Sometimes...I could just kill myself.

**Troy Dalton** · 12-26-2009, 05:22 PM

Following the Christmas festivities and the completion of my new mod for my Obutto, I was just chomping at the bit to get in a race. So, I fired up iRacing and jumped in for some Late Model practice at New Hampshire. Car was good, not great, but competitive. I didn't have time to qualify, so I just went ahead and joined the 0215 race.

First thing I always do when I join a race is check the grid. About half the grid had not qualified either, but I was still listed at the tail end of the field. That could only mean one thing, I had the lowest iRating in the field and that meant it might be a long race as a back marker.

Anyway, I was comfortable with the setup and when the green flag dropped I just got in the groove and concentrated on being smooth. Eventually I made a couple passes and started working my way through the field. Every pass was well earned. Next thing you know, I'm running sixth with about ten laps to go. I'm probably not going to catch the 5th place car, but this is really going to be one of my most satisfying Late Models oval races ever...then...my spotter ruins my night. "You have two laps of fuel remaining," he says.

Crushed...I can't believe I did'nt have enough fuel. So, I pitted, went a lap down and finished a very disappointing 10th. Still, it was a great run, the SOF was 2383, and there were quite a few 1st, 2nd, and 3rd division drivers, so I don't feel too bad...just stupid.

RESULTS

**davidan** · 12-26-2009, 05:53 PM

Dang Troy! That would have been sweet to get 6th in that SOF!

**Scott Bennett** · 12-27-2009, 05:52 AM

At least you hav'nt started a truck race on a Q set including the min fuel have you? Thank god for an early caution.

**Troy Dalton** · 12-27-2009, 10:07 PM

This evening I was hoping to make up for my earlier disappointment. This time qualified before the race. Sat third on the grid and was working hard on the second place car with ten laps to go when I got spun by another driver trying to pass me on the inside. It wasn't his fault though. He had a nose at my door, but I never saw him and my spotter was apparently eye balling the hotties in the stands, because he was quiet as a mouse.

Finished 6th.

**davidan** · 12-28-2009, 12:17 AM

Troy and I ended up in the same Late Model race late tonight at New Hampshire, both up way past our bed time I am sure our Wives would say -- but heck it was worth it our main man Dalton pulled down the win and 3rd for Anderson not too shabby

http://members.iracing.com/membersit...2&custid=16464

**Troy Dalton** · 12-28-2009, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by davidan

Troy and I ended up in the same Late Model race late tonight at New Hampshire, both up way past our bed time I am sure our Wives would say -- but heck it was worth it our main man Dalton pulled down the win and 3rd for Anderson not too shabby

http://members.iracing.com/membersit...2&custid=16464

YEA BABY! My first Late Model victory!

I finished 2nd in a Late Model race at Lime Rock earlier this year, but this was my best finish on an oval. Granted, the #1 qualifier cocked up T2 and made my race a bit easier, but that's racing. Flag-to-flag is good no matter how you slice it and it makes up for the bad luck earlier in the evening.

It was also real cool to share the podium with David! That was the first time David and I were ever in an official race together and David did a great job after the T2 melee. Congrats David!

REPLAY