vwminispeedster wrote:When I witnessed the Daihatsu team that tried to recreate the gas fight scene in Zoolander at one of their pitstops I felt they needed a talking to by the Honorable Judge Jonny. They slowed down and took their time the rest of the weekend after learned that lesson..
Let me be really clear about this before I make my related comments: I DO NOT DISAGREE WITH JONNY OR JAY'S RULING ON MY FUELLING MISHAP. I wish to clear up my side of the story and what Jay and the Supreme Court say is final and from here on out is solely my opinion a Dai Hard's Team Captain and is not to be alluded to as truth, which is completely under the realm of the Lemons Chief Perp and his Supreme Court.
this is a recollection based on my experience as well as photographic evidence
We followed 100% of the fueling protocols, including spill mitigation using supplied containment booms, drip tray and all the safety rules were applied with total adherence. We did spill an undetermined amount of fuell <.25 Gallons as the 5 Gal in the can was indicated by the fuel gauge, and hence not on the ground. The suited driver filling the car had stood in the drip tray whilst filling, and since was on the low side for whatever reason, dripped fuel onto his shoes. There was little 'chuckleheadery" as Jay puts it, and Jonny's question posed to an ill-informed team member involved with fueling (did not know the details and hence replied with a "no" answer when probed by Jonny about spillage) being taken as a incendiary (lol) attitude when cross referenced with my explanation while at the fueling site. The whole team reported to the penalty box, and took the stance that the fuel spill (there was one) was minor and mitigated, and received responses that stunned and surprised me, even prepared for getting quite yelled as I know the severity of spillage and the probationary nature of the paddock-based fueling. I was advised that the rain was gone and henceforth all standing water was absent under the canopy (it was not, refer figure 1) and that all standing liquid was my rendition of the Exxon Valdez. I decided that the overriding desire to not challenge meant me lying about what I personally saw, and that certainly backfired and we were out.
I was advised by kind-hearted souls (that I'll neglect to mention but I owe you all one) to re-engage Jay in conversation about re-entering the race. We had a heart-to-heart and we were back in. I really appreciate that I was able to re-enter, and I'd only like to show that there are 2 sides to every story, and nobody doubts this was a happy ending for all!
fig 1. Shortly before our first (and nearly last fueling), showing the extent of standing water present at the time, and our drip-pan.
Note: I hope this is not taken as an insult or undermining the effiacy or jurisprudence of the Lemons Court, but I'd prefer to have my evidence known before being villified.
Note2: I cannot do anything but accept blame for using insufficient containers and questionable filling methods, but in no times was anything regarding protocol violated.