| I am often asked what goes on at a
national event. From the time you hit the parking lot of the host
hotel or show, friendly people who are crazy about Mercedes-Benz
automobiles surround you. You find people who are fanatics about
the detail work required to present their car in concours competition,
others who are passionate about the performance desired for driving
events and many who are just ready to have a relaxed good time doing
either or both.
For the concours minded, there are experienced people willing to
share their knowledge on detailing and presentation. I would encourage
you to check the scoring sheet to be sure that all of the items
that will be judged are cleaned, polished and ready. A 2007 copy
will be available on our website as soon as it is approved. The
best way to learn what is right and wrong with your car is to have
it judged. I know first hand that losing points does not hurt! Attending
the spring judging session will also lend good insight into the
judging process.
 For
the drivers: You will need to have a technical inspection done based
on a sheet that will also be available soon. This is basically a
safety check and requires changing brake fluid within 6 months of
the event. Once at the event your car will undergo a “tech
inspection” to assure that wheel lugs are tight and all loose
items are removed. Then you are ready to begin. The first thing
will be Defensive Driving. You proceed through multiple maneuvers
designed to familiarize you with your ABS braking under emergency
conditions, avoidance of hazards, weaving through simulated debris,
and other good car handling habits. Even if you do no other driving
events do this. The instruction and reminders are great even for
a guy like me who drives 50,000 miles a year.
A National Driving Event has three timed competitions:
- Autocross
- Acceleration Run
- Time Trials
In the Autocross you drive around a course marked by rubber pylons.
Instructors are available to assist you and you do not need to go
fast to have fun. There will be some experienced folks there who
will be very competitive but most of the drivers are just like you
and I, just there for some safe fun. The Acceleration Run is basically
a drag race against the clock. Occasionally we get to use actual
drag strips with lights but most times we use flags and timers.
Time Trials are run on a racecourse and can look to be intimidating,
but they are not. With an instructor in the car you drive around
the course at a safe speed learning the “line”. This
is the safest and fastest way around a course. As you feel comfortable,
you pick up speed but NEVER beyond what you are comfortable with.
You will leave smiling and as a better driver.
This year there will be a National Concours Championship, National
Men’s and Women’s Driving Championships all based on
combined points gathered at National Events. The more you participate,
the better your chance of being crowned a champion. Champion or
not, every participant comes out a WINNER. I hope to see you at
each event in 2007!
Contact me for more details or with any preparation questions.
Email: respeer@comcast.net
Phone: 412-487-7501
|
Hudsonville, MI 49426