While he didn't turn in the fastest times during the first two days of practice Paul Dallenbach wasn't worried nor should he be. In fact Paul was focused on doing what others should have been doing. Instead of worrying about fast times Paul continued to focus on testing which tire and set-up would perform best under the many various circumstances. After all, there is no such thing as pole position and the bottom line is the fastest time on Sunday takes home all the glory.
Speaking from experience what Paul has been doing is exactly how a true champion goes about preparing his ride. Some years ago I stood back for what seemed like an eternity as one of my drivers sat and stared at some tires contemplating which ones to put where on the car. As race time got close I finally told him, "Hey, it's a no brainer. You need to put on "the good tires" so you can get on pole." He looked back and said, "I'm not trying to figure out how to win the pole... I'm figuring out which tires will win the race." Point well taken and I have the exact same hunch that is exactly what's going on in Paul Dallenbach's mind too.
Oh and by the way... This being the last day of practice Paul turned in the fastest times today. As a matter of fact, he spanked the entire field. Thanks to intellegent planing and preperation, now the stage is set. Go get'em Paul!
On one hand I am really excited about Hershel's race at Portland International Raceway this weekend but on the other hand I never really realized how much I was going to miss running in this years Pikes Peak International Hill Climb until right now. Even as I sit here typing this post the Vintage class are practicing the top section of the mountain. While I'm excited for all of them I am recalling an old saying my father used to use... "I wish I was there racing and I wish they all had a feather in their butt and we'd all be tickled to death." As soon as I hear any news I'll get it posted.
Besides keeping tabs on the Vintage class cars I will also be watching the progress of a friend of mine who is returning in an attempt to break the 10 minute barrier and there is a very good chance he might just pull it off. His name is Paul Dallenbach and one reason Paul believes he can break the record is because of a major change in this year's set up, that being new tires. Apart from being an avid racer, Paul is a much sought after stunt driver for TV and movies and you may have seen one since he was the driver of the awesome Ford GT commercial that was filmed at Thunderhill Raceway.
Ford GT commercial driven by Paul
Paul is the youngest member of the famous Dallenbach Racing Family. His racing career has been showered with trophies and accolades from his peers. Paul actively campaigns #98, a 750 horsepower, hand built, open-wheel hill climb car and is a 3-time Overall Champion and 5-time Division Winner and will return to Pikes Peak this week for one last run in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Since 1989, Dallenbach has participated in the race an astounding 14 times and is considered one of the most popular racers.
