Thought for the day

[GEORGE]

I guess the reason I started this thread is, my wife has followed me to the race track and she started to notice a common thread as I got ready to go out.

After Checking the weather forcast for rain...... and even if there is a hint of rain, we lay out the rain tires and jack(because you know if we are prepared.... it won't rain) and then we go over a preprinted check list of things to check on the car(this was written up after we had 5 friends who wanted to help and they all checked something...... except the fuel. And we ran out after 2 laps). And finally a judgment is made about tire pressures.

The last half hour before entering the car is "my time." I usually take a walk around the paddock alone and then come back and dress in the trailer. My everpresent race pit crew (Skip) knows that I like a little space from people who are trying to make conversation about "How do you feel?" or "Are you ready to GET OUT THERE AND KICK BUT?" I know they want to be helpful, but getting in a race car is about chillin out...... unlike football, I guess most of us want to get as calm as possible.

Just like Gerardo I start outside the car and loosen all the belts and fold them away from the seat. And then I place the gloves, Hans, helmet and head sock on the dash. hans goes on first, and then the belts (Really REALLY tight.... If you don't feel as though your shoulders are being crushed....they are NOT tight enough) I always find that the belts feel loose after a few laps so starting tight is the only way.
After getting all the hardware on, I sit in the car and put down the visor (always dark) and just breeeeeeeeth. I can feel myself calm down.
The last thing I do is touch my good luck charm. I had a couple of great Labradore Retreivers and we made them into a couple of logos for our dealership. Those logos are on the dash of the car and I always have to give them a touch before I go out. The only time I didn't touch them..... I spun on the last lap and lost a place.