’t keep it tamed. He ended up finishing further back, this led him to start the Feature in 24th.
As for the Feature, the car was handling like crap, yup I said it, crap! Around lap 10 there was a red flag for a car that had flipped after hitting an infield tire off corner two. Thankfully, the driver was OK but when the cars started to move again Bruce pulled into the pits. He said off corner four the car kept pulling up to the wall and it was a handful to keep it off the wall. So, I’m very happy he didn’t try to be a hero and stay out there, he pulled it in for the night. But shortly after that the track got quiet. Again, a red flag. This time there were several cars involved including two of our friends. Number 30, Brent Kelsey (fellow Canadian) had hit the back-stretch wall (yeah, the same one Bruce hit last year…that damn wall that needs to be addressed by the track!) and was then hit by our friend number 45 car Junior Delormier and a few others. Junior was taken to the hospital with a broken arm and leg. He will be out for the season. And Brent walked way, sore but out for the season. Let’s just say, there were a couple of teams at his trailer to get his car loaded. It’s a mess.
Also, number 19 Jamy Begor was transported to the hospital during his Heat race earlier because his driveshaft broke and a part hit him in the leg, he had to be assisted out of the car. He’s not out for the season but most likely will be sore for a bit.
It’s great that the track emergency crews had practiced earlier in the spring on driver extrication because they had to use it twice this past Friday. Thank you for watching out for our drivers.
I’m happy that Bruce came out of the night unharmed but not happy that a couple of our friends are out for the season. Last weeks race was great, the track was tacky and there were no mishaps. This week the track was rough, dry and slick and there were 2 red flags…funny huh?!?! Coincidence?!?! I’m thinking the track needs to work on the surface more before the races and address that back wall. Last year there were several bad wrecks at that wall and only 2 races into this season and there’s another one. I love going to MIR, the people are great, the teams are great, the facility (excluding the track) are great. Please MIR, hear our cries for change. Look at the track surface maintenance and that back-stretch wall.
Well, that’s it for me this week. If you’re planning on coming out to see Bruce race this coming Friday, please check in with me during the week. I’m not sure at this point where we will be racing.
Have a safe and great week everyone!
Lynda
May 27, 2019
Hi Everybody,
Well, finally! Last Friday Mohawk International Raceway was able to make a deal with Mother Nature to allow us to race. Despite all the clouds, there was no rain and the temperature was manageable.
Now for racing. There were 31 Sportsman that showed up Friday night and they allowed 31 cars to race. For the Heat race, Bruce was in the 3rd Heat and was supposed to start 5th but due to the inexperience of the new line-up person somehow Bruce started last, 8th. Yes, I did have a conversation with the new line-up guy and told him I’d be back for the Feature to “help” him out (I miss you Joanne!!).
Anyways the race was good, he started 8th, finished 6th and was very close to catching 5th. The car looked good and Bruce didn’t seem to have too many cobwebs. Bruce said it felt odd at first, but he soon started to remember what to do…lol.
The Feature was a great race. I have to say I was very proud of the Sportsman class. There were 31 cars on the track and from my point of view, everyone raced clean. I was a little apprehensive because the first race of the season is usually rough, but this past Friday was awesome. Thank you Sportsman class!
Now for the Feature race, Bruce started 23rd and moved thru the field at a steady pace. There was only one caution, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I don’t think it was for an accident, I think it was for cars having mechanical issues. Really, the Sportsman race was awesome. From what I gather the race for the lead was very good as well. I’m not focused on what goes on if Bruce isn’t involved but from what I hear it was a good race all round. In the end, Bruce finished 11th.
From 23rd to 11th!! This was a relief and a blessing for us. The car is new to us, we were worried Bruce was going to be too rusty after being away from racing for almost a year and first night races aren’t always so good. But the car handled awesome,
Bruce got in the zone quickly and everyone out there drove very well. Yes, I was happy and excited when he came in (and very proud of him, but I’m always proud of him…just sayin’).
From the MyLaps site, Bruce was the car that made the most progress. I wish the track had a bonus for most forward movement car, because Bruce would have won that that night.
So, in the end, we had a great night. The car looks great and only got a little dirt on it.
I’d like to thank all our supporters, especially our sponsors: Sandy Vanier – CPA-CGA, Napa Auto Parts Manotick, Royal’s Restaurant in Richmond, Your Independent Grocer in Richmond, Graphiki.ca for the wrap, Rick at the Races for the great pic and those of you that know who you are.
Also, a reminder to everyone, we have a nice empty white spot we’d love to have filled by another sponsor, it’s the spot on the nose/hood of the car. If interested, please give me a call or email and we can discuss having your name on the car.
I’d also like to thank all the people that stopped by to see Bruce to tell him how happy they were that he had returned to racing. It meant a lot to both of us. Thanks racing Family!
Well, with the first race under his belt Bruce is anxious for the next one. The dirt is now pulsating thru his veins.
This coming Friday is a regular night of racing and so far Mother Nature is promising sunny and +18C.
Have a great week and hope to see you at the races!
Lynda
Well, finally! Last Friday Mohawk International Raceway was able to make a deal with Mother Nature to allow us to race. Despite all the clouds, there was no rain and the temperature was manageable.
Now for racing. There were 31 Sportsman that showed up Friday night and they allowed 31 cars to race. For the Heat race, Bruce was in the 3rd Heat and was supposed to start 5th but due to the inexperience of the new line-up person somehow Bruce started last, 8th. Yes, I did have a conversation with the new line-up guy and told him I’d be back for the Feature to “help” him out (I miss you Joanne!!).
Anyways the race was good, he started 8th, finished 6th and was very close to catching 5th. The car looked good and Bruce didn’t seem to have too many cobwebs. Bruce said it felt odd at first, but he soon started to remember what to do…lol.
The Feature was a great race. I have to say I was very proud of the Sportsman class. There were 31 cars on the track and from my point of view, everyone raced clean. I was a little apprehensive because the first race of the season is usually rough, but this past Friday was awesome. Thank you Sportsman class!
Now for the Feature race, Bruce started 23rd and moved thru the field at a steady pace. There was only one caution, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I don’t think it was for an accident, I think it was for cars having mechanical issues. Really, the Sportsman race was awesome. From what I gather the race for the lead was very good as well. I’m not focused on what goes on if Bruce isn’t involved but from what I hear it was a good race all round. In the end, Bruce finished 11th.
From 23rd to 11th!! This was a relief and a blessing for us. The car is new to us, we were worried Bruce was going to be too rusty after being away from racing for almost a year and first night races aren’t always so good. But the car handled awesome,
Bruce got in the zone quickly and everyone out there drove very well. Yes, I was happy and excited when he came in (and very proud of him, but I’m always proud of him…just sayin’).
From the MyLaps site, Bruce was the car that made the most progress. I wish the track had a bonus for most forward movement car, because Bruce would have won that that night.
So, in the end, we had a great night. The car looks great and only got a little dirt on it.
I’d like to thank all our supporters, especially our sponsors: Sandy Vanier – CPA-CGA, Napa Auto Parts Manotick, Royal’s Restaurant in Richmond, Your Independent Grocer in Richmond, Graphiki.ca for the wrap, Rick at the Races for the great pic and those of you that know who you are.
Also, a reminder to everyone, we have a nice empty white spot we’d love to have filled by another sponsor, it’s the spot on the nose/hood of the car. If interested, please give me a call or email and we can discuss having your name on the car.
I’d also like to thank all the people that stopped by to see Bruce to tell him how happy they were that he had returned to racing. It meant a lot to both of us. Thanks racing Family!
Well, with the first race under his belt Bruce is anxious for the next one. The dirt is now pulsating thru his veins.
This coming Friday is a regular night of racing and so far Mother Nature is promising sunny and +18C.
Have a great week and hope to see you at the races!
