This was the first event of the season, and as
usual the day began with the search for a space to call my own
for the day. The paddock was already well inhabited when I
arrived, but I grabbed a spot near the tech inspection area.
The Paddock
Tech Inspection
After I registered, I pulled out my magnetic
numbers, and got ready for tech inspection. I felt right at home
pulling my helmet out and making one last check of the interior
for loose objects to be removed. In no time my car looked ready
for action, and I took my place in the Tech Inspection line.
Once my card was teched, I took my first look at
the course. Although each course is unique, there was still a
sense of familiarity to the scene.
The Course, Viewed From the Paddock
The Course, Viewed From the Far End
As I took my first course walk, I felt my heart
beat just a little faster. Was it the adrenaline? Perhaps it was
just the fact that I hadn't walked that much since the final
event last fall.
Before long it was time for the drivers' meeting.
I found myself listening very closely to all the things I have
heard so many times before. I never really noticed how integral
to the experience this meeting is for me.
The Driver's Meeting
A Gaggle of Novices
I was very impressed with the Novice turnout. Nearly a third of the participants chose this class for their home.
As the novices were taken out for their tutored
course-walk, there was the usual flurry of jokes about who's not
allowed to go along for the benefit of the extra insights. After
five years I still found myself wondering what pearls of wisdom
they would hear that I would miss.
21 SS: Judy Schoonmaker
Before I knew it we were off and running! Here's
Judy showing no signs of having to warm back up to driving.
141 FSN: Luong Tran
Here's one of the many Novices on course with an
instructor along for advice. I can hear it now: "Slow is
fast, Fast is slow!"
5 GS: Dave Shoenberger
Here's Dave under heavy breaking in the Probe.
178 ST: Scott Rudolph
Here is our only Sport Truck entry for the day.
The extra-light tail must require quite a different technique.
247 CP: Chris Heiney
This was one of the more strangely classed cars
on course. I want to know what they did to this caddy that put it
in the Prepared category! (Actually, I hear this was a season
points issue.)
47 ASP: John Crowley
Here's John in a very nice looking Street
Prepared car, apparently taking a novice along to (hopefully)
show him or her how it's done.
61 DSP: Tina Reeves
There goes Tina! I can tell it's her because her
helmet isn't sticking out through the T-tops.
17 BM: Ron Fish
Ron & Brad Fish's Modified car is a very
familiar sight. I don't think I would feel at home without it.
202 AM: Gerald Faber
Here is Rochester Institute of Technology's
Formula S.A.E. car. This car also shows up every year, but
because it is a class project, it's not really the same car each
time. I understand they start over each year.
200 AM: Ken Muench
It wouldn't be a class project if you didn't let
the whole class drive it!
22 Cart: Nicolas Schoonmaker
Here is a new sight for Finger Lakes Region, and
indeed SCCA. Hey, if we can run our cars on their go-cart tracks,
they can certainly run their go-carts on our autocross courses!
50 CP: Bob Pozniakas
Poz has been campaigning this car for quite a
while. This year he has some new competition.
27 CP: Tim Rizzo
Here is Tim driving John Greathead's newly
modified autocross veteran Mustang. I've never seen this car look
so good.
37 CP: John Greathead
Here's John getting used to his new and improved
CP screamer. You can see the generous amounts of negative camber
in the new suspension setup. He and Tim both did quite well
considering the engine work isn't done yet.
All I can say is that I wish someone was there to take a picture of my car in action.
Page maintained by Mike Stutzman, stutz@earthling.net Last updated: 12/04/03 04:11 PM