"THERE WAS NEVER A HORSE THAT COULDN'T BE RODE,
AND NEVER A RIDER THAT COULDN'T BE THROW'D"
I personally don't give a damn if the event is sanctioned by CSRG,
HMSA, SCCA, IMSA, CART, NASCAR, FIA, or the Soap Box Derby
Association. The "driver", in getting onto the course, has
theoretically attained a level of competency consistent with the event
in which he participates, in a vehicle that has theoretically been
inspected and declared within the parameters for that event. The
difference between a "Professonal" and "Amateur" driver is nothing
more than being compensated for driving. Is Stirling Moss suddenly an
"amateur" because he's driving at the Monterey Historics? I think not!
However, he's occupying the same piece of asphalt that's being
occupied by a "non-compensated" driver.
The "concept" of vintage racing is that "The Cars Are The Stars". Some
sanctioning bodies obviously comply with that concept moreso than
others. Other sanctioning bodies may allow contact in the course of
the event "as the price of doing business". The only event I know of
where contact is openly condoned is called "Destruction Derby".
I make every attempt to stay within my capabilities and within the
capabilities of my car when I'm racing. I attempt to see what's coming
up behind me, signal that driver where to pass when I can, and give
the overtaking car the right-of-way (Key Note: that doesn't mean I
necessarily give up the line; it means I'm giving up the
right-of-way... BIG DIFFERENCE). I don't see everyone back there, and
I only hope that the "faster car/driver", in planning and executing
his pass, does so with a plan of what he's going to do should I not
see him and grant the right-of-way. What shall we call that: Defensive
Racing? If your NOT doing that, then please arrive at the races early
so you can get the Pole Position in the grandstands! I don't relish
the idea of being on the same track as you.
None of us are perfect: we all make mistakes. That's one of the
pre-requisites for being human. Vintage racing can, in fact, exaberate
the potential for disaster because of the mixture of cars and drivers.
I've competed with 3 wheel Morgans and Indy cars dating from the
teens, to full race prepared cars that lap 20 seconds a lap faster
than I; all on the same track at the same time. Race promoters attempt
to make fields comperable, but it's not a perfect world.
I know what I, and my car, are capable of. To make a safe racing pass
is extremily gratifying.
My last race at Thunder Hill I chased Sue Quackenbush for two laps to
get into positon for a pass going into turn 9. I had practiced 'off
line' cornering in nine and knew it was a safe place to pass. The cars
were so equal in performance that neither of us had the ability to get
away from the other. Out of turn 8 I went "side-by", and didn't lift
until I was ahead. Was that a safe pass? ABSOLUTELY! I had studied
Sue's driving and knew what she was going to do. She knew I was there,
and I had a plan on what I would do if..............
I enjoy this sport to the degree that I sacrifice other interests to
participate. I would much rather spend my time and money preparing for
the next event than repairing damage from the last one. To quote Dan
Gurney from long ago: "You have to finish to win". To that, one could
add:, "You can't finish if your the first person to the scene of the
accident!".
Carl McLelland
CSRG #247, series 1 Sunbeam Alpine
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