Circuit Racing: Doug Gore’s gigantic challenge

There are times when I sit in front of the computer staring at the raging blizzard on Microsoft Word’s blank page. It is a process I go through as chaotic thoughts struggle tirelessly to clothe themselves in robes of rational thought. It takes a while, but when clarity is attained, the words flow effortlessly, spawning hopefully a relevant view of an issue worth considering.

During qualifying for the Easter Carnival of Speed, Doug Gore’s DTM Audi spun as he exited the Pespi hairpin. Instinctively my memory scrolled through a conversation I had with him. I was seated in an Evo VII next to him as he rocketed around Dover raceway. He spoke at length about the Evo platform and how he used its inherent capabilities to win races at Dover. Doug Gore in a Team Mobay Evo in the pre TA1 era was like a vengeful Samurai wielding a double-edged sword! He was fearless, stupid fast and as many found out, unbeatable.

Doug Gore and the machine

When the machines rolled out for Event # 4 on the race schedule and the crowd caught a glimpse of the DTM Audi and TA1, the expected joust gave birth to a deafening symphony of voices. After a Doug Gore induced delay, the machines got the green and in unison, TA1 propelled by its AMS created motor and the DTM Audi, hurried by its German built V8, raced vigorously towards corner 1. Exhaust notes were silenced by the carnival of jubilation introduced by loyal fans on both sides of the debate. TA1 didn’t indulge. Instead, the machine remained resolute, predatory even. TA1 overpowered and outperformed the DTM Audi and exited Turn 1 comfortably ahead.

David Summerbell Jr.

The tables were never turned in Race 1 of 3 involving both machines. In Race 2, Doug spun – again – game over and in the final race, despite a better showing, Doug was outfoxed, outgunned and in the view of some, slaughtered by Summerbell’s cunning racecraft and TA1’s explosive, ferocious, but melodious force-fed interventions.

Doug Gore took his hiding in stride and based on his public pronouncements, he has adopted the appropriate attitude that success demands. But, how do you teach a driver who has built his empire with bricks stamped Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the finesse and occasionally the deliberate tardy throttle input the Audi DTM dictates?

I am hearing words starting with the letter P – Practice, Patience and Punctilious (just what Doug Gore needs to master the DTM Audi).

Doug Gore and ATL Automotive Racing have accepted a gigantic challenge, but bearing in mind that what we saw on Easter Monday, was the DTM Audi’s first competitive display on local soil, the Team should be comforted by the figurative expression – One swallow does not make a summer. So, for Doug Gore and ATL Automotive Racing, Easter Monday must be viewed for what it represented – the beginning. I am having visions of another mutinous assault in May!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer