We had 385 people at the Friday night party. The parking lot looked like a cruise-in at a local speed shop. There were more ZR-1’s in the parking lot than C3’s! I want to thank the band, Quadratic. They sounded great (a little loud for dinner, though). The marines really dressed the place up with their dress uniforms, and the Miss Vettes-4-Vets court added a little flash. The BBQ from Country’s was superb, as usual. If you didn’t get all you wanted, it was your own fault. The museum was great, and all that racing history would take days to absorb. It appeared everyone had a good time. Next year, we will hold off the band until 8:00 PM so people can socialize over dinner.
Saturday, the weather was great. It felt like summer. The sky was clear and there was a little breeze (maybe that was from the fans). We had 240 pre-registered participants with a dozen alternates. A few had to cancel, but there were people waiting to take their spots. Everyone who came out had the opportunity to run. We finished up about an hour early, even with the extra runs people wanted. All the volunteers got to ride, some multiple times. The marines looked like they were having a blast riding (and driving!) in your cars. I want to thank you for giving a ride to a volunteer or marine. Even some of the spectators got to hitch a ride on the big track.
We had a couple of issues on the track. One session, a couple of guys passed a car running slower than them. The car has slowed, due to steering issues. The guys following were not paying attention and passed the car rather than slowing down. They broke the rules, but owned up to it, and I let them run again, the second issue just about shut down the whole deal. understand two cars stopped on the track, and decided to drag race down the back stretch. know who the people were that pulled this stunt, but they just about killed the fun for the rest of the group.
The safety crew leader said “If that happens again, we are all going home.”
I kind of got upset over the PA and I want to apologize to you all for my outburst. I lost my cool when the guys who felt they were big men and needed to drag race on the track did not have the courage or maturity to own up to their actions once they got to the pits. There is no place for this kind of immaturity and cowardice on the track. I was told later that they left the track, and did not hear me call them out. If you were one of the people that did this and want to explain yourself, please send me a note or call me. That all I have to say on the matter.
As always, I look forward to your comments and suggestions to make this event even better next year. Thanks and be safe.
Jeff Williams, Executive Director
348 more days until Vettes-4-Vets 2012! / Can you wait?