Friday, September 13, 2024
Written by Loren Campbell, Sprite-Midget Challenge driver
After a successful Thursday test and tune day, Sam and I arrive at Road America for the 7:00 AM driver’s meeting on Friday, with the first group session scheduled for 9:45. Oil, fuel, lug nuts done the previous evening, all that remains to be done is tire pressure and a quick visual check of the car.
Those two things are, indeed quick. However, the visual check reveals a missing bolt from the rear alternator bracket. I haven’t left myself much time, but enough to quickly grab a bolt from spares and install it.
But it won’t start. I double check the size and thread pitch. No go. With a flashlight I see why: The missing bolt didn’t just fall out, it broke, then fell out. The remaining end is still in the hole.
I call over to Owen and he’s there in a moment. Steve is close behind. I didn’t pack extractors, so Owen disappears into the paddock to find a set while Steve, Sam, and I scheme.
Owen returns quickly, extractors in hand, but the bolt stub will only turn down further; it doesn’t want to come out. A new plan is hatched: Let it spin down, then use threaded rod and a nut to hold the bracket.
Resigned to missing the race session, I ask them what I can do to help. Owen replies without hesitation: “Go get ready to race. You are NOT missing this session.”
I run to the trailer to change into race gear. By the time I emerge they are tightening the nut onto the stud.
“What can I do?”
“Get in the car.”
I hop in, start the camera, and offer some tips as the three of them put the bonnet back on the car. Once latched, I fire the car, back out, and roll to grid. I don’t miss a single minute of track time.
That’s how we roll in the Sprite-Midget paddock.
Thank you, Owen, Sam, and Steve!
Watch Owen, Sam, and Steve finish up while I get strapped in and ultimately get to grid without missing a second of track time.