Slipstream - August 2002

My First Autocross
By Casey Todd
Okay so it’s not really my first autocross. I’m an avid
Oklahoma SCCA autocrosser. It was, however, my first
PCA autocross, and boy was it so much fun.
As I was working a corner while the other group was driving, I
saw how Charlie, Cody, James, and others take the turns and
thought, “I can do that, no problem.” Well there was a problem, it
was raining and I’ve never raced at such high speeds. I found that
instructor Cody Sears was great. So, I’m at the starting line and I
do a typical SCCA start. I get off to a great start and turn in an all
right time of 78 seconds. It was fun, but I was a little timid.
I spun twice during my second run and gave Cody a ride for
his life. My third and fourth runs were probably my best of the day,
but both times the timer didn’t work. I was a little disappointed
but, hey, you live with it. My next lap wasn’t that great because I hit
two cones. My fourth lap probably could’ve been my best, but I
ruined it pretty soon by spinning out, so the rest of the run I drove
my heart out and did everything else better than ever. I would like
to thank Cody for being my instructor, and teaching me what to do
in certain situations at that speed.
I would have liked to have stayed for the afternoon session and
driven in the downpour but my dad’s car had a problem with it so
we had to go home. I loved it here though, and am ready to race
again (even though I hate the drive from Oklahoma).
I would also like to thank Charlie, James, Wendy, and others
for helping me get this chance to drive in PCA autocrosses at
sixteen years old. Not long ago they let me write an article about
how PCA should let sixteen-year-olds drive, like SCCA. Without
them I would still be watching everyone from the sidelines wanting
so badly to drive. Thanks very much you guys and ladies.
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Photos by Kevin Hardison
John Halla trailbraking in to the chicane at the Saturday Time Trial.
Keith Olcha had a TTOD in his RS America on Saturday . . .
and a win in the crowded Class S7 on Sunday in his new grey Boxster.
...ruined it pretty soon by spinning ...
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Casey Todd charging the finish line with Cody Sears along for the ride!
Keerthi Heragu enjoying fun runs during the rain shortened Sunday AX.
Photo by Kevin Hardison
Photo by Kevin Hardison
David Baker on course with his Class 4 competitor, Eric Erz, in the background.
Charlie Davis’ green 914 2.0 liter doing it’s best “frog” imitation.
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