2006 PAGODA HILLCLIMB

“The gods must be angry…”

While it was no empty coke bottle that fell from the sky on Saturday and Sunday, enough rain fell to dampen the course if not the enthusiasm of the competitors. First the “greasiness” of Jefferson followed by the cold of Weatherly and now the rains of Pagoda. One could begin to get a little paranoid.

But we Time Trialers are a hearty lot, not to be discouraged by the vagarities of weather or course condition…things can only get better!

Eighty-eight drivers competing in thirty-seven classes managed to have a total of nine timed runs over the course of the weekend -four on Sat. and five on Sun. (thirty-seven drivers took timed runs on Sun.) with no major incidents or delays.

Mike Ancas broke the existing DSP class record with a time of 63.817 in his Neon, and Kurt Eikenberg established a new class record of 59.396 in DSR in his Prince. George Bowland set FTD at 56.136 in his BBR Shark.

Registration and Tech on Friday night were handled with BMR’s usual efficiency, and the conversation at the top of the hill centered around what the weather would be on Saturday.

Saturday dawned damp and rainy and pretty much stayed that way until mid-afternoon when the course dried enough to allow for more aggressive driving.

The party Saturday night at the Liederkrantz was up to BMR’s usual standards; the food was tasty and the ambiance pleasant- a good time was had by all!

It was raining Sunday morning and the day did not look promising. Thirty-seven drivers braved the elements and were rewarded with five timed runs. At approx. 2 PM, with more severe rains threatening, the course was closed and the event ended on a soggy but optimistic (for the future) note.

Thanks to all the workers and officials who made this wet but otherwise enjoyable event possible.

The following are some observations on the weekend: Rich Rock deserves a “hearty well-done” for getting his TVR back on course after his incident at Weatherly; Tim Williams heard some knocking-and it wasn’t a raven; Adrienne Vrabel showed a little more respect for her dad; that must have been some ride up the hill in Brian Halecki’s Camaro; the Stinsmens co-drove their beautiful Aston Martin; Bob D’Amore had another exotic racer in his McKee Mk8; the southern contingent did well- again; Bernice Kase really likes the Liederkrantz’s potato salad; and Jim Miller must be beginning to wonder what he has to do to finish a run…

The next event is the 100^th Anniversary of Giants Despair Hillclimb. You don’t want to miss it! See you on the hill!

Joe Foering, #37