2011 was a difficult season for Richie Pallai, Jr.. The season opener at Thompson was an example of the advertisty the team encountered. “We came out of the box at Thompson, blew a motor in practice, missed qualifying and had to put our short track motor in the car for the race with 0 laps on it,” said Pallai. “We were running in the top 3 when we unfortunately got caught up in a wreck late in the race. From that point on we just felt like we were struggling with our new car.”
Highlights from last season were Riverhead and Lime Rock Park. “At Riverhead we came from last to the top-5 and felt like we had a winning car until we had a flat and had to pit,” said Pallai. “We fought back for a top 10 and that was a moral victory in itself.” At Lime Rock, “We were fast all weekend and thought we had a good shot at the win. A top 5 that day was great, too bad we are not going back there this year.”
“I like to call our core of our team the "big three", almost like the Miami Heat,” said Pallai. “My Dad (Rich Sr.), Denis (Crew Chief) and Chuck (Spotter) are the reason why we show up every week so prepared. Without those three we wouldn't be anywhere and they always make sure we have a shot at winning. We also have a young guy in Alex Grab who is learning the ropes quickly and someone we will rely on very much this season to lend a helping hand in all aspects of the team, from the shop to the track.”
Continue reading ‘Determined Richie Pallai, Jr. Seeking Improvement in 2012′
