“The team had three solid and fruitful practice sessions in the morning, before the event. ” Kevin remarked after the race. “My teammates and I were optimistic for a dependable run to the finish of the race. With many strong P2-class contenders, we knew we’d struggle to be as fast as some of them. However, we planned on running consistent laps and working any attrition or caution periods to our advantage. However, we got off to a poor start when the car would not! (start) Once underway, we chased down many of our class competitors and the car was running fairly well. Eventually an engine misfire condition presented and the engine died while on-track. Per the event rules, only the driver can work on the car - anything else, including a tow to the pits - would have disqualified us. I labored trackside for about forty-five minutes with various spare parts and tools that the team brought to me via the closest opening in the track’s fencing. I did manage to get the car running again - only to have it repeat its problems. After hours of valiant efforts from the WCTC crew - including an attempt to get back in the race when the car “acted repaired”, with Paul Forgey behind the wheel - it eventually came to pass that the engine again died on track. At that point, we had exhausted all our spares and the car was brought behind pit wall for the final time.
I would like to thank Rob, Paul, and all the WCTC team for their “never give up” attitude. Too, I’d like to thank my son, Evan for his support and insights.
While we did not finish and we did suffer a certain level of frustration, we all left the event richer from the experience and had smiles beneath the exhaustion. ”
The Eight Hours of the Cascades is one of the United States oldest, continuously running sports car endurance races. It is the only one to continue use of the traditional “Le Mans” start. Sanctioned by the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC), under the 2007 regulations as a non-championship race, and organized by the Cascade Sports Car Club, the race is a very popular event for Pacific Northwest sports car teams.
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