Lane's SCA - 2005 SPC Rally (9)

Michael M was enjoying the day in his BMW M3. He and I had some fun hanging close on the track, and he is visible in some of my in-car video HERE. NOTE: This video clip is an entire lap of Autobahn's North Circuit, and is about 5.5 mb in size.

Video requires DIVX 5 codec to play - info/download HERE.

At the right you can see Jeff J's Mitsubishi EVO. It's a car that's very "at home" on a race track, and Jeff was more than happy to give it some of what it liked.

We were very disappointed that we never saw it airborne, however. :(

When Doug N isn't driving his white turbo SL2, he's behind the wheel of his beautiful SC2. It's not only beautiful, it's one capable track machine. Doug was working hard during this lapping session to improve his driving technique and ability to better utilize what the car could offer. Click HERE for a video clip that shows him working a bit too hard (928 kb).

Video requires DIVX 5 codec to play - info/download HERE.

When our day on the track was done, we took our time packing up our tools and parts while enjoying the cool evening air after a very warm day out in the sun. We gathered in the track's clubhouse and ordered pizza for dinner while Chris B prepared for the seminar.

Seminar - Racing A Saturn

Chris B, SCCA racer and driver of the club-sponsored SC2 gave a presentation on racing a Saturn. While it was Saturn-specific because that is the car that he drives, much of what was talked about would apply regardless of the type of car.

Chris covered all aspects of what is required for SCCA club racing. Budget, time, commitment, practice, crew, maintenance, training, etc. It was interesting to hear about the experience first-hand, from someone who has been involved in a championship winning team and knows what it takes to get there.

When Chris was done with his presentation on racing a Saturn, he took off his SPC Racing hat and put on his GM High Performance hat. He talked a bit about his job at GM High Performance Vehicle Operations, and what goes into the vehicles he takes part in developing (the Ion Red Line was one of them).

In addition to speaking, Chris was also looking to do some important listening. The group was asked their thoughts and feelings on Saturn's current offerings and direction, as most of us could be considered long-term owners as well as enthusiasts. We were happy to say what was on our mind, knowing that the information would be taken back to GM and relayed to the people in design & marketing. It's not often that a car buyer & owner has an chance to be heard quite like this, and we were thankful for the opportunity.

When the presentation was finished, the group loaded up and headed back to the hotel for a good night's sleep. Day one at this track was in the can - but we had two more left to go. We'd be back here tomorrow as spectators (and some as crew members) for the first of two consecutive days of SCCA racing.