Monday 26 October – Packing
Today we packed the truck for the race. There was still a lot of stuff that had no addressed space in the trailer and it looked a lot like Tetris to get everything in. Tomorrow morning we will put the dragster inside and then we will head for Las Vegas.
Tuesday 27 October – Viva Las Vegas
After a 4.5-hour drive we arrived in Las Vegas. It was nice to see Las Vegas by night with all the pretty lights and exclusive buildings. Tomorrow morning we will go the track to start building up the pits.
Thursday 28 October – America vs. Europe
After building up the pits Wednesday everybody worked on getting the dragster for the first qualifying run on Friday. So more long days but seeing the entire top teams at the paddock makes me realize that we have to compete with the best in the world. Paddocks in America are way bigger then in Europe. At Tachyon Motorsport we usually have some difficulties getting our American style truck in and out but here there is plenty off space to turn in your location. The other difference is that every team brings his own generator. Which is normally on the back of the truck and will use diesel from the truck tanks. There is no power supply at the track.
Friday 28 October – D-day
Our first qualifying run was a special moment when u are waiting in the stage lanes with 24 other top fuel dragster who all want to qualify top 16. Then u see the big arc which says “the strip” makes u realize that u are now on a real USA style drag strip. Our first run went reasonable but the blower belt came off during the run, which resulted in a slow run. Then we had to do the first service. In the USA they are strict with the time u have for a service but due to oil downs on the track we had to run much later and we where ready in time. Because the run was later that day it was already dark which always gives a nice show with the top fuel cars. We did a nice run width a time of 3.93. This is a personal best for Lex and the team.
This time was good for the 13th position after 2 runs. The qualifying system here in the US is a bit different form the one in Europe. The first 12 after 2 runs keep their time for the Saturday qualifying the other drivers loose their time and have to battle for qualifying top 16 again. This mend that our time was just a few hundreds of a second to slow.
Saturday 29 October – Ups and Downs
Today we drove 2 qualifying runs and in both runs the blower belt came off. We didn’t had a A to B run to qualify and the entire team was very disappointed. Luckily we won the price for best appearing crew. Monday we will go back to LA to prepare the dragster for the next race.
