Route 66 Recap
Between my career at Caterpillar and racing , I’ve spent many days and weekends in Joliet, some at Route 66, racing and it was good to be back, so familiar in so many ways. Better yet that my brother Don Turk and Rae Ann Warner Turk were there racing their beautiful red Pontiac.
Despite some elements of the outcome, I’m reminded how blessed we are to be there, spending time at the track with family and friends.
Regardless of our far below average 60’ performance, in the last two qualifying runs, we were 3rd quickest of the sessions and consistently quicker than all competitors from 330’ on. Where we need to improve is clear, how to improve, we are working hard to learn.
Having qualified 5th of 8 cars, with a bit of a worn out engine, we faced Lenny Lottig , Tomi Laine and their always tough team. Once again, we lost to them. Worthy congratulations to them all, that’s two we owe them and we are hopeful they put it in the final to take home a Wally.
As usual, our ability and progress in this very difficult endeavor was made possible by the awesome work of our extremely capable driver, Alex Austin Laughlin, and crew of many great and hard working friends, beginning with my best friend, Jena Turk, then the guys who just keep showing up and putting in all the effort, Keaton Vester, Scott Abramson, Chuck Senatore, Mike Ware, Kyle Brandt and his old man, my best buddy Red, all joined by a breath of fresh ideas, thinking and his get after the clutch with all kinds of better, faster ways, Keith West and even some much needed guest insight / counsel from Brian Self.
We were not pleased that Team Underdawg Racing engine lost a hole, but are thankful that Raymond Nash has a fresh, bullet, Top Dawg, ready and waiting to go in. We will be getting after both cars and many others shortly after we get back to the home shop. Our performance does not represent our drive, heart and effort…but having been here many times before, I remain confident, it will. Stay tuned, better 60’s ahead 
