After months of anticipation and weeks of preparation, the day of the SVTOA Eastern Regional On Track at Summit Point finally arrived on Friday August 20th. As Chapter Director of the Delaware Valley SVTOA, I had posted weeks earlier for any SVTOA member interested, to meet at the Delaware House on Route 95 south of Wilmington, Delaware that morning to caravan to Summit Point. Several DVSVTOA members and an enthusiastic Dave V. were already there by the time I arrived. After a brief wait for Bill G. who was hung up in traffic, we finally hit the highway to West Virginia at 11:30AM. Jamie C. and I had already made plans to stop in Towson, Maryland for lunch at where else, but Hooters. After a great lunch, we were ready and willing to complete the drive. We took 695 to 70 to 340, all of which went rather quickly and we were into West Virginia. We had decided to go to the Clarion Hotel and check in before heading to the track. After an interesting drive about 2:30 we arrived in Shepherdstown at the Clarion, without losing anyone or making a wrong turn. The Clarion is a very nice hotel located in a very historical area of West Virginia. The parking lot was already filling with SVT products. After quickly checking in and surveying the hotel, we left for the track. All Volunteers were asked to report to the track at 4PM for setup. By the time we arrived, a large group was already beginning to set things up. After checking in with Brian, we packed “goodie bags” to be handed out at registration. That was completed rather quickly and Brian decided wisely to open registration up. Del Hughes opened tech inspection up shortly afterward, after giving many of us a tutorial of what the tech inspector looks for. As the evening wore on, more participants arrived at the track. 6PM, everyone was ushered into the meeting room for “Meet and Greet” and refreshments. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones. As darkness set in, we made our way back to the Clarion and continued socializing at the pub for a while.
Saturday morning came quickly as volunteers needed to report at the track at 7AM. Tech Inspection was opened up as a line quickly formed, fortunately our group teched in Friday evening. At about 8AM a yellow Ford GT pulled into tech, driven down to Summit Point by Ed Laundry from SVT Engineering. Everyone was ushered into the meeting room at 8:30 AM for a mandatory drivers meeting. Jeff Lacina was very thorough in explaining the rules of conduct we would be following and then announced the driving groups. Before anyone could hit the track, we were driven around by instructors to get a feel for the course. The course was very well laid out and extremely fun to drive, but the best was yet to come!
During my first session, I was fortunate to be paired up with Will D as my instructor. Will has a 97 Cobra and knew my cars capabilities very well and encouraged me to push it harder. After my session, Will took me out in his 97 Cobra and gave me further instruction. Thanks Will for giving me so much of your time, I came away with a great deal of knowledge.
Second session came just before lunch did, and then it started to rain. Chatter during lunch was about how much fun everyone was having! Jeff gave a discussion of how to handle ourselves in the rain before track time resumed. Jamie braved the track, but after a lap decided to quit while ahead. I decided to sit this session out, but Bill G., Dave V. and Bruce went out. During all of this, Ed was giving rides in the Ford GT! The rain finally subsided and during the sessions the track began to dry. I braved the wet track and had a great time driving on it, but I’m still glad I didn’t go out in the rain! Joe V. pulled in around 4PM. Everyone got one more session on track before the day ended and we headed back to the Clarion.
Saturday night we had a great buffet dinner at the Clarion. John Brooks was on hand to award the suspension system that he and Kenny Brown donated for the event. We had a great time socializing with other SVTOA members from around the country. Afterwards, we had a good conversation with Jeff Lacina about the event, the Track Dawg tour and SVTOA in general.
Luckily Sunday morning started a little later than Saturday. At the driver’s meeting, all of the Instructors were given the opportunity to address us. Then “Madd Dawg” Jeff Lacina informed us we would be running the track in the opposite direction! Off we went to get our laps with the instructors on the “new” track. I got the ride of my life in of all things a huge Buick Roadmaster Woody Wagon around the track. “Big John” could make that thing handle! If you ever go to an SVTOA event and see the Woody, get in!
The course was very challenging and fast in this configuration! The sessions went much too quickly! Joe V. brought out his 2000 R and really put it through the paces. I was surprised at how hard Joe was driving it. Ed was still giving hot lap rides in the GT; it was really cool to get passed by the GT at speed. Unfortunately I didn’t get a ride before Ed had to leave, but hopefully next time I will! I did get a ride in Joe V.”s 2000 R! Later in the day, Joe had a wild ride when the former Bondurant Mustang blew a radiator hose and wet the track in a blind spot. Fortunately no harm was done and the track was black flagged for cleanup. As the day wore on, goodbyes were exchanged as gradually everyone began to pack up and begin the drive home.
Looking back, I can’t convey enough what a great time I had. My hats off to Brian & Gina Shefranek, Jeff Lacina and his Instructors, SVTOA National and Joanne, the Clarion, Summit Point Raceway and to ALL the SVTOA members in attendance. Thank you for a great time, I’ll be back next year for sure!