I'm Going Endurance Racing Baby!

G’day everyone! Cody again!

You didn’t think i’d be taking time of from racing over Christmas did you?

After our assault on the Newcastle 500 only a few weeks ago, I was already back and racing at Pheasant Wood Circuit in Marulan for this years Race Academy International competition.

http://www.raceacademyinternational.com/

What is Race Academy International?

Well instead of a flat out race its more of a driver search/competition, where drivers are tested on many different aspects of racing, for example, media presence, setup knowledge, race craft, mechanical sympathy plus much more, to be judged and compared with the winner taking out a fully funded drive in the NSW Production car series endurance round.

And I’m excited to say … I WON! 😁😁😁

Maybe its a look of worry that I will be driving his car next season 😂

So how did the day unfold?

First off after getting signed in we are introduced to the people who are running, judging and helping on the day.

We go through all aspects on what we will be tested on, such as car setup knowledge, rules and regulations, media expectations, on track ability and race craft and so on.

The first test for me for the day was no warm up, it was straight into the car to be judged on how I drive, no pressure.

I was setup in the current spec VE SS Commodore with a driver coach and judge beside me. Usually when we race its just the driver, the car and an engineer who is in pit lane for basic race updates, so when you jump in a car and find a judge sitting right next to you with a marking board it takes you back to your school days, no hiding from the teacher (or your engineer) now, its time to get ready for some hard truths!

After I jumped out of the car it was straight into interviews and testing on the latest rules and regulations and vehicle setup. I always enjoy the off track prep as much as the on track action as I believe its such an important part of racing. Without knowing the rules there is a high risk of endangering you and others, without perfect setup you lose your advantage on your competitors, and without the media we have no sport!

With that out of the way it was back into driving again for our last session to be judged in. Swapping cars and jumping into the Toyota 86 I set out to see how I go. driving out of the pits, circling the track and getting ready for my first quick lap I entered turn one until all of a sudden, POP……….Schreeeeeeeech!

What the hell happened?

As we came to a stop facing the other direction that intended it was found the right hand rear tyre popped off the rim, losing all traction and spinning me out in the corner. I am still unsure if the judge gave me points for car control or not but I can guarantee it raised our heart beats!

No Stress, We popped back into the pits and we changed over cars whilst they swapped the tyre out to their freshly built Volkswagen Polo, completed our run and finished up for the day.

The next part was nervously playing the waiting game. In most races its pretty clear who the winners and losers are of the day as soon the the chequered flag drops, but here we have to allow time for the judges to tally scores together to see who the new driver is, and luckily it was me!

Id like to thank the whole team from Race Academy International for a great day at the track, regardless of results I got to drive some fun cars and pick up valuable on and off track advice from current champions to further Cody McKay Motorsports racing career.

Stay posted for all the Aussie Car and now Production car racing for 2020!

Cody