BRASELTON, GA - Matt Million leaves the middle of the season Spec MX-5 Challenge East vs Central showdown at Road Atlanta solidifying his points, capturing a double podium with a 2nd and 3rd for the Central Series, however was left yearning for more.
12 competitors entered the combined East vs Central series.
FRIDAY: Arriving at Road Atlanta on Friday morning for practice day would be the first time Million had been to the facility. "Driving in, you are struck by the steepness of the circuit running down out of the bridge and into the start/finish line, I can't wait to get started!" Million would be driving the white #07 Spec MX-5 in the weekend, as the series assigned cars at random to the drivers. After the first few sessions, Million had a few takeaways. "This place is ever bit as fast, flowing, and wild as I trained for! Turn 1 is a huge commitment, and diving out of T3 into the esses flat out is like nothing I've experienced in a race car!" Million felt like his simulator training had paid off, and after studying data through each car's AIM Solo 2 software, it was clear that Million was a top 3 competitor on pace... except for the long backstraight that was. Each lap saw an average of 7/10th's of a second lost per lap on the straight, which would unfortunately play a large part in Million's weekend.
SATURDAY: Million learned post Friday practice that the Spec MX-5 he was assigned had a considerable power deficit in the form of a fresh, not broken-in engine and a fresh differential. The series agreed to try and compensate by removing the weight ballast, which offered little to no benefit. Million decided on a qualifying plan to separate from the pack and work with fellow East series competitor John Allen. To much the shock and surprise of Million, he set the 4th fastest time of the 12 competitors, much better than anticipated. Data analysis after the session showed about a half second loss on the backstraight, which without would have placed Million well into the top 2.
The race got underway and Million was able to retain his 4th position through the start. However, it quickly became apparent that the race was to become a steep uphill battle. Million could retain the pace of the top 3 from T1 to T7 and defend with relative ease as there was a lack of passing opportunities in this section of the circuit. Once onto the long backstraight, Million was unable to defend his lack of power, and would loose a position or two every lap into T10, only then to be stuck behind slower competitors through the tighter parts of the circuit. Thankfully for Million, the race only lasted 3 laps before another class of vehicle caused a full course yellow, and effectively ended the race. Million fell back to 6th, however was 2nd in the Central series.
SUNDAY: With no qualifying session on Sunday, the grid was set using the previous days' qualifying, meaning Million would have to do his best to defend from 4th yet again. Unfortunately, little change was in the cards. The race was underway and Million slotted to 4th before loosing two positions on the backstraight the first and second laps, and two more there before the race ended. Million had to claw back a 5 car length deficit each lap from T1 to T7 and was able to, but did not have the torque or speed to make any long lasting passes stick. Million finished 8th, confident of his own speed but had become a product of the situation.
The next Spec MX-5 Challenge Series event for Million is at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 7-9.