So, this past weekend…Mats…pretty much sparta kicked the Canada Synthetics / Gold in the Net drift team into the race world.
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The build up, the prep, the tuning, the testing, the adjustments…paid off.
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When it comes to terms like, “going fast” or ” ripping up the track” or “forward bite” or even “givin’ em hell”, they for sure can be fun, but they’re something we take seriously around here. After all, it’s what we do. We also consider the words, “win”, “qualified” and “podium” to be of the upmost importance.
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We’re in the race management business. The teams that we work with, the cars that we sponsor, the cars we build…we don’t set them to lose. Every spot we gain in any circuit in any city is a plus. We want to gofast, and well, we do.
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Mats was invited back to NY this past weekend for the “Hold the Line” competition. We ran well there in Monticello a couple weeks back, (see Drift-zilla – RTC) Mats was comfortable with the speed, smoke and in between then and this past weekend we made the adjustments we felt that could give him an edge. We looked at the data, the video’s and studied the photos. We needed forward bite without sacrificing smoke, we needed stability in the rear and we needed Mats to put his big right foot through the floor board.
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This he did and qualified 1st.
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With a bye into the top 8, Campos couldn’t keep up and spun when it was his turn to lead thus sending us to the top4. Dan Savage spun while following and Mats pretty much glued himself to Dan when they reversed and just like that…off to the finals.
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I was in here in Montreal and was getting the updates via text & twitter. I was quite anxious to say the least. This was our first competing race this year and after all the hard work we did getting the car ready I was thrilled with what was going on.
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The finals up against Miro Ovcharik who in himself is quite the driver with a pretty mean car under him. (mirodrift.com) Mats led well and Miro followed well. There wasn’t much for Mats to do but get closer, and stay clean. Unfortunately, nearing the end Mats dug his tire into the dirt a bit causing him to straighten out, costing him the win, but held a 2nd place finish. This, was a victory for me. Our first competition, and we nail a 2nd place. How awesome is that!!!???
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There’s a difference between mechanic and driver. I mean, we all want to win, no doubt, but it is a learning experience to get there. As far as I was concerned, the car that left my shop did what I made it to do. Go fast, angle right, squat good and most important, let Mats do what he had to do in the drivers seat. Mats did a fabulous job and I don’t discredit him whatsoever. He kicked ass like he does and I couldn’t ask for more in a driver. He makes my job a whole lot easier everytime he gets behind the wheel. His feedback, response and come-backs are clear, precise and positive. We look at this as a go ahead, not a re-think.
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Right after his podium finish, I think my tweet to him said it all: @MatsBaribeau , we’re doing something right brother!
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The car is working well, we will make a few minor adjustments but that’s natural in between races. The car will also be re-logo’d, tech’d and prepped for the next race in St. Eustache on Victoria Day weekend. (Please come out and support us!).
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We’re happy where this is going and I send a thanks to everyone who called, emailed, texted and facebooked us congratulating us on the podium finish. We ain’t done yet though! Ya’ll better get used to it!
May 04th by Bannon
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