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Joseph F. G. Cerino passed away in Orange City, Florida on July 2, 1997. Joe was one of the founders of Finger Lakes Region, and also Race Communications Association. He was a good friend to many of us, and a credit to all of the Region. Joe and his wife Helen were very active in motorsports for over forty years. Please read Gene Dinkel's tribute to Joe in this issue. We shall miss him, and always remember his many contributions to our Region. On July 13, Joe was saluted at our National at the Glen, with a memorial pace lap at the start of the first race. Following the National Anthem, as Bill Bell read a tribute to Joe over the loudspeakers, the Dorschel pace car, showing black flags, followed the WGI pace car around the track, and, as it passed by each flag station, was acknowledged by all flags flying as the car passed by.
As R.E., I had the honor of starting the flags at "Baker", the first station after pit out. With tears in my eyes, but standing tall, I proudly waved my two flags as each driver saluted as he passed by. As I stood there, I realized that this was not a moment of mourning, but of remembrance and celebration of Joe's life and all he has given to our sport. Joe, we will miss you, and will try to continue the high standards and ideals that you have always exemplified for our Region.
Our National at the Glen was a big success. Under the able leadership of co-chairmen, Jim Hopkins and Bob Livingstone, everything ran smoothly, the weather was perfect, no one was injured—although much metal was bent! The cookbook committee, with assistance from the course marshals put on a unique hospitality party. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this fine event.
On August 16, Finger Lakes will present "Historic New York", our award-winning National Touring Rally. The course is finalized and entries are arriving. Debbi Segall, chairman is seeking your assistance with this event. If you have not received a flyer, call Debbi and volunteer to help, she will provide on the job training. Her number is on the inside cover of TOP END.
Plans for our regional FUN ONE, scheduled for September 13-14, are underway with Ron Kunst and Barbara Lissow as co-chairmen. I am already receiving phone inquiries, so this should be another large field of entries, and as always, will live up to it's name.
In closing, I apologize for the change of meeting time for the July membership meeting. I was informed one day before the meeting that the Burgundy Basin would be closed early for the Fourth of July holiday... my "telephone tree" list was packed in one of my moving boxes. If you didn't get a call, and showed up, please forgive me. We did meet the following Wednesday, and enjoyed hearing about all the activities in which our members had participated.
In the Spirit of the Sport,
Lynn Randall
The July General Membership Meeting of the Finger Lakes Region, SCCA was postponed until July 9 due to the July 4th holiday. The meeting was called to order at 8:07 p.m. by R. E. Lynn Randall at the Burgundy Basin Inn, Rochester, NY.
The June membership meeting minutes as printed in the July issue of TOP END were approved on a motion by Meridith Croucher, seconded by Bob McDonald.
Marsha Toombs reported that a total of 367 workers were involved in the running of the rally. There were no serious problems, due in part to the two minute dust window used in the night stages. There were no complaints on the use of the two minute spacing.
ESPN televised the rally. There were some very good shots both in car and from outside of some of the action. The tape as shown on ESPN2 was very good. Bob Henderson, who was involved in the running of STPR a number of years ago, seconded the "nice job" comments. Bob stated that he needs to learn where the TV crews were told to go. The tape of the rally will be shown at the August meeting.
Dale Seeley reported that he, Ken Flory and David Lindley placed first in class, 28th overall in the ONE LAP of AMERICA rally. 6,000 miles were covered in about 100 hours. Special stages at various race tracks included Hallett in Oklahoma where the team placed 13 out of 84.
Peter Steinberg reported that Jon Kemp placed sixth overall and Roy Hopkins 10th overall at the Mt.Washington Hillclimb.
Ron Kunst reported that he and Barb Lissow are getting things together for the FUN ONE. The use of both long and short courses and a handicap race are planned, similar in format to last year's event.
Meridith Croucher will be mailing out current NYSRRC standings soon.
Lew Giesy commented on races at Nelson Ledges and Lime Rock. 19 FLR drivers ran the June regional races at Watkins Glen.
Alan Smith attended the two-day Solo II National Tour event in Evansville, IN, finishing in the top half.
The SOLO picnic is scheduled for Saturday. There is an event at the University of Buffalo on Sunday. FLR is providing the equipment and setting up one course for the Griffiss AFB event on July 19 & 20. The next local event is July 27th at Delphi. Entries in the FLR SOLO events have been averaging in the upper 80s, with a good number of novices.
Lynn Randall has new logbooks. Jim Hopkins, Licensing Chairman, will have them after the National race.
SHULTS DOT COM, providers of our Region's Web site, will be providing an e-mail notification service (a.k.a. "mailing list") starting next week. Details are in this issue on how to subscribe.
