>From Kevin Clemmins with a couple of things added...
Fred Sisson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 200
Underrated Morgan Team Storms to Come From Behind Victory
Speedway, Indiana-- The sport of motor racing has on rare occasion produced
epic performances. Legendary performances such as Nuvolari at Monaco in the
Thirties and Fangio at the Nurburgring in the Fifties are now joined by an
extraordinary drive at the scenic Indianapolis Raceway Park yesterday. Bob
(aka "Kermit") Wilson and his son Michael (aka "Mike") overcame a last place
starting position and a mid-race pitstop to finish first in the 8-lap enduro
feature race at this venerable old motor racing circuit. The usually reserved
crowd at IRP went wild with the pair's victory in their powerful but
temperamental 1937 Morgan 4-4.
The strategy used by the team to win this most prestigious event was
unusual. Bob Wilson had qualified the car last on the grid, leading to
grumbling about sandbagging by some of the other drivers. The Indiana Gaming
Commission looked into these charges, based upon the large amounts that had
been wagered on the race outcome and have given the proceedings a clean bill
of health. Kermit started well, maintaining close contact with the lead pack.
Several laps into the race, he dove onto the pit lane where his son Mike was
ready to take controls of the Malvern Links supercar. The team's resident
femme fatale Natalie (aka "the wrench") jumped into action with flawless pit
work to get the team back onto the track ahead of the lead pack. From there
it was a simple matter for the younger Wilson to keep the car on the track
for the victory. Late in the race, fighting fatigue, young Wilson did engage
in a bit of agriculture motoring on the famed Carasol. His proud father
watched as young Michael deftly recovered from a graceful three-sixty in the
dirt, to maintain his lead position.
The use of the pit stop to win in racing is well understood in Formula
One and Indy Car racing, but until now has only seen limited success in the
high pressure world of Vintage Racing. The strategy was evolved after Michael
blew up the engine in his Morgan racing car and whined long enough until his
father said he would let him drive. From such simple things, comes greatness.
Other teams will no doubt follow this pit stop innovation and soon having
cars suddenly entering the pits will be a normal part of every Group One Race.
Upon receiving congratulations from the crowd for his first major race
win, Michael Wilson replied with a laconic "Yeah, right." Moments later, his
illustrious and loquacious father summed up his feelings about the stunning
win with the words "Yeah, right." Latter, off the record, young Michael
revealed his innermost thoughts as he was spinning toward the retaining
wall. Just what divine inspiration enabled him to miss the wall, regain
control and continue on to victory? "I only had two thoughts. I hope Mom's
not watching and if I dent this (car) Dad's going to kill me."
This race win, which stands as one of the most startling and courageous in
all of the annals of racing, has to put this quixotic team in strong form for
next year's championship.
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