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| Another DROUD Victory | | |
(12/09) As a driver, it was always thrilling to bask in the glory of victory, although everyone knew that was few and far between for me. But as a dad, there is absolutely nothing like watching your child take the checkered flag first. That's exactly what I experienced last week at the 2009 Turkey Chase.
Isaiah, driving the yellow Uncle Frank's #2, was extremely lucky on Friday but drove a flawless race on Saturday to take a sweep of the weekend in the OHV Blue Wazoom class.
Friday- Don Jr. looked to be the class of the field early as he finished first and second in the two heat format. Isaiah, however, struggled to get a handle on the new kart and could only garner fourth and third, respectively. But when the karts were signaled to be fired for the Main Event, the starter for Jr. and Paul Hendrickson malfunctioned, leaving Isaiah to duke it out with one other competitor. While he was much improved, he still kept wanting to "pitch" the kart on entrance, but it didn't matter. He drove a consistent race and ended up winning by half a track to capture Night #1.
Saturday- Isaiah picked up exactly where he left off the night before, but was even faster. He was turning lap times that were 2-3 tenths quicker and it was evident. On the other hand, Jr. couldn't get his kart to handle and he really struggled. Isaiah was able to win both heat races, while Jr. finished third in each. The "A" looked to be a challenge for both Drouds, as Paul Hendrickson started on the pole, with Isaiah outside and Jr. third.
When the green was thrown, the Uncle Frank's #2 got a great jump and Isaiah was able to steer into the lead entering Turn 1. He began to put space between himself and Hendrickson, but as the laps wound down, it appeared that Paul was getting faster. He closed the gap and made a run on the final lap, but Isaiah was able to hold him off and win by half a kart length to take Night #2. Meanwhile, Jr. had motor problems and ended up fourth.
I had no idea what to expect for this weekend. Let me tell you though, my son surprised me and I couldn't be any prouder. He showed a lot of maturity and focus when things went badly on Friday and remained humble when things were going well on Saturday. Although there weren't tons of karts to race against, he had to compete against and beat some good competition- no easy task. That's why I continue to bask in the glory of his victories!
I want to thank the guys at Uncle Frank's for putting Isaiah in the seat and getting him ready to go. Ralph, Mark and Lee were obviously instrumental in making him as fast as he was. Of course, it didn't hurt to have Grandpa Droud giving him advice both days as well. In my mind, Isaiah did a great job, but it was totally a team effort and we're both extremely grateful!
PS- My nephews, John Schwindt and Ian Lyon also raced in their family-owned Kage Karts during the weekend. While I wasn't able to watch them in each race (therefore I don't know how they finished) it was a lot of fun watching them zip around the track and each have some success as well!
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