The FLR Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, July 16. The Nominating Committee for the 1998 slate of officers is to be selected. Anyone wishing to be on the committee or willing to be an officer should contact a board member.
Marsha Toombs reported that we have 559 members.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. on a motion by Barb Lissow, seconded by Jim Hopkins.
Respectfully submitted,
CFDresie, Secretary
Dean R. Gregoire, S-3411 Bethford Dr., Blasdell, NY 14219, (716) 826-6673; interest is in Pro Racing
Sharon Jackson, 96 Shepard St., Rochester, NY, 14620, (716) 442-6249; interest is in Solo II
Darrin Bahtees, 96 Shepard St., Rochester, NY 14620; interested in Solo II
Todd Miller, 192 Norton Village Ln., Rochester, NY, 14609, (716) 323-9286; interested in all aspects of the club
Mary Ayers, 7350 97th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016-3882, (612) 458-3946; joins husband Jeffrey who is a member, interested in crewing.
John and Jodie Crowley, 8 Monaco Dr., Rochester, NY 14624, (716) 247-8436
Kevin Van Valkenburgh, 91 Roxwood Dr., Rochester, NY, 14612, (716) 227-1275; Speed Freakz Member interested in Solo II
James S. Monks , Jr., PO Box 382, Wellsboro, PA 16901, (717) 724-3363; long-time worker at STPR. Was Chief of Spectator Control this year.
Anne Gilson, 23D Elm St., Fairport, NY 14450; F/C worker at the track , was a member back in the 70s.
James Joy, 61 Auburn Ave., Rochester, NY, 14606
Joann Jackson, 1196 Maple St., Rochester, NY 14611; dual member
Joe Cerino died July 2, 1997, of cancer, in Orange City, Florida. Motorsports was a very big part of Joe's life... and Joe was a very big part of motorsports in many areas.
Joe began his long involvement with racing and rallying in 1951. That was the year he joined the Western New York Region of the Sports Car Club of America. About the same time, he helped Fred German found and put into operation the Race Communications Association (RCA).
Joe and his wife, Helen, were very active in the rally program of WNY Region, organizing, working and competing in many events. He was elected Activities Director of the region for 1955. He was also busy with RCA, flagging races at Watkins Glen, Cumberland, Maryland and other road courses.
At the end of 1955, a number of SCCA members decided that Western New York's regional area was too large. It was difficult for many members to attend their region's activities and functions. Joe and three other members who lived in the Rochester area asked for and received permission to form another region of SCCA. Finger Lakes Region was born! It was organized and duly incorporated in the State of New York. Joe's signature is on the incorporation papers.
Finger Lakes Region/SCCA greeted 1956 with its first rally... the "Twinite Navex"... put on by Joe Cerino! He and Helen were also competing, finishing third in both the "Spring Rally" and the "Ride & Relax" events. Joe also was working as an RCA flag captain at the Glen and at race courses in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Joe chaired rallies into 1960 and ran several rallies...winning some like the "St. Patrick" and the "Finger Lakes Five" rallies in 1958. He also served as Editor of Finger Lake's newsletter that year. In 1959, Joe was elected Regional Executive of the region. The next year, he and Helen put on the "Spring Scramble." As a matter of fact, Joe and Helen won the "Best Husband and Wife Rally Team" award in 1960! They were also working a lot of races with RCA throughout the Northeast.
Joe organized really great hospitality parties for the Finger Lakes Historic New York Rallies in 1961, 1962 and 1964. All this time, he was still very active in RCA, working and supervising at races and helping train new Flagging and Communications workers. He became a Deputy Director of the Race Communications Association.
In 1967, Joe was elected Treasurer of Finger Lakes Region and in 1970 he took the job as Chairman of the Northeast Division (NEDIV) Mini-Convention at the new Flagship Hotel in Rochester. Joe and John Castle co-chaired the Finger Lakes Region's "Fun One" race in 1971... then in 1973, Joe chaired the "Fun One" himself.
He was elected a Director in the region in 1979. Joe was Chairman of the Finger Lakes Divisional Rally in 1981. In 1982, he was elected Regional Executive again. He served as a regional Director in 1983 and 1984. 1987 saw Joe do an encore as the Chairman of the FLR "Fun One" race. Finger Lakes' 25th anniversary "Fun One" was co-chaired by Joe with Gene Dinkel. Along with all his activities, he found time to work with Watkins Glen International as a "host" on their Vintage Race weekends. Always, his thoughtful advice and counsel were available to both Finger Lakes Region and RCA when they wanted, or needed, it.
Joe Cerino was not only a motorsports person. He was a very diverse and giving man. Diverse in his enjoyment of golf. He and Helen played a lot of golf, primarily at Ontario Golf Club where they had many friends. Joe also really enjoyed music, especially Dixieland... he attended many concerts, festivals and jam sessions...sometimes taping the music. Giving outside of motorsports was important to Joe. He put in many days and hours at the Rochester Museum and Science Center and working with children at Rochester's Strong Museum.
