May 12, 2007 would be Dave’s
first race in the Legends division.
Our day would start with preparing
for what was bound to be a lengthy stay at the track. As rookies,
we wanted to arrive bright and early to scope out a good parking
spot and learn the ropes before the main event.
As the day wore on we quickly realized Old Dominion Speedway would
pack in the Legends cars, at some point and time I lost count
and became concerned. It wasn’t until final practice that
I was able to get a full count of 26 cars in our field. It was
obvious that the Legends division would be the dominate class
for this evening.
"Great" just want a mom wants when her son is making
his debut!
Legends Field lined up for practice.
The field was so large that they
had to split practice into two segments. Dave would practice in
the first segment with thirteen other cars. The Danco Racing #04
car, sponsored by Ty, Daniels
Auto Care and Amsoil,
would lap a couple cars during this 30 lap practice. Dave’s
fastest practice time during this segment would be 17.818, not
bad for his first time out! The true test would come when we would
run the feature with 26 total cars, some which are National Champions,
and local track champions.
After two practice runs Dave would
have to go through time trials. Time trails can be lengthy because
cars are timed individually. Dave’s time would prove to Mike
and I that he truly was ready for Legends racing, he clocked in
at 17.689 and amazed many of us. His times would place him in
the third row in sixth place. But wait, the track decided to invert
the first three rows, which now meant that Dave would be on the
pole.
Dave lined up for time trials
As the sun began to set, the green
flag would wave, and we were racing 30 laps in a very competitive
field! Dave held his position in the first turn but quickly realized
he would be out muscled by power and experience. He made some
wise choices and decided not to hold the field up and moved out
of the way. Dave held his own and maintained third place for a
few laps. He eventually fell back into 4th and later, 5th position,
which he maintained for several laps. While chasing down another
competitor, Dave came upon slower traffic, which allowed him to
be passed, and now put him in sixth place. Dave would maintain
the sixth place position until lap 27. With only three laps to
go, he broke an axle, which shot him up the track, causing him
to slam into the guard rail, destroying two tires, a set of rims,
and a bumper, not to mention, undercarriage damage. YIKES,
this one would hurt!
According to the INEX scoring sheet that was passed out after
the race, Dave’s fastest time during the race was 17.554
BROKEN AXLE
Pre-race instruction
Dave on the Pole!
The three photographs above were taken by - Bill Gercken
2007 - Old
Dominion Speedway
Although the car is in dire need
of repair, the night was not all lost! I believe Dave earned the
respect of a few of his competitors, he held his line, maintained
position and used his head to make wise choices. No longer would
he sit on the porch and wonder his fate, tonight he proved he
truly could run with the big dogs! His attitude surprised me,
I expected him to be disappointed, but instead he said
"mom, we’ll get them next time".
**More track photos**
Mike sharing his wisdom and teaching Dave
and his friend Austin a few driving tips.
Mike, knowing that Dave had a pole position,
decided to spruce up the car and get it ready for its debut. Mom,
was pacing up and down pit road nervous as a cat on a hot tin
roof! Dave, while trying to remain focused, was elated.
Some fans at Old Dominion Speedway.
There are a few bleachers at this track, this is a side angle
of one of them.
The kids all recognized the Ty heart and loved the car.
View the Danco Racing/Ty trailer
at the home link below
