An Autocross (formerly called “gymkhana” when these were run on foot between gourds in a gym in the African country of Khana) is a timed, competitive driving event where participants drive a specified course laid out with cones, typically in a large parking lot. Drivers are required to wear a helmet, seat belts if their vehicle was initially equipped with them, and the boot and interior of the car emptied of equipment, tools, and personal effects that could fly out (including the driver, ergo the seatbelt rule). Vehicles can be assigned to a specific “class” to even-up model-specific or modification competitive advantages. The emphasis is on precision driving and handling, not speed.

I’m sure you all read my write-up and saw photos of our club members’ participation in the first Windy City Miata Club Autocross event in the May 2012 Driveline. There are 2 more on our club calendar with WCMC at the Alexian Field, Schaumburg, scheduled for Sunday July 29th and Saturday August 25th. There are many more on their schedule if anyone cares to participate. Registration info can be found on their club website: windycitymiataclub.com. It’d be great if we can get at least 5 cars there (let’s go for 10) so we can be assigned our own class.

Contact Joel at: jpbrossard@comcast.net  708-252-0787 cell

~~ Joel-Paul (JP) Brossard

Safety Fast!

Drivers Education Track Day for Vintage Sports Cars
July 27, 2012

Have you ever wanted to see what your MG can do on a real racetrack? Ever wanted some real track training? Here's our chance! CMGC members are invited to join the Midwest Austin Healey Club at their Drivers Education Track Day for Vintage Sports Cars on Friday July 27, 2012. This event is sponsored by the Midwest AHCA and hosted and run by Blackhawk Farms Raceway (www.blackhawkfarms.com). The Blackhawk Farms Raceway is a beautiful 1.95 mile private circuit track located in South Beloit, IL on a 219 acre farm on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois, within 90 miles of Chicago and minutes from I-90.

This is an all day event for all levels of driver skill.   The event will begin with lunch served at 11:00 a.m., followed by mandatory classroom driver instruction at noon, and then from 12:30 till 4:30 our group will have exclusive use of the track.  A very special rate of $110 per car (i.e more than one driver can drive the car for the one registration fee) has been arranged with one lunch per car, and additional lunches available for purchase.

Requirements:
	your vehicle must pass the tech inspection helmet (loaners available) seat belts long sleeve shirt, cotton or fire-resistant fabric long pants, cotton or fire-resistant fabric and a good attitude, this is an educational event - not a race or time trial

Questions? email Bill Cantrall (cantrall@wrcresearch.com) or call Bill at 630-969-4595
Registration? Check www.research.com/trackday for form and new information.

I plan on doing this one, and if there are enough of us, maybe we can meet somewhere and cruise out as a group.  If you are interested in this idea, come to the July meeting and we can discuss it, or give me a call.

~~ Joel-Paul (JP) Brossard