An Army veteran of World War II, Joe started his career at Eastman Kodak in 1947. He was an administrative engineer when he retired in 1982. He and Helen were married over 45 years and have a daughter, Judy, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
They don't make people like Joe Cerino anymore. He shared his great knowledge, enthusiasm and get-the-job-done philosophy with many, many people. There was a big void when Joe and Helen moved to Florida three years ago. But, they came back once in a while to visit their many friends.
We hate to let go of Joe... but we have no choice. There is some comfort in the thoughts of all the races, rallies, meetings, jazz concerts, festive dinners and just plain "good times" we shared with him. Thanks for everything, Joe.
On a personal note... after we did the Finger Lakes' 25th anniversary "Fun One," Joe and I made a "pact" to do that
race in 1998 in honor of his 80th year. We even lined up some "old timers" like Chet Wilt to do the Pits and Ray Hicks to do
Grid. We talked about it in February when we visited Joe and Helen. It was still on. It is still on; God willing, I would like to do
the "Fun One" in 1998...and dedicate it to Joe Cerino. I think he would like it that way.
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of the most interesting events I have seen in many a year. Each year, since the early '80s, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has hosted an intercollegiate racecar design competition which this year attracted 75 international teams.
The stated concept is for engineering students to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars. The restrictions on the vehicle chassis and engines are limited so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The cars are built with a team effort over a period of about one year and are taken to a host institution for judging and comparison. This year the event was conducted in the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome.
For the purpose of this competition, the students are to assume that a manufacturing firm has engaged them to produce a prototype car for evaluation as a production item. The intended market is the weekend non-professional autocross racer. Therefore, the car must have very high performance in terms of acceleration, braking , and handling qualities. The car must be low in cost, easy to maintain, and very reliable. In addition, the car's marketability is enhanced by other factors, such as aesthetics, driver comfort, and the use of common parts. The manufacturing firm is planning to produce 1000 cars per year at a cost below $8500. The challenge to the design team is to produce and fabricate a prototype car that best meets these goals and intents.
Over the course of three days, the cars are judged in three different categories: static inspection, solo performance trials, and high performance trials. Specific scores are assigned for: Presentation, Engineering Design, Cost Analysis, Acceleration Run, Skid Pad Test, Autocross Performance, Fuel Economy, and an Endurance Event.
The judges have a mixture of backgrounds with representation from racing teams as well as the Big Three auto manufacturers. Carroll Smith, noted author on many racing subjects, has headed the design judging for many years.
As I watched the event, which SCCA helped sponsor this year for the first time, I was struck by how similar it felt to any number of racing paddocks I have walked over the years. But there was a major difference AGE. The average age in the Formula SAE paddock must be 30 years less than the average Club Racing paddock. But the enthusiasm, the fun, the highs, and the lows were all there. And so was the technology, the inventiveness, and the work ethic that makes any racer successful.
In the course of the event, I saw 1.5 lb carbon fiber uprights (that worked!), home built engine management systems, carbon fiber mufflers (yes, there is a high premium on light weight), mountain bike shocks successfully integrated into a suspension design for a light weight car, an ABS system wired backwards as a rudimentary traction control system... and the list goes on!!
The Top 10 from this year's event were:
If I were a professional race team manager looking for new staff, I would NEVER miss this event. The talent in the paddock is overwhelming and the Big Three have already discovered it and are successfully mining that talent.
I am hopeful that this will be the first of many successful relationships between SCCA and SAE and I will be actively seeking ways to build bridges between the organizations. In the meantime, I believe that a relationship on the local level between SCCA regions and the collegiate SAE chapters at the universities would be of immense value to both groups. The regions would discover some wonderful, young potential members who would be great additions to their events, and the students would have access to a vast pool of racing experience to help advise them in their car building efforts.
I encourage you to contact the engineering schools in your region to see what possibilities are available. But
you will note that many major engineering schools are not on that list. Some interest from the local region directed at
a potential faculty sponsor who is absolutely crucial to this process could be enough to get them started. Give it a
try and let me know how it turns out. If you have further questions, please contact me. You can certainly call me at
the office, but with all of my traveling this month, you'll find it easier to catch me by e-mail at 71601.1313@
compuserve.com. And you can check out the Formula SAE Web site at http://www.sae.org/STUDENTS/formula.htm.
The National race was fantastic. I was a little bit scared when I "volunteered" to be co-chief with Jim Hopkins for the National (never sit at the RE's table at the banquet). But Jim and I did it anyway.
After the races everyone was thanking us for a great weekend. It was not us. It was all the Chiefs, workers, WGI, and everybody who helped that made it work. Everybody did their job, or jobs. All of you were there when we needed you.
Special thanks to Lynn Randall and Judy Dennis, whose help, and that of many others, made Jim and my job much easier.
It was fun... I think. Thank you all!
Bob Livingstone
From the Flag Marshal...
I hope all of you have gotten some rest now after the Glen National. Thanks to all that were there! It was one of the best Nationals we have done. You all worked so hard, with the sun, heat and about 260 cars!!! Some of the groups had over 50 cars in them. Everyone worked so well together that even with some incidents (one car fire...just ask Edna S.) we still got done fairly early. I hear that the party was really good, I'm sorry I missed it but I was so tired I would have fallen asleep on one of the picnic tables. I don't know how you people do it, out on station all day, doing your job, and still enough left to Partyyyyyy.
Don't forget we still have the August Sprints coming up on the Aug. 1-3. Registration hours are 6PM-10PM
Fri, 7AM-11AM Sat and 7AM-9AM on Sun. Flag Meeting is 7:30AM Sat & Sun at the GT Center. Also save September
13-14 "Fun One". FM Ron
July 12-13, at Watkins Glen, New York
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) held the "Glen National" this past weekend. This was the 50th running of an SCCA race at the home of American road racing. The first race in 1948 was held in the village streets and roads in the area. The closed road course has hosted most of the Formula One Grand Prix races held in the US. Today the track hosts a NASCAR Winston Cup race and several other events.
Harry Manning raced at the Glen National in 1995 and 1996, winning the Showroom Stock B race in 1996.
A Generous Fellow Racer
A suspension part broke on the Rosen Mazda Miata in Friday tire testing at about 4:30 PM. Many phone calls
later a part was ordered for 10:00 am Saturday delivery. That timing would allow Harry to do the Saturday PM qualifying,
but would not work for the 8:30AM qualifying session. The cool morning session should result in the best times, because
of the engine producing more power in cool air.
Harry and friend/crew Rusty got to the track early Saturday and found a personal street Miata that would suffice as a "donor car." The owner, Ted Love of Victor, NY agreed to let Harry and Rusty remove the suspension component and put it on Harry's car. That part allowed Harry to do the 8:30 session and set a new track qualifying record (2:24.966 - 84.433 mph) and get the pole position for the Sunday Showroom Stock B race. After the morning session, the new part arrived so Harry and Rusty could swap the parts and put Ted's Miata back together. The generosity that Ted displayed is very refreshing to experience.
The Race
Two BMW 328is Showroom Stock A (SSA) cars managed to use superior straight line acceleration to get
around Harry's Miata after the green flag start. They slowed Harry slightly in the turns, but Harry could gain about half
a second per lap on the other Showroom Stock B Miatas while following close behind the SSA cars. Eight laps into the
race Harry had a five second lead, which was negated by a full-course yellow flag caused by a partial track blockage.
When green flag racing resumed another SSA car accelerated down the straight and slowed Harry's Miata in turn one,
allowing Ken Payson to take the SSB lead in his Miata followed by Jim Ocuto in his Miata.
There was no opportunity to regain the lead as the race ended with the completion of the restart lap. Another
crash had ended the race three laps early. It was disappointing
to finish third after leading most of the race, but we did set
a new race lap record of 2:25.551 ( 84.094 mph).
And, we did experience the generosity of Ted.
Sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America, this special event is one of the oldest motorsports events in the United States having first been run in 1904. Some of the best drivers from the United States and Canada test their skills on the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road to see who can claim the much sought after title of "King Of The Mountain" reaching speeds over 95mph!
Mt. Washington, located in Gorham, New Hampshire, is the highest peak in the Northeast with its summit at an elevation of 6,288 feet above sea level. The famous Auto Road is 7.6 miles in length with an average grade of 12%. Its surface is 35% hard-packed gravel and 65% paved. Winds exceed hurricane level (75mph) on an average of 104 days a year and the summit is in the clouds 60% of the time.
This year's "Climb to the Clouds" was sponsored by Audi and was won by PRO Rally veteran Selcuk Karamanoglu in an Eagle Talon with a fastest time of 7:04.76. Frank Sprongl had engine trouble during the first race run; he finished second in class at 7:27.85. The record was set in 1995 by PRO Rally champion Paul Choiniere with a time of 6:45.22. Defending record-holder Paul Choiniere missed the event due to a conflict with the Pikes Peak Hillclimb, scheduled for the weekend of July 4th.
