Saturday, August 8, 2009

FINAL - LEG 7 - KALGOORLIE TO KALGOORLIE

It is a beautiful evening in the classic western style mining town of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The ceremonial finish just came to a close and the celebrating is about to begin. It was a short day with 2 Selective Stages and Josh was on fire. He and Thad were second off the line and quickly moved to the front when #100 blew an early turn. He set a blistering pace and won the first Selective by one minute fifty-five seconds over Bruce Garland.

At the start of the second Selective, he was running a similar pace, but had a flat approximately halfway through the course. We are waiting on the official results, but currently he is listed as 7th for the stage.

Thad noted the course was rougher - more similar to racing back home. It suited Josh perfectly and the team is happy to be celebrating another stage win - making it three days in a row of bringing home a Selective. Congrats to great driving and navigating. Amazing to think this is Thad's first time in this particular role.

The sun is setting and we will be packing up early in the morning to transfer back to Perth. The team has accomplished what it set out to do - scout the race, learn the nuances, and show Australia what the Americans and the HUMMER H2 SUT can do. Despite a few early setbacks that penalized the team's overall result, the goals were not only reached, but far exceeded.

Hats off to the great competitors and race organizers. Many thanks for the hospitality and fun. We've made great friends in Western Australia and look forward to coming back in 2010.

Posted by E. Miller

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So proud of you Josh and all the team. Well done and cant wait to have you back home.

Myles said...

Congratulations Josh and your team for a great result under extenuating circumstances, seeing you were all competing upside down.

We hope you enjoyed our sunburnt country and Westralian hospitality.

Scott and Bairne look forward in catching up with you in Melbourne tomorrow.

Y'all come back now soon - ya hear!

love,

Lyn and Myles

Tim L said...

Great result and a good show Down Under! Now you all desire a well earned rest.