If you want to win... Eliminate doubt

When guys like Shelby prepared cars to win races they didn't allow themselves to be distracted and the records show they sure as hell didn't do things half-a$$ed. It's that same way of thinking that has put TEAM CALIFORNIA'S BEST on the podium time and time again.

Today was the day that I had planned on starting the process of overhauling my top loader transmission. Every time I was headed into the shop to begin the tear down either the phone would ring or someone needed me for something. These are the types of projects that I enjoy doing as long as I can give them my undivided attention. The last thing I want to hear down in Mexico is, "Well, it almost lasted." But at last destiny took it's course and the phone rang one last time... "Hey Gary, this is Dave. (engine builder). I need a special part and I understand you have it." Well, as it turned out I didn't have it but Gotelli's Speed Shop in South San Francisco did since I had ordered it last week. But that was the only excuse I needed to change my mind as to how the transmission was going to be dealt with. Since it was already 1:00 PM and it was going to take me an hour to drive to San Francisco get the part and then another hour to drive from there across the Oakland Bay Bridge and over to the engine builders I decided to get a move on.

As I was getting ready to leave my office I began asking myself how many times will I get distracted like this in the next few days? Then I began thinking... I know I'm a darn good mechanic but how confident am I that I am as good of a transmission guy? Then I asked why would anyone go to the expense that I have on this project and then try to cut corners just to save a few bucks. That was enough to change my mind and I loaded up the transmission and all the brand new parts. Then I delivered them to my transmission specialist who is a true master at what he does and told him to get it ready.

So after all was said and done, I got the part to the engine builder, went over some issues with the new engine, delivered the transmission to someone that will make it perfect and eliminate any doubts on my part and still got home to an awesome dinner cooked by my wife. It's important while on a long racing trip like this one to be able to lay there at night knowing everything is good to go. Life is good.