Once again I was
reminded why I enjoy autocrossing so much. It started out as a lousy
day. I forgot the keys to my car. The timing equipment went on the
blink. One of the folks helping to set up the event didn't want to do
everything my way. About 15 people showed up 5 minutes before
registration closed. Somebody ripped out one of the wires from the timing
system accidentally. The course had a bump in it that no one noticed until
a couple of stiff suspension flew over it. The people that we share
access to the lot with had seventy million people so we had to keep
stopping the event to let them in and out. My mood was definitely going in
the wrong direction. But -- it was 75 degrees and sunny. Rob Leone
showed me how to steal -- I mean open -- a Miata with a hardtop using the
hood support rod from a WRX (Subaru supports us in many ways;-).
Everyone was pitching in and helping with switching cables and testing the
timing lights. People were showing up for their work assignments on time.
No one was complaining because of the delays. Dave Hess was having a
great time announcing. The course was fun to drive (except for the
bump). We had lots of spectators who seemed to really be enjoying
watching an autocross. The 72 drivers each got 6 runs plus lots and lots
of reruns thanks to the timing equipment. The SAE team from Rutgers
showed up with four pretty good drivers and showed us a very interesting
car. They even pitched in with a soldering iron and some solder when I
need to rebuild a cable. The SAE car walked away with the FTD award.
Grace Huntzinger mastered the timing system and is becoming the timing
system guru. There was a lot of smiling going on. Some of the classes
had some really close competition. Check out the STX times. Many class
winners were not determined until the last run.
The SJR/Subaru
Challenge was once again a close contest and the winners enjoyed taking
home some cash. I'd still like to know who invited the SJR/Subaru
Challenge winner Jeff Jacobs to this event;-) It was a pleasure to watch
him make that Mini go. Our course designer Andre Downey took home 2nd
place. I know that sounds a little suspicious. Someone did mention that
Subaru's have lots of suspension travel for the bump in his course -- just
joking. I totally trashed John Borden by .001 seconds to take third over
his fourth and Larry Strahorn took home the fifth place money.
It was great to
see all of the folks hanging around after the awards ceremony to bs and
help put away all of the equipment. What started out as a down day ended
up being a very fine day. Thanks to everyone who participated for
providing me with a reminder of why I enjoy autocrossing. It's the
people. See you at the next event in October.