Many different types of vehicles compete in this event
which is broken up into classes consisting of Class 0 (PRO Rally type cars with no engine, body or drivetrain restrictions); Class
1 (vehicles similar to SCCA GT1/IMSA GTO with no engine or body restrictions); Class 2 (small-block V-8 engines such
as Camaros, Mustangs, Corvettes, etc.); Class 3 (vehicles similar to SCCA IT and GT classes such as Datsun 510 and
Honda CRX-si); Class 4 (mostly turbo-charged vehicles such
as Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, etc. Modifications are
kept to a minimum); Class 5 (small bore vehicles similar
to SCCA Showroom Stock. Turbo-charged vehicles not
allowed but minor modifications to wheel and tire
configurations are allowed); Class 6 (Legend cars - must have
required SCCA modifications); Class 7 (cars built prior
to 1961. These vehicles do not compete for speed and only 10
cars per event are selected for this class).
| Several Finger Lakes Region members took part in
this year's event.
Roy Hopkins, in the One Lap BMW, took first in Class 3 with at time of 7:47:25 (10th overall); Jon Kemp rearranged his grill and left rear quarter panel during practice on Friday in a spectacular power slide/oomph into a hill side. A few hours and parts later, he finished 4th in class 0, just 18 seconds behind Carl Merrill (7:28:93). (Bill has this one on video.) Region members Peter Steinberg, Debbi Segall, and Bill Laitenberger worked the Mt. Washington event along with Roger, Ken and Ruth Harnaart (STPR Committee/Rochesterians).
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by Alan Smith, Solo II Chairman
Hi guys,
The season is flying by and the Solo II program is in full swing. By the time you read this, we will be into August and we will have already had five of our eight local events. Divisionals will be a memory (I hope that everyone that attended had a great time!) and I want to thank everyone that put forth an effort to make the event what it was.
On to the more recent history. During the month of June, we had an event on the 1st at Gates Plaza and the Grand Prix at the end of the month. I want to thank Dale Seeley and Jason Smith for taking on the lead role for the Grand Prix. We tried a few new things this year, the event was mostly orchestrated by rookie members with A LOT of enthusiasm. They wanted to run the event such that the regular members that do the bulk of the work throughout the season could relax a bit and enjoy a weekend of racing. While it still took the help of key members, I think that most everybody was able to enjoy the weekend a little bit more than normal. We have a good crop of new racers that are willing to put an effort into the program and I thank all of them for their interest in maintaining the quality program that the Finger Lakes Region is known for.
The Grand Prix was a good time. We had 56 entrants on Saturday and eight teams stayed for the road rally Saturday evening. About 90 entrants came for the points day on Sunday. We even had one ITT employee enter a company electric kart into the event. He wasn't really fast, but he had a lot of fun talking to the corner workers as he cruised by. It should also be noted that the rally was supported by several soloists working some of the 11 checkpoints and helping to make the event work. It was a big undertaking to run the rally along with the Solo racing, but the teams that did compete said that they would do it again and enjoyed the added activity. Many thanks go out to the event sponsors: Tire Centers Inc. came out Saturday with the truck and provide support for the program throughout the year, Toyo Tires donated a set of racing tires which were the main door prize, and Autocrafting by Technistar donated a $100 gift certificate for FTD on index. It should also be noted that Autocrafting is the best kind of sponsor in that Tom Walters entered the event and is hooked enough that he is joining the club. He is already talking about upgrading his car, so look for more of him in the future. As for the prizes, the tires were won by Scott Leclerc (HS Nissan Pulsar) and yours truly ended up with the Autocrafting gift certificate.
There is one area that I feel I must comment upon. Some of our members expressed dissatisfaction with not being more involved in the Grand Prix. I find this hard to believe since, to my knowledge, we have never said, "Sorry, we do not want your help." We must always remember that this is a volunteer organization. No one is receiving any kind of compensation for their contribution other than their own personal satisfaction and the fun of competition. I know that I have a lot more respect and understanding for the effort that is required behind the scenes to keep this program running. The next time that you feel like complaining, please ask yourself, "Could I do any better and do I want to do it?" Constructive input and ideas are always welcome, but I am sure that anyone who is on the receiving end of complaints would be more than happy to be able to just come out and race for the day and not worry about anything else.
Over the weekend of the fourth of July, I went to the Freedom Festival National Tour in Evansville, Indiana. While this is a healthy drive from Rochester, the event is one of the best around with excellent competition. It is a good learning and an eye opening experience to compete with the "big boys". I remember being told by someone that they had maxed out on the run and "there is nothing left out there." After competing on this level, I can see that there is always something more out there. You may or may not be able to find it, but there is always room to go faster. As you probably know, DS is almost a spec racer class for Neons, and other than car preparation most cars in class are identical. I was making a bunch of mistakes out on course and over-driving or under-driving corners, but doing fairly well. Other drivers in class were driving more consistently and turning in times that were a second or more faster on a 50-second course. When you see what other drivers can do, it only pushes you to become a better driver yourself. I have only done a couple of national events, but would suggest that anyone that has the opportunity or drive to give it a try.
