After a long winter, spring is here and the race season is fast approaching.
May will bring the start of the WHRRI season, kicking off with the on-track portion of drivers school. This nearly one and a half mile, technical circuit with plenty of elevation changes provides mirror-to-mirror racing action, from lat May all the way through the end of September.
For those new to the track, you will see the most eclectic group of cars one could imagine. From the snowmobile powered F500's to big block V8's, open and closed wheel. There is something for everyone, from NASCAR fans all the way to F1 aficionados.
Last years consistently largest class was Spec Miata. They put on one heck of a show last year, and will get you to the fences for sure. The Miatas have at least five serious contenders.
Formula 500's, as with Formula Vee may have a small field, but you wouldn't know it by watching the front of each class. For small, open-wheel cars, these two groups sure can slug it out. Whether it was Dunn and Diehm going in to the esses or McCormick/Satterly between turns two and three the wheel to wheel action with these cars can definitely get your heart rate up.
Then you have the big bore group otherwise known as the ground pounders, for their throaty, low rumble as they take the track on. This group has Corvettes, Mustangs, Cameros and BMW M3's just to name a few. This group is for those of you in to the ALMS/Grand-Am series' and boasts some world class drivers with hundreds of years combined experience in road racing.
Finishing up are the "things with wings" group. These open-wheelers boast the lowest lapping times of any group at WHRRI. Included in this group are DSRs, which a couple years ago had the first and only car to officially break the minute mark in a race. John Staudacher was the pilot of that machine, which he has since sold. Also in this group is a TV producer that flies up from Tampa to compete, and oh yeah, win the Formula Continental championship last year (Rob Allaer). Rob isn't the only person that has travelled over the years as Melissa Fergus who runs in Club Formula Continental is very familiar with the drive from Chicago to Clarkston.
The above doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the racing action that can be witnessed this and every summer. Also, a special treat, for the second year in a row WHRRI will be hosting vintage races. This years action will take place July 28-29. Check WHRRI.com for more updates on the 2012 season and all the other upcoming special events.