With the new rule changes for the Nationals, allowing drivers to participate in a single round and not force them to run all races we would see a much better turn-up compared to previous years. With close to 40 drivers it was the best it has been since many years.
There is still a long way to go, but the first steps have been made with this better system.
Since the Nationals where at my old local track I decided to participate after an absence of 8 years from the last nationals I did, I signed up for 2 classes.
(click to enlarge)
Modified:
A1. Starting from third, the number 1 and 2 would touch briefly giving me the change to go by. After pushing for 5 laps I already felt the tires were overheating. I drove very careful the reaming laps and it would be enough for the win.
A2: Start was pretty good and was able to follow the leaders. After a few laps I found myself again in first place. But Mitchel would come really close at the end and take second place.
With 2x a first place I would sit out A3.
(click to enlarge)
Qualifiers:
Without any practice and a low traction track it proved to be a real challenge to drive fast and keep the car on the track. I managed to get 2 safe runs and put the car on 3rd place for the finals.
Finals:
For the finals, I decided to do some more setup changes. After removing the rear sway bar, adding more toe-in and going for a Mazda Speed instead of the LTC-r. This would make the car a bit more drivable.
