4/13/2015
Cabot Bigham
First Race on Pole
My first race in the Pro Formula Mazda was truly an awesome experience. The atmosphere at the race track was much more relaxed than the karting tracks. Things take much longer to accomplish, whether it is changing tyres or walking to the bathroom. Friday was successful. The team put a great setup on the car and we began fine tuning it for race day. The morning on Saturday was slightly foggy, but eventually it burned off and the Sonoma Sun lit up the notorious hill and I was out for morning warmup. The next thing I knew it was time to qualify. This was my first ever qualifying session, but I did not let it get to my head. After finding some space on track I put the throttle down. Unfortunately going over turn 3 and 3a I dropped my left rear tyre and spun violently across the track. I managed to get my feet to the brake and clutch pedal at the right time and stopped the car one foot from the wall. After my spotter cleared me I laid down the fastest lap of the session and put the car on pole!
The race was definitely a learning experience for me. The race craft that formula cars require is different in many ways from a kart. Tyre conservation is crucial to any successful podium attempt, and naturally spinning in qualifying did not help. Our series uses rolling starts, so when I rounded turn 11 my hand gripped both the wheel and gear shifter. Upon being given the green flag my car hit the rev limiter faster than I had anticipated. It looked like I had a parachute on and quickly dropped back to fifth place. After driving a defensive line through turn 2 I ran down forth place and then third. Overall it was a great learning experience and I cannot wait to take my new skills to round two. Off to Thunderhill Raceway!
(If you are near Willows, CA feel free to stop by Keck Racing for hero cards and hospitality)
Submitted By: Cabot Bigham
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