Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team 2007 Autox # 2 LAZ Parking

The Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team held it's second event of the 2007 season under bright sunshine at the LAZ Parking Lot, in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 6. The 2007 season is going to be one long road trip. This was the second new lot we've visited this year. The LAZ lot is a very smooth parking area that serves as an overflow lot for the Chevrolet Meadows Theatre. It's location made it a snap to get to, its at the intersection of Interstates 84 and 91 in downtown Hartford. Since we were in the middle of downtown, we attracted a lot of attention. We were an object of great curiosity to the local police, who politely declined an offer to take a cruiser out for a run. One hundred and one competitors entered the event, with a field of thirty two novices.

With only one obstruction to work around, course designer Bill Evans chose a layout that was described as "a bunch of bananas". It was the perfect description. There was a short jog at the start on to the fast part of the course. A wide right turn went around the outside of the entire layout. A quick two cone mini-slalom set you up for the next right. You were now opposite the start, going into a right 180 turn. On the gas, and a short straight led to an evil 200 degree left. If you misread this section, you paid the price. It was a speed killer if you tried to pinch the pivot cone or waited too late to brake and had to slam the "whoa" pedal. Take it wide and smooth, and the next short right / tight right just lined up and flowed. A quick 180 left and there was the finish.

There was plenty of time to walk the course, as tech and reg are starting to get into the groove. The big slow down in paperwork was the missing "Class King", Brian Moran. Brian's been under the weather for the past few weeks, and we all miss his skills at making sure the car classes and bumps come out right.

The course seemed simple. The pointer cones all made sense, there were no obvious visual tricks, and a couple of late added pointers made it even easier. The walk thru lied, as 24 out of the first 25 people went off course. The amazing thing was how many different ways people found to get lost. There were cars in every direction, at every point. It took a while to settle down, but then a rhythm set in.

It looked like a tight battle was going for FTD. Mike Miller's new Porsche GT3 showed, and was being co-driven by Tom Mak. Nick Fandacone (Nissan 350Z), Joe Solury (Corvette), and Warren Elliott (VW GTI) looked poised to give Tom and Mike a run for the prize. The joker in the deck was the last minute entry by Mark Daddio. The man could win FTD on a tricycle. Mark took FTD by almost 2.5 seconds. Tom's 32.279 and Nick's 32.468 were no match for Mark's 29.849.

For the results, Tom Mak won SS over Mike Miller, both sharing Mike's Porsche. Joe Solury (Corvette) threaded the needle and took the large AS class over Pete Day (Evo). Charlie Aucoin (Miata) won CS over Clarkson Smith (Miata). CS used to stand for "Charlie Spinning" but now that he found his suspension problem, he's been able to keep the car pointed straight. So much for my photo opportunities. Mike Sargunas Screamin' Yellow Cobalt won DS, beating Bob Sayles' Nissan. FS was won by Brian Cigal (300ZX) over Jacob Boerma's Mustang by a little over two seconds. GS was a battle of champions, as 2006 HS champ, James Reinle (Honda) beat 2006 GS champ, Brad Snow (Mini). This could be the start of a year long battle!

Kevin Kirchoff's bright red 2nd generation RX7 cruised to a win in ASP over John Tyhurst (Evo). Paul Omichinski (Porsche) once again trumped us in CSP, with Chris DiFiore (MR2) in second. Chris, we'll have to "adjust" Paul's tire pressure while he's not looking.

Street Mod was no contest, but fun to watch, as Mark Daddio (Evo) set FTD over Warren Elliott (GTI). Second, third, and fourth were separated by just over half a second, nice run guys. EP was the Fox family affair, with Mrs. Fox's Focus beating Mr. Fox's Focus by less than two tenths. Try saying that one five times fast. Jay Bode's back in FP, and so once again the Fiero battle is Bode vs. Doiron, with Bob Doiron coming close, but no cigar. Chris Zelle's Sprit of Bondo MR2 won AM, beating Todd Doiron (Fiero). SM2 was one of the closer classes. Nick Fandacone's 350Z is challenged this year by the tight courses, giving Steve Gartner's Miata a real chance. It was only four tenths between the two cars.

For the Novice class, YN was won by Derk Philiponna (Infiniti) XN was won by Fermain Lopez (Miata) and Phil Mackaronis (Camaro) won ZN.

We'll be back at LAZ Parking on May 20, after a the first track day of the year. Bring a car and a helmet, and stop on by.