The sky is overcast, but no rain has fallen since early last night and
the forceast is for improvement through today and fine weather right through
the weekend. Thank goodness. It looks like the ongoing Winternationals success
story will continue. Shortly after we arrive at the shop, Rob Oberg (Marketing
Manager for Willowbank) calls to inform me that another new entry record has
been set: 533 cars and bikes are entered for the Winternationals. And for the
first time ever, there will be full fields in every category. Despite my
personal gloom over not being able to compete, I'm feeling very happy for
all my friends (new and old) who will be racing this weekend.
Today is "move-in" day at Willowbank, so shortly before noon we're loaded
up and on the highway north. A leisurely ninety minute drive later and we're
pulling through the competitor's gate at the track. First problem: No tickets
and parking passes for R. Wilson, #1676, T/AD. "Your entry has been cancelled".
Oh, oh. Time for a little bit of politicking with the "powers". Thirty minutes
later, after some rather "creative" stories, we're back on the entry list and
have the tickets. Ken, meanwhile, has no problems with his entry and soon he's
parked in the assigned space and we're free to wander around and visit the
other incoming racers.
The afternoon flies by in a series of free-range bench races with many old
friends and acquaintances in the pits. Nearly two years after my first trip
downunder, people who haven't seen me in the interval still remember me and
are quick to say "G'Day, howzit goin'?" The story of why we won't be competing
this weekend seems awfully stale by now, but each new encounter begs its
repetition. As darkness falls, the skies finally clear and bring with them
the promise of a fine weekend, weather wise. It's tough to be in my shoes
right now, but at least everything seems to be going well for everyone else.