Actually, the guy on the phone was really John Kelly, hustling after the
folks who can help...I just sat and cheered.
--Pat K
----------
>From: "Runnion, Ed" <Ed_Runnion@regionofdoom.com>
>To: "'ba-autoX@autox.team.net'" <ba-autoX@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Sunday Musings
>Date: Mon, Mar 4, 2002, 1:44 PM
>
> First off, THANKS to everyone who pitched in to make the event run so well
>yesterday. Barry and I couldn't have done it without ya!
>
>>How did you do the weather like that?
>
>Katie worked her magic :^)
>
>>How did you get the entire population of a medium city through by sunset?
>
>I'm still wondering that myself :^).
>
>BTW, I'm guessing 345 participants.
>
>Re: Cop Car Runs
>
>>That was definitely one of the more... shall we say...
>>amusing experiences I've had at an autocross and it
>>was my first ride in the back of a police car <hehe>!
>>At the finish his partner said "and that's why I don't
>>let him drive". They both had blast. I feel awful as I
>>forgot their names already, nice guys though. That car
>>certainly had no problem spinning the wheels. I can't
>>really imagine having to chase another car in that
>>thing, it's definitely A LOT of vehicle.
>
>Just FYI : The Ford Crown Vic (which is what that cop car was) is about
>150-200 lbs LIGHTER than my Impala SS (around 4050-4100 lbs with the cop
>equip but no people, vs about 4250-4300 in my "running trim" yesterday with
>no people). It also has an inherently slightly better rear suspension setup
>than my car (Watts vs 4-link). Granted, I am up about 60 HP and 60 ft-lbs
>(plus better gearing, and obviously a lot better tires) versus that cop car.
>
>I ran a 43.9 for my best time yesterday, which I'm pretty happy with.
>Finally got my rear suspension re-sorted out, so I could power out of the
>turns a whole lot better than some of my recent suspension "experiments".
>
>>Of course, officer Motorola is very difficult to run from!
>
>:^).
>
>Remind me sometime, and I'll try and find the news video clip of the Impala
>SS that OUTRAN the cops in Oklahoma (and "cops" includes the Police/News
>HELICOPTERS as well....one giving chase had to give up because the
>Helicopter motor was overheating from running at WOT for so long!!). It
>never got published, but the SS was clocked at 157 MPH at the end of a long
>straight (as confirmed by one of the OK State Police officers involved in
>the chase)! The Crown Vics could "sorta" catch him in a few turns
>(inexperienced SS driver, experienced cop drivers) but every time they hit a
>straight again the SS would just leave them like they were standing still!
>
>I believe the SS finally got caught because of spike strips or running out
>of gas! Like you said, you can't outrun Motorola....eventually :^).
>
>Re : Gate Position
>
>This one was sorta thrown at us (as Event Chairs) at the last minute (thus
>why it wasn't on the sign-up sheet at registration at all, and as event
>chairs we were having to constantly try and dig up folks to do it). For a
>"first try", I'd say it worked pretty damn well.....and a BIG thanks to
>Michelle for getting it going in the morning! It WILL be a fixture at
>all future events, per the SCCA National Office.
>
>I am sure it will run a lot better at the next event.
>
>Re: The Insurance thing
>
>As Jerry mentioned, this event came closer than most realize to not
>happening at all. Oakland Coliseum decided Thurs night (late, after
>national SCCA office was closed) that they wanted different wording on the
>certificate. There was a BLIZZARD in Denver (where the national SCCA
>office is for now) on Friday....thus almost no one in the office! Let's
>just say it took a LOT of footwork by John and Pat Kelly, which included
>Steve Johnson himself getting involved, to get it sorted out! Next time
>you see the Kellys, tell them thanks!
>
>Re: Course Design
>
>Thank Barry for it. I agree, that was an AWESOME course! Only tight
>spot I saw was right at the start, where folks kept hitting that one cone
>before the timers. But, I made three runs in MY car without hitting it, so
>if I can make it thru there then anyone can :^).
>
>Ed Runnion Santa Clara CA
>mailto:Ed_Runnion@RegionOfDoom.com
>96 Chevy Impala SS (not stock), #984 ESP
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