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Taking the First Step, by Rick Stansbury
The NECC is always looking for new drivers to sign up for time trials.
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.
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