As the year is progressing, Nationals are approaching. I am planning on attending this year and would like to know who else is interested in going. If you are considering entering or have already entered, please let me know. I would like to recognize anyone that is going from our Region. In the mean time, keep your foot firmly planted on the gas or the brake at all times.
L8R,
Alan
Sunday April 27, the FLR's first Solo II event was greeted by warm, sunny weather and almost 100 racers. Smiling faces could be seen all around the R.I.T. site which held a friendly atmosphere. Warm weather, friendly people, lots of room, and no radar guns... this was the perfect setting for my first time out with the SCCA.
After looking forward to this event for about two months and asking many different people thousands of questions, I realized that the day had finally come. That's when I started to get nervous. I was surrounded by old and new cars, and people who seemed to know what they were doing. After registration, the nervousness turned into excitement as a voice came over the loud speakers informing everyone of the upcoming drivers' meeting. The meeting finished rather quickly and then the other 28 novices and I got a course walk-through along with some very useful information. Not long after this, the event got underway.
I had the opportunity to ride with an experienced autocrosser first. Before I knew it his run had ended, and I was left with a huge smile on my face. From that point on the rest of the day seemed to fly by...because that's what it does when you are having fun. And I was!!!
After I had regained enough composure to do so, I looked over my car one last time. Then I moved over to the starting grid to wait my turn at the course. A million things started going through my mind. Things like "I'm going to stall", "I'm going to crash", and "I'm going off course" are just the ones I can remember.
The wait at the pre-stage point seemed like forever. I took several deep breaths to try to keep my head straight. My heart was pounding. The starter waved me up to the start point, and then my left leg started to shake. I tried to take in as much of the course as I could and listen to what the instructor was telling me all at once.
The starter waved me off. Finally, the wait was over and I could have my turn. Cones were everywhere. It seemed like some of them were throwing themselves at my car as I went by. Seventy-some seconds later, it was over. My first Solo II run with the SCCA was now a part of history.
When I parked my car and got out, I could barely walk because I was shaking so much. It's hard to describe the feelings that were bolting through me at the time, but I'm sure you've all felt them before. If someone could bottle up all of those feelings and sell them, they would make a bundle!
I can definitely say a few things about my first time out with the SCCA:
The 1997 Finger Lakes Region Solo II Grand Prix held on June 28 and 29 at ITT Automotive was a success in many ways. Organized as a charity event, the Region was able to donate five hundred dollars to "Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Community Partners for Youth". For those of you unfamiliar with BB/BS, adult volunteers are paired with area children and the relationship developed can last a lifetime. The `Big' is more than a mentor to the child—he or she becomes one of the child's best friends. For more information about Big Brothers/ Big Sisters call (716)454-2292.
When Jason Smith and I agreed to chair the event, we knew we'd need help...a lot of help. Before the General Membership Meeting that we were attending when we accepted the responsibility was over, several people had signed on to be part of the core committee. Darrin Bahtees and Sharon Jackson had never even watched a Solo II event, yet they were attending planning meetings in April. Brent Howard also offered to help out that evening. Before the week was over, novices Scott Leclerc and Randy Sprague joined in, providing valuable manpower and support. Dan Maurer offered to be our "safety valve," ready to step in if we found ourselves overloaded.
With the committee formed and the responsibilities divided, we began to believe that we might actually be able to pull it off. When we were able to talk John Greathead into taking on the course design and setup responsibilities, we knew we'd be able to put on an event that would be worth the time and distance that many people gave up to make it for the weekend. Of course, there were several specialties that we didn't even try to re-invent. Paul and Julie Shaver have been handling registration for quite a while now, and we needed their help and the efficiency of the system they've put together. Tim Moriarty was called upon to be Chief of Tech, and he recruited the always willing Carl Blocker to help him out. Brian Reeves was our Safety Steward, a position that I didn't envy that weekend. He took time away from prepping the Fiat to pre-check the course for us, an action that I hope didn't lead to the broken status of the car the next day.
New for this year's Grand Prix was a Saturday evening road rally after the picnic that Kim and Rich Smith hosted for everyone. Peter Steinberg put together a simple Monte Carlo rally that ended at Bosnyk's Restaurant. Alan Smith, Carl Dresie, Todd Miller, Joe Isuzu, Mary Brooks, Christa Meck, and Don Whan all worked checkpoints. The response was very positive and we plan to do it again next year. The purpose of the rally was to bring the entrants together after the first day of racing was over. The bench racing lasted until after 11:30 p.m., not bad considering the rally was over before dark.
