Just enough rain to lube the asphalt marbles and enough wind to make a box of Krispy Kremes take off like Toto on the way to Oz . . .

We must be at MineralRing!  Autocross or Time Trial, those conditions are always easily recognized.

This was the first Maverick Region Porsche Club of America Time Trial of the year, and the first ever for me.  Wendy took some of my money and my bull in her normal sweet manner, and then it was time to change tires, empty the car and get ready.  I looked around and only saw one other Miata and parked next to it.  The driver introduced himself as David Hedderick from Houston, and Gabby Garner’s white-hot Subie was across the lane from me.  A hot shoe from Houston and Gabby; my shot at OJ (other – Japanese) just rolled out the end of the barrel and fell on my shoe.  I also spotted a couple of Mustangs and a ‘Vette.  Everything else seemed to be from Germany.  Imagine that.

Since it was my first event, I was entitled to familiarization laps before the course went hot and an instructor during the event.  Unfortunately, Chuck Machala, my instructor last year, remembered me and asked if I really needed an instructor (have I mentioned here attending the last two MR TT schools?).  I said not if it was the same course I had driven in both schools, but I’d like a familiarization lap or two.  He said that was fine. 

After cruising the course following the tracks of Mr. Machala a couple of times, I thought I had all the lines and remembered what I learned just a few weeks before.  I’m such a fool, but I have an excuse.  Driving a Miata put me in the OJ class, and I think subconsciously I was trying to recreate that infamous low speed car chase that was on every channel a few years ago.  To my credit, I caused no impedes and was within 10 sec. of my old mentor at the end of heat 1, but I’m ahead of myself.

Official times not withstanding, I had a great time!  Maverick Region always puts on a great show.  My work assignment was start/finish.  Busiest I’ve ever been at an event, and I learned a ton about my work assignment from the ever-helpful Gabby (who unfortunately corded 2 tires in one run and easily took OJ if I remember correctly).  I also found a new use for a head sock; they help keep you warm when it is cold, wet, and windy!  I bought two.

We started at 9:00 and finished by 4:30 including a lunch break!  That’s ten high speed laps on a course about a mile long in less time than some AX heats I’ve witnessed, and all for $25 oh wait $35.  Will I be back?  Oh Yeah!  Will I have FTD anytime soon?  All I will say is, “If the glove won’t fit, you must acquit!”