Write-up:

The SAAC-MCR held an opentrack event at GingerMan Raceway. A few of us left Sunday night, and camped at the track. We arrived at about 10:30, and walked the track using a Mag-lite at 11:00pm, but couldnt see anything. I was sleeping outside till about 2:00am when it started drizzling on my face, so I slept in the Lightning (not very comfortable with the center seatbelts jabbing you).

Monday, we were awakened by new people pulling in. There were about 40 registered drivers (thanks Illinoise and Indiana, to fill up the grid). Got ready and opened up tech. Several of us Detroit members ran tech, thanks guys. The weather sucked. It was gloomy and got worse all morning. Slight annoying drizzle, until a heavy drizzle (not RAIN, but very heavy drizzle). Many of us went out between the medium/heavy drizzle. I had my "rain" tires, old G-forces :-) Needless to say, I spent a LOT of time driving on the grass :-)

We broke for lunch (only 3 cars went out in the last run group just before lunch) so we had lunch early. Some decided to write off the day and packed up and went home. WRONG MOVE! It got clearer and clearer all day, until finally the track was bone dry and great.

Due to the limited number of participants (40), and we paid $5 per driver to have cornerworkers supplied by the track (great deal), we got 3 run groups with 7 (yes SEVEN) run sessions at 20 minutes. There was a wide array of drivers there, as well as cars. BMW, Porsche, Lotus, Mustang, Vettes, Dodge Shelby's (yeah, I guess they are still with the Shelby club....hmmmm). I instructed a driver in a 1984 SVO (body) with a Boss 302 and 6-speed dynoed at 485hp. THAT was a cool ride!

Several cars went out in the afternoon with overheat/radiator problems. Only one BMW went home on a hook. Seemed to me like 25% of the field was not running by the end of the day. It was overcast and 76'F outside, so not sure why the overheating. Luckily, noone hit anything, and we had a safe day. In the rain, we had a lot of "sod driving", but in the afternoor, it was pretty much under control. I was running with the Porsche (ok, he pulled a "few" car lengths on me in 2 laps). That was fun. He was surprised that I was still in his mirrors :-) I "lost it" on turn #1 while following him. I was driving 10/10's (don't do that too often, usually 9/10's) to keep up. I was slowing for turn #1, hit the brakes..., ok hit the brakes harder..., ok just go off straight into the infield ! (oops). Yeah, my M2300K brakes with PF90 compound, and 3" ducting from the Saleen airdam found its threshold. :-( Last session, I was out of gas. I pulled in and Scott asked why I came in early. Next thing I know Dale Jerrett's pit crew (Scott and Sloane) were fueling up my car, GET IN! GO GO GO!!!!! I was on the track in record time! :-) Thanks. They also took my camera so there are a "few" photos of me (Hey, its MY camera, right?).

I had an AWESOME day. Met a few Mustang internet friends, ran great, had fun, DIDN'T BREAK ANYTHING... Way cool!

Just before leaving, we got the "SVT TEAM" photo.

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