There were several people who helped make the event possible that weren't quite as visible as those I've mentioned already. David Ciufo loaned us (under the guise of Emerson Oil) the trailer that we used to keep the people in Timing and Scoring out of the sun. He also loaned us the generator that powered the computer we used for scoring. TOYO Tires provided a set of tires that we gave away as a door prize. Tire Centers Inc. also provided support for the event. A new sponsor, Autocrafting by Technistar, provided the $100 gift certificate that Alan Smith won for being the fastest indexed driver. Autocrafting is located on Jefferson Road, across from RIT, and stocks all kinds of performance and appearance items for your vehicles. When you're looking for parts, stop by and ask Tom Walters for pricing information.
I've probably forgotten to mention a few people, but their contributions weren't trivial. Everybody that helped out made the event something special for the Region.
If you're interested in getting involved with the planning and running of next years event it's not too soon to
get involved. We didn't have a lot of time to put everything together this year, but we hope to make next year's event huge.
We need people from every specialty, but anyone with an interest can make a difference. If you've never organized an
event you're really missing out on an important part of the Solo II experience. None of the core committee this year,
including Jason and I, had ever chaired an event prior to accepting this challenge. In fact, we were all novices.
Day One - Saturday:
The Grand Prix opened with a twisty-turny course and a LOT of hot sun. If you made it around without spinning, twisting, sliding, then you didn't get the full value! The top three raw positions were dominated by the modified cars! (Gooo modifieds.)
Other than a bump on the head and a small trip to the hospital, it was an excellent racing day.
How else to follow up an excellent racing day, than with an excellent barbeque. Thank you very much to Kim Smith for manning the gigantic grill.
Door prizes were given out by Scott Leclerc. Coincidentally, Scott won the tire raffle. We think it was rigged!!
The Grand Prix was run to benefit the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Rochester. We presented them with a considerable donation and had them eat as much food as they could!
Saturday night led us to the road rally! What a blast this was! If you didn't make it, you should next time. Even the workers got to fly around back roads trying to get to their posts before the racers. I'm not sure which was better! The road rally was won by novice Suzuki Samuri car #8. Or was that infinity? Boy were Britt Doerr and Ken Anderson shocked! Even Alan Smith said, "Not bad for a bunch of Soloists."
Day Two - Sunday:
Jason Smith started out the day with an announcement that there will be no drugs, alcohol, or bleeding. He
forgot to mention car injuries! The ITT lot took a victim for a long slide into the far end fence. The driver was okay, but the
car will need some work. Other than that delay, it was your basic autocrossing day. Times and finishing positions can
be found on the World Wide Web at:
Solo II Grand Prix
From the May-August 1987 issues of TOP END and John Castle's "Finger Lakes Region... A History"
The Programs set up for the General Membership Meetings were inviting and well planned. Gail McGuire, Paula Sherwood and Adrianna Betts shared their adventure on the ONE LAP OF AM-ERICA at the May meeting with a slide show accompanied with their own personal (and witty) rendition of the event. They competed in a turbo Volvo station wagon set up by Best Motors. Bob Tullius, founder and President of the infamous "Group 44" Jaguar team based out of Winchester, VA, was the guest speaker at the July meeting. Mr. Tullius was born and raised in Rochester.
At the mid-year point, Judy McAllister was leading the region's High Points with 104 points. Following closely behind were Chris Bucknam (103), Barbara Lissow (99), Bob Henderson (89) and Mike Toombs (85).
The Rally Challenge Series was over (between COCR and SCCA); SCCA came out ahead with 1252 points over COCR's 1136 points. Rose Means and Jane Devens took first in the Basic Class with 79 points; Bill and Mark Laitenberger lead the Equipped Class with 85 points; Jerry Kerwin and Beth Vordran squeaked the first placed position with 90 points... Chris Bucknam and Karl Haltiner were right behind them with 87 points. The Awards party was held on May 8, 1987, at Ellison Park; COCR had the honor of buying the keg that year, but they also took home the majority of the trophies!
John Buffum, with co-driver Tom Grimshaw, claimed his sixth Susquehannock Trail PRO Rally victory in their Audi Sport Quattro amongst a starting field of 69 cars. FLR competitors Don Girven and Chris Shalvoy were given the "A for Effort" by Chairmen John Robinson and Rusty Campbell. "Girven/Shalvoy broke a throttle cable on Stage 5 on their Mazda RX2 and completed that stage and the next with a piece of string tied to the carburetor in place of the throttle cable. Unfortunately, they had to change a shock absorber and fix the throttle cable at the next service. That cost them too much time and they were disqualified at the next stage start for being over maximum permitted lateness." Strohs and Coca-Cola came on as sponsors of STPR and supplied T-shirts and posters as well as some cash prizes.
