The 2024 Jack Pine Sprints Double Divisional at Brainerd International Raceway was a weekend to forget. The team was faced with multiple mechanical and technological issues. On Saturday morning, practice went well and the track was fast, however on the opening laps of qualifying car 21 suffered a broken transmission. Car 47 suffered transponder issues and would have to start at the back for the race.
Despite the teams best efforts to install a new transmission, a mistake during assembly meant the car wouldn’t reach the grid for the race. We had to give up our third place qualifying position and retire the car. Likewise, Sam suffered a front left tire puncture and retired the car on the second lap.
Sunday was a slight improvement. Car 21 had a new transmission installed and qualified 4th, Car 47 qualified 2nd. The team was well positioned for a podium. The start of the race was shaky, a missed shift caused some lost positions for both Buhler race cars. Sam Nogosek couldn’t fully recover and finished 4th. Andrew had to retire the car on lap 11 with a broken wheel bearing.
Sometimes racing is hard, other times it’s really, really hard. This weekend challenged us mechanically and the team pushed really hard to make it all work. In the end, Brainerd International Raceway got the best of us, but we are looking forward to the next event.
A huge thanks to all the support from our sponsors. And an extra special thank you to Yahir, a Buhler Apprentice for helping the crew in our paddock!
Check out Buhler, Dynequip, Hammer Wood Floors, Mazda, and Hoosier as we couldn’t advance sports car racing in Minnesota without them.