Koger Race Report

Ocala Speedway

by Trish Koger

"Who needs brakes, anyhow?" Rick Koger was quoted as saying after the conclusion of the April 5th Legends Cars of Florida feature race at Ocala Speedway.

Ocala Speedway... now there's a new name! Yes, this weekend's racing was at a new venue for the #90 Florida Online Legends car. It's certainly a popular racing venue because the stands were filled to capacity.

Of course, with every new track comes a new challenge. In this case, the key word was "dog-leg." Recently converted from clay, the semi-banked, asphalt track has a D-shape to its backstretch that sets it apart from any other Florida short track that our series has encountered.

Some drivers seemed to figure out a decent racing line... for others, it's probably going to take a while. (Similar to how you must feel right now if you happen to be race-slang illiterate and are still trying to figure out the earlier "dog-leg" reference...)

Before our first practice session started, I sat up in the pit stands to study the other race classes manuever around the big-D. It wasn't a pretty sight. I became so mesmorized that I did not hear the first one or two calls for the Legends Cars to begin lining up in the staging area. By the time I heard it, Rick had already driven up the car and was climbing out to find me. Not wanting to lose any valuable practice time, I quickly stuffed myself in the car, and threw on my safety gear.

We pulled out on the track, paraded a warm-up lap, and then the green flag came out for those much-anticipated "hot laps." I hit the gas... and immediately thought, "Houston, we have a problem!" I was floored by the unbelievable noise that suddenly surrounded me.

Then it dawned on me... I hate to admit this, but in my rush to get ready, I had forgotten to put in my earplugs. (My eardrums are probably still recovering.) Oh, well. That problem was solved. But just as quickly, another mystery cropped up. I wasn't sure if it was the different track shape, my driving style, or an incorrect set-up... something was simply not quite right.

By the time I got back to the pits, downed an entire Gatorade (winter is most definitely over), and then located my earplugs -- we got called out for a second practice. That was the signal to let the troubleshooting begin! Well, after two laps, it didn't take a brain surgeon to troubleshoot my car's problem. I started to dive into turn three, went to tap the brakes, and my foot literally hit the floor.

No resistance = NO BRAKES = HELLO, WALL!

Luckily, since I had only traveled a few laps, I wasn't completely up to full speed. Another bonus... there weren't too many other cars around me at that moment. And since I don't remember actually processing a single logical thought for that split-second... I have to assume that the unconscious part of my brain took over and missed the wall. (Either that or I am suddenly able to use the "force" better than Luke Skywalker!)

It took me another entire lap to get slowed down enough to pull off the track... all the while, I was leaking brake fluid under the car. Was looking like another long night for the pit crew!

Rick and Jim replaced the broken brake line (which had apparently been damaged in last weekend's malay). Then, they refilled the system with brake fluid, and the #90 Florida Online entry was ready to roll!

To be honest... the brake scare early in the evening probably made for the best race reporting material of the night. Without another other major incidents, I finished 6th in the heat race and 15th overall.

After Ocala's numbers were tallied up... I am now 3rd in the Semi-Pro Division and 11th in the state! And I do like this trend!

Our next race will be on Saturday, April 12th, back at Auburndale Speedway. The program is set to start much earlier this weekend. Gates should be open around noon and the Legends Cars will run their heat races starting at 3:30 pm. If you are interested in more details, directions, etc., please email or call us -- we'd love to have you come out -- just be sure to bring plenty of Gatorade!

Thanks for all your support!

--Trish Koger #90

To send a letter to Trish, email to koger@thunval.com

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