Saturday, May 3rd, was the third race in the ThunderSlot Can-Am series.
The weather was just about perfect; it was still cool enough that we didn’t need to run the air conditioner, and the humidity was low. Great conditions to run a race and have a great time.
Being the third race of the series, most racers usually have run enough and have seen enough of the other cars to be able to figure out how to set up their car to get the most out of it. This race was a clear example of this.
There were nine racers present for this round of the series, with three racers being out for various reasons. The mix of cars was once again Lola heavy, with the coupe version filling the most spots in the field. It was good to see some McLarens and one Ferrari in the mix.
By the second heat, it was obvious that this race was going to be quick. Racers were setting lap totals that were higher than normal and setting fast laps as if everyone was channeling their inner Aryton Senna.
The speed continued with every racer setting their fastest laps of the series to date. This made for some great racing as everyone was completing more laps and faster times. The battles were fun to watch and it was obvious to everyone that this round of the series was different.
At the end of the day, Marty took the win running 241 laps and a fast lap of 3.543. Ary was close behind, running 240 laps and a fast lap of 3.586. David was third with 235 laps and a fast lap of 3.605. just outpaced Ary with David close behind. All of those lap totals are the most ever seen for the top three racers, and the fast lap time was the fastest ever run in the history of the Austin Slot Car Club.
To put this in perspective, Steve’s ninth-place car ran 219 laps with a fast lap of 3.758. That is crazy. Usually, if you run 219 laps, you are on the podium. That is an example of just how quick the track was for this round of the series.
I don’t think we will see lap totals or times like this in the next three rounds, as the ambient temps will be higher and the traction level will suffer as a result. Having said that, we won’t know until we run the races. I can’t wait. See you all on the 17th for the 4th round of the series.
