Slipstream - August 2005

Mineral Wells Time Trial #4 & Autocross #3
Photo by Kevin Hardison
By Lisa Steele
What a weekend at Mineral Wells! It all started a week before
when Mark (my hubby) tells me that he has to go to Tokyo
for business the same weekend as Time Trial #4 and
Autocross #3. I had already decided that I was not missing any more
events, so I had to learn very quickly how to hook up the trailer to the
Suburban, load the car on the trailer and tie it down so I could make
the journey to Mineral Wells alone.
Lisa Steele was glad she came out . . . and that she took TTODL for Saturday.
Friday afternoon rolls around and I head out the door to start
my loading. Okay, I can honestly say that I don’t love spending fifteen
to twenty minutes trying to back up the Suburban “just right” to get
the hitch (I have another choice word for this little metal ball) aligned
with the trailer. I know I promised Mark that I would take things nice
and slow, but this was getting slightly frustrating. Once the trailer was
attached, I prayed that the trailer was actually following the truck as
I drove around to the garage…it was. Yeah! Now to the easy part of
putting the car on the trailer and getting her all tied down. This really
wasn’t too bad, as I had done this part before under the supervision
and very attentive eye of my husband. The whole process took a little
over an hour, but I was not going anywhere until I made sure “the
baby” was as tight as she could get. I could not do this without the
wonderful help of Mike Lockas who agreed to stop by and check
on me. He was able to give it that last little pull of a notch that I just
couldn’t get. Thanks Mike!
Once in Mineral Wells, the weekend was looking up to be a
great time of racing. Saturday was a little slim with number of persons
in attendance. In some corners, we only had one person. Before I
could give the car a good go – around, I had to make sure I checked
over ALL items on the list Mark left for me – a “honey-do list” if you
wish: oil at top of line, anti-freeze between Min.-Max, brake fluid
above Min, all hoses away from belts, belts not frayed or loose, no
motor oil leaks, check exhaust pipes and muffler, check front spoiler
for nothing hanging, check tire pressures, torque lug nuts, check brake
pads, and check tire wear. Yep, looks good! Does Mark actually think I
am going to jack up the car to change brake pads if they were worn???
No worries, I had the support of about five men to help me out if I
needed it. Everyone was so supportive, especially Bryan Bell and his
father-in-law, Henry, who wanted so badly to fix some hanging molding
for me. It wasn’t on the list, so I assumed it was probably okay and
in the end the “fix” was some handy duct tape. I loved Charlie Davis’
comment, “If you were cuter, you would have about twenty men helping
you out.” Sorry, I know I’m no Danika and besides, who could look
cute with all the grease, sweat, and the black gunk I had all over me
from checking Mark’s list. I had the BEST weekend!! Thanks, Guys!
Don’t forget to check your Season Point Totals
to make sure you will qualify for a trophy
to be given out at Founder’s Day!
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