5/27/2019
Salute To Indy
The 92 Huntington Beach Glass/CSI Construction Sprinter was decked out for the Salute To Indy and Remembering Those Who Gave All For Our Freedom .
Heavy rains had pelted the dirt track at Perris Auto Speedway for days prior to the Salute To Indy Saturday night, and the skies were threatening rain all day.
Young guns, seniors and USAC/CRA 410's filled the pits ready to put on a show for the fans in the stands.
Drawing the last qualifying pill, Austin was pushed to the out to take the checkered flag. Timing in 4th out of the 25 car field. But Austin had news for Tom when he came in, the brakes were acting sketchy. Being in heat 1 the crew rapidly replaced pads and re bled the system. In order to make the Main Event invert, he needed to finish in the top 4 - finishing 3rd and on to the Main! But when Tom asked about the brakes - still not good. At this point, it was time to change pretty much everything - master cylinder included.
Push off for the Main Event with fingers crossed - from the cockpit on the first warm up lap, Austin had thumbs down --- this was gonna be a loooonnnggg 30 laps. An anxious crew watched with breaths held as Austin took the green and had the car on a rail, running a strong 3rd, making challenges for 2nd, but with no brakes couldn't always set the car as needed. With 8 laps to go Austin careened into turn 4 and the car biked, almost flipping, but he was able to settle back down, but unfortunately lost several spots, bringing the Moosemobile home in 10th.
Having to try to predict everything going on around him and how he'd approach situations without brakes, Austin did an Amazing job!
There was little sleep for Paul & Tom as they continued to scratch their heads in bewilderment - I don't really understand what they believe to have been the problem...but looks like they found it!!
So, it's on to the next one!!!
Huge thank you's to the hard working crew and all the people and companies that make this effort successful.
Article Credit: Awesome Shot: Courtesy of Scott Sheldon
Submitted By: Laurie Sertich
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