Past Events: 2006 Go-Kart Challenge - Mar 25, 2006
by Terry Hintz
It was time to turn the tables. ZCCW (Z Car Club of Washington) challenged NW-Z to Go-Kart races at the SyKart track in Tigard, OR. This is the third such event for the two clubs. A few years ago, an impressive sized trophy was purchased to encourage the spirit of competition and camaraderie. This year's meeting was set for Saturday afternoon, March 25, 2006.
Was there going to be a bit of the home court advantage? I guess if the ZCCW folks had been practicing as much as Jeremy Sanetel had the two weeks before the event, they'd feel ready for the challenge. The 3-4 hour drive down I-5 beforehand might put a damper on things though. Don't let anyone tell you this go-kart stuff isn't exercise!
The event was basically conducted as follows: Each driver completed two or more practice laps. The best time from these was used to rank the top four members from each club. These eight individuals would complete for the best time in the final race.
The races were scheduled to start at 1:30pm. Some of the ZCCW folks arrived before 1:00, so the ladies had plenty of time. Of course they headed for the outlet malls, leaving their partners to do the racing. The cheering section for ZCCW did return in time for the final race.
All participants attended a short drivers meeting before heading out to the track. There were brief instructions on how to drive a kart, followed by descriptions of all the flags that may be used during a race. Participants were able to bring their own helmets or pay a small fee for the use of the ones at the track. If you are a real karting enthusiast, you might be able to qualify for use of the 9hp karts. (These were strictly off limits for this racing event --sorry Jeremy!)
The computer system at SyKart is quite sophisticated. Members of Sykart can provide a personal picture which is displayed on the recap sheet from each race. The racer is also able to use an alias. I think you might recognize this one: "Pearl Z" --did you guess Catherine Reid? The recap sheet highlights the fastest lap for each racer and ranks the racers for the individual race, the whole day and the last 7 days.
The track at SyKart is full of twists and turns. The monitors in the track and waiting areas made it easy to sit back and analyze the various techniques of the drivers. You eventually learned that squealing the tires was a sure sign that time was being lost!
As the heats of 8 racers worked their way through their qualifying runs, a few of us sat back and shared our Z experiences. Bill and Ken, from ZCCW, shared a really nice publication of all of the racing events in the 5 western states, including BC. They also talked to some of us about their experiences with incorporation and the ZCCA's insurance program. There was a lot of friendly spirit and a little competition talk.
Ryan Wamsley managed to endure a major traffic hang-up just north of Eugene. I think he ended up making it to the event at 2:30. Ryan had to cool his heels for a bit, while he waited his turn to race. He ended up turning in the fastest qualifying lap with a 31.201; Ryan Otis was close on his heels turning a 31.255 with Barry and Catherine not far behind. Pam Kirmeier missed qualifying by .004! Secretly, she admitted that she was tired and just as glad to sit out the final race. She is one heck of a driver!
The ZCCW crew ran well. Marty Malloy was their top qualifier with a 32.203. Ken Lindsey, Bill Keene and Kevin Bullock joined Marty as the four finalists for ZCCW.
It was time for the main event. In order to make this a fair competition, the top driver for ZCCW was allowed to pick the first kart. NW-Z chose the next kart, and so forth. The race is ready to start.
Ryan Otis managed to turn in the fastest time of the day with a blazing 30.996. Ryan Wamsley also turned in his best time with a 31.108. Catherine nudged out Marty for 3rd place. NW-Z swept the first 3 places! Now there is something to brag about.
At little time at a nearby McMenamins (John Barleycorns) allowed us all to wind down. Ryan Otis, on behalf of all of NW-Z, accepted the trophy from Ken Lindsey. Appreciation awards were given to ZCCW, along with a fastest lap award to Marty. The whole group enjoyed themselves so much that we have set the date for the next challenge MARCH 10, 2007 in the Seattle area. Save that date!
