Dave Deborde
09-29-2008, 08:48 PM
A big Thank You one to all that came out to Reno-Fernley Raceway this past weekend for the final PDX/Time Trials event for 2008. The weather was good and despite difficult economic times fourty four participants entered one or both days including four that made the long tow down from Washington. Based on comments from drivers and volunteers it appears a good time was had by all.
Volunteers came out in force yet again. Skip Gurnee showed up early to help setup then work a corner. I know Skip would rather be driving the TVR but since it is 'without engine' that is not a possibility. Pat Housel also shows up early for each event and did so again this weekend along with our estemed RE Jim Gandy. The list goes on. We had corner workers to staff seven stations, our two Grid regulars (Karla & Maryanne) a capable Tech staff, a six person Registration team, three people in Race Control (including Mike Lawler who flew down from NWR to lend a hand and Kelly McCloskey who accompanied husband Mark), three in Timing & Scoring and two Emergency Crew (Rick Bynam and Pat Housel). Dave Jansen handled Starter duties with assistance from Randy Jones Jones on Saturday. Mona Gilbert handled Social with help from volunteers from other specialties. We can not hold Time Trials events without Stewards. At this event we had the luxury of having co-Chief Stewards and co Safety Stewards and our Chief Driving Instructor, Dean Benz. Dean also handled radio preparation and distribution. Radio performance improved greatly with no discharged batteries all weekend. Oh, and thanks Chet for taking a little time off from campaigning to help on a corner. Sure hope you can get back behind the wheel next year!
It is such a pleasure to work with all of the fine folks that come out to support the track events and to see the gains in event operations as the season progressed. Please forgive me if I overlooked anyone. There are so many good stories it is not possible to mention all of them. You are the people that make these safe and fun events.
A very special feature of this event was the singing of the National Anthem by the duet of Peggy Jones and Eric Gangloff immediately preceeding the first race on Saturday accompanied by Neil Bryant and again on Sunday with recital of the Pledge of Allegence by Carol Deborde.
The event operated on time and smoothly despite some difficulty with the timing system on Saturday afternoon. Turns out the timing loop imbeded in the pavement at Start/Finish was faulty. This caused erratic timing of several cars. Deniece and the timing crew recovered quickly and everything returned to normal in a short period of time. It is notable to mention that this was the first event where the new timing software was used. It worked good and we look forward to implementing additional features.
Of course it is the drivers that are the reason for the whole event and without them there is no reason to have the event. Driver, you put on a great show. The competition was great. All of you did a great job of driving. It was great seeing the large variety of cars.
We hope everyone had a good time and once again, thank you all for participating:D
See you all at the awards banquet in November!
Dave Deborde
Track Events Director
Volunteers came out in force yet again. Skip Gurnee showed up early to help setup then work a corner. I know Skip would rather be driving the TVR but since it is 'without engine' that is not a possibility. Pat Housel also shows up early for each event and did so again this weekend along with our estemed RE Jim Gandy. The list goes on. We had corner workers to staff seven stations, our two Grid regulars (Karla & Maryanne) a capable Tech staff, a six person Registration team, three people in Race Control (including Mike Lawler who flew down from NWR to lend a hand and Kelly McCloskey who accompanied husband Mark), three in Timing & Scoring and two Emergency Crew (Rick Bynam and Pat Housel). Dave Jansen handled Starter duties with assistance from Randy Jones Jones on Saturday. Mona Gilbert handled Social with help from volunteers from other specialties. We can not hold Time Trials events without Stewards. At this event we had the luxury of having co-Chief Stewards and co Safety Stewards and our Chief Driving Instructor, Dean Benz. Dean also handled radio preparation and distribution. Radio performance improved greatly with no discharged batteries all weekend. Oh, and thanks Chet for taking a little time off from campaigning to help on a corner. Sure hope you can get back behind the wheel next year!
It is such a pleasure to work with all of the fine folks that come out to support the track events and to see the gains in event operations as the season progressed. Please forgive me if I overlooked anyone. There are so many good stories it is not possible to mention all of them. You are the people that make these safe and fun events.
A very special feature of this event was the singing of the National Anthem by the duet of Peggy Jones and Eric Gangloff immediately preceeding the first race on Saturday accompanied by Neil Bryant and again on Sunday with recital of the Pledge of Allegence by Carol Deborde.
The event operated on time and smoothly despite some difficulty with the timing system on Saturday afternoon. Turns out the timing loop imbeded in the pavement at Start/Finish was faulty. This caused erratic timing of several cars. Deniece and the timing crew recovered quickly and everything returned to normal in a short period of time. It is notable to mention that this was the first event where the new timing software was used. It worked good and we look forward to implementing additional features.
Of course it is the drivers that are the reason for the whole event and without them there is no reason to have the event. Driver, you put on a great show. The competition was great. All of you did a great job of driving. It was great seeing the large variety of cars.
We hope everyone had a good time and once again, thank you all for participating:D
See you all at the awards banquet in November!
Dave Deborde
Track Events Director