SCCA Autocross - Qualcomm Stadium - 11.14.1999
This autocross was actually a competition, unlike the autocross that SCCA held back in August. For this event, six members would actually attend, plus two friends of member emeritus Chris Ashton. For those in attendance, we were treated to the sight of Chris' 1998 Ford Mustang Cobra. His friends also brought their new cars: a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S, and a 2000 Audi S4 Quattro.
A few of us from the LA/OC area decided to caravan down, so we arranged a meet at the LA/OC caravan spot at 10:00am Sunday morning. I was the first there, Mike showed up at 10am, and Lino showed about 15 mins. later. We left near 10:30am and got to Qualcomm at noon (after we had to stop so Lino could get some gas).
The attendees for this gathering were:
Chris, in his Cobra, was consistently running times of 73 secs. all day. The biggest adjustment from his Probe to his Cobra in the autocross, according to Chris, was using the rear-end to help get him through a turn. Not an easy task, but he did it quite well, especially considering he's only had the car for a couple of weeks. He's got suspension mods planned in the very near future. Oh, don't forget to change the rubber Chris!
Lino was running in his 1993 Probe SE and was getting times between 77 and 85 secs. He was able to reach 77's twice and was consistently around 80. Not bad considering this was a longer course than the last autocross.
Sean ran his 2000 Celica GT-S and was getting times in the mid-70's to 80 secs. Not bad considering the unfamiliarity he had with his car. There was another 2000 Celica there and that driver was consistently in the mid-70's.
Ron brought his 2000 Audi S4 Quattro. That car is really nice. Underneath the hood is a 30-valve V6 Twin Turbo engine. 30-valve you say? Proof positive is below. I took a pic of his engine compartment and asked what was the '5v' was on his valve covers for, and sure enough, it was 5v per cylinder. He was running times from the low to mid-70's.
Mike and I were more spectators than participants but we were there to support our fellow SCPOC'ers! We did notice a White 95PGT and a 1st Gen PGT there, but they weren't running. The 1st gen actually belonged to one of the SCCA people, so I popped a SCPOC flyer on his car. Hopefully he'll check us out!
Lalo was there about the same time Chris and his friends showed up, so he left around 1pm, after I did the fog light mod for him. Alex showed up near the end of the day with his dad and his little sister. Finally, the return of Alex! Anyhow, he didn't bring his Probe with him, but they did come in his dad's Golf VR6. Didn't get to take any pics of it, but it's a nice ride! It's red and has Momo wheels! Alex, you need to bring this to a meet!
At the end of the day, the course was open for about 20 mins. for a 'free run', which means that anyone can bring their car in and run the course. Cost was $1/lap but for the sheer fun, it was worth it! Chris took Mike and I (on separate runs) in his car. Mike enjoyed his ride and I was left to contemplate what it felt like to race around in my 1966 Mustang (haven't driven it in over a year). Chris, I know how you feel when you have problems keeping that car's rear in line! =)
We all decided to call it a day near 4:30pm, but I was able to get some good pics of the Celica, Audi, and the Cobra! 'Till the next gathering!
write-up by D. Tolentino