So read a t-shirt for the late 80's/early 90's band from England. One could say the same for last night's Double Points 71 at Road Atlanta. Both versions of the track North of Georgia's capital city routinely produce solid racing for GASCAR and last night's race around the full circuit was no exception.
Qualifying was only slightly eventful. TopFuelMan took the poll with Ford and Mini not far behind. Stauburst surprised after the previous race's lackluster effort with a P4 effort. Trigga was fast but failed to register a clean lap thus relegating him to start near the back. Proof was forced to start last after missing the driver's meeting.
Despite the mad scramble that is usually, turn one, lap one at Road Atlanta the field made it through largely unscathed. Mini slid into the lead after Ford and Top drove wide. There was some beating and banging but nothing major. Lap 3 saw the races first caution as TriggaMike had his first of a couple trips on to his roof. Mini ducked into the pits knowing that fresh tires were going to be critical for this race. In doing so, he gave up the lead to TopFuel.
The restart was fairly clean but there was another caution a few laps later. Both Top and Mini pitted at this time allowing BadRiver to lead a lap as he brought the field back to green.
Around lap 20, Top and Mini, in their Holdens, were the class of the field with Ford in third. A debate had broken out about when to pit under green. The debate was settled by another caution. This writer will blame it on Trigga flipping again because it is the most likely scenario.
The entire field pitted this time as they prepared for the final sprint to the finish. Well, they thought it would be a sprint. Ford was determined to be a factor and Staubrust's Lexus ISF was settling in nicely should anyone falter. The restart was exciting but Top and Mini pulled away again. Lap 23 saw a very respectful tussle between the two teammates as they vied for the lead.
With cautions ending near the end of lap 26, Top and Mini, after swapping the lead a bit, were just hoping to make it that far and leave the field behind. Best laid plans and all that...
A caution was declared as Mini and Top had just reached the back straightaway. Ford at this time declared he was going to regain his moniker of "Mr. Excitement". (Cue the ominous music.)
The restart was a mad dash to turn one with the field knowing there would be no more cautions. Mini slipped into the lead and was pushing to get to the back stretch and use his power to gap the field. Behind him all hell had broken loose. Proof's Aston Martin Rapide came from nowhere into third. Ford punted his teammate(drama?), Stauburst, and Top was just trying to navigate the mess. Somewhere, Trigga was cursing out his Mercedes.
Mini was able to pull away for an "easy" win with TopFuel making it an AndrettiFuel top 2 and Ford rounding out the podium.
Finishing order is below. (Hopefully, Top saved the replay and will make a video soon.)
- MiniAndretti*
- TopFuelMan*
- Fordv2
- FenrirProof
- Stauburst
- TriggaMike
- BadRiver*
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