Change of plans

       Hey! Isn't the second Scenic City Thunder race this coming weekend? Well, yes, it was supposed to be, staked out for weeks on the southern promod race calendar painstakingly assembled by Brian C. on promodifieds.us. But another track just a week or so ago decided to hold a race right on top of the SCT. That, and some other stuff left Paul no choice but to cancel the event. However, when life presents you with jerks, you make jerky-- something like that -- so Paul and the Cuda Beast team are heading to the PDRA event in Memphis.
     It will be the first 2014 race for Paul and the Beast. The window for healing of his broken back will have passed, so it's time to hit the track. Paul will be running in the Pro Boost class -- down from the Extreme cars -- no screws -- but with plenty of cars and action. Pro Boost drew 22 entries at the last race, at South Georgia Motorsports Park, and a 16-car field spanned 3.89 to about 4.15. "We can get in this," Paul said. "It's a nice track, and it will have the best track prep (the Traction Twins) in the world. We'll be able to throw some horsepower at it."
     At the track, Paul will make a new form-fit carbon-fiber seat. A form is placed in the car, and covered with a bag that is filled with the composite material. Paul, wearing all of his driving gear except his helmet and neck device, will sit in place for 20 minutes or so while the material sets up. Another 4-5 hours later, and it's ready for racing. Paul says the custom-fit seat will be a lot safer because it will serve to better keep him from moving around in the car. As tight as all the safety belts are, movement happens. The more you can reduce it, the safer you'll be. Though he doesn't need his back brace any longer, Paul said he's going to wear it while racing.
     Seems like it has been eons since the Beast has raced. Weather of this writing looks good. We'll keep our fingers crossed. As usual, check promodifieds.us for any coverage. Not sure if Brian C. will be there, or whether there will be online streaming.