Re: 2012 - NCCAR (Track and AutoCross weekend) Sign-In
Well I’ve been working like crazy since I got back, but tonight I finally had some time to write a little something about this wonderful event. To begin with, I can’t thank Simon Cobb and the people at NCCAR enough times for allowing our Club to come and use their facilities. One of the main reasons I choose to hold this at NCCAR was greatly in part to the open arms I received when describing who we are, the Club and our cars. Simon was genuinely interested in our Crossfire’s running the track and seeing what they are capable of doing. Being that most of us are basically beginners at this type of thing, they made us feel very welcome and accommodated our every need, including a place to keep our belonging, a working service bay and all the comforts anyone could ask for. The food they provided was great and their assistance in the entire event was extremely gracious.
The second big “Thank You” goes out to the folks at Asphalt Ventures. Stacy, Chuck and Dan kept us all in sink from the classrooms to the track, meeting up with our instructors, setting up the autocross and showing us the best line around the road course. The Friday night Pace Laps really helped to set our minds to the task of driving the next day. It was crazy watching Chuck take that V-Dub around the course at those speeds and not have the things roll over, lol. Saturday morning started right in on track time and classroom lectures. I was fortunate to be in the first group to get out on the course. My instructor, Rick, was the greatest guy. After only two laps he had me running at speeds of 105 down the straights. I never felt more secure having someone with his experience sitting beside me to teach me the ropes. The rest of the day was spent going back and forth from the classroom to learn more techniques and then back out on the track for about 40 minutes to put that info to the test. Many people spend lunch talking with their instructors and even going for a ride in their cars. I know Ray got to ride in a Z06 with his instructor and they just tore up the track. Everyone was extremely nice and all commented on how well we did as first timer’s and said they would gladly come back and work with us again. I’ve been to many events, and the Dragon is fun, don’t get me wrong, but this was by far the most fun you could ever imagine having in your Crossfire. These cars just stuck to the road like they were glued there. I only had to let off a few times in the corners, and these cars just pulled themselves right back in the groove. I think the cars enjoyed being driven just as much as we enjoyed driving them. The information I gained about driving, safety and handling my Crossfire was without a doubt, worth every penny.
My next big ‘Thanks” goes out to Fred. He gave everything he had to offer, and then some, to help each and every one of us with our cars. , from tightening our lugs between runs, to servicing our cars. Fixing Chas’s battery cable…lol (great story there!!!), to Tom’s slipped belt, to Tony’s car dropping into limp mode for a while, to changing fluids, checking front end aliagnments, differential fluid changes, etc, etc, etc… Without Fred’s help and expertise at this event, I think a few of us would have been at a loss with our cars or we would still be sitting in NC at the local shop, watching some mechanic ask us “what kind of car is this again”, but seriously…. Thank You Fred!!!! You can come and join us anytime you want my friend.
I guess the last, but not least of my Thanks, goes out to our sponsors and those who helped all along the way. To Ray, Chas and Tony - for giving up a few days of your time to make the ride down to NCCAR and assist in setting this up. To Grace, my wife, for dealing with me over the past year, my late nights planning a budget, making time schedules, filing paperwork, reading contracts, etc. To Pricilla West at our host hotel, John Johnson at Johnson Chrysler for some very nice goodie bag items, Adam and Dylan at Adam’s Polishes and all those who lent a hand to help out. Thank You all, again.
My final note…. Someone said to me after this was over if there was any regrets. The answer… the regrets would be for those who couldn’t make it. They missed out on an extraordinary opportunity and only hope they can make it to the next one.