Willy Perez

' We had assumed with all the additional debris fence lining the track that it would approach the time it used to take to cut all the safety holes on the old downtown circuit. Tessmer had checked out the track a few times and pretty much knew where he wanted to cut the holes before we arrived. We deployed in 2 teams by 8:30 a.m. and began cutting openings. We were surprised to be completed with that mission by lunch, an all time record by 2 hours! Landline checkout had to wait for the ribbon cutting ceremony, where Christian drove through a banner on the new part of the track.

I worked the new turn 3, at the end of a long 1/4 mile extension to the straight heading off turn 2. I thought we would have a "Willy" of a weekend when Michel Jourdain rolled over in the first CART session. My international crew (I had a British and an Australian at my station) worked together very well. We had plenty of passing in the Trans-Am race, but surprisingly little during the CART race. A combination of extreme marbles and team equality made going offline inadvisable.

On the cool off lap I leaned out of the station opening to applaud the drivers. I noticed Zanardi hanging to the left and slowing. For a second (only a second) I thought he might have a mechanical problem. Then I figured out what was happening and tucked myself back behind the wall as we received about 5 or 6 Zanardi doughnuts, with one of them pretty close to the wall! Overall it was a fairly good intro for the new circuit. '

Nancy Schilke

' Time Certain was great – shorter days compared to the past. Hopefully that will bring more workers to the race next year. (I am sure all stations could have used at least one more body!) Working with Jake Shoemaker was great and as much as I missed Vivian, I thank her for the opportunity! We had a really good crew where everyone could do everything.

We were downstream from turn 5 and enjoyed the show that Zanardi put on with his donuts after winning the race. The sound and tire smoke was quite spectacular! '

Don Tessmer

' Yeah I could say a lot about the events of the GP weekend. On the good side – everyone as a rule did an excellent job. There were a couple that goofed but that goes with the territory. I am really glad about the Thursday fence cutting Bee. It went so good and we were through about 1-o'clock. Everyone did a great job and I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I also wish to thank EVERYONE for being there. I always try to thank everyone personally and if I missed anyone I apologize and THANK YOU.

I did want to add a little comment about the station procedure. As I walked from station to station I noticed that everyone was putting stuff on the cement wall. I know that this is very convenient and it is easy to forget that these cars can move those block very easy and hence you have a flying bullet in the form of a water bucket, binoculars, etc. Ask Rich Johnson about how much these cars can move the block. '

Grant Wilcox

' I really enjoyed myself. It is always fun to be with friends. '

(I want to extend a BIG thank you to those of you who sent your responses. It's nice to report what others have to say, and makes this job much easier for me! --ed.)

Formula SAE

On Friday morning it rained, but thanks to the corner workers using their own vehicles, they were able to dry out the track for the Acceleration runs and the Skid Pad. The event started 45 minutes late, with 78 of the 105 college teams entered completing the morning events. The Autocross ran on Friday afternoon, with 92 teams finishing the event.

On Saturday, 98 teams competed in the Endurance. Last year's event had several track shut-downs due to oil spills and car fires, but this year the teams seemed better prepared. Outside of a plethora of mechanical breakdowns, there were no major oil spills on the track, and no fires.

The only problem on Saturday was the extreme shortage of experienced F&C workers, due to other events being held that weekend. However, volunteers from the Big 3 and major automotive suppliers helped out with the flagging and communications. They even had a quick training course on how to use a fire bottle and clear a car from the track surface safely. The trained F&C workers were the station captains. They were all very pleased with the job that their "novices" did.

Cornell University was the overall winner of the event. The University of Texas at Arlington was the second place team. Both of the schools were in a tight battle during the weekend. The UTA team had built their entry with a 250cc engine that revved to 1900 rpm – it was quite the screamer!

The event was well worth our time and hopefully, there won't be scheduling conflicts next year, so more F&C workers can come out for at least one of the two days. Thanks to the workers who did help out this year! Your efforts and time were appreciated!

(The Schilke's were the 'roving reporters' for this event. Thanks! --ed.)

This and That

Welcome new MTM members:

Scott Desenberg John Eichholz  Don Kessler

This newsletter is "Page Certain" (only 2, thank you very much!!), so I'll have a bunch of stuff to put in the next one, including information about the inaugural Petit Le Mans on October 8-11 at Road Atlanta!! Keep that weekend open!!

Sharon

© 1998 Michigan Turn Marshals

Page 1