It's decision time, and we get GT Academy!

Decision Time

It wasn't easy. I had two great prospects for next year before me. One was the STS CRX I drove this last year, the other was a F125 shift kart. Both had their selling points, and both sounded like a ton of fun. But, alas, I could only choose one.

So many factors went into my decision. Costs, and my chances to do well were, of course, high on the list. One would give me experience in a class/vehicle I have been wanting to try. The other would allow me to be in the same class/car two years in a row for the first time in 5 years. As I weighed the two, one thing kept coming to mind: What if? Sure, you can play the what if game either way. However, I knew that if I ran the kart, I would always wonder if I could have matched, or bettered, this last year's results. Thus, CRX it is! So.... now what?

Now it is time to start planning. And start tweaking. There is weight that can still come out of the car. And the car needs a thorough going over. Also need to figure out what events to attend. While my co-driver Jon Simmons will be with me for all the big local events, I have a feeling I will be on my own for some of the events out of town. I will be going over all of this, as parts are acquired, and schedules are release

GT Academy

Found out this week that the US is getting GT Academy. This is an event, using the PS3 game Gran Turismo, where one person can "play" their way into a real racing car. This has been going on for a few years in Europe, but US participants have never been allowed in. Well, we (US participants) were allowed to compete in the last one. However, the top driver, instead of getting to actually race, got tickets to the Indy 500. I gave it a shot for awhile, but quit early on. Still ended up 27th, which would have been good enough for the 2nd round of the new event, as they are taking the top 32. In said 2nd round, the 32 drivers square off, head to head, with the 16 winners moving on to the "Boot camp", where you drive actual cars and go through other various drills. Winner? Yup, gets to join a racing time for an endurance race in April. In Europe. I may not win. I may not even get into the top 32. I am just stoked to have the chance! Wish me luck!