Suspense, Drama, Competition: Buttonwillow!

[Dan Chambers]

First: Great event and a big shout out to Robert Baizer for running the TT solo (Jack was out with car troubles)! Robert, you rock , man.

As for the title; yes, we had it all. From tight "Practice Runs" competitions, to big offs, to mechanical issues … this was a weekend filled with all the components of a good B-series autosport movie! I'll let the other posters to this thread contribute their own dramas, issues, and views. There was driving, music (Dave Hockett, you da man), great food, laughter and tears.

For me it was all about mechanical issues … for both vehicles (Porsche and Ford). Luckily, I had complete support from Steve Grosekemper, and Team 911SG. The Black Pearl ultimately got parked for Timed Runs. Thanks to the trust and generosity of Mark Rondeau, I was able to keep some points status by driving his Silver Bullet in Timed Runs. It secured my season standings, and I got thoroughly "polished, waxed, and put on the shelf" by one great driver … Dan Man Down. Great Driving, DMD! You killed it!

The drive home was equally dramatic with a coolant leak in the Ford that made for "exciting" multiple stops for water, prayer, and resolute determination to not sleep in my camper on the side of the road. 5.5 hours later, I was home. Another big thanks to Steve G., who stopped to check on me at one of my stops on the return home. Talk about support! Thanks again, Steve.

To all who made BW an exciting and thoroughly fun weekend: THANK YOU! It was great. (Look for some great videos coming up later.)

[ttweed]

OK, after all the smack talk, I want to hear the CC09 story, and I don't want to wait for Greg's article in the WW to find out.

TT

[Dan Chambers]

OK, after all the smack talk, I want to hear the CC09 story, and I don't want to wait for Greg's article in the WW to find out.

TT

As an observer, and someone in another class, I can't be "The Spoiler." I'll have to let those CC-09 drivers tell you for themselves.

As for spectating ... It couldn't have gotten any better. It came right down to the wire. If you liked the movie "Rush" you would have loved to be around garages 5, 6, and 7 this weekend. It was all that!

[Robert]

Thank you DC for the kind words. But what really blew me away was how when I arrived at home last night, my entire house had miraculously been equipped, wall-to-wall, with the most beautiful, luxurious carpet I've ever seen. If this is some kind of thank you from the Club, it's too generous and completely unnecessary.

[mrondeau]

OK, after all the smack talk, I want to hear the CC09 story, and I don't want to wait for Greg's article in the WW to find out.

TT

Results are up: http://results.pcasdr.org/pca.php?database=tt

I don't have much to say except.

Video will come as soon as I can get it edited. Great weekend. Perfect weather, proper tire management, drove 10+/10ths during timed runs and a big Thank You to Robert for allowing me a clean pass to keep my hot lap going. Once again, it was very well run event. We're really spoiled by our TT chairs and the high level of organization at each of our events. Very enjoyable and tons of track time for everyone.

I really enjoyed this configuration and while the new track surface and freshly painted curbs didn't seem to offer any more grip, they did make it look nicer. One of the down sides is that without the patchwork asphalt look, I had to find new landmarks to use.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank the mechanic and car builder who has continued to make the Silver Bullet the great car that it is. Steve is a genius at set up and all I have to do is get in and try to keep it on the track. Practically drives itself.

Seriously though, I have never had more fun and felt more challenged than I have running against Steve in CC09. It seems like it's anyone's race every time. I'll let Steve give his excuses, but I will tell you that he was at a huge disadvantage in timed runs. We'll see how it plays out next year with us (possibly) in two different classes.

What was he thinking when he sold me that car?

[dcarusillo]

I second the accolades bestowed upon Robert for running a phenomenal weekend SOLO and overcoming the friday evening track logistics!!!!!
The driving was competitive and pushed many to their limits and beyond. DC1 thanks for the compliment and fun times on/off the track. Sorry about your car....The acoustic jam with Dave on Saturday was classic, you guys rock
I also want to give a shout to Black Forest, Mark Kinninger (who builds one tight *** engine) and Stevie G. With another thanks to Jae Lee and his custom wings. We are really spoiled with such great resources so close to home. And Dammit, Rondeau...that was so much fun! If I had bigger balls I would have stuck to your bumper when you passed that GT3 going over Phil Hill!!! You are KRAZI man.
Spoiler alert...What are the tie breakers for TT championships?

So much fun, I love this club!!

Oh and will somebody please tell Frank Powell that a strawberry patch is NOT a road

[mrondeau]

Thank you DC for the kind words. But what really blew me away was how when I arrived at home last night, my entire house had miraculously been equipped, wall-to-wall, with the most beautiful, luxurious carpet I've ever seen. If this is some kind of thank you from the Club, it's too generous and completely unnecessary.

Hope you like the color.

[Robert]

Hope you like the color.

In all seriousness, my apologies to both Steve and Greg for the 'rubber outage' I unwittingly caused them. Whether my own driving error or my failure to control the flaggers well enough or both, it's my responsibility and I'm taking steps to ensure it won't happen again.

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic 2015 DE/TT season. At our final drivers meeting of the year, I imprudently forgot to thank our crew of dedicated instructors who help make our program so great. Without them, we wouldn't have the driving quality that we do, and we wouldn't be able to keep prices low and incidents down because we wouldn't wind up with such well trained students who are attracted to the program because of the great results it provides. If you are one of our experienced drivers who hasn't been qualified to be one of our instructors, please drop a note if interested. It makes the weekend all that much more rewarding to help someone else achieve their goals.

Don't forget the driver awards party February 7! And see our outstanding 2015 schedule here. Happy holidays to all. See you at the track next year.

[mrondeau]

And Dammit, Rondeau...that was so much fun! If I had bigger balls I would have stuck to your bumper when you passed that GT3 going over Phil Hill!!! You are KRAZI man.
Spoiler alert...What are the tie breakers for TT championships?

DMD, That was a blast. I'll have to get that video as well. Too bad I didn't have the rear view camera going, but there should still be good video with the rear mirror view of you chasing me down. You learn fast grasshopper!

Tie breakers come down to highest number of 1st place finishes...or so I've heard.

[Steve Grosekemper]

Tie breakers come down to highest number of 1st place finishes...or so I've heard.

Where is that written? I cant find it in the rules...

[mrondeau]

Tie breakers come down to highest number of 1st place finishes...or so I've heard.

Where is that written? I cant find it in the rules...

Really??? That's all you're going to say?

I guess we'll all have to go the Drivers Award Party to find out. I hear that registration opens tomorrow morning at 9am.

[Cajundaddy]

Tie breakers come down to highest number of 1st place finishes...or so I've heard.

Where is that written? I cant find it in the rules...

I just checked and see NO series tie breaker language in the rules. We have the exact same scenario with the CC05 Boxster Bros for the Zone Series. Tied at 91 points. I guess we will have to wait for our Rules Maven to answer the question. Oh the suspense!


Fun weekend guys and gals. See ya next year with a (hopefully) completely healthy car.