19 Apr

Springtime in the Rockies

One day you have snow, the next you have 60 degree weather, but that never seems to dampen the enthusiasm of a true Rocky Mountain race car driver.  We’ve already had two great events this spring, SCCA RMSolo and NASA Rocky Mountain.

I remember having a hand at Solo racing with my TR-4 back in the 70’s (we called it autocross back then), and I recall the intensity of the moment when I was on the course. I gave it everything I had which was usually too much, as I typically ended up outside of the cones…or into the cones for that matter.

That same intensity is evident today.

TR4The Rocky Mountain Solo group had a terrific turnout on March 30th, from seasoned veterans to first-timers. The cars ranged from the exotic, purpose-built racer with really sticky tires, to the daily driver with street tires that scream like a…well, you can fill in that blank.  It was truly a “run-what-ya-brung” event.

Philip_RMSolo_033013-3183The majestic Pikes Peak in the background and the gorgeous weather, ignited everyone’s enthusiasm for this challenging temporary parking lot course.  SCCA Rocky Mountain Solo runs a professional and safe event, which showcases a traditional grassroots love for motorsports.

You’d never have guessed that April 6th was the first event of the year for the NASA Rocky Mountain racers. Close competition and a few banged fenders proved that some were on a mission for a championship year.

NASA sports a wide variety of car classification, ranging from a Porsche 997 GT3 to a Fiat 500 Abarth. While there are several very competitive classes, the HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) walks the beginner through 4 stages of performance driving. Whether you are planning to be a race driver or desire to just be a safer driver you can learn the necessary skills in a supervised and safe environment.

These two events have sufficiently kick-started my season of photographic adventure.  I like to capture the “threading of the needle” on a tight Solo race course as well as the flat out door banging competition on a true road course.

NASA-5153

I’ve put a couple of galleries together for your enjoyment.  See you out at the track.

SCCA Rocky Mountain Solo – March 30, 2013

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NASA Rocky Mountain – April 6, 2013

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I'm Canadian born, California raised, and now enjoying the Rocky Mountain High. I'm in my late 50's, but my brain thinks it's in it's 30's...well some of the time. The following quote by Wayne Gretsky was most likely made in reference to Hockey, however, it certainly applies to photography. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." – Wayne Gretzky Visit Site →