I spent Friday and Saturday as part of a pit crew for a friends cousin, who
is taking the SCCA drivers course. This was to be John's second class for
racing, and would give him enough hours for his novice license if he were to
pass. There were four of us, one driver and three crew, all of us from mid
40's to early 50's. The driver, John, is the oldest. So much for the mid
life crises syndrome. However, half of the field was in the same age group.
We arrived at 7 pm Friday after experiencing a blowout on the tow vehicle
during rush hour traffic on 495 just outside Boston, what a treat! While
John went to the evening pre training meeting, we prepped the car for
Saturday's event. The car is an 81 Mazda RX 7 with roll cage, fuel cell and
all of the required safety and racing equipment. The roll cage surrounds the
driver and the entry opening is slightly larger than the side window. The
driver, John, is 6'5 and 290 lbs. It was very interesting to watch John
enter and exit the car. We were making side bets as to who would last
longer, John or the car. Both barely made it.
There was just about every type of car imaginable at the event. From
Fiesta's to a Viper. There was a white TR6 that was running well. I tried
but failed to hook up with the TR6 individual but his events were running
when we were pitting the car. There was also a 60's something sprite that
was flying around the course.
Saturday, 8 AM sharp everything begins and what a hectic day it was. The day
was sunny and warm. John, in his fire retardant long underwear and padded
flame suit was also sunny and warm. The training was well organized with
instructors both observing what was happening on the track and in vehicles
along side the students during the events. It is held on a 1.3 mile road
course and began with 3 laps then 5 then 10 to 15 for the remainder of the
day. After each heat a class critique was held. John, ended up with 3 hours
and 53 minutes of intense track time, plus several hours of class time.
Between events we retorqued wheels, checked and topped off fluids, washed
windshields. added and somestimes spilled fuel (quite nervous about that
one). We battled with an overheating problem all day in addition to an oil
consumption problem that developed later. If the car were to become
undrivable, the rest of the day's training is forfeited, and another class
would have to be taken. All in all it was a very busy day. The people at
the event were very friendly and helpful. Spare parts and advice were
offered if needed or asked for.
The events themselves were great to watch, especially after the initial
jitters were overcome. By the end of the day some of the cars were mixing it
up pretty good. There were a lot of spin outs and overruns. There were no
injuries, but one driver with previous experience who was getting training
for a faster class, ran a brand new transam backwards along the wall at about
a 100. The car was pretty well totaled.
The events ended at 6 PM and a picnic for everyone was included in the venue.
At the picnic, course certificates were handed out, and those that did well
were signed off and allowed to move on to the novice class. John,
unfortunately didn't do well enough and was advised to take another course to
get more confidence. 8 PM back on the road for the four and half hour ride
home. Needless to say I slept quite well last night.
The entry level vehicle class that John is in, is meant to be kept simple in
order to keep costs down. Almost everything is kept stock. Even so, by the
end of the day the radiator had a hole in it, the oil cooler had a leak, the
windshield picked up a stone and had a crack, and the engine either blew a
seal or cracked a wiper (rotary engine) and needs repair or a rebuild. Not
to mention the fuel, hotel room, blown tire, worn track tires, etc., not a
sport to be taken up lightly. It makes boating seem inexpensive.
The next SCCA training course is June 11 at Lime Rock but John won't have his
car ready in time. The next one is in the fall at Watkins Glen. He may try
to make that one and if I have the time, I'll try to pit for him again. It
was a great experience and one that most would enjoy if you like cars.
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