Slipstream - November 2006

Drivers’ Education at MotorSport Ranch
by Phil Hallenbeck
As Labor Day Weekend approaches, the Maverick Region member
thinks to himself, “Ahhh…Labor Day weekend! But, what to do
with such a glorious end of summer? It's Texas, so the weather will
be great! How about a day or two at the lake? Naw, that's just too lazy-
I'm an energetic, high-speed kind of guy.”
“A college football game or two? No way-that's watching other
people having fun. Hmmm…well, how about just a day or two at home,
with a barbecue? No, gotta have some excitement!”
“Wait! How about diving into the Rattlesnake braking zone at 110 or
so? Then a nice right-left-right, little throttle steer on the left, little drift on
that nice big right onto the new section of track. Hard left-foot brake and
downhill fast after that left-hander…” The Maverick's thoughts quickly
drift through a mental rehearsal of the 3.1-mile course.
The grin begins, and widens.
“Keith Olcha and Lee Wilkins will be there for sure. If you can't learn
something from those guys, you're probably dead. Jan Mayo has gotta be
the best and prettiest pit marshall in all of PCA, maybe all of motorsport.
Bobby Archer is always good for tires, brake pads, tape, and advice… PST
and Fifth Gear, too. All the Mavericks will be there.”
Yes, sports fans, our Maverick PCAer has truly come into that
decision-making zone called the “no-brainer…”
And the event more than lives up to his expectations! As the
accompanying pictures show, the Mavericks and their fast friends spent
Labor Day weekend in style on a dry, warm MotorSport Ranch track,
saying sayonara to summer in the best of all possible ways!
There was, however, a sad note: This
was Lanean Hughes’ last weekend at the
Ranch with us. Many Mavericks learned
that weekend of her diagnosis of lung
cancer, and with many hugs, prayers, and
tears wished her the best. Yet, after a valiant
struggle she passed away October 9. If
heaven has a track, she is surely doing charity
laps and organizing workers at the track
in a much better place!
Yes, the Mavericks said, “adieu” to
summer, but more importantly to Lanean,
in fine style. We will be back for another
round next year.
Lisa Steele is all smiles!
Stay tuned for more news of the Mavericks and their fast friends!
Getting ready for the Parade laps to make Lanean proud!
Photo by Wendy Shoffit
Photo by Wendy Shoffit
Ed and Tracey Gross get ready to go on track.
Photo by Wendy Shoffit
The great crew from Boardwalk who did our barbeque dinner! Thanks!
Photo by Wendy Shoffit
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