Deby
Nitro Member
<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/176.jpg" alt="Joe Baker" align="right"borders="0"/>
Joe Baker can't help but feel like a duck out of water this weekend. The current points leader is filling in for Gotham City Racing's Roger Burgess who is away on business during the NHRA O'Reilly Springnationals in Houston, Texas.
Baker, of Milton, Florida, is unaccustomed to a car that drives straight as a string and when the run is over not having to work his fingers to the bone in order to make the next session.
Instead, he's sitting back on the team's golf cart watching the Gotham City Racing crew methodically prepare the 1963 Corvette for each run. In fact, the soft-spoken Baker isn't doing much more than this behind the wheel.
"They have this car running so straight that I feel like I'm driving a Cadillac and not a Pro Modified," Baker said. "They make it easy for me."
The temptation has been there just to turn the wheel a little to make sure in this world of volatile Pro Modifieds that he's driving a normal car. He quickly dashes those thoughts.
"The thought is there to move the wheel just a little to make sure everything is normal," Baker said, showing his trademark smile. "I'm sure everyone feels I'm capable of driving a Pro Modified straight, but I just have to brag on the Gotham City Racing team - they've got this car working so perfect."
Baker entered eliminations as the fourth quickest qualifier [5.981, 241.24] and stopped Tim Tindle in the first round. His 6.000 was the second quickest elapsed time of the opening session.
Probably the toughest task for Baker to this point has been fighting off the temptation to jump in and turn wrenches with the crew. When Baker raced and won the Gainesville event, he didn't enjoy the same luxury.
"A lot of headache has been taken off of me," Baker said. "I guess I could say it's tougher because I want to jump in and help because that's what I'm used to doing, but they have everything covered. There's no room for me except inside the car and that suits me fine."
BAKER STORMS TO QUARTER-FINAL ROUND
Recent Gatornationals champion runs 6.000 in the first round
Joe Baker can't help but feel like a duck out of water this weekend. The current points leader is filling in for Gotham City Racing's Roger Burgess who is away on business during the NHRA O'Reilly Springnationals in Houston, Texas.
Baker, of Milton, Florida, is unaccustomed to a car that drives straight as a string and when the run is over not having to work his fingers to the bone in order to make the next session.
Instead, he's sitting back on the team's golf cart watching the Gotham City Racing crew methodically prepare the 1963 Corvette for each run. In fact, the soft-spoken Baker isn't doing much more than this behind the wheel.
"They have this car running so straight that I feel like I'm driving a Cadillac and not a Pro Modified," Baker said. "They make it easy for me."
The temptation has been there just to turn the wheel a little to make sure in this world of volatile Pro Modifieds that he's driving a normal car. He quickly dashes those thoughts.
"The thought is there to move the wheel just a little to make sure everything is normal," Baker said, showing his trademark smile. "I'm sure everyone feels I'm capable of driving a Pro Modified straight, but I just have to brag on the Gotham City Racing team - they've got this car working so perfect."
Baker entered eliminations as the fourth quickest qualifier [5.981, 241.24] and stopped Tim Tindle in the first round. His 6.000 was the second quickest elapsed time of the opening session.
Probably the toughest task for Baker to this point has been fighting off the temptation to jump in and turn wrenches with the crew. When Baker raced and won the Gainesville event, he didn't enjoy the same luxury.
"A lot of headache has been taken off of me," Baker said. "I guess I could say it's tougher because I want to jump in and help because that's what I'm used to doing, but they have everything covered. There's no room for me except inside the car and that suits me fine."
