Even though the attendance was down for the overall event, the Autocross had more participants than last year, with a total of 22 drivers. This was due to the enthusiasm generated by last years event. With the return of last years Fastest Time of Day Champion, Keith Miller and his 1977 Pontiac Powered Prepared-class Car everyone was focused on the “Top-Gun” spot. Troy Craythorn found more horsepower for his 1998 LS1 Trans Am through a Vortech supercharger and increased cornering adhesion from suspension modifications and 18 inch wheels covered with ultra low profile B.F.Goodrich KD’ tires. Shane Elting spent many hours in high speed driving at Willows Raceway in his B.F.Goodrich tired 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am.

The event was split into the first two run Groups at the Stead Airport. The course was a little more technical than last years but still very large, covering about ¾ of a mile.

This first group ran with the competition being very intense between Frank Wegener, Peter Scatena and Gary Vollstedt. Gary set the bar at 49.329 seconds. The women ran at the same time Gayle Vollstedt established a “Women’s Fastest Time of Day” running a best of 52.447.

With the gauntlet thrown down by Gary, the second run group had a challenge ahead. At this point Shane went out and ripped off a 48.954, Keith Miller then ran 49.634 and Dave Gershon followed up with a 47.804 plus one cone for a time of 48.804. After completing 5 runs, Dave Gershon took the “Men’s Fastest Time of Day” honors with his 350 Tuned Port Powered 1989 GTA, with a time of 47.183. Shane was second with 47.291 and Keith Miller was third with a 49.142.

We had many first timers who found themselves quickly addicted to Autocrossing and are looking forward to next years event.

Dave Gershon’s 1989 GTA Trans Am

Results:

Men's: