2005 SPRING WEATHERLY HC:

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

Like I said last year, this event just keeps getting better…despite the weather! Last Fall we had the rains of Ivan, and this Spring a heat wave!

Thanks to the efforts of the Weatherly Hillclimb Assoc., Tim Royer and Tom Knorr, we were once again treated to a well-organized and enjoyable event. The NEPA Worker Series provided the necessary personnel to man the course and the event officials kept the days’ activities flowing despite the, at times, oppressive heat and humidity.

Not enough can be said about the untiring efforts of Joe Cyburt and the Weatherly Hillclimb Assoc. It is their work that makes this event one you don’t want to miss- Spring or Fall!

Weatherly Hillclimb is a LEVEL 4 event in the TIME TRIALS Program found in the CLUB RACING Dept. of the SCCA.

Sixty-two competitors in thirty-two classes set six class records over the course of two days of timed runs up the demanding hill, and there were no complaints about the number of runs.

Registration and Tech Inspection in Eurana Park on Friday evening opened the weekend’s activities followed by the always popular “boathouse party.” Great food, beverages, and the chance to share “war stories” with friends and fellow competitors heighten the evening’s festivities.

Saturday morning arrived clear and sunny…and hot and humid!

Following the Drivers’ meeting, familiarization runs began, followed by timed runs – interspersed with a lunch break, which continued through the day. There were no major “incidents” to mar the day’s runs up the hill.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the town’s various civic groups that operated the different food stands over the weekend. A variety of tasty and filling treats made sure that no one would go hungry- forget the diet, think cream puffs!

Saturday night’s party at the Fire House gave everyone another opportunity to eat, drink, and discuss the day’s happenings with other drivers and enthusiasts.

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny…and hot…well, maybe not as hot as Saturday, but almost.

Timed runs commenced right after the Driver’s meeting and continued through the day, stopping only for midday festivities and lunch. Again, there were no major “incidents”, and by late afternoon, the announcer was calling for cars as the field dwindled. I defy anyone to say they didn’t get enough timed runs!

The following drivers set class records in their respective classes: in SSC, Mike Ancas set a record at 64.634; in ITE, Gordon Wise at 58.442; in STMOD 2, at 61.153, Jeff Fazio; in GT LITE, Don McLaughlin at 65.726; in RALLY, Al Corazza at 62.106; and in HIST 2, Peter Stillwell at 63.094.

Darryl Danko set FTD at 53.522 in his FORM ATL.

This year there are 4 teams competing for the Team Championship. The teams are: Team Ballistic, Blind Squirrel Racing, DG Formula and the OTHGPOYP (Over The Hill Gang Plus One Young Punk). This should make for an interesting season.

What follows are some observations gleaned on the hill… so what driver came rumbling up the pit road at 7am with his radio blaring? I won’t tell…Jack. Bob Oswald, Sr. got to play in a FWD…how was it? Tony Ford has a Neon, where’s the Torino? John Champion has a new car…sorry about the Scirocco. Matt Schweitzer beat Joe Behrends in Joe’s car- for the second time! It’s good to see “Homer” Simpson back on the hill. Al Corazza broke the hill record he set last year as a novice. The Pitmans are still at it, with dad taking the win this time. John Stinsmen got back on the hill with the help of Ted Klaus and some grinding. Hope you’re feeling better, Morgan. The trolls got Chuck Christ’s Saab. This time the front trunk was unpacked… 2 days in multi-layer nomex in this heat has to be experienced.

Thanks to the Weatherly Hillclimb Assoc., the NEPA Series workers, the event officials and the competitors for another great event this season; that’s two in a row! See you at the Pagoda!

Joe Foering #37