Lime Rock Review...one view..open letter

[Paul_Royal@idx.com]

Hi Folks,

     I'm fresh back from the NEQ Driver's Safety School at Lime Rock Park
Ct. and once again I take key-bored in hand to give a quick point of view
from one man's driver (and passenger seat).
     I arrived far too late on Sunday at event headquarters (The Interlaken
Inn) after making a conscious decision to play with the boat too long on
Saturday.  It was raining quite heavily as I slogged my way through the
"you can't get there from here" roads of the beautiful northwest
Connecticut countryside....but as I finally arrived the skies had begun to
clear, and the air had been delightfully freshened as if to welcome the
Quattro faithful.  I did miss an early tech inspection along with several
others which necessitated an early AM arrival at the track on Monday, but I
didn't arrive too late to attend the driver's meeting or share a draft
Otter ale or two with old and new friends at the bar.
     The rain was not quite done with Lime Rock however, and as I made my
way to the track from my hotel in Torrington it was just beginning to clear
again (much to the chagrin of Senior Instructor, Steve Early).  Routes 4,
128 (one lane covered bridge et al), and 4 were a great precursor to the
event as they are a series of curves with straights mostly too short to
notice.
     Once at the track things were very well organized and everyone was
meeting(ed), teched and ready at the prescribed time for a series of track
exercises.  The exercises included a series of slaloms and a threshold
breaking practice area made all the more challenging by the still wet
pavement at the bottom of "Diving Turn."  Thanks again to whoever picked up
my cones in the "No Name Straight."
     .....AND, I got my great t-shirt ...Super job Thompson...a winner!
And Thanks Wendy for not giving mine away :-)

     When I first saw maps of Lime Rock I didn't think that it would be
nearly as challenging as the Watkin's Glen facility, but I was swiftly
proven incorrect by "Big Bend" at the end of the "Main Straight" and by the
tricks "Diving Turn" would play on my brain all morning.  My instructor
John Barausky (sp?) was more comfortable with my driving than I was as I
became frustrated by my own hesitation at a couple of key spots.  John
stepped up to the plate for me on several occasions to make sure that I had
the best possible experience for both fun and learning.  Thanks John.
     One thing that I especially like about the NEQ events is Steve's
insistence that the students partner up with someone during the class and
then look in on them occasionally during the day to see that they are in
good shape physically, mentally and car-ally.
This gives you a chance (or excuse) to get to know at least a few people a
little better that you might not meet otherwise, perhaps learn a few
things, and it lends itself to an atmosphere of shared experience and
comraderie.  It may sound tacky...but IT WORKS.
     I ended the day feeling much better about my skills and my car than I
had at the beginning of the day but that's what it's all about, so I guess
with the weather, folks, new skills, and great BBQ at trackside it was a
stellar day.
     Next day, John signed me off to solo but I took the opportunity to ask
Glen Powell if he would sit at shotgun so that I could  get his perspective
on my still new technique :-)  When I spoke to Glen that morning it didn't
occur to me that he hadn't had a chance to drive the track yet (too busy
building the real race car) until he politely requested a turn at my wheel.
I admit; after a slight mental rush I figured: "What better way to be a
passenger at speed than with someone you trust?"  So off we went.
Unfortunately, Glen went out with a slower group and was being a little
cautious with my wheels (appreciated :) but it was great fun to sit on the
other side for once in my own car.  Glen and I went out and he got me to
try some new things which really helped my "faster is better" as long as
its safe mindset.  Thanks for both rides Glen...you helped get that 105+ on
the Main Straight and still make Big Bend.
     There's something about being solo that seems to make the runs go by
faster, but I thoroughly enjoyed the two remaining runs along with a bonus
heart pounding run in Glenn Lawton's gold ur-Q "Monster."
     One of the highlights of the day was the final two runs with the most
experienced drivers and instructors taking in the new chicane (bus stop
style) at the top of the uphill.  Picture takers and students really
enjoyed it.
     As you read this, it might sound like nothing went wrong and it was a
dream event.  As far as I can tell, from this man's seat, nothing did.
Once again, the NEQ and especially the organizers of this event have
managed to raise the bar beyond expectations.
Thanks to all who worked so hard on this event to make it a wonderful
success and something you should be proud of.  Special thanks to my
instructors John Barausky, Steve Early, and Glen Powell for teaching me to
be a better driver and for helping me keep the sheetmetal straight.  I can
say with all honesty that I have never been part of an organization that is
run quite so well and that has so many helpful, friendly, knowledgeable,
and unassuming individuals.  I feel privileged to be included among you.
See you next year!

Paul Royal
Proud Member, NEQ
1990 90Q20v