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Who said rain can’t be fun? Just ask one of the 54 drivers that attended the BMC event at Glasgow High School . They’ll tell you that rain is just as fun as dry! (minus the wet socks, of course)

They were no shortage of challenges, that’s for sure. The combination of the changing weather conditions, a deceivingly challenging course, and split heat runs left me thinking “THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER”. However, the results were spectacular. To watch the skill and adaptive driving techniques of all the drivers was amazing. (Whether they knew they were doing it or not). I’ve often been hesitant to take my Miata out in the rain for normal driving, but thanks to autocross, not any longer. Every time I run in the rain I get an understanding of my car that not only applies to the rain, but teaches me something about dry conditions too!

Let me start by giving credit where credit is due. Marshall Machado and Doug Odell were the waterproof glue that held the event together. Split heat runs were a fair solution that helped keep the workers in place and kept the enthusiasm to run high. Larry Strahorn’s course design was fantastic, with the exception of the “Dreaded Hairpin” which Marshall willingly admitted he changed to allow for more paddock area.

But don’t round up the lynch mob yet! Marshall actually did us all a favor. Not only did he add an area to Larry’s design that was challenging, he also created a teaching tool for accuracy which challenged everyone to think about what they were doing (not to mention an awesome photo opportunity). This was typified by several drivers who found a way to make that corner quick.

Starting with C. Maassen In his Crown Vic who had to be extremely precise to get through that hairpin without mauling the point cone. He did it with style and precision, placing first in FS. As a matter fact, throughout the day we had a minimum of 4 police cars visit the site. I’m sure they were not only taking notes, but they were thinking about recruiting him as well.

I don’t think anyone will forget the skill and bravery of Rich Prutzer in his every faithful Yugo. Rich is in a class by himself, literally, and has the driving skills to prove it. In all seriousness, I was thoroughly impressed by the times he put down in that car and the expertise with which he handled it. If you watched him in the staging line you saw the focus in his eyes and it showed on the course. This is a car and a driver that is worth watching!

W. Steele, seemingly a student of Marcus Grönholm, wasted no time in converting this event into a rally. He would pick a point in a turn and pivot his Camry like a pro. I’m pretty sure he pulled a muscle in his face from grinning so much, I sure hope that heals before the next event! Hopefully someone from the WRC is reading this and is writing up a contract for him right now.

I also must give Kudos to every other driver, including the corvette drivers, some of whom used their rallying skills and power to whip their cars around like an amusement park ride. Everyone handled themselves like champs, and learned a lot in the process. All except for the drivers of the 2 Minis who was seen talking to each other in the paddock, scratching their heads, and saying “What Hairpin?”

The results of the event, listed on http://www.autox4u.com , showed there was a great deal of improvement from all the drivers. The course allowed for many areas to make up time and keep your lines tight. Some people, including myself, found themselves off course, but used the experience to better their next run. The lesson learned for me was “LOOK AHEAD” and make you’re walk through time and course work count. The winners of each class certainly did. Here are their times with special recognition going to “Fellow Nerd” Mike Louie with the Fastest Time of the Day (in bold):

Class	Name	Car	Best Time
AS	C. Woolard	03 Evo	53.445
ASP	P. Wayman	01 911 T	52.995
BS	L. Strahorn	02 P Box	55.317
BSP	G. Gantt	95 BMW	55.397
CS	G. Golden	02 Miata	56.689
CSP	J. Rogerson Jr	91 CRX Si	55.34
DM	S. Foster	93 Del Sol	55.653
DS	M. Hawley	02 Au S4	52.215
EP	J. Watson	84 BMW	58.713
FS	C. Maassen	93 Ford	60.83
GS	R. Evans	03 Mini S	54.334
HS	R. Prutzer	87 Yugo	65.593
SM	B. Hausmann	94 BMW	56.402
SM2	R. Norman	90 Miata	57.028
SS	D. Sanders	02 ZO6	54.657
STS	M. Louie	00 Civic Si	51.154
STX	K. Roche	02 Impreza	52.258

VERY Honorable mention goes to Bill Pendlebury who, in his first autocross, laid down some quick and consistent times. Of course, I’m a little biased because he drives a Miata, but it’s still quite impressive. Way to go “WHEEATA”! We all hope to see you at more events in the area.

I also want to thank the course workers who braved the event with their rain coats, ponchos, and umbrellas to keep all the cones in the upright position. Not to mention the fact that a large portion of the drivers stayed to work the course so that the last heat could be manned. Everyone handled themselves with professionalism, safety, and good humor. Including one worker who’s “foot flip” handling of a cone was nearly as impressive as the driving happening on the course!

For more pictures from the event, visit http://nerdsgallery.endofinternet.org/ If you see any pictures you like and would like to have for yourself, email my wife or myself at Rebecca.Reinsmith@verizon.net or Matthew.Reinsmith@verizon.net and we’ll be happy to get the full size photos to you.

Also, take a minute to join the Nerds Forum, we would love to chat with you about anything from racing to what movies you like to watch. Go to http://nerdsforum.endofinternet.org/ amongst all the other great topic groups is a forum set aside specifically for the BMC.

Thanks to everyone for making my first visit to a BMC event a truly memorable one. The smiles and friendly atmosphere were a worthy substitute for the sun.

Keep your hands on the wheel, your foot to the floorboards, and your eyes on the next turn.

-M

| Results | Photos | Schedule |

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Favorite Links:

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South Jersey SCCA

AUTOX4U.COM

Honda-Tech.com

ImprovedTouring.com

WheelWeights.net

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