Oldest but not Slowest

After something like 4 years and 40,000 brake jobs, I finally found myself back on the track.  (Well, ok, it's not really a track, it's more a course, but when I brag to my buddies, it's a track!)  What am I talking about?  Auto-crossing, of course!

The BCCC arranged another slalom at the Driver Training Center in Pitt Meadows on Saturday, attracting not only Corvettes but a number of Subarus, a couple of Porsches, a Fiero or two, an S2000, and a Beemer.  The drivers appeared to be a mix of BCCCers and UBC car clubbers.  I'm not sure where the two drivers driving the propane 'vette came from - other than Victoria - but boy were they fast!  At the time I left, I think that their car, with an approximate 40 second lap time, was the fastest of all the cars.  And I think the S2000 was second fastest!

Actually this was my second autocross in four years, the first coming at Pemberton during the fantastic Thunder in the Mountains.  I loved it, and after the nerves calmed down a bit, I think I - and the car - performed pretty damned well.

There were less nerves this time as I headed out on to the admittedly tight track - that's what every, even the Subaru drivers, were saying: the course was tight.  And it was, especially the two right-hand turns that formed the apex of the far part of the course.  However, despite some serious close calls, I never did peg off that end cone.  Other cones - well they weren't so lucky.

Despite the squealing, the occasional side-ways sliding, and the almost complete wipeout of the stop box, I did manage to improve my times every run in the morning.  Granted, I'm sure it wasn't as pretty as the Porsche GT3 on slicks - man that was a beautiful car to watch - or even as fast as the 1975 Porsche, but my runs weren't the slowest of the combatants and I know I kicked some C4 butt - and maybe even some offshore butt too!

Please forgive my ugly competitiveness!

Unfortunately, my day did end early, as I lost my clutch on the way to Subway!  Or at least, I noticed it during the lunch break.  Rather than do more damage, I retired my ride, watched another set of runs (when Vic made the course a little less tight), then limped home.  Despite the setback, I am very glad I came out.  It makes me want to (fix my clutch, yes, but also) upgrade the suspension and steering, and get some better tires (not slicks - that'll put me way out of contention).

When does next season start?

August 27, 2011 Autocross

Twenty seven drivers arrived at the Pitt Meadows Driving Centre for a hot day of Autocross.  Each driver got to drive five runs in the morning.  At lunch time we altered the course to make it a little more Corvette friendly by allowing more speed.  Another four runs were achieved by each driver before we melted into the pavement and called it a day.  The fast car was the race prepared propane fired Corvette of Jim Sandwith, he really scorched the track.

Key volunteers to make this event tick included Gary Clarke, Marie Wheway, Rosalie Sinden, Stewart Heyes and Jeanie Robb.  No trophies were provided, but every driver left with huge smiles and a great feeling of satisfaction for a day of bonding with their car.   

-Vic

Pemberton Autocross

August 21, 2011

21 intrepid Corvette drivers, along with 2 Subaru and 2 Porsche drivers enjoyed the autocross challenge at Pemberton airport.  Through the efforts of club volunteers nine runs were taken through the day.  Paul McAlduff of Tireland, along with Toyo sponsorship, supplied trophies and prizes to the group.  Winners included Suzette Keller and Sylvia Rouse in the hotly contested ladies classes.  Gord Westren in his race prepared 85 red Corvette was the fast time of the day, followed closely by John Annon.  Trophy winner in Class 3 was Jim Burt, with Joseph Pelle second.  Class 4 honors were taken by Blair Degenstein, Class 5 by Dan Mouldey, Class 6 by Vic Nightscales, SS by Chris King in his ZR1, and Race Class by Gord Westren.

Thanks to Rosalie Sinden, Susan and Don Williams, Marie Wheway and Stewart Heyes for making the event run, and allowing all the drivers a fun time.

- Vic

BCCC Cruise

18 members along with 14 Guests in 18 Corvettes enjoyed a scenic Cruise through the Fraser Valley on August 28th. Numerous door prizes were presented to those lucky winners.
We ended up at the Aquadel Golf Course in Cultus Lake for dinner on the patio.
Thanks to Ken Butcher and Paz for a fun well organized day.

Tim