America's Cup 2007-2008 (UPDATE)

I know, I've been terrible at posting, and will try to get better.

In summary:

AC Park City
January 11th & 12th:

• 14th place finish in the first race
• 8th place finish in the second race.

Not a lot interesting for the Park City race since it's my home track and I had to work all week as well as race. Plus, I'm starting to think racing may be more difficult on your home track since you slide it so much that you can overdose on it, so I didn't do as well as hoped. I mean, it's my home track yet I placed about the same in Calgary when it was my first time there!

Anyway, Calgary was more interesting, and was aWeSOme since it was a new track to learn which is always fun and enlightening...

AC Calgary

Jean Luc didn't want us to go without him - and he wants to try skeleton!


Calgary Results
January 19th and 20th:

• 15th place finish in the first race
• 7th place finish in the second race.

"Ice road" trucking on the way up and back was crazy - we drove two pickup trucks loaded with a bobsled and seventeen skelly sleds for the British and German teams, and learned the hard way that both Idaho and Montana suck at road maintenance!







Now, for the track, it was great. Lots of long straights that really teach you to be quiet on your sled...it wasn't until race day that I finally stopped skidding at the top!

As for difficult spots, the exit of kreistel (360 degree turn) ate a lot of people. It sounds crazy, but they don't cover the short-wall at the exit with ice, for safety. If they cover it with ice, then the bunks (bumpers) of the sleds gouge out the ice until there's a groove for the bumper, and the body of the athlete will take the brunt of the impact. Without ice, leaving the concrete bare and exposed, the bunks can't dig a groove, and will then take the hit and protect (somewhat) the athlete.

The result: you will see a lot of people with what appear to be nice speedsuits from one angle, then they will turn and you realize that their entire left sleeve is covered with duct tape to protect from the hit out of kreisel.

Here's A. showing his battle wounds after the first day of sliding (he realized quickly he should wear padding):



Anyway...

Current ranking(s) (as of today - it changes after each race based on overall race points):
#62 - World
#9 - USA
#5 - America's Cup

I still have two more AC races in Lake Placid in April. Sliding has been going pretty well; I'm gradually becoming more aware of what is happening on the track, and hopefully that trend will continue.

Wish me luck!