Team Alcatraz was having all sorts of problem, starting from having the starter unit broken the night before during race preparation, to deflating tires, broken air pump during race day to a last minute broken radiator just before the race.
After the two qualifying heats, we managed to win the pole for the race; but had to forfeit the pole as we got off very slow on the warm up lap trying to make sure and kept checking if the repaired radiator held up. The epoxy was still drying when we left the pit.
We bolted into second place after the start, but was soon, along with the leading Team Ted Simpson, stuck behind the slow Cag solos at the second corner. By the time the traffic jam was clear up we resumed the racing line towards the third corner, but soon found outselves suprised by the works team on our left. Apparently the works team saw the traffic jam, thus bypassing the jam by going the outside of turn two. We had nowhere to go but collided with the works team, throwing both the driver and the passenger clear in a nasty crash. The race was red flagged, and we did not retake the start.
The race was won by Ted Simpson and his passenger Jeremy, as the works team second rig won again. Interestingly the sidecars now has the speed of, if not faster, than the regular Cag solos. We only lost out in the corners.
Many thanks to Bob of BoNewCo, and the works team's Dan Meister whom, without the help we would not be able to repair the radiator. Also thanks to Steve Grant and Ted Simpson whom, without the help we would not be able do the pratice sessions and race the qualifying heats at all! Finally to the numerous other fellow racers whose names we do not know, providing last minute tools for us as we were frantically trying to repair the radiator.
Kudos to the track personnel, especially SMRRC President Matt Myers, who was right there to attend to both of us after the crash.
Finally, to all the racers and fans who was there in Stockton, both Stu and I were fine after the crash, thank you for your thoughts and kind words!
Results:
1. Ted Simpson (Team Ted Simpson West Coast Minimoto Sidecars
ATM-Polini)
2. Dan Meister (West Coast Minimoto Sidecars ATM-Polini)
DNS: Vince Ho/Stu Meislin (Team Alcatraz Moto ATM-Polini) Elected not
to take the restart.
Championship Table:
1. Ted Simpson 400 2. Dan Meister 350 Vince Ho 155
Pictures (Click on the thumbnail will lead you to a much larger picture):
Team AlcatrazMoto in the final turn, leading the works team during Qualifying Heat 1 (Courtesy: Terry Rust)