Another one got peeled (Summit Point race)

[svt_coupe]

Before I tell this tale, I want to thank everyone who came out the races this weekend to crew, support, and make *extreme* fun me (cough cough Pearson, Smith, Lewis, Page, Williams) :D To say that I was flattered by it was the understatement of my life. Thank you thank you thank you. I really can't say it enough.

On to the details (short version, more to come). After Saturday's race got red flagged, we pulled into the pits and shut the cars down. I take a brief look at the car and everything appears "ok". Sunday morning rolled around and I was busy running around doing instructor liaison duties. Big Bore/American Iron practice starts and I'm still running around. I hurry to the car, throw my suit, gloves, helmet, etc. on and head out onto track late for practice. I go out on track and gradually build up speed, engine temps, and brake temps. Turn 10 at Summit Point is a high speed corner that leads onto a VERY long straight away. By Turn 10, everything is "up to temp" and I flog it down the front straight reaching about 130-135 and check for brakes with my left foot (old habit after having the pedal go soft several times). Everything looks good with the brakes. I then take my right foot and go for the brakes to actually begin braking... and my foot goes to the floor. I pump the brakes and they go to the floor every time. No brakes at 135 and I have a concreat FIA barrier/wall in front of me approaching all too quickly.

Thankfully, I was able to steer to the left where a run-off area was in-between the concrete walls. After successfully missing the walls (probably still doing 115-120?), I decide now might be a good time to slow down. The e-brake was looking MIGHTY fine right about now. I pull the e-brake (attempting to scrub SOME speed), the car rotates 270 degrees (somewhat intentional maybe??), slides about 200 feet across a skid pad, and into the trees, hitting on the passenger side of the car. Yup, I felt so bad for Tom Lewis that I just HAD to wreck my car too. :D

Anyhow, the culprit was what we think to be a brake line that rubbed on one of my front wheels and developed a hole. My fault. Details to follow - I'm tired and want to sleep now. I'm fine - back is a bit sore - and the car will be together with any luck for the Lowe's race in July.

Feel free to post any pics of the carnage - I want to see them. Those that were there can talk about it as much as they want (I think they were nervous about posting). I'll have more details tomorrow.

Thanks to all the AI guys and everyone else that helped me get my car on the trailer. I was "touched" by it and still can't believe how awesome this series is. You guys and gals rock. Can't wait to get the car fixed. NOW POST SOME PICS!!!!

Very thankfully to everyone,
Bryan

[rshelbygt]

Yeah...Bryan gave us all quite a scare today! He did and excellent job of crisis control....showed unbelievable car control and made the best of a very bad situation. The damage is minor all things considered. We're just all glad he wasn't hurt...he'll be back out there in July...faster than ever.


Anyway here are some pics. Sorry for the multiple posts!!!

[rshelbygt]

up close

[rshelbygt]

This is how the car came in on the hook---

[rshelbygt]

View of the right 1/4 panel and rocker damage.

[98banana]

Being like me is NOT a good thing.:rotf:

Bryan, I want to tell you something about today that you probably don't know... when Tone pulled in and was wondering what happened, it felt like a hush had gone over the track. Once I found out what turn, Jimmy and I tore off running to the scoring tower just to find that several others were also running to the hill to see if you were alright. I had heard the announcer say you had gone off, but you were okay. That was a big relief!

Anyway, you are very respected at the track and it showed by the reaction around there. I was also real happy to see that the damage is not too bad.

Kind of sorry that the front clip group purchase won't work out though! :D

[Black Snake]

Dang Bryan. Glad to hear that you are okay. That's more important than any car. Hopefully the damage isn't too bad and it can be repaired. It's starting to sound like we'll have to change Banana Motorsports to Banana Restoration and Repair. Let me know if you need any help.

Again, glad to hear you are in good health and spirits.

[rshelbygt]

This is the tree that was pulled out from under the car.

[Mrs. Banana]

Bryan, I cannot tell you how much I hate this for you! But I must say, I feel like you are family! Tom called and told me the news today. My heart sunk when I heard. I'm SO glad you are okay! Hopefully your back won't give you too much trouble. Please feel free to use our garage as much as you need to. Ummm, then again, the Banana Pudding is on the lift right now and I don't know how it will ever get off until it is actually fixed. But hey, I'm sure Tom will help you all he can if you need him! We are all looking forward to you racing at Lowe's!

[Mrs. Banana]

Originally posted by rshelbygt
This is how the car came in on the hook---
Bryan, if you wanted to take home a souvenir, I'm sure there were T-shirts available to buy...:rotf:

[Mrs. Banana]

Originally posted by Black Snake
Dang Bryan. Glad to hear that you are okay. That's more important than any car. Hopefully the damage isn't too bad and it can be repaired. It's starting to sound like we'll have to change Banana Motorsports to Banana Restoration and Repair. Let me know if you need any help.

Again, glad to hear you are in good health and spirits.
:rotf: :rotf: Hey, that sounds kinda good....

[Phat-S]

Shugg, super big-time glad to know you are ok and hope you get/got a good night's rest.

