Rallycross Pics

Here are a few my wife snapped... should be lots more to come in the next few days! Thanks a bunch to Joe Black and Kathy, John Schellenberg, John Eaton, Scott and Lilly, and everyone else who helped make it even more fun than the first!

Getting ready to run...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3dsc00230a.jpg

Lining up...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...00231a-med.jpg

Tearin' it up...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3dsc00234a.jpg

Coming in from the finish line...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3dsc00235a.jpg


The course was in great shape. We made two runs on the new and improved course featuring two large loops, one of which banks. Then we ran two more with a different course configuration that gave us a much tighter, more technical course. Then there was a fifth "fun run" during a brief rain shower. Had lotsa fun!

I too had a great time and wish to thank JoeBlack for setting up a fun and rewarding event. Most of my pics are of David (heraclid) buzzing around the track (he was in front of me during 2 runs) - got some of Joe as well.

Here're the Pics:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._ftmeade01.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...papass=&sort=1

For anyone thinking about doing this, GO FOR IT! This is something anyone on this group could do with little or no experience. You basically blaze around a field of cones for time like autocross, only you're dealing with dirt/sand and grass. The likelyhood of you or your beloved VX being hurt is extremely low and this is what the VX is made for! I think doing Rallycross would also make any of us better drivers as well - there's nothing to compare it to as an experience in quick-response driving.

-- John

Very Cool! So how did you guys do? what were your times around the track... who was the best VX driver in the bunch?

-Dave

Here's the official results: May Meltdown RallyCross Results.

Many, many thanks to David (Heraclid), John (johnnyapollo) and Scott & Lily (VX01) for making the event extra-special! I originally concieved the idea for the VX crowd but found the interest limited among our group and instead received rampant participation from the Subaru sector. In any case, a fantastic assortment of folk and the VehiCROSS presence continues to impress the uninitiated. Hopefully more will get hooked and bulk out the class.;Do;

well the vx got the top of the suv class.....but only the vx was in teh suv class....does tat still count?:D
________
VAPORIZER TELEVISION

Wow that looks like a blast! If it's a yearly event maybe I can talk the wife into going down there. She can drive her WRX and I'll pilot the VX, loser buys dinner.

And I believe the Forester is considered an SUV, although it's really just a tall wagon. The VX still took top honors but it did have some competition in the class.

Thanks for the pics, John! By the way, that Jacksonville Jaguars license plate went away this afternoon...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...3dsc00237c.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...00238c-med.jpg


Cyrk, Joe took top VX honors... this time. :-D

To my everlasting surprise, I actually took out no cones in my first rallycross event ever. This time (my second), I had runs (measured in hundredths of a minute, not seconds) of 1:77, 1:66, 1:50, and 1:46. I took out 4 cones in the second run and 2 cones in the third, so with the time penalties my times got bumped up from 1:58 to 1:66 and from 1:46 to 1:50 respectively. I scored a 1:85 on the fifth run, which was an unofficial "fun run" done during and right after a brief rain shower. For that one they reopened the banked loop we ran in the first and second runs. Not everyone did the fun run, but one of the timing folks told me everyone got 1:80 or higher on it. I am learning and my goal is to just be a little bit better and more competitive for each event, and for my times to improve through the day. So far, so good. :-) I have not yet even tried left foot braking or the e-brake.

The T4 Class is for 4-wheel drive trucks and is the class that the VX competes in within SCCA. For this event, the T4s were grouped with the T2s due to lack of participation (T2 - 2 Wheel drive trucks) so we ended up competing with the Toyota and Nissan PUs.

The VXes would have swept the top 3 had the trucks not been there, only the top T2 (car 59) beat out my VX's time. He actually completed the his last two runs in a 4x4 Subura Outback (the 73 car) instead of in the Nissan - whey his times dramatically improved.

My personal first run was the first time I have ever Rallycrossed and is poor due to my tendency to overcompensate while steering out of turns. My second run was much better, however I lost sight of the course in the dust and went outside one loop (penaliazed for 6 cones and 12 1/100ths of a minute).

I finally figured it out on my last two runs, and even improved my time on the final run (which was my goal). I think anyone on our board could have done as well or better for their first rallycross - it's really amazing how well the VX handles, for a 4000 lb truck!

-- Best, John

The rally was a blast to watch! Heraclid and Johnny, it was awesome to have you guys come take part. Can't wait to see you all again and, hopefully, get more VXers involved! Joe even tells me that, with a little luck, he will have the Ironman ready for me to drive in the August event. I can't wait to try! :yesp:

Cool - we need more representation out there! I'm going to try to get Amanda to go along and ride with me at the next one. :yesg: