We head to Michigan International Speedway this week, the first time
I have competed on that track. It’s two miles in length, very wide
and pretty fast. I am looking forward to it but, to be honest, I am
more looking forward to the time that every track is not a new
experience. It’s part of being a rookie driver in NASCAR racing, and
it’s one we all accept. But a little familiarity can go a long way in
this sport.
Obviously, I’m hoping we have a good run at Michigan. I’m continuing
to learn on the fly, which is really the only choice I have
considering that since July at Daytona, every track the Busch Series
has gone to has been my first time there. But, that’s the burden you
bear whenever you’re a rookie in any series.
From what I’ve seen and heard Michigan should be my kind of race
track. It’s wide and multi-grooved, and you usually see a lot of
three-wide racing. Some of these tracks we run at, it’s extremely
difficult to pass, but I don’t think that will be a problem at
Michigan.
I’m seeing a lot of new tracks here in the past couple months. Again,
since I joined Jay Robinson Racing at the first of July, other than
Daytona, every track we’ve raced at has been a first for me. Luckily,
I have the luxury of two veteran teammates in (former Daytona 500
winner) Derrike Cope and (Busch Series veteran) Mark Green, both of
whom have been more than generous with their time and insight on
every track we’ve been to. Between the two of them and Jay, theire
isn’t a track we go to that they haven’t raced. So, that helps
tremendously. With Derrike and Mark’s experience, I really feel
grateful that I have them as such great resources. They’re all three
like an encyclopedia of information for every track we go to.
Both Derrike and Mark think that Michigan will suit me well. I’ll
have the chance to find the groove that’s comfortable and fast for
me. Of course, I have to find it quickly, because one of the
disadvantages of being your first time at a track, is that you’re
having to learn the track as well as setup for qualifying and then
the race, all at the same time. It can get frustrating at times, but
the learning curve is all a part of being a rookie in the NASCAR
Busch Series.
We’re continuing to learn and improve and Michigan is just the next
step in the process. Everyone here on the Yahoo! Ford is looking to
move this program forward every time out. We’re working hard and
hopefully we’ll come away from Michigan feeling good about our
efforts and enjoying a good run.
Tina Gordon of Cedar Bluff, Ala., drives the
Yahoo!/Vasarette/Microtel Ford on the NASCAR Busch Series, and is the
only full-time driver in any of NASCAR’s top two series.
