Jack Bellamy
"Concord Speedway North Carolina"
Jack writes: I started off driving the #12 car to the tracks weekly
and as I progressed I spoke with Courtney about driving his car
during some practice runs at the track and finally I was able to drive
the #12 car at Concord North Carolina. I started off real slow stayed in the
back mostly just getting a fell for the car and how things were done.
I had Courtney spotting for me and telling me how slow I was going
and to put some "Foot Into it" so I did just that and finally I gained
ground and was able to bring the car to a safe and cautious running speed.
Just when I was getting into it the practice had ended leaving me anxious
to do it again!!! I started gaining sponsors and getting the car ready and
in January of 2001 I was on the track in my own race car.
"First Practice In My Own Car"
I didn't expect to run all so well being my first time however;
I ended up racing extremely well (sure shocked me).
"My First Actual Race"
Was at Southside Speedway, I went out for 3 practices and by the third practice
I was keeping up with one of the lead competitors of the VMCRA.
At this particular speedway we didn't qualify instead we all drew for starting
line up positions since it was our first race of the season and no one
had points to relate to: I drew third (lucky for me).
"Starting Up"
We all went out ran a few laps and when the Green Flag Dropped
I dropped back to 7th and coming out of turn four one car hit his
brakes too hard and spun out and he tried to regain control, however
he was unable to regain his cars standings in which he hit my front
left tire and through me further behind. We had to do a double file restart
and from there since I had a broken tie rod this pushed me further back and my
finishing status of that night was an unfortunate 18th.
"2001 My First Year Racing"
(My Own Car)
"General Overall of 2001"
The first 5 races Courtney and I were doing extremely well racing
and with points both. I was moving up through the points to hold a
position for the rookie of the year award; however one unfortunate
evening at south hampton speedway during the second practice my
car broke sideways and the tires did what they were suppose to do
and stuck and my car went flying (soaring) through the air and rolled
6 times leaving me a trip to the ER (Smart Move in going to the ER).
I did WALK AWAY due to the VMCRA safety regulations. I went back
to the track after leaving the ER but I missed all the remaining
races of that night.
"Hitting The Track Again"
Two weeks later after repairing my car it was ready to go back to
the track but I felt I needed more time to heal and so I had a sub
driver drive one race for me. The next race I got back in the car made
it to lap 24 doing rather well and could see the checkered flag...
I got hit from behind and rolled my car three more times end over end.
After that I felt that the season had come to an end however I got
back in that race car and continued racing the remainder of the
season but was very cautious about what I was doing.
"Season Finish"
Well after a hard season I was able to finish the season in
16th position out of 38.
"Expression of Thoughts"
To all who are interested I would like to express my feelings
about the safety of these cars. I was in a few altercations throughout
the season and I must say that these are some of the safest race cars
that I have seen. They really protect you while in the car as far as
the 5 pt harness, helmet, suit and ect...I walked away from every one
of my mishaps and I will return for the next season with an open mind.
Hope To See YOU At The Track!!!
The Passin-Time Race Team is associated with the VMCRA,Inc.
may not be reproduced or altered in any way
copyright© 2001, Passin-Time Race Team
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