Circuit Racing: Congratulations Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore and ATL Racing

“This is German engineering, you better get used to it”. Words spoken by a member of Doug Gore’s ATL Racing team, moments after Doug won the final race at Dover’s Independence of Speed on Sunday (Thundersport -TS 1 & 2).

The questions were always present, the doubts prevalent, but, the team evidently wasn’t discouraged. Some will argue that David Summerbell was racing with a view to the CMRC Round 2 in Barbados at the end of the month, which may be true. But, if you are honest and you watched the races, you will agree, that there was no hint of a reserved approach in his driving style.

In the first MP 3 & 4 race, adrenalin and ambition went unchecked and this led to a racing incident. Doug and David fought for room as they entered the chicane at the end of the back-straight and the machines made contact. Repairs were effected quickly. The second MP 3 & 4 race saw them locking horns again, but this time, there was minimal contact. The progress made by Doug and the Audi TT-R became apparent. The usual ferocity of TA1 came, but the Audi wasn’t intimidated. Despite Summerbell’s best efforts, Doug stayed ahead – victory number 1.

Audi TT-R

“We saved the best for last” – Doug Gore said. Personally, I was looking forward to the final race. I wanted to see if Doug could maintain the pace and performance shown in the MP race. I wasn’t disappointed. Doug summoned all the Audi TT-R’s horses, its aerodynamic advantage, its braking superiority and together they galloped to the finish line.

I am not certain what Summerbell’s strategy was, considering that it was a 12 lap race. But, whatever it was, the gap grew for a few laps and when it appeared as if he (Summerbell) was about to launch his attack, close the gap and contest for the win, he had what seemed to be braking issues and had an off – game over. Despite returning to the track, it was just for pride or points, Doug Gore, like Carlito, had his way and with hand extended, waving to the fans on the final lap, he cruised to his second victory.

Credit must be given when it is deserved. Doug and ATL Racing persevered. The huge, burdensome monkey, in my book, is off his back.  He returned to driving school, learnt a few new tricks, digested input from German engineers and accomplished, what was before now, according to blinded fanatics, the impossible. Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore defeated David ‘King’ Summerbell and TA1, not once, but twice, in one race meet.

Two victories weren’t enough though. Doug Gore went for the jugular! In the final race of the race meet, Doug Gore distanced himself from his peers. He fought for and gained his independence. At present, he stands alone, above everyone else. Doug Gore broke David Summerbell’s track record! As the V8 snarled, the TT-R sped to 1:18.114!

At the end of my last blog I asked this question – Is Doug Gore now equipped to extract what the TT-R has to offer? Doug and the TT-R bellowed the affirmative through consecutive victories. Congratulations Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore and ATL Racing, job well done!

Nb. I cannot say thank you enough, to the individuals responsible for the on-line streaming on NCU TV ONLINE. Thanks.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer