Looking out of the front straight and across the track to the spire of the National Corvette Museum, you would never know that less than two years ago the facility was destroyed by a tornado. Other than the construction still going on in the Holley Tower, there was little to remind us in the paddock.
The camaraderie in the paddock and competition on track for the NER drivers was great. The region paddock space was joined by former member Phil Jue, who relocated last year to Illinois.
NER drivers were recognized for actions on and off track. Mark Sarsevicz (T2) returned after his 2021 engine failure and not only took the top of the podium, he set a new lap record for the class. Lyle Zyra (T3) drove a session with a less than optimal car after losing a sway bar mount, borrowed a replacement and went on to win the class as well as set a new lap record. Jack Nguyen, TTN first timer, finished 4th in S6. Phil Jue, former NER member and still part of the family, made the podium in M3. Justin Kennedy set his personal best at the event. One of my favorite cars at TTN is the Kuehl Civic Type R. This year Don was running it in M2 and Brian changed to Hoosier tires to run it in U2, aiming for a spot in the Ultimate Track Car Challenge. On Friday the car had a turbo failure and was not able to complete the event. However, Brian set the 9th fastest lap of the event early in the day on Friday.
While the event is competition, the organizers focus on recognition of what makes Time Trials more than just the competition. The True Grassroots Award, sponsored by GRM, was presented to Phil Jue, who has driven his fully caged, M3 prepped car to events for the last 4 years. His fiancé, Lyn and pup, Penny, appreciated that the Z is now towed to events. The Spirit of Time Trials recognizes a group or individual. On Thursday afternoon, Justin Kennedy’s Mini had a transmission failure. Competition aside, the car was driven to the event and something needed to be done. While Justin and Lyle drove to Indianapolis (8 hrs round trip) to get a replacement, the rest of the Adrian, Chris, Jack, Lyn and Penny tore the car apart, cleaned up all the oil, and on Friday afternoon, the tower got a call that Justin would run in the last group. Two laps only, to log a time for that portion of the competition. Teamwork.
Thursday night Expo with SCCA staff manning grills, paddock parties and campfires, a Women on Track social that recognized not only drivers but crew, flaggers and officials, the Hagerty dinner on Saturday and the KONI podium ceremony on Sunday all add to the event. For me, chair in the NER area of the paddock was a great escape after working in the control room all weekend.
