The Old Guys Know How to Drag Race

by Ric Albertus

This morning found us in Brainerd, Minnesota after a very long drive from Nebraska last night.  The Brainerd International Raceway is one of the fastest tracks in the country, with a one mile straight before turn one.  In my morning run, I learned that the Mustang's speed is limited by the computer.  The car bogged near the end of the straight, and I wondered, "What's wrong??" I glanced down at my speed, and HOLY $&%*!!!  So we found out that 155 mph is the computer limit, and we know that the car will do 155 mph.  I ended up 43rd this morning. 

Dad did the afternoon run.  Unfortunately a car spun out right in front of him, bringing him to almost a complete stop on the track.  The lost time resulted in a 64th place finish. 

But the real story of today was the drag race.  We put Dad in the driver's seat for the drag race because he has the benefit of experience in this type of racing.  He ran just a bit over 14 seconds in the first race, so he chose 14 for his bracket time.  As he kept winning races, the excitement grew.  Finally, it was Dad in the Mustang versus Old Farts Racing in their 1989 Corvette.  By now everyone was cheering on the "Old Crow" and the "Old Fart" drivers!  It was the race of the day, and was very close all the way to the line.  In the end, Dad bracketed out, going just a bit under his 14 second time, giving him 4th place overall!!  The Corvette went on to the final race, ending up in second place.  It was so damn fun!!  The old guys really know how to drag race!

The team from New Jersey who wrecked their Mustang yesterday... in true One Lap spirit they have rented a car, and continued the journey.  They ran their rental on the track today, and are planning to finish the event with us. 

Being one of last cars to leave Brainerd after the rousing fun in the drag race, we are heading out pretty late on the road to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.  Pictures will have to wait 'til tomorrow.