50th Anniversary Banquet

Friday night Linda and I went to the 50th Anniversary Banquet for the car club we belonged to for many years. The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) came into being October 27th, 1959. I had been a member from 1964 to 1986 and Linda from 1965 t0 1986.

We had a blast from the past. A lot of old friends we haven't seen in years were there and it was just like old times. For me, of particular note was seeing old friends, Gary Magwood, Clive Rayman and Brian Stewart. Gary was a formidable Formula Atlantic driver, Clive Formula Ford and Brian, well what can I say. Brian Stewart Racing has probably done more to promote Canadian drivers ( including Paul Tracy) up through the Indycar ranks.

......................Brian Stewart (Brian Stewart Racing) and Gary Magwood

..........Brian Stewart, Norris McDonald (Toronto Star) and Clive Rayman.

Even though it has been years since we have seen one another, you fall back into relationships very fast and except for the added bit weight, graying hair, or lack of it, it is like a leap back in time.

In 1962, Stirling Moss donated one of his trophies to BARC. Since then it has been awarded yearly to the highest finishing BARC member in the Ontario Region Championship. In 1970 I was fortunate enough to have my name placed on it. In 1981, Davy Jones. In 1982, Scott Goodyear and in 1987, Ron Fellows. I guess I am in fairly good company.

The evening ended earlier than I had hoped but it was good fun. Maybe we can all get together again for the 60th anniversary.

S**T Happens, The Continuation.

The following clips were taken from the in car camera of Travis Engen in his Lola T97/20 Indy Lights car.

The first video was actually the second lap under yellow....a bit slower and more correct in execution. The second video was the first lap....not good form.

The following day I had a passenger for the first race. Having heard of the previous days excursion, she was well prepared for any eventuality. Drivers suit, helmet, Hans device and racing boots.

Gainsville GA to Whitby, Ont

14 hours, 57 minutes.

S**T HAPPENS

Only when you are trying your hardest not to screw up, you end up screwing up in the worst possible fashion.

This past weekend, at New jersey Motorsport Park, I was given the opportunity to train as a Pace car driver.

Saturday at lunch I was given the opportunity to do a few hot laps in the pace car to familiarize myself with both car and track. The car was a bog stock showroom, Subaru STI. Don't really know too much about them. It was a cool little car. I didn't play with any of the settings although I realized afterward I could have firmed up he suspension by going to "Sport Sharp" and locked the diff. to give me total 4wd. Anyway, with the stock car and a 200lb passenger I was able to get down to a respectable 1:46.8 within four laps. This would have put me 16th on the Group 3 grid. Probably without Black Flag Bob in the passenger seat, I could have shaved off another second or two. The whole lapping session went without incident and I felt pretty good about my effort.

Saturday afternoon I rode passenger with Dan, our pace car driver, for the first race. The second race saw me in the drivers seat with Dan handling the radio. The pace session went off without a hitch. Not picture perfect but at least I didn't embarass myself. For the third race, Dan turned over the radio operation too me as well as the driving. The pace lap for the fast Grp. 9 cars. Indy Lights, Formula 5000, Atlantic and 'B' cars went off OK, and then it was into the hot pits to act as Safety Car. Sure enough, the double yellow came out as one of the Atlantic cars highsided itself on the curbing in corner 5. I picked up the lead car, Travis Engen in a Lola T97 Indy Lights. So, here I am...race control in one ear, corner workers in the other, Dan giving instruction beside me and keeping an eye on the cars behind, guess what I forgot about....DRIVING!! By the time I got my s**t together it was too late. I was into corner one too fast, took too early an apex, and was in deep DooDoo. We exited the racing surface with all four wheels, drivers left, at about 90mph. Both Dan and I knew we were in dire straights the minute I turned in. Luck, more than skill got me through the corner in the dirt, back onto the racing surface fairly straight and I was able to continue with the safety car laps. Dans was visibly disturbed but was a true gentleman and my scolding was stern but not degrading. Control never said a word as the corner workers reported "Safety Car 4 wheels off, drivers left". Thank you Tom. The embarrassment would now be between Dan, Tom and myself....at least that is what I thought. Travis had a video camera in his Lola and filmed the whole degrading and embarrassing mess.

It was doubtful on Saturday night if I would be driving the pace car on Sunday. I did, and everything went as it should. Hopefully I was able to redeem myself, somewhat.

There is more to this little saga and I will continue it once I get some pictures, and maybe a video.