Seattle Alfa Romeo Club Track Event Report

[Darringer, Chris]

I couldn't wait for the next Quattro Club track event on the West Coast, so
at the strong recommendation of Tess McMillan, I decided it was time to try
out an Alfa Romeo club event at Seattle International Raceway (SIR).
Afterall, its a long, long time until the next Quattro club event on the
west coast, and Seattle is only 15 hours away... I just hoped that those old
Alfas wouldn't hold me up too much on the track...

...15 hours later, I found myself desperately trying to keep up with those
old Alfas.  After a few laps around Seattle international raceway (SIR) I
realized everything Tess said about this track is true - it is a pretty
brutal track.  Its hard on brakes, and its hard on tires.  In particular,
hard braking (over a very rough surface) is required after a long, long
straight (105mph in my relatively slow 80q) before entering a classic
decreasing radius left hander.  Once you make it out of that turn you are
faced with a steep downhill brake-eating section with two more sharp turns.
The rough surface slowly shreds away the outer edges of your tires.

The other thing that stood out about the Alfa club is the amount of freedom
you are given.  In the Quattro club, instructors strictly enforce passing
rules, maintaining distance between cars, and driving within the limits of
your car.  If you were to ignore your instructors advice and put a couple
wheels off the course during a Quattro club event, you may be brought into
the pits for an inspection of your car and a lecture on "what just
happened".  In the Alfa club, the guys in charge of lecturing are too busy
putting wheels off the course to give lectures ;)   In my first session on
the track, for example, the course was a little wet (and I think I had my
rear tire pressures a bit high).  I was trying to keep up with an Alfa in
one of the turns, came in too fast and stayed on the brakes a little too
long, and before I knew it I had looped the car 360 degrees off the course.
My instructor said, "heh heh, well, just give me a second to get my
bearings... very dizzy... okay, there is the track over there, see it?  Heh
heh.. lets not do that again, alright?  Oh, and you can turn your windshield
wipers off now, its not raining".  I was back on the track in seconds,
somewhat humbled.  In conclusion, if you are in touch with your abilities
and your car's limits, this is a great organization.  If not, be prepared to
be humbled, nobody is going to stop you from finding things out the hard
way!

I also managed to get a ride with an instructor in a Porsche 944 and an '86
Audi coupe GT.  I was especially impressed with the coupe GT - I have heard
stories from listers about the cornering capabilities of this car, but I
never really believed a front wheel drive car could be so effective and well
mannered until I went for this ride.  With 130hp and a couple hundred fewer
lbs than my 80q, this car was managed 10 extra mph on the back straight.  I
was impressed.

Unfortunately I did not get the chance to ride with Tess, but her impressive
track times proved that she knows what she is doing behind the wheel of her
80q.  Just like the other members of the Alfa club, she was friendly,
enthusiastic, and full of helpful suggestions, ideas, and witty remarks.
This was a worthwhile trip, and I recommed the Alfa club to anyone looking
for more track experience outside of the Quattro club!

Chris
'90 80q