Thanks to Paul G and Chris P!!

[TroyV]

I just wanted to get this out.

NHMS 1 would have gone to complete shite for me had it not been for Paul Guirlando and Chris Parsons sticking around and helping me swap in a new water pump on Sunday night at the track. The pump had failed just as I was pulling in to registration. I called Paul who was on his way to the track and asked him to pick up a new pump on the way. We got some food and dove in just after sunset. Bleary eyed and dog tired we trudged through it and got it done roughly by 3am. Coolant was everywhere. The mosquitoes were unrelenting, and fatigue had us checking steps over and over again until we all agreed we had done what needed to be done correctly.

The cooling system and new pump didn't leak a drop, and the car was aces for the entire event.

You guys gave me props for volunteering to shoot cars for a few TT groups at pit out...PFFFFFFF!!!!!

It is THESE guys that really should get some credit.

Thanks again. I owe you both....BIG TIME!!


PS: Dear Mazda.....You suck mega rhino ass for putting the water pump behind the timing serpentine.

[breakaway500]

Try a water pump on a 2.8 Awdie some time. You will never curse Mazda again.. Glad to see you persevered! (thanks for the heads up on the 6UL wheel issue)

[paultg]

You would have done the same for any of us; so no problem. I'm glad I could help out.

[Chrispy]

I have about 20 mosquito bites itching like crazy today. But it was worth it to get you back on the track at full speed and break the class track record (sort of). Thanks again for the excellent instruction despite your fatigue and putting the Infiniti Maxima 370Z on the podium.

[Chrispy]

Oh and it was a pleasure to meet all the COM folk that I've heard so much about, everyone was friendly and helpful and now I fully understand why COM is considered the best track club in the area.

[TroyV]

So Chris....did you just set the trip computer to "NHMS 1:19" and press start? The car does everything else for you.

[breakaway500]

^Is that why he's so damn fast at A/X as well? ..

[Chrispy]

Pretty much, yes. I would like to think that it was me but I'm pretty sure it is about 90% the car.

[breakaway500]

^If it were only that easy. Selecting the right equipment is important,but proper execution is everything..

[TroyV]

On a side note:

I think all the bug bites were because of them being attracted to all the coolant that was on the garage floor. The reason being, when I got there in the morning with the rolls of paper towels I got to clean it up, there were more dead mosquitoes in that shit than I could possibly count.

So yes....we don't want our pets to drink that stuff and become ill and possibly die......however.....it would appear that antifreeze even diluted in water is enough to kill one of the things I despize the most....in large numbers.

Hey Chris....maybe that is the solution to the Cane Toad problem in your homeland. Get those suckers drinking antifreeze!!!

[PaddyMcP]

Well done guys.

[TroyV]

Paddy, it was clear who was the best plastic lower timing cover putter onner.... That was all you bro!!!