- Paul Noakes Racing US Nationals Indy Review
- Our trip to the US Nationals ended up being a two weekend event as hurricane Isaac decided it should arrive on Sunday. Friday started out clear and warm and our first pass down the track netted us the #16 spot in a field of 16. The top 25 TAFC cars in North America were in the pits and we knew that our 5.77 second @ 252mph effort would not likely hold us in the program. Qualifying effort #2 did not help our cause as we underestimated the tracks holding power, shook the tires and had to coast down the track. Fortunately for us we were not the only team that got the setup wrong and when the day ended we were still #16.
Saturday was overcast and very humid, the rain was light and NHRA was able to get the track dry by mid-afternoon which gave them time to run an abbreviated PRO session but we were not going to get back on the track. This left us one final time on Sunday to improve our performance and move up in the field.
Well Isaac had different thoughts and the sky opened up with over 4” (10cm.) of rain that left everything wet and muddy. Weather report had clearing set for overnight and NHRA told everyone the show would go on Monday. They set the field and much to our surprise our 5.77 run was good enough to be #16.
Monday proved that the forecasters are less that 40% accurate (thank God they don’t fly planes) and the rain did not stop. The race was officially called at 10:00am and rescheduled for Sept.8/9. We left the car in the trailer in the secure pit area and headed back home.
Full of optimism we loaded into the motorhome Friday night and headed out to finish what we had started. Once we crossed the border the rain again started and by the time we got to the track (1:30am) over 4 more inches of rain had fallen. Trailers were axle deep in water and ours was high and dry but surrounded by a moat 12” inches (30cm)deep. Time to call it a day.
We were able to get the trailer mover to a dry pit area and Saturday was cool and sunny with enough wind to dry things up. Many of the competitors had left thinking the field was set but NHRA gave us one final qualifying time and the whole thing was up for grabs. We hit the track hard, made the best pass this combination has had yet and secured the #7 starting spot with a 5.667 second @ 255mph effort. First round of eliminations’ was set for 5:30pm and we were ready for another great effort. After many crash related delays we actually started our racing at 9:45pm. Conditions were good, cool air and a tight track but the dew was starting to fall which was in no one’s favour. Paul cut a great light and left on Chris Foster #10 qualifier and until the 1000’ mark the race was ours. At over 225 mph the car started to drift towards the center of the track and Paul could not muscle it back. He lifted off the throttle and saved a wreck but got passed by Foster and our dreams for that day were done.
For a first year team and a new combination of engine and other parts we were very happy, 9 of the best teams in the country did not make the show. We again have good data and everyone in our class knows we are here to win. By the way did I say we won best appearing crew for the second time this year, NHRA gave us a great deal of air time, saying not only do they look good they are also very quick.
One race to go for this year, Maple Grove PA. first weekend in Oct. where I’m confident we will produce our first 5.50 second pass.
Jay Johnston
President
Harman HVS
About Meritor, Inc.
Meritor, Inc. is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. With more than a 100-year legacy of providing innovative products that offer superior performance, efficiency and reliability, the company serves commercial truck, trailer, off-highway, defense, specialty and aftermarket customers in more than 70 countries. Meritor is based in Troy, Mich., United States, and is made up of more than 10,000 diverse employees who apply their knowledge and skills in manufacturing facilities, engineering centers, joint ventures, distribution centers and global offices in 19 countries. Common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MTOR. For important information, visit the company’s website at meritor.com.
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