left to right: Jim Donato, Gary Speckman, Bill Thompson
PDLJMPR Web Magazine, September 1, 1996
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left to right: Jim
Donato, Gary Speckman, Bill Thompson
This is a 2 mile road course with numerous elevation changes, 10 very challenging turns and a long 3200 foot straight. At the end of this straight is a sharp right hand corner that is taken very fast. The corner is extremely wide so one can really let 'er slide through this corner. There are off-camber, blind corners that you have to anticipate before you see them and start turning the car before you see the corner, a sharp downhill reverse camber turn that seems impossible to get through but you do, somehow. The track also has a very fast section where you crest a hill and it feels like the front wheels are off the ground, but as soon as you can see over the hill there is a 90 degree corner that you have to stand on the brakes to negotiate. The "S"'s follow this corner before entering a long sweeping corner that leads to a sharp hairpin. This track is one of the most fun tracks I have ever run. This was my first time at this course so the learning curve had to be very sharp! Fortunately, this event gives ample track time to all competitors.
Friday was entirely untimed practice sessions. I needed them, after my first time out, I was convinced this track was impossible to learn. I came in and said "I hate this place!" We went out again a bit later and when I came in I said "I LOVE this place!" It is that kind of track. After getting some track time, I do think I have to agree with my buddy Bill Thompson, it is one of my favorite "Sprite" tracks.
Saturday had the usual qualifying and sprint races. I believe I qualified fourth in my class for these events. Nothing too eventful happened to me, I burned up an ignition toggle switch for no apparent reason and I broke a throttle cable. Both problems were easily fixed and we were back racing. Bill was not so lucky. He broke an axle and we spent some time fixing that but got it fixed in time for the race. At the end of the day, both Bill's car and Jim Donato's car suffered from blown head gaskets. Both cars would undergo a late night repair job to get them ready for Sundays races.
Gary heading out, Sunday
Bill
heading out, Sunday
Sunday was another beautiful day..perfect for racing. All three Team Thicko cars seemed to be ready. Jim was still having some problems and then found his rear brakes were completely gone, the shoes were worn out. He spent alot of time fixing this problem and unfortunately missed one of the races he had hoped to run. The Sunday feature race for our group started at 2:00 pm and we all got out there for the start. I had qualified a ways behind Bill and Jim. After a few laps, Bill had to drop out. Overheating problems again. Jim continued on and did well in his group (dont have the official results yet). I had a good race with a Ferrari 250 GT and a Triumph TR3. I seemed to be able catch them in the corners but they have more horsepower for the long straight and blew by my there. I had a lot of fun trying to pass these guys and managed to do that a few times, only to be passed on the straight! Very Frustrating!
Beginning of race
Ferarri
250, Alfa, Bugeye, MGB
George Todd
Ken Alter
David Ross
Sprite
racers, if I mis-spelled your name, please blame Gary's handwriting! - ed.
We had beautiful weather all weekend, no one got hurt and the cars still look like Austin Healeys...what more could you ask for?
I am sure the Vulture will have an update on his activities on his Web page, I included a few pics of the "attack" staged on the Italians.
Editor's note: Vulture attacks are common-place at vintage racing events. I, myself, narrowly escaped a thorough soaking by a big vulture who was driving a Sprite around the paddock at the Blackhawk Vintage Classic.
Setting up for the "Vulture Attack"
Vulture Attack #1
Vulture Attack
#2
Well, gotta wash the car for the next event..., Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wi. September 20, 21 and 22. This track is in my "backyard" and I have been going to this track since I was a teenager...(almost 5 years now..ya right!) Anyway, I am looking forward to this event and will keep you posted on the results/activities.
Take care,
Gar
'59 Bugeye Racer #55...racin into the past.
Thanks, Gary! Good luck at Road America!
