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GingerMan W2W/AX weekend, Sept 14-15
Just taking a moment to remind everyone that Midwestern Council's next event is right around the corner. On September 14-15 we return to a track that's been off our schedule so long, it'll look a little different to many of us. For some, GingerMan is a bit of a trek. But it's not good for our organization to become too dependent on one or two tracks, and a diverse schedule means MC has more appeal for more competitors and members. "Away games" help keep our organization healthy, so I hope I'll be seeing some of you "across the pond".
If you're coming, or even toying with the idea, here's a couple of the factoids you'll want to know. First, we'll be mixing up the schedule this time around. So if you've only got one day to spare, keep in mind that the W2W racing will be on Saturday this time around and AX will be Sunday. Registration hours are Friday: 6PM-9PM;Saturday: 7AM-6PM; Sunday: 7AM-noon. Camping is free for workers, but remember to let Registration know you're camping. Lunch will be in the concessions area Saturday but the Banquet Room on Sunday. Sunday's lunch break will be lengthy due to local "quiet hours." But to entertain yourselves, track touring is scheduled for both days.
Oh yeah... and the worker meeting, duh! That'll be 7:50AM both days at the base of the tower according to the entry form. And since we'll really be packing in the events the next month and a half, I might as well slip in a quick reminder for the event following GingerMan. We'll be back at Blackhawk Farms Raceway the last weekend of September (the 28th-29th). Make sure to mark that one down on your calendars.
Don't forget, I'm trying to reach out to people with various preferences when it comes to electronic communication. I share my event recaps and reminders here on Midwestern Council's Race Staff Forum, but also on our Flagging & Communications Facebook page and my MC Flaggers email list. With respect to the latter, if you haven't been getting F&C emails and you'd like to, drop me a line... [email protected] and I'll get you added to the list. From now until the next time... keep the shiny side up, peeps!
Thanks for the Memories!
Road America, Aug. 17-18
It's been a couple weeks since our National Park (of Speed) adventure at Road America. Hopefully, those in attendance haven't forgotten about it already. And hopefully y'all found it memorable in a good way! Certainly we couldn't have asked for much better weather. Not only was that good news "at face value," it helped ensure Chief Steward John Boldt could keep his promise that worker rides positively *would happen* on Saturday. Then to round things out, Paul Rembas (and posse) put on a great spread that evening. Sunday, some of Council's high speed AXers got to join in on our RA fun. On top of that, Madison Sports Car Club also put on a parking lot AX the day before (Sat.) and Co-chief John Krebs, who usually does the corner assignments, said about 5-6 of them joined us working corners. That's roughly 10% of the parking lot AX turnout! Hopefully one or two of them will have caught the F&C bug and they'll come out to play with us again down the road! And best of all, things on track all went pretty smoothly, I think, until very late on Sunday. So overall the weekend seemed light on ...things to sweat and fret about ...and heavy on summertime fun!
Although RA is an event that many Council folks look forward to eagerly, I have to admit, I tend to feel better the day after RA than the day before. It's such a huge track compared to what we're used to that I'm always a bit nervous about staffing. This year was no exception, leaving me breathing a sigh of relief owing to the large list of F&C volunteers - whom I have the privilege, now, to thank for their efforts. Namely, to: Judy A, Sarabess B, Bill C, Jason C, Zach D, Don E, John E, Jeremy E, Ray E, Rick G, Bob G, Reid H, Steve H, Andrew J, Tyler J, Kevin K, John K, Chuck L, "TJ" L, Kyle M, Chris M, Robin M, James M, James O, Michal P, Frankie R, Mark S, Steve S, Ann S, Jake S, Adam W, Ryan W, Jeff W...
I salute you!
Normally, as Co-chief of F&C, my expressions of appreciation focus exclusively on you guys, the members of MC's flagging corps. But as Co-Race Chair, I'd be remiss not to share the love with the volunteers from all the race staff specialties. I'd say it's too bad I don't have the "worker" sign in sheets from Registration, but my fingers would probably ache if I had to type the names of all the staffers who helped pull off this whopper of an event! So instead, know that I offer up thank-yous... one and all... that extend from Registration to Tech & Impound; from Control & the Stewards to Grid and the Starters; and from Timing & Scoring to Safety & Rescue. Folk wisdom says it takes a village to raise a child. The motorsports equivalent would be: It takes a community to put on a race weekend. I'm very grateful to everyone who showed their community spirit at Road America! Nicely done, mis amigos!
Hard to believe it's September and we're only a little beyond halfway through the racing season. Still, with only 4 events left and the days noticeably shortening, I'm getting that sense, now, of the finish line being just around the corner. So for those of you who have been my playmates for much of the season, I look forward to seeing you again soon. And for those who have been kinda distracted this season, the opportunities to get your racing fix and catch up with old friends are becoming limited. So no more excuses... I better be seeing you guys again soon as well!
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Sheryl (Bubbles) Rakowski
Co-chief of Flagging and Communications
Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs
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