AutocrossOur autocross series was very well received this year, measured by the complementary comments both in person and in the region’s Facebook group. Steve Limbert, regional executive described 2015 as “another solid season of autocross made possible by all the Susquehanna Region folks who are relentless in their dedication to making it happen!”
The leadership and course design talent of Geoff Craig and the continued effort of Mark Houser in prepping the truck, timing and PA equipment no doubt contributed to success along with the autocross committee. Member Chris Benfer thinks that “both from a personal level and a club level, we made a lot of good progress this season. We’ve stepped up the quality of the events and I’ve gotten a bit better as a driver. Overall, it has been a great season and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
The autocross series consisted of 11 successful events this year, out of the original 13 scheduled. The events scheduled on the Giant Center lot July 25 and 26 were cancelled due to an Ariana Grand concert being held there on Sunday and an estimated park attendance of 35,000 slated for Saturday. They simply didn’t have room for us autocrossers. Thus both Saturday and Sunday were cancelled.
Still, 11 well-attended events makes for a great season. Mark Hetrick, a participant at many autocross events had this to say: “Out of all the car shows, drag racing events, and car meets, this is what I look forward to the most. If I could race autocross every weekend with this group, I would!” Well said, Mark! I’d have to agree.
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RallycrossOur rallycross program is still young and “continues to develop,” said Steve Limbert. But both John Roscinski, rallycross chair, and Henry Brillinger, assistant regional executive, agree that the program “went fairly well” this year.
The success of the program is thanks to the leadership of John Roscinski and Adam Moore, and again the efforts of Mark Houser. There were three rallycross events this year, out of the originally scheduled four. Unfortunately, the event scheduled for October 3 was cancelled due to very heavy rain the previous week. That paired with the prediction of 100% chance of rain going into the event weekend caused the cancellation, which isn't uncommon for these types of events. Participation in rallycross events seemed to hold steady throughout the year with around 25 entrants at each event. One big perk—in stark contrast to the autocross program—is that rallycross
drivers, on average, continue to enjoy more than 10 runs per event!
Forrest Graeff, a participant in both rallycross and autocross programs noted that “the season was well-run and the lots are first rate,” but the search continues for new sites for the program according to both Steve and John.
John is looking forward to seeing some new and old faces join the program next year. He added that “our handful of very dedicated regulars needs some reinforcements to become a well-oiled machine.” So if you've been thinking about it for awhile, make 2016 the year that you gear up and join the rallycross program!
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