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Focus Event '05 MG—Triumph Challenge - MGVR.org

Focus Event '05 MG—Triumph Challenge - MGVR.org

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<strong>Focus</strong> <strong>Event</strong> ‘05 MG-Triumph <strong>Challenge</strong><br />

Road Atlanta is a day-and-a-morning trip from Connecticut.<br />

I pulled into the Road Atlanta pro paddock late morning<br />

Thursday. The weather, 70’s and sunny, was a far cry<br />

from the cold damp New England weather I left behind.<br />

Slowly, MG and Triumph racers arrived and set up for the<br />

weekend, which promised to be special with two challenge<br />

races scheduled for Sunday, along with the usual HSR<br />

group races. Thursday was a set up and catch up day for<br />

most of us, with the exception of those who participated in<br />

the test and tune day(high carnage factor). This was my opportunity to set up the Winnebago<br />

and trailer, tech #162 (Smudge), visit with old friends and make new ones. I recharged<br />

my personal batteries Thursday.<br />

Friday promised to be another beautiful day. How long would this g<strong>org</strong>eous weather last?<br />

The MG-Truimph contingent had two on-track sessions to enjoy; practice in the morning,<br />

and qualifying 1 in the afternoon. As I looked over my car, it hit me that I left my Hoosier<br />

Vintage TD’s in the driveway at home. Rats. This race would be contested on “vintage”<br />

vintage Dunlop L’s. In the end, it really didn’t matter. More on that in a bit. First session<br />

my fan belt shredded to bits. But I watched some fine racing from turn 10B. A donor generator<br />

gave me hope that the spare belt would last the<br />

weekend(thanks, Henry).<br />

By the second session, a pattern emerged. I would dice<br />

with a group that included Dan Leonard, Tom Baumgardener,<br />

and Lou Marchant. I could enjoy racing with this<br />

group anywhere, any time. The weather, and track conditions<br />

could not have been better Friday<br />

Photos by Greg Prehodka unless noted<br />

Group B Race<br />

11

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