10 Days and Counting

"Testing" at VIR was completed in March.  The Dunlop Z2's have nice grip - although not having time to take the tire pressures prior to going out for a 25 minute session left me wondering after just three laps.  Somewhere in lap three the tires started to go off and by the end of the 5th or 6th lap were frankly quite greasy.  Checking the pressures immediately after arriving at the paddock showed 50+ on the gauge.  Well no wonder the car was losing grip!  Minor issue as setting the pressures appropriately at the start will cure that.

Robert Grace, 2013 co-driver, also drove the E92 M3 and provided some feedback on the brakes or brake pad selection.  I have been running CarboTech's for the past 4 years on the previous 335i and now the M3.  After having driven Neil Simon's 1M with PFC pads, Robert believes they may be better.  We'll look in to that and discuss with BimmerWorld prior to departing for South Bend.                                                         Everything else worked perfectly with the car having been prepped before going to VIR - THANKS RRT Racing!!!!

Yesterday, Justin Good, owner of Redline Design Graphics, arrived from Tampa Florida to sticker up the M3 with this years corporate sponsors.  Justin has been graciously providing the vinyl graphics for our ZERO and One Lap of America efforts in fighting prostate cancer since 2008.  His work is always extremely professional and he is just a great person to be around.  Next year, we've decided the M3 could use a little more "pop".  As Redline Design is in Tampa, appears a road trip during the winter of 2014 may be in order - although Justin obviously travels occasionally to assist customers in the DC Metro area.  RRT Racing provided the garage space allowing us (Justin) to complete our work in comfortable confines.  Robert even showed up to lend an opinion or two.

Yesterday's efforts - Huge Thanks Justin!

In 10 short days, we'll be headed to South Bend and the start of another One Lap of America.  Both Robert and I are excited to get on the road.  As in previous years, we'll be providing stories as the adventure unfolds.  There are three others teams and friends leaving from the DC area so there will be a spirited competition during the event.

And finally, let's not forget why we have been competing in the One Lap of America for the 7th straight year.  Our efforts have been to raise awareness in the fight against prostate cancer in honor of Tom Holcomb, a close friend and driving mentor who lost the fight against this terrible disease.  Our travels have taken us across much of the United States and since 2007 we have traversed nearly 30,000 miles and met hundreds of people interested in and passionate about the cause.  Through every one's gracious and generous donations, we are making a difference in support of ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer.  To Tom, we miss you!  To all those fighting and surviving prostate cancer, don't give up the fight.  To all the donors - HUGE THANKS for your support.  ZERO could not do it without each of you.