There were just 15 minutes to go . . . We were in 8th place at Virginia International Raceway and were fuelled to the end. Several of the cars ahead would need a splash of fuel if the race ran green to the flag. Then, without warning, we had a spectacular and very uncharacteristic engine failure. Flames out the back like some wacky dragster thing, then it all went quiet. We were out on the spot, and in the process had created that so needed yellow for those cars low on fuel.

VIR is one of my favourite tracks and it’s always a thrill to race there. Driving flat-out up through the Esses at over 160mph in a DP car is quite an experience. Add to that a nice sunny day and a healthy helping of fans and you have the recipe for another exciting Rolex Series Event.

Out #2 Gentleman Jack Childress Howard Motorsports Pontiac-Crawford DP08 performed really well. My co-driver Rob Finlay drove an impressive stint at the beginning of the race, and although he had had to make an unscheduled stop for tyres after picking up a puncture, we were able to stay in the hunt.

Some excellent strategy from out pit crew enabled us to lead the race around the midway point until our final stop for fuel & tyres. Things were looking good but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that in racing, it’s not over till it's over! It was nice to be in with a chance of a great result. Ultimately it wasn't to be, but by way of consolation, out engine partner Pontiac, took victory with the #99 Gainsco car.

We then moved striaght on to the New Jersey Motorsports Park. A new facility completed last year, but my first visit. It’s an impressive place when you first drive in; excellent facilities and very well manicured. My knowledge of the track was limited to watching my good friend, Eric van der Poele’s in-car footage from last year on YouTube.

The race itself was a total washout. But it was great to see such a large turnout of fans braving the “very English weather”. We hadn’t run the Crawford DP08 in the rain before. And right from the start poor Rob was struggling with visibility. On the radio it didn’t sound like much fun from my nice dry seat on the timing stand. I knew it would soon be my turn behind the wheel, and for once I wasn't looking forward to it . . .

Sure enough it was difficult to see much. The windscreen was totally fogged up and the car was full of water. With our trusty Spotter, Steve, up on top of the tower, we were able to lap the track, but only at reduced speed. We made a couple of pit stops to change the windshield. Each new one coated with a different anti-fog chemical.

And guess which one worked best? It was the one with the cut potato wiped all over it . . .Sometimes the old solutions are the best!

Andy Wallace

May 2009