CART Track day # 1 May 9, 2008

What do you do when you in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and the weatherman predicts 80 per cent chance of rain? You go to the track, of course. And that’s what we did on May 9, as the Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team held the first track day event of the 2008 season. We gave it our best shot, despite nature being a mother.

The event was almost full, as we fell two drivers short of our goal. Despite rising gas prices, this event continues to grow, as we had twice as many participants as just three years ago.

The weatherman had it correct, as we entered the track under a light rain, and thickening clouds. Tech went smoothly as we implemented new systems to cut down on the time it takes to do a safety review on each car. The newly designed track t shirts, given to each participant at registration were a hit. The course was prepared, passing zones marked off, and the drivers’ meeting was finished: it was time to go drive.

We were trying something new for CART. Instead of having the participants man the work stations as part of the event, we had hired the PA Posse to flag the event. I felt sorry for the workers, as the rain let up for less than 10 minutes thru out the day. At least the participants could find shelter in the garage or their cars. The workers were out there for the duration.

After a break for lunch, we set up for the timed portion of the event. The weather fought us, as the electronic timer decided it didn’t like rain, and refused to work. It was back to the old reliable, the stop watch. Three watches were set up, three cars staged at a time, and the event went on. Seventeen drivers gave it a go in the rain. The times were conservative, as a few drivers found themselves looking at the track from the wrong window, slipping and sliding. It caused a few upsets in the running order.

The first drivers running for time benefited from a slight relenting of the rain. As we got farther into the event, the storm kicked it up a notch, and two of our more experienced drivers found themselves at the bottom of the time sheet because of the track condition. Sanity prevailed, and there were no serious incidents. Weather aside; the competitors had a good time. The only serious incident was a case of child abuse, as “Bullet Bob” Nogiec beat his son Adam in CSP. It was Bob and Adam’s first time at Pocono, I’m sure they’ll be back. We’ll be back for our Pocono South Course event on July 21. Come on and join the fun.