My first Mile experience is a weekend that I will remember for a long time.
USAC returned to the Milwaukee Mile for the first time since 2006 this past weekend. Milwaukee had a history with USAC dating back to the 50s and is the oldest race track in the world (constructed in 1903). I had watched races from the Mile on tv and always wanted to race there so I was excited to arrive.
We unloaded really fast. I was second quick the first practice session. Considering that it was my first time on a track that size, I was very comfortable. I got up to speed right away, and I think surprised a lot of people. On Friday practice, we wound up 7th, fighting a tight race car. So with two practices under my belt we headed into qualifying. The car felt really good. I about lost it in turn 1 of the first lap, so I felt like I needed to make up for it on the second lap. Evidently that worked, because my first qualifying experience on a mile track ended with the 51 car on the pole. I was thrilled and couldn’t believe I was on the pole at the Milwaukee Mile.
The feature didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped though. I really feel like we got jobbed on the start of the race. I got a great jump heading to the green flag but when we were on the backstretch they put out the yellow and made us restart. This time Caleb Armstrong, who was starting second, jumped the start so we had to do it a third time. Since the pole sitter is supposed to dictate the start, I was going to wait until we got off turn four before hammering the gas, hoping to give the USAC officials the start they wanted. Unfortunately Caleb took off much sooner and left me a sitting duck. USAC let it go. The worst start of the three attempts, and they just let it go; so much for the pole-sitter dictating the pace. Needless to say, I was left hanging and was in fifth place by the time I got to turn one.
Despite the bad start, 25 laps at The Mile provided a ton of fun and exciting racing. The draft is a big factor and that’s how guys passed. I had a very sprited battle with Bobby East among others, but ultimately wound up 6th. We definitely had a top 5 car. Once I got around Bobby, I ran down 4th and 5th and was on their tails at the finish. I knew we were fast and the fact that I really had no chance because the start was so messed up frustrated me. All things considered though, to be 2nd quick in practice, qualify p1, and finish 6th isn’t too bad. I’m happy with my first big track experience, and am encouraged as we head to another big track, Iowa, on Friday.
Thanks for reading, and check in next weekend for an update from Iowa Speedway!
-Dillon
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