We arrived Thursday evening May 7th for our race weekend the 8th & 9th at the beautiful Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois.
The forecast for the weekend included spotty rain showers, but we were hopeful as the locals told us that many of the storms split as they get near the Mississippi River.
We were the first to arrive with Danny Mann coming in early Friday morning to show us where to pit. The rest of the group came in steadily after that. They included Bryan and June Huffman, Ken Kapper and Ralph Grote, Rob Rothwieler, Tom Cray, Bob Mitchel, Randy Tavoletti, Mark Cambell, Jim and Mary Predeau & Jeanette McDowell. Thanks to Doug Jent and his buddy for coming down to support us. We also welcomed new members Dave Walters & Rod Urish. Great to have them as part of the group. As the day went on, we were dampened with rain off and on, but the racers managed to get one test’n tune run in before the rain shut them down for the night. It later cleared and we had a nice evening to just sit and chat.
Saturday morning was cloudy but dry and the racers got 2 more test’n tunes, almost back to back, and were lined up for a third round. It was to be a flagman start with a photo shoot but the rain took over once again. Since the moisture came down just enough to stay ahead of the track dryers, we decided to set up our, always great, potluck. Tables were brought out, E-Z ups were in place and we ducked in and out of raindrops, enjoying each others company and had another very successful meal. Thanks goes out to all our talented cooks. When we can’t race, we eat. It’s a no brainer. The rain continued all afternoon and the forecast was for lots more to come so the track finally called the event off for the weekend. We were all sorry to see the cancel but, that’s racing folks.
A very special thanks goes out to Danny Mann for all he did to get us included in this event. He said the track officials were happy with our group and we would be invited again next year.
It was fun to see everyone.
Jess & Bertie James
The Gunslinger
