iRacing 2024, Season 1, Week 5, NOS 410 Sprint Car Series @ Weedsport w/ Jason La Violette

We are back in the saddle again and ready to throw down at Weedsport, which happens to be my least favorite track. At any rate, 12 drivers have answered the call here and we are ready to jump in to another Race Replay.

This track can be pretty challenging as the racing surface deteriorates rather fast, in addition to the track configuration. The biggest thing which will help anyone who runs here is the need to exercise a whole lot of throttle control.

Qualifying wasn't as successful as hoped, as we pulled down a 9th Quick with an 11.795. Quick Time was was easily handled by Ryan Hodge as he scorched the track with an 11.474.

Small field of cars means a quick racing program tonight with a single Heat Race and then the Feature. We started 9th for the Heat and gained one spot to secure a P8 finish.

Now for the true test of throttle control and right lane choice leading to success or failure. We take the Feature grid sitting in P8 on a track that is definitely moving from tacky to slick, let the fun begin.

My plan was to hang the car on the cushion the entire race, but it was becoming more and more evident that we choose a bad race line. When you go from running more towards the front to practically bringing up the rear, you're in a real bad spot. From time to time during the race I was feeling out the bottom, but wasn't patient enough to get a good feel for it. Late in the race I pulled the trigger and committed to the bottom and then we caught a break as the Caution came out stacking the filed back up. It was go time as we went from P8 to P4 in a hurry just running the bottom - in hindsight we should've moved there way sooner.

Learning Experience.