The National race, co-chaired by Chris DeMinco and Judy Mc-Allister, was held in June and was a great success with 180 cars competing. This was going to be a spectator event, but for various reasons, track management declined that allowance. The highlight of the weekend was the spectacular chicken barbecue. R.E. Gene Dinkel strongly recommended that all members, both competitors and workers offered strong support during the 1989 racing season to emphasize FLR's support of SCCA racing's future at WGI.
The Ford Ride and Drive seminars received rave reviews. Jay Hughes and Bill Hicks had a major role in securing Ford as one of the sponsors of the regional Solo II series; the other sponsor was Dunn Tire. The first autocross of the season, held at Rochester Institute of Technology, had 94 competitors, and a third of them were novices. Plans were underway for the New York State Solo II Championship to be held at the Avon Go-Kart track; Judy Schoonmaker handled Registration for this event.
And last but not least...the Region bought its first computer!
The National race was removed from the tentative Northeast Division schedule because it was not a "spectator event." But through some active campaigning by some members, it reappeared on the schedule in March. This required some fast footwork to get through the preparations in the less than three months remaining before the event.Bruce Weick chaired the event which had approximately 170 cars entered.
The Solo II series first event had 44 entrants, but by the fourth event, that number was down to 22.
This was the first year of the "Bully to the Valley" rally, the brainchild of Lynn Randall. This event was the temporary venue for the monthly meeting. The rally to the Bully Hill Winery was followed by a winery tour (with a prolonged wine tasting party), dinner, and then the meeting.
To help the Monroe Theatre promote the new movie, "Grand Prix", the Region had an unstaffed display which included a Nassau Yee brought in by Steve Ross.
A Driver's Seminar conducted by Gary Morgan drew about 60 people. This had become an annual institution...with movies, formal presentation of a basic indoctrination and informal discussions ...this was a great start for the racing season.
Rallying was very popular in 1967 with several successful events put on by members still very active today like Gail McGuire and Gene Dinkel.
A great P.R. opportunity for the Club arose. The Irondequoit School District, with regard to setting up school bus
routes, wanted accurate mileages from each of their schools to various points in the town. Some interested members spent a very
hot sunny afternoon providing that information.
Here we are and the season is well underway. You're standing at your station and suddenly a car does a loop-de-loop and lands upside down. It takes a while to get the driver out and he is seriously injured. You know the driver or you know the car or he is just one of our large racing family. Or, you're sitting in your race car waiting to go out, and this is one of your friends in the wrecked car. Just racing, right? Could happen any time, no need to let it get to you.
Still, funny things are happening. You really aren't having fun anymore, or you're not sleeping very well, or you snap at your family and fellow workers for no reason. CONGRATULATIONS -- YOU'RE HUMAN! Critical incidents are extraordinary things happening to ordinary people. This is a Critical Incident, and you are experiencing what is known as critical incident stress. Even though we know these things can happen, sometimes they can get to us when we least expect it. You don't need psychiatric help. What you do need is a little assistance to get through this time. You need Critical Incident Stress Management.
The worst part of critical incident stress is what it can do to your family. Your significant other may be supportive, but have no idea of what you are going through. Simple things may make you snap at your family, then feel bad about being so touchy. This hurts everybody.
The question is, where do you get the help you need? This is usually not a problem that needs to send you to the nearest psychiatric clinic. Help is as close as your telephone or your next SCCA flag meeting. There are people like yourself who are trained to help you through this in a quiet, confidential manner.
Group stress debriefing is available soon after an incident if you need it. If you're afraid your friends will think you're "silly" for needing some assistance, you can work one-on-one with someone. Often, it takes just one phone conversation to make you feel better and able to carry on by yourself. (Incidentally, those friends you're worried about are probably having problems and calling for their own private chat.)
If you would like to talk to someone, call Carol Burton at (607) 732-5270. It doesn't have to be about a recent incident; sometimes things that happened years ago can come back to haunt you. Don't let a racing incident keep you from enjoying the sport. Try these helpful hints, and if you want to contact us, we'll be glad to help.
About the author...
Carol Borton is a member of the Glen Region. At the advanced level in her field, she received her training in an intense training school led by Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, a pioneer in recognizing the need for this type of counseling and founder of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). This organization was among the first called in after the bombings in the Twin Towers in New York City and the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Carol has been active as a Critical Incident Stress Debriefer at WGI and at the Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira where she works as an ICU nurse. She also handles one-on-one sessions with EMTs and members of the police and fire departments. She is also a Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome Counselor, though she is quick to add that these are not the same thing.
When a critical incident first occurs, Carol is
contacted and goes to the scene to assist in any way
she can. Mass debriefing is held as soon as possible
after the incident with all the workers and drivers
involved, followed by a one-on-one debriefing when
necessary. Carol emphasized that confidentiality is a prime
prerequisite of all such sessions.