Lynda
May 17, 2019
Hi Everybody,
Well, racing is cancelled for another night. The season opener was supposed to happen last week, and it got rained out as well.
I’m glad the track is making these decisions early. This way we don’t have to drive 1.5 hrs to only turn around and come back home.
I know Bruce is very anxious to get back into the car, but I’d prefer he does it when the track is in good condition and everyone is in a good frame of mind.
Don’t worry everyone, racing will happen soon.
Stay safe and dry this long weekend.
Cheers,
Lynda
Well, racing is cancelled for another night. The season opener was supposed to happen last week, and it got rained out as well.
I’m glad the track is making these decisions early. This way we don’t have to drive 1.5 hrs to only turn around and come back home.
I know Bruce is very anxious to get back into the car, but I’d prefer he does it when the track is in good condition and everyone is in a good frame of mind.
Don’t worry everyone, racing will happen soon.
Stay safe and dry this long weekend.
Cheers,
Lynda
May 7, 2019
Hi Everybody,
The racing season (for us) is about to begin. Unfortunately, last weekend practise was cancelled due to track conditions. I was hoping to see Bruce out there to make sure everything still works (and I’m not talking about the car). If anything, it’s more for me. But it didn’t happen, so I’ll bring Advil with me for this coming Friday (if mother nature allows).
Bruce is in fine shape, no more yella brain and his back is as good as it’s going to get.
This coming Friday is the season opener for MIR. If they get rained out or cancelled due to track conditions, we may go to CanAm...if they don’t have the same problem.
My opinion: with the changing weather, maybe Northeast tracks should start a little later in May. It seems there’s been a few years of bad weather postponing racing. I personally just find it frustrating and I know Bruce is biting at the bit to get going.
But we do have team news! Good news!! No, GREAT news!!!
All our amazing sponsors have come back and some with additional funds to help us rebuild from scratch. And we also received help from Graphiki.ca on a wrap for the car. It’s lookin’ good. (see gallery)
Just in case you forgot, our amazing sponsors are:
Sandy Vanier, CPA, CGA – Ottawa, ON
Napa – Manotick, ON
Royal’s Restaurant – Richmond, ON
Graphiki.ca – Ottawa, ON
King’s Your Independent Grocer – Richmond, ON
But I have one problem, the hood area is too white. I’m looking for a sponsor to claim that space. If interested or know of someone who may be interested, please contact me at thru the website.
Well, that’s it for now. Looking forward to seeing all our old friends at the track and hopefully some new ones.
Have a great week,
Lynda
The racing season (for us) is about to begin. Unfortunately, last weekend practise was cancelled due to track conditions. I was hoping to see Bruce out there to make sure everything still works (and I’m not talking about the car). If anything, it’s more for me. But it didn’t happen, so I’ll bring Advil with me for this coming Friday (if mother nature allows).
Bruce is in fine shape, no more yella brain and his back is as good as it’s going to get.
This coming Friday is the season opener for MIR. If they get rained out or cancelled due to track conditions, we may go to CanAm...if they don’t have the same problem.
My opinion: with the changing weather, maybe Northeast tracks should start a little later in May. It seems there’s been a few years of bad weather postponing racing. I personally just find it frustrating and I know Bruce is biting at the bit to get going.
But we do have team news! Good news!! No, GREAT news!!!
All our amazing sponsors have come back and some with additional funds to help us rebuild from scratch. And we also received help from Graphiki.ca on a wrap for the car. It’s lookin’ good. (see gallery)
Just in case you forgot, our amazing sponsors are:
Sandy Vanier, CPA, CGA – Ottawa, ON
Napa – Manotick, ON
Royal’s Restaurant – Richmond, ON
Graphiki.ca – Ottawa, ON
King’s Your Independent Grocer – Richmond, ON
But I have one problem, the hood area is too white. I’m looking for a sponsor to claim that space. If interested or know of someone who may be interested, please contact me at thru the website.
Well, that’s it for now. Looking forward to seeing all our old friends at the track and hopefully some new ones.
Have a great week,
Lynda