Team Bergenholtz Racing flew in early to Titan Motorsports and headed towards Palm Beach International Raceway. I was so pumped to be driving the Nitto Tire Mazda RX-8 at this new venue out in Florida!
Here is Ron Bergenholtz and Kurt Gasper working hard and preparing for the main Formula D event! It's such a blessing to have a dedicated team and always to have an innovative outlook! Good rest during a race is very important so our team member Kurt was nice enough to let us stay at his place to recharge/refresh. Thanks Kurt!!
Photo above by : Bobby Luffman
The PBIR track was a simple and short layout. As long as the entry was on point the rest of the course was a jiffy. We ended up qualifying 9th with an 85.3 point run and a top entry speed of 91.4 MPH. The first turn was similar to Road Atlanta so our plan of attack was to come in backwards but at the same time not to kill too much speed. After the first clipping point there was a 2nd inner clipping point right after the transition, outer zone in front of the judging tower and then the last clipping point on the left before the finish line. It took only about 15 seconds to run through the entire course.
For the Top 32 Battle we were matched up with our Nitto Tire Teammate Charles Ng driving the Evasive Mazda RX-7. We knew it was going to be a great battle and a straight up match. After we lead the the first run Ed Bergenholtz on the radio said we need to push hard on the follow lap. So I did just that. But unfortunately on the straightaway there was a slight gap from a hiccup getting into 3rd gear so I initiated drifting a little later to make up the gap. We were right on Charles's door but the judges docked us for the late initiation and unfortunately got eliminated earlier than expected.
It's never an easy feeling to get out of the battle. But I know we have what it takes and can do better! I'm optimistic about the rest of the events and we'll move forward!
It was great to meet and talk with all the fans out in Florida! I was impressed that Tyler in the photo above had a gift ready for me since last year! I'm amazed how fans traveled from Canada, Arizona, Colorado, etc. to cheer us on at the track! Thanks for all of your support and words of encouragements!
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