June 16, 2012. This was the final race of the 6 part Slot it Challenge 1970`s Prototype cars. This final race was marked by close heats, high temperature, and gracious acts of chivalry as 6 racers brought their best. Ary decided to sit out this race since he had already won the series. His car had been incredibly fast and untouchable during the series with best lap times of 3.766 in the second race and 3.784 in the fourth, both close to course records. Roy held on to second place but the outcome could have been different if Marty had been able to attend more races.
Marty entered the race against 3rd place holder, Jim, who scored the fastest lap in every heat he ran in this final race. But Marty seldom makes a mistake and his consistency paid off as he and fast Jim dueled it out the entire race with Marty finishing just 1/2 lap in front of Jim despite an impressive 3.871 fastest lap from Jim. They had been running that close for the entire race. It must have made Jim mad because he came back for the next race against Roy and Brian and turned 73 laps on the typically slowest green lane and again scored fastest lap time of 3.955. Roy and Brian fought neck and neck for 2nd and 3rd place with Roy coming in just ½ lap ahead of Brian. Very exciting.
Russell joined the fray for the 3rd heat but Jim was not to be passed and with his 3.939 fastest lap able to keep Roy and Russell behind him with a 71 lap finish. It would be his last race of the series and he went out with 215.36 laps. It caught Marty`s attention after the close race he and Jim had just fought. He would have to be close to perfect to win the race and so he was. He had to be to hold off Russell in the 4th heat as they both scored 71 laps. Kevin was having some serious tire issues and at some point graciously stayed out of the way on passes to keep things competitive. He was still able to turn a fastest lap of 3.995 in the fourth heat despite turning just 63 laps. Speed vs. control. Control wins.
During Russell and Marty`s battle Kevin bumped Russell just enough to allow Marty to pull ahead of Russell and break their side by side thrill race. Marty politely slowed to allow Russell to catch up as they continued their battle.
The final heat of the race and series pitted Brian, Kevin, and Marty. Could Marty turn enough laps to beat Jim`s 215.36? He would have to turn over more than 72 laps on the slower tight green lane. Once again the unflappable Marty did just that, turning 72+ laps ¾ of a lap ahead of Jim with a total of 215.93 laps. Roy secured 3rd place with 213.30 laps.
Final Results of the 1970`s Prototype Race, Ary first place, Roy second, and Jim third. It was a fun series and ended with some very close racing.
