The NECC is
always looking for new drivers to sign up for our performance driving
events. A few years ago, Rick Stansbury asked us to publish this story
about his first experience on the track with NECC. We think he'd like you
to read this:
I
remember several years ago when I heard about the NECC time trial
events. I always had a need for speed, but my first thought was I don’t
own a race car.
Other thoughts went through my head like, even if I did own a race car,
I’d probably be eaten up by the veteran drivers. When I get to the
track I’ll have so many questions, but no one to answer them. Where do
I go for tech inspection? What if my car fails tech inspection? Where
do I line up when it’s time for practice? What group will I be running
with? What, Where, When?!!!
Like FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. So, I
contacted NECC to have some of my questions answered. You mean I don’t
have to own a race car? I can run a stock Corvair! I’ll be put in a
group with other stock Corvairs! Well then, put me on the mailing
list.
At that time, I owned a stock 1965 Corsa turbo. It was a little less
than a month away from the event, so I figured I’d better go over the
car and see what needs to be repaired or replaced. Being that it was my
daily driver, I knew that it was dependable. When it comes to speed
events, dependability should not be your only concern. Brakes, tires
and steering should be on top of the list.
Let’s not forget safety equipment. Until 2003 NECC required only a lap
belt. I think it was a good move by NECC to increase safety by
requiring a 3 point harness. The only purchase I had to make was a
Snell-approved helmet.
After knowing that there was no major work to be done to the car, I
mailed the registration form. I had an advantage. Previously, I worked
in the pits for a local race team, so I had access to a car trailer. I
thought about driving the car to the event… briefly. If you ask those
who drive their car to a speed event most will tell you that in the back
of their mind they are thinking “this is my transportation home.” But I
give credit to all those who drive a thirty plus year old car to an
event, put it on the track and drive it home.
After arriving at the track, I quickly unloaded the car, signed in and
got in line for tech inspection. If the car failed tech at least I’d
have some time to fix it before practice started. Have you ever been
pulled over by the police and you know you did nothing wrong? That was
the feeling I had as the tech inspectors dissected my car. Then came,
“Helmet… press on the brakes… harder… o.k. here’s your sticker”. I
passed! “Thanks officer, I mean, Charlie.” (NECC tech inspector Charlie
Doerge).
After the drivers’ meeting, I felt a little more relaxed. That was
until I was on pit lane waiting to go out. My left leg was shaking so
much that I was having a hard time letting the clutch out. A few laps
under yellow helped calm the nerves. The green flag was waved and it
only took a few laps before I realized I was hooked. There was so much
track time that I didn’t even run the last practice session.
NECC events make it an easy and inexpensive way to get track time and
have a lot of fun.
Rick Stansbury
Richard Alan Stansbury, 42,
of Union Hall, Virginia passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at his
home. The Officers, Directors and members of the Northeast Corvair
Council mourn the loss of a friend and fellow racer. Rick will live on in
our memories.
