2010 Autocross #3

Was it ever hot! But it's still fun.

Videos & Pictures:

Despite an abnormally late start while designer Mike Wirt adjusted the course to deal with a couple problem areas, we were off to a flying start. The course was fast, but tricky, with a number of off-course runs as drivers had problems with a tight turn and two pointer cones, but by the end of the day, everyone got at least one solid timed run. While attendance was at near normal numbers, the layout of the course and the fact that it was relatively fast meant we could speed things up by having two cars on course at the same time. That sped things up quite a bit. With temperatures in the upper 90s, and a blazing sun, we decided to skip the traditional lunch break and run continuously to get off the sizzling hot lot as soon as possible so participants could head to air conditioned comfort early.

Hans O'Malley was back out (sadly, minus Greta). Hans smoked a number of newer cars with a best time of 39.171 in his 1972 300SEL 4.5. In the 16 valve group, Denise Dersin took first with a best time of 35.670 that also netted her overall Ladies FTD. Ted Joseph took second place points, with Bill Stewart taking third. The Vandenbergs were once again no-shows despite having added another 16 valve to their inventory. In the six clyinder group, Ben Weber (who arrived late claiming he forgot about the autocross) took top honors in the "Red Baron" with a very quick 37.272; GWS Pres Bill Hopper took second place points. John Heflin brought out his 1983 500SEC (the growler) and took first (and Mercedes-Benz FTD); newcomer Rick Yepes drove a 1998 SL500 to second, with regular JD Harriman piloting his 1997 SL500 to third, and newcomer Gabriel Yepes taking fourth place points. We saw the Yepes at our Autocross school and were very pleased to see them out for a regular season event. Here's hoping we get to see them on a regular basis. Greg Knoll, who brought out his 2001 SLK320 took top honors in the SLK group followed by GWS Member of the Year Steve Spector in his 2007 SLK350.

We had a good turnout in the other marques ladies group. Regular Barrie Gochman piloted her 2006 Subaru WRX STi to a respectable 37.769 and took top honors among the ladies. Michelle Mazzola (2005 Corvette) took second, with newly licensed Emily Blase out for her very first autocross taking third in her 2003 Nissan Sentra. Darylne Torris, arm in a cast and a sling gamely drove her Mazda Miata to fourth   a determined effort for sure.

In the mens group, Richard Lipsky turned in a fantastic 34.509 that looked like it might net him FTD, but he was edged out by Marty Gallagher whose last run was a blazing 34.442 to give him first place in other marques. Newcomer Michael Adrian drove his 2006 BMW M3 to a stunning 34.551 (on street tires) to take second, with Ron Hougham (back after an absence) taking third in his 1995 BMW M3 (also on street tires) with a run of 34.790. Mike Wirt, who but for a cone would have had FTD, took fourth and regular Mike Kallam (1998 Dodge Neon) rounded out the top five. Carlo Guzman (2006 Honda S2000), Patrick Pereira (2003 Acura NSX), newcomer David Valeri (1994 Mazda Miata), Pete Gochaman (2005 Honda S2000), and Richard Lipsky (1958 Morgan Plus 4/8) rounding out the top ten. There were many non-benz drivers who didn't finish in the top ten, but who still did well on the day. Of particular note was Chris Mazzola who moved from a 2001 SLK320 to a 2005 Corvette – it was good to see Chris and Michelle having fun on the course in the (new to them) Corvette. The Sorrentos, Angelo and Vincent were back with a 2010 Subaru WRX STi, Harry Newman brought out his 1992 Subaru SVX. Newcomers Alexander Jenkins and Ted Eller brought out an E Prepared Honda Civix CRX – don't know if it's true they rescued it from a scrap yard, but they turned in good raw times (their PAX index put them down in the standings). Regular Howard Leiken looked like he was ready to turn in one of those blazing fast runs he's known for, but it just wasn't to be.

We thank all the folks who came out, helped with setup, breakdown, and who took turns at a corner or other course position. A special thanks to the folks who did cone recovery – that was quite a workout made even harder by the heat and humidity. A special thanks to Brad Blase, who did double duty – first getting the trailer out to the lot, then instructing daughter Emily who was out for her first ever autocross. Emily, who still can't drive without someone else in the car also pitched in by working the start twice - thanks Emily. We also have to mention Denise Dersin, Ted Joseph, Bill Stewart, and JD Harriman who did double duty on the course. A big thank you in particular to Sarah Lewis and Tom Burke, who came out just to say hi and stayed to work a corner – that spirit of cameraderie is a big part of what makes GWS autocrosses such great events.

To join in the fun, be sure to check the GWS web site – we expect the next autocross to run as scheduled on July 11, but haven't received final confirmation from James Wood HS. Not sure you want to drive? Come out and watch. And, if you get the itch, many of our drivers are willing to give rides during the practice sessions so you can get a feel for what it's like to autocross.