CASORIA ITALIA - NUEVAS IMAGENES Y RECUERDOS DE LAS 24 HORAS DE SLOT NSR 2023

 

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We had a great time racing in Italy. For most of us, this was the first experience racing a 24-hour Enduro on a plastic (Ninco) track.

We had a great group of seasoned racers who are always considered favorites when they step in at any raceway.

The race started sideways for us when we had issues during qualifying. We ranked P34 - dead last.

During a short warmup, we figured out the problem with the car and did not have to use the spare one. It could cost us 10 laps.

After the first heat, we were P14 and ranking up. Mid-race, we're holding a solid P6.

Michael and Eliot pushing up the team. Eddie and Marco keeping pace. Rick was resting.

It's nighttime! The lights are turned off. Lights in the car only. Our car was in its best shape. We won a couple of heats, negotiating overtakes and going for it: P5!

Then disaster happened. An official track marshal, at the break, in-between heats, in the dark, put the wrong lane sticker on our car. The car hit the wall several times because the marshalls were keeping put it in the wrong lane. We thought it was a problem with the track, then the controller. At some point, the car was not running anymore. Out of the track we go, and spent half a heat replacing parts. The car returned to the track and still had the wrong sticker. When after some yelling, they stop the all tracks. The correct sticker was put back on, but we could only run less than 4 minutes on that lane.

But there's more drama. Officials made THE SAME mistake on the next lane. Our car was broken again, but we realized the problem faster this time.

We dropped down to P20. But we bounced back. Besides the night incident, the car was impeccable. Race Director credited us with 50 laps. But we believe we lost at least 180, maybe more.

Our official result was P12, with a sour taste of a possible P7.

Thank you, NSR for the invite. It was a great learning experience, and we will surely be back trying to blend with the elite teams. The SlotUP team, Paco, Cami, and Giacomo. Special shout to the Catalans from Slot Terrassa, who supported us; congrats on your P4! Thank you, Scott Bader, for supporting this adventure and ensuring that Slot Cars Are Back!