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E-Mail Messages from Terry

by Terry MacDonald-Cadieux

Portrait of Terry

Editor's note: This is the latest message from Terry who, as you remember, had been very disdainful of oval racing before her experience with it.

rookie mistakes
Mon, 27 Aug 1999

Hello again,

This weekend was another learning experience. I guess the guys are getting use to me being around and have taken off the kit-gloves. They are starting to teach me all about racing a different way, Like from a spinning car.

Last weekend I got spun in turn two on lap two. It was not fun, but at least I kept it off the wall. I ended up finishing 10th. I though I had done much worse. The car was evil. Every time I went into the corner, the front brakes would lock up or the car would push something bad.

This weekend we raced in Lancaster NY. What a fast track and bumpy. The speeds were pretty high, it took me a little time to get use to them and start to drive the car hard into the corners. By the time the race came I was ready.

I started 5th, and battled, I mean battled to move up. These guys were not going to let me go easily. But not before long I was clear and in second place. I was on the move for first with a comfortable distance behind me. BUT then my rookie-ness appeared. (I think that is a word) And I spun all by myself. I got on the gas a little too early and a little to quick and around she came.

Luckily, no one hit me, because I had a good lead on them, but it all went away. They all passed me while I was trying to get back on the track. I think I must have hurt something, because I started to get fuel starvation exiting corner two. I would have to shake the car back and forth to keep the car going. It was a very frustrating race. I have no idea where I finished, maybe 15th????

Then I drove back to Canada, late night, early morning, to teach 875 women all about cars. It was the largest clinic I know of in Canada. What an experience, the a.v. guy had a hard time trying to keep up to my movement. But it worked out great and all the ladies were happy.

This weekend is my last oval track race, and I am not looking forward to it ending. I wish I still lived down south, there you can race all year around.

I am going to miss going in circles for a while. Who would ever think that I would be saying that. Hope all is well with you, Keep in touch and let me know what is going on in your world.

See ya

 Terry

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