Lane's SCA - SPC at Gingerman 10/8/2000 (1)

On September 8, 2000, Saturn Performance Club members once again gathered for open lapping at Gingerman Raceway in Southhaven Michigan (see my archives for other visits to this track). Gingerman is an 11-turn 1.88 mile road course. With lots of grass and no concrete barriers next to the track, it is safe and enjoyable for the first-time driver. You can read more about Gingerman Raceway HERE.

Our day on the course was sponsored by SpeedTrial USA and was again considered a 'Driver's School' - a learning event where we were able to push the limits of our cars and improve our driving ability. Lap times during the event are not recorded, and the cars are not actually competing against each other.

Sunrise (18k)
At the track before sunrise. Pic courtesy of Mike (thanks!)

A map of Gingerman Raceway, click HERE for a larger view.

The weather in Southhaven on Saturday night was around 30 degrees with snow and rain, and we thought that Sunday would surely be a repeat of our visit to Gingerman in April of this year.

On Sunday, the sun came out and the track dried off by mid-morning. Temperatures hit a high of only 45 degrees, but it still was a very enjoyable day on the track for most of those who participated.

In attendance on Sunday were Tapp, Jim G, Lane, Bill H, David S, Wally, and newcomers David V, Jason P, Dave, Shawn, and Dave S (yes, it was "Dave" day at the track).

The Saturns were joined on the track by a Mazda Miata turbo, Twin-turbo Mazda RX7, Honda S2000, a few Acura Integras, several VW Golfs, a Ford Ranger, a few Ford Mustangs, Honda Prelude, Chevy Corvette, an AWD Subaru, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Audi A4 Quattro, Chevy Camaro, and a Nissan Maxima.

Mike & one fun Ranger (16k)

David (24k)

David (a tech at a nearby Saturn dealer) showed up with his beautiful SC2 & a Tech2 diagnostic computer offering to lend his knowledge and experience to anyone who needed it.

The SPC was helping out with trackside services for the day which included vehicle tech inspections (for proper maintenance & safety) as well as providing a bit of instruction to beginners, as many of us have driven hundreds of laps on this course in the past.

Wally got a chance to share his expertise while driving someone's Mazda twin turbo (damn!), and Tapp enjoyed some time behind the wheel of a participant's beautiful Audi A4 Quattro. Throughout the day, BIll H and I both took a turn giving pointers and riding along with a beautiful Saleen Mustang, which ended up later breaking its serpentine belt and overheating.

Saleen Mustang (26k)
Overheated.