When we came into the first turn I saw the white Dodge, 2 rows up on the outside (I was on the inside), going sideways. He had all 4 wheels off, but was following the turn around. As he lost speed, he started to point back onto the track and as his tires got grip he rolled in that direction. Unfortuately there was a Porsche right there. The Porsche had no place to go and T-boned him. The Dodge continued to roll across the track and I was unsure where he would wind up. The Porsche was to my left and the Dodge came to a stop about half off/half on, blocking my path.
I was sitting at the very bottom of the hill - couldn't roll up - couldn't roll down. I had been having trouble with the hydraulic clutch and this time the clutch refused to disengage. So I just sat. The track was completely blocked and I was worried about the entire field coming around to start lap 2. The corner workers quickly moved the Porsche, then did the Dodge. Then they gave me a slight push, which was enough to get the car into first gear.
I spent the next lap sizing up the car in front of me. I had straight line speed (He was having engine problems and couldn't get over 6500 rpm), but I was having brake problems and couldn't use all the straightaway. I would pull out to pass and get it half done and have to back off. Luckily, the guy in front of me, Jerry Pintar, was an old friend of mine and we have always raced cleanly. I finally was able to get under him at the entrance to turn 8 where my inside move prevents the outside car from turning in and the long sweeping turn is a good place to use the power.