Tools are standing at the ready when you get back, even the milchig knife ;)

[97whitevert]

Bryan- hate that it happened, but glad you are ok. Looking forward to seeing you at Lowes.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[92Pony]

Dang Bryan, I really hate to hear that!! :( I am very glad that you're okay though. Just trailor the car down for the cookout, and like Blacksnake said, we'll write up the work order for Bananna Motorsports Rapair and Resto. ;)

Wade

[cobrabitn]

Sorry to hear that Shuggybut glad you are okay. I'm sure you will be back in no time. :thumbsup:

[sn8kbit]

shugg man, i got a 10 y/o who's good at holding tools who'll help, i'll just pick him back up at the july race.....:rotf:

[98banana]

Originally posted by cobrabitn
Sorry to hear that Shuggybut glad you are okay. I'm sure you will be back in no time. :thumbsup:

"Shuggybut"???:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

[Black Snake]

Originally posted by 98banana


"Shuggybut"???:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

That's what I was thinking. I don't want to know Tony's pet name for me. Probably something to do with pain and arse. :D

[cobrabitn]

The words were supposed to be separated, it's Shuggy.....but, sheesh you guys make a joke out of a serious situation. :rotf:

[98banana]

Originally posted by cobrabitn
The words were supposed to be separated, it's Shuggy.....but, sheesh you guys make a joke out of a serious situation. :rotf:

Oh man, I kind of liked shuggybut. Shugg, you know that one may stick. You won't hear me say it though! :rotf:

[Mrs. Banana]

Originally posted by svt_coupe
... Yup, I felt so bad for Tom Lewis that I just HAD to wreck my car too. :D

There once was a man named Tom
Who raced a '98 Banana.
But then there was fate
Who made him a date
With a wall at Road Atlanta.

[97whitevert]

Originally posted by Mrs. Banana

There once was a man named Tom
Who raced a '98 Banana.
But then there was fate
Who made him a date
With a wall at Road Atlanta.

JANIS!!! YOU ARE TOPS!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :rotf: :rotf:

[Mrs. Banana]

Originally posted by 97whitevert


JANIS!!! YOU ARE TOPS!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :rotf: :rotf:
It was only fitting after that drooling post he made about the hotties.:rotf:

[Big Daddy]

Bryan, I'm glad you're ok and the car is repairable!! :D Seems like a bad year for Snakes in our little club!! :( ;)

[svt_coupe]

Shuggybut, huh... :D

Thanks everyone. I REALLY appreciate the concern. I stand by my notion that motorsports people are some of the nicest people in the world.

Today I woke up a little stiff and sore, as expected. Kinda bummed too as I realized the dreams I had had the night before actually represented reality. Booo hisss!! :D :D

We (Dad, brother, and I) tried to fire the car up. The inertia switch was tripped from the impact. We reset it and it still didn't fire. I'm thinking that Jason was right - the circuit board behind the passenger fender got torn to @#$% and he thought it controlled the fuel pump and fan. I think I'll need one of those. :D

After the car wouldn't fire, we briefly looked at the car and realized that the firewall did shift about 1" inward. Not good, but should be fixable. Still don't have a final tally on all of the damage, but I'm hoping it won't be "that" bad.

I'll look at the car more later... like when I get back to Charlotte!!

[kevin]

Originally posted by rshelbygt
This is how the car came in on the hook---


quite the exhaust plume there brian:D


really sorry to see the damage but it sounds like you did well in controling the incident.

brake failure is aboout the only thing i worry about in racing.

also, on my r model. the front left braided line was worn thru and replaced in nashville with brian groth having the repalcement parts, thanks brian if i failed to mention it b4 now.

glad you're ok:thumbsup:

[COBRA #17]

Don't forget what I told you before you left Sun morning!!!

I gave Pantas your intercom headset. Someone gave it to Amy sunday evening. Have a safe trip home, DUDE !!! HOT TUBS are great for sore backs, one with lots of blondes in it preferably!!!

Man I just didn't have my head in the race Sun. After all the B S on saturday then getting DQed sun morning for the weekend. I just couldn't get me head into it !!! :(

I'm still not happy!!!:mad: Another weekend with this quality of BS I'm out of this crap. I DON'T NEED IT !!!!!!:cussing:

The main thing is you came out of the woods in one peice!!!!:thumbsup: You lumberjack you !!!!:thumbsup:
Call me some night on my cell I'll probally work late tues and wed night so I'll have my phone with me !!


A I East Asst. Director ( for now )
COBRA #17

[justagt]

Bryan, call me, you arse. Tell your parents 'hi'.

[STU]

Oh man Bryan. Sorry to hear that. Glad your ok. Maybe we should order some "Hey! I'm Still Here" T-Shirts.;)

[wildhorsesracin]

'Shuggybut' eh? I am sure when you were splitting the opening at the wal it was a 'tightshuggybut!'

Like the 6 Million dollar man - "we have the technology - we can rebuild it - make it better...."

Glad to hear you are in good spirits, we have your intercom (somewhere!) - give me a shout if you need any help -

Remember - there are a few of us that NEED you to show us the line at Lowes next month - so you have to get it fixed...
:thumbsup:

[stylin99]

Brian, I just talked to Will here at work and he told me about the incident. Glad to see you're alright man. Those split second decisions may have saved yourself from some unwanted injuries. Good luck on getting it all back together. We know you'll be back out in no time.

[Dean95CobraR]

Bryan,
How is the car coming along? Do you think you're going to make the Lowes race?

I'm thinking about making the trek down to see you race but if you're not going to make it, I'll wait for another time.

Good luck with everything.:thumbsup:

[svt_coupe]

Dean...

As of right now, it's all systems go. Should be out of the frame shop and back in my hands tomorrow. Will need to do some minor things to get it ready (install SS lines, fix the hood, hood pins, etc) but all in all, the repair bill will be rather small (thanks Jason). I am one lucky SOB.

Dean... email me (svt_coupe@yahoo) and I'll give you my number. We can chat about it. Glad to here you are planning on coming down!!! THAT ROCKS!!!!!

Bryan