This summer has been by far the busiest summer the Williams family has had in a long time. It’s been quite an adventure keeping up with everything. We go from one trip to another with barely a chance to sleep. I, personally, have been living out a suitcase since May. I have makeshift homes all across the Northwest and have quickly learned that I am the self-proclaimed worst packer in the world. It’s been tough at times, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I realize I left you all hanging on the Spokane Divisional in June. After a great weekend right before, we went into the divisional with confidence. After a Boise Divisional fiasco, we were really hoping to have a good weekend. Our time trials landed us with more than enough runs for data and a good handle on the track. After my time spent focusing on mental preparation, I was ready to put it to the test.
Are You Lookin At Me?
I found that most of my issues seem to be calming myself down right after I’m strapped in and keeping my focus on the lights at the starting line. I am beginning to understand and predict my nerves, which has helped me control them. But honestly, focusing on the lights has been a struggle for me. I’ve never thought of myself as someone that had trouble focusing, but it’s really an issue at the line for me. I have so many things running through my mind that I actually forget to focus on the light. I can regularly have stunning lights, but my consistency is solely based on how focused I am at the light.
It has taken me a long to figure this out and I’m currently in the process of figuring out how to harness my attention at the line. For instance, at the divisional I was having great lights until second round when we had a problem at the line with the carburetor. I heard the problem and lost all focus, resulting in a terrible light. This is one of the reasons this sport is so appealing. It is so complicated and keeps you on your toes constantly. Even the best racer needs to constantly be checking himself to make sure he’s staying focused. This is definitely not a simple sport.
Back to the divisional – We were paired up with Chuck Linne in the first round. I had a great light and a fantastic number in the box. We won fair and square even after he red lit. Chris and I couldn’t believe that we had won a round at a divisional. This was icing on the cake for the wonderful time we had spent in Spokane. We were not quite so lucky second round. We had Emmitt McKillop for this round and all was looking good until I went to step on the pedal. We have had stumbling problems with our carburetor for most of the year, but were sure we had figured it out. However, on this particular run the carb stumbled for over a second before it got up on the chip. I was so freaked out by the stumble I pretty much missed the light. Since we didn’t leave at the right RPM there was no way we were going to catch Emmitt, nevermind how late I was on the tree. We ended the divisional frustrated with the carb but overwhelmingly pleased with our performance.
His name was NOT flipper.
Right after the divisional Chris and I headed home to Woodinville to pack up for our family vacation. The Williams family headed off to spend 10 relaxing days in the French Polynesia. It was a once in a lifetime vacation and was time with my family I will treasure forever. Needless to say though, it took plenty of time away from drag racing! Now we are back on track – at the track. This weekend we are doing our first national event! The Seattle Nationals run Friday through Sunday in Kent, WA. This is a wonderful experience for us to dip our toes into the National racing pool. As well as the fact that it is close enough for us to sleep in our own beds at night. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated with our progress at the race!
EMDUB