I went to a fun event, yesterday. One of the few non-SCCA events I have
ever been to. This was the Clemson Sports Car Club, and even though I
wasn't quite the oldest person there (at 41), with my middling experience I
ended up being the old timer. Nearly everyone else was a student. About
45 drivers.
Good course, overall. Middling speed, 50 seconds, with several tight
gates. But not as tight as Nashville SCCA always has - the Nashville folks
love their 9 foot or less gates (yes, I know).
Not a perfect course, though. Better than I could have done, I must say.
Too many trees. An old volvo (one of the early, interesting looking ones)
whacked nose first into a tree. Moderate damage, but the car would still
roll. Everyone - and I mean everyone - had to wander out onto the course
and stare. It took 30 minutes until they realized that the car would roll,
and another 15 to clear the field.
We started a bit late. Showed up on time, but a "bus rodeo" was on the
lot, and the parking reservations guy had no recollection of CSCC's
reservation. VERIFY YOUR RESERVATIONS! It was nearly 2:00 before the
first car was off.
Much more casual than our SCCA autocrosses. Not much of a drivers meeting.
One of the loaner helmets looked like a football helmet. Work was not
required, and there were few corner workers. I was one of only three or
four folks that walked the course (there was a drive through, though). The
course kept evolving through the first heat, as people kept DNF-ing, and
cones were added or moved, and they did a second drive through part way
through the first heat.
But, as I said, I had a blast. Really nice folks, beautiful warm weather.
I had a passenger for all 5 runs. These guys were really amazed at what a
well set up car could do. I was nearly two seconds faster than anyone
else, with the exception of the A Mod car (which I think DROVE to the
event. Really). I know that you only get faster when you are around
faster people, but it sure is nice to drive with slow folks once in a
while! <g>
Chris Eckles
White M Roadster
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