The event started off with a tech inspection. All
cars were inspected, loose items were removed, and
safety equipment was checked. Teching the 20+ cars
went pretty quickly, but the time it took gave
participants an opportunity to meet the instructors and
calm their nerves. |
Especially important for first time participants,
instructor Lance Hogarth provided some valuable insight
into the nuances of the track during an hour-long track
walk. His advice included where to brake and to
turn in, and especially where to expect hidden
challenges. |
Here, Lance explains how the concrete barriers at the
end of turn 10 seem to converge to sandwich the car
between the proverbial "rock and a hard
place." |
OK, maybe they aren't that narrow. |
OK, maybe it wasn't really a track walk ... it was more
of a track drive. |
Michael hosts the mandatory safety meeting, where course
conduct, flags, and passing rules are explained to all
drivers before they head out. |
The first group of intrepid drivers head out, with
instructors (for the first-timers) safely belted in the
passenger seats. |
Passing was permitted only on the straights, and only
when such intentions had been communicated and
acknowledged. So far, so good ... |
First timers soon found out that corner 10 only seems
as narrow as Lance said it was. |
|
In the only (in)significant altercation of the day,
Laurel Rudolph
managed to find the rhubarb just past turn 8. And
once again, Laurel proves
that nothing brings out more onlookers than a shiny new
Porsche.
|
Hubby (and driving instructor) John surveys the
situation ... |
... and calls for a bit of assistance to extricate
Laurel's Boxster (and Laurel) from the mud.
Apparently, Porsche had anticipated this sort of
situation when they thoughtfully installed a removable
tow hook on every model. |
In the end, the damage amounted to nothing more than a
bit of mud. (Time to turn to detailing guru Ike
Moola for some advice.) |
By the way Laurel, you may want to read this sign at the
end of pit row more carefully next time. |
As has been tradition for the past few years, All Beef
Catering slow-roasted the better part of a cow in their
mobile cooker (pictured on site at the back of the
concession area). |
The food was great - hot, juicy roast beef accompanied
by fresh, crisp salads and homemade baked beans.
(Watch out for the horse radish, though - its a wee bit
hot). |
The lunch break also provided a bit of debriefing time.
What was that, Ed? How late can you brake and turn
into corner 1? |
Things got back underway after lunch ...
|
And as the venerable Jackie Stewart would have said,
"what a great, great afternoon it was for a
motorcar event." |
"Say, Bob, these paddle shifters aren't that
difficult to operate after all." |
Staying close to the clipping point in turn 7. |
A recap wouldn't be complete without expressing our
thanks to the course-workers (pictured here enjoying
lunch) ... |
... and expressing our special thanks to Michael
Stevenson, who organized and executed a flawless Driver
Education event once again this year. |
