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The Legend Nationals

Kevin Donahue did two things last weekend he had never done before in his racing career. He raced at the Bullring in Las Vegas and competed in the US Legends Nationals. Kevin was able to get some practice in on Wednesday and Thursday to dial in the car and get familiar with the track. Each time out he was able to knock off faster lap times to get into a competitive spot for qualifying on Friday. Friday started with a quick round of practice and then came qualifying. Kevin said the car was ok but the track had changed a lot from the day before and the grip was just not there. He couldn’t keep the car on a low line through the center of the corner and it was costing him and everybody else a tenth or more. While waiting for the qualifying results Kevin was informed that he was the point’s leader for Missouri in the Semi-Pro division. Kevin was eligible to compete in a Champions Race with all the other leaders from each state.

Kevin qualified 13th for the Nationals and was starting 4th in his heat race. I was happy with the results being that it was his first time at the track. The heat race was clean and Kevin made it up to 3rd for the finish.

Next was the Champions race and Kevin was starting in 5th place. Another clean race and Kevin advanced a few spots and finished 3rd out of all State Champion drivers. This race had us a little on edge because there was a risk of damaging the car prior to the Nationals.

Saturday finally came and Kevin was ready race but as usual it was a hurry up and wait situation. Even though we got to the track around 9am he wouldn’t be racing for another 10-12 hours. Evening finally came and Kevin and the other Semi-Pro’s entered the track. Kevin was starting 6th for the main event. The race was exciting but with many cautions and oil clean-up on the track it was hard to get long runs going. Kevin kept his cool, avoided some crashes and stayed in the top ten the entire race. I thought it was all over when Kevin was hit so hard in the rear on a restart that it lifted the car off the ground. Kevin kept his position and advanced late in the race to finish 5th and make the podium.

Congrats to Kevin, I am very proud of him. Even though he doesn’t always have much support or encouragement besides myself at the track, he continues to stay dedicated and positive.

Special Note: Kevin finished 12th for the season out of 388 other drivers.

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