Course Layout A bit confusing with all the criss-cross and pylons in the middle of the course, but a fun course to drive.

Videos:   Videos & Pictures by Harry Newman  |  John Heflin's Runs   |  Brian Layer's runs  |  Hans O'Malley's run

We were all cheered to have Joe Wozney back with us (but on light duty). Bobbi, we swear he didn't lift anything heavier than a Starbucks coffee cup.

With 32 registered participants, the field was a little light; Mike Wirt's “Are We There Yet?” course was a big change from past courses. In some ways it was a typical Mike Wirt course with cones everywhere – the figure eight in the middle (run twice in different directions) caused more than a little consternation, but the course turned out to be a fun (if challenging) drive despite more than the usual number of off-course runs. Given the small turnout and a relatively fast course, Joe decided to give everyone four runs. That had an impact on the day, but we were still done by 4:30. The 50/50 raffle was back and participation was up – a good thing as the autocross drink fund was getting a little low.

The Mercedes-Benz veterans group was ably represented by Debbie Hirtes and her 1967 230SL and Hans O'Malley with his 1972 300SEL 4.5. We could use a few more of these “veteran” Mercedes-Benz cars to make things a little more interesting for Debbie and Hans.

The 16 valve group was back to full strength, and things were back to normal as Denise Dersin once again ran a fast 52.248 to finish first and take Ladies Fastest Time of Day. Ted Joseph edged Bill Stewart for second place with a very nice 53.182 that was also good for Mercedes-Benz Gentlemens Fastest Time of Day. While Bill Stewart struggled with this course, he still took first place in the annual points total race by being the first to complete five events. Paul T. Vandenberg (the younger Paul) was out with his son, Ben Vandenberg, and ran a 56.246 to finish fourth. As usual, Paul D. Vandenberg (the older Paul) finished fifth.

In the six-cylinder class, the irrepressible Ben Weber was absent and last year's champion, Jim Smith, ran a respectable 55.795 to nail down first place. Bill Hopper took second. Ben Weber holds a narrow 1 point lead in the annual points race so first place is still up for grabs. GWS VP John Heflin had the V8 class all to himself while Henry and Laurie Harrell were transporting their daughter to college. John provided plenty of entertainment on his way to a best time of 54.691. Daughter delivery duties done, Henry and Laurie showed up as we were returning from lunch. Being the gracious folks they are, they stayed to help even though they weren't driving. Steve Spector ran unopposed in the SLK group for another 10 point finish. Since this was also Steve's fifth event, he holds the annual points lead in the SLK group. Jim Glenn also ran unopposed in the AMG group – that makes it tough for Richie Crim since he would have to win all three remaining events to take the lead from Jim.

In the “Other Marques” Ernest Campana was back with a new (to him) 1994 Honda Civic that was tricked out and very fast. Ernest's best time of 47.753 was almost three seconds faster than anyone else. That time earned him both first place and Fastest Time of Day. Mike Wirt finished second with a best time of 50.574. Marty Gallagher finished third, and phenom Brett Hack drove his 1990 Miata to another fourth place finish – how does he do it? Howard Leiken, who ran the day's third fastest time in his 2005 Corvette finished fifth. Steve Mitchell back after an absence finished sixth in a new 2009 Mini Cooper S. Other top finishers included Juan Guzman, Brian Soskey, and Harry Newman. Ernest's father, Rinaldo Campana, finished tenth. Other notables: Patrick Pereira continues to make steady progress with his (very sweet) 2003 Acura NSX. We also welcomed a couple newcomers: father and son team Alain and Braden Drooz in their 2005 Acrua TSX. Braden, a newly licensed driver, showed marked improvement and ended up with a nice clean final run to come within four-tenths of a second of his father's best time. Father and son team John and Bob Robinson, GWS regulars, were also on hand but only for the morning sessions. Other GWS first timers included Matthew Solomond (2008 Honda S2000) and Matt Smith (1993 Mustang GT). Matthew Zint was back with his super clean 1976 Porsche 914 – we hope to see more of Matthew and his increasingly rare Porsche.