Circuit Racing: Was the ‘King’ dethroned last Sunday?

This is hopefully, my final blog re-the 2011 Independence of Speed. I tried to stay away. I wanted to stay away, but like the media to Kartel, I am drawn to controversy!

The unpredictability of life is often times disconcerting, but when appreciated, it also creates nervous excitement, heightened intrigue and Keeping up with the Kardashians-like drama. I understand the ecstatic outbursts that were and are still being made by Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore fans and for the most part, they were expected. The road to victory lane is a minefield and based on results since 2009, Doug was having a difficult time avoiding the explosive devices. At each race meet, it appeared as if Doug Gore and his machine were locked in a midnight-dark environment and a sadistic night-vision equipped David Summerbell Jr, spent each passing minute, pummeling them mercilessly.

Audi TT-R

The ex- DTM Audi  TT-R was posited as the antidote for TA1’s venom. It (the TT-R) was the MI 6 agent that was contracted to reverse the roles. So when it arrived, fans loyal to both camps slept restlessly. One camp prayed for a continuation of the dynasty while the other hoped that their Castro had arrived and a successful revolution would commence.

 Last Sunday was significant in many ways. Doug Gore had his Hiroshima moment. The opposition was comprehensively beaten and Doug’s performance altered the expected tone of events to come in the future.  ‘Hollywood’ and his fans are still glowing in their success, but unfortunately, some TA1 fans are tirelessly engaged in ‘digging dirt’, in an inexcusable attempt to discredit the achievement of Doug and his team. There are two words for persons of that ilk – sore losers.

My issue however, is not with them (the sore losers). My chip, with no dip, has to do with the suggestion that the ‘King’ was dethroned on Sunday. Doug Gore’s 2 victories on Sunday were commendable, but let us not cash in and run for the hills! It is my self-appointed duty to provide perspective.

As stated in the previous blog, in race 1, Doug passed David after he missed a shift. David attempted to pass Doug immediately, on the back straight and possibly would have completed the move, but both Doug and the chicane got in the way! Lol. So, how race 1 would have gone is still up for debate. 

In race 2, despite starting a few machines behind Doug, David was next to him (Doug) a few corners after the green flag expressed itself. David remained within striking distance throughout. Approaching the final corner of the last lap, David attempted to pass Doug, on the right, going up the hill. According to Doug, worn tyres caused the Audi to lose traction and break to the right, into the path of TA1 (Doug’s story – others may argue he was blocking, which is legal). David had to ‘check up’, switch sides and attack on the left. And despite all of that, the margin of victory could dent a whisker!

In race 3, Doug maintained command from lap 1. David visibly fought a problematic racecar. As his, later confirmed, brake problems multiplied, his quest for victory was subtracted.

‘King’

This is my argument. David Summerbell Jr did not become ‘King’ courtesy of one race meet. His ascension to the throne was only possible after he established an enviable dominance, characterized by innumerable victories at Dover and throughout the Caribbean. Unlike other Kings, a King in the motorsports arena isn’t dethroned. It is an honor a driver takes with him, even into retirement. NASCAR Hall of Fame member Richard Petty is a perfect example. Being referred to as King (in motorsports) is a title that deviates from the principles of heredity or warfare. It is an honor that victories and sustained conquest dictates and once awarded it remains like a birthmark!

So label me a loyal subject when I say/type- Long live the King! But, in the same breath, punching similar keys, I will say/type – Welcome back ‘Hollywood’, Dover promises to be much more exhilarating.

So, was the King dethroned on Sunday? NO! He lost 3 races. He was defeated.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer