SCCA 1st Timer

["Mark L. Chang" <mchang@ece.nwu.edu>]

Well, I finally did it.  Yesterday, Ryan Weatherby (a fellow lister)
convinced me that I did indeed have the time try SCCA Solo II over in
Belvidere, IL, at the Chrysler Neon factory.

To sum it all up, it was a *blast*.  My membership dues are in the mail.

We co-drove Ryan's mint '91 CQ on what others called a rather fast and
simple course.  I managed a 40.1 on my first run and a 36.581 on what was
to be my final run.  Ryan drove like a madman in the second heat and eeked
by me with a 35.892 but managed to puncture a tire.  Thus, our racing day
had come to an end.  You can see all the results at www.scca-chicago.com!
Nice to see my name in lights, even if it _is_ misspelled.  We didn't come
in last, so our goals were achieved!

I would give a "shout out" to all the listers that attended the event, but
since we were the SOLE representation of Audi iron, I fear it would fall on
deaf ears.  Hopefully, everyone was down in Blackhawk instead, tearing up
the tarmac there.

Kudos and thanks to Ryan for letting me beat on his car _just a little_.
It was first time I had ever been behind the wheel of his car, and the
second behind any CQ, so it was a little different.  Most certainly it is
time to get some magnetic race numbers for the 'ol 4kq :).  Kudos also to
everyone there, as all the people, young and old, men and women and
children, were possibly the nicest bunch of folks you'll find.

On a similar note, I would like to say that this is the best place to get
into car trouble.  When Ryan pulled off the course after his run, a
gentleman (David ...) in a nice new Mustang Cobra hollered that there was
something amiss.  He found the right-rear to be leaking fast and dashed to
his toolbox.  Out comes a garage-style repair kit.  A few minutes later,
she's all patched up.  We grab his compressed air tank and fill her up.  By
this time, we've got four guys standing around lending a hand and a kind
word.  Most encouraging!

Again, I can't express how much fun this all was.  Hopefully, I'll attend
events that have more Audis in the future.

Cheers,
Mark #218 Chicago Region SCCA :)