|
Race
Summary from Wes Tipton, photos by Gerry Frechette (Rainbow)
I have seen a
lot of race festivities over my three and a half decades of racing
involvement, but the May 2/3 week-end at Pacific Raceways was a cut
above for me.
|
 |
Maybe it was
the up close and personal time I spent on Sunday with the G.I's in
the color guard, (all but one wounded in combat), or meeting Command
Sergeant Major Davis, who reminded me of my dad.
Perhaps it was
the spirit of the event, with a larger than normal crowd in the
stands and everyone cheering loudly after the colors were posted and
the anthems sung by Cheryl Sagar, and very well sung by the way.
It was a
special day, with unexpected good weather, a strong early season
turn-out of cars and a relaxed, easy going atmosphere that seemed to
infect just about everyone.
There were a
few on track incidents, (aren't there always), and some bent sheet
metal, but no injuries or mayhem to report, and I watched some very
good racing from every group during the day. |
The attached
photos hopefully will convey the theme of the day for those who
weren't able to attend the race. The group 4 cars parked at turn 9
were a big hit with he crowd, especially when Patrick Carpenter, a
disabled Air Force veteran called out, "gentlemen start your engines."
Wow, did that
illicit a huge roar from the grandstand!
The color
guard was given rides in the BMW track taxi pace car throughout the
day Sunday, and to a man they requested to be invited back to do this
again! I personally can't wait for August!
Wes Tipton, ,NMWES
>
Additional pictures from Ron Standley |
IRDC
presents Military Salute Grand Prix at Pacific Raceways.
Racing fans join us May 2nd & 3rd at beautiful Pacific
Raceways in Kent, WA as the IRDC hosts an exciting weekend of
sports car racing on this challenging, world-class racing circuit.
|
 |
We’ll
salute the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families.
Your attendance
will grant you pit access to over 150 race car entries, and
spectacular seating as more than 15 classes of race cars zoom by in 6
different main event races.
The cars range
from NASCAR Stockcars to formula cars to prototypes. You’ll see
production race classes from Acura’s and Honda’s to
Mustangs and Corvettes all banging it out in 40+ car fields.
The Pacific
Raceways Road Course is a SCCA and NASCAR certified, 10-turn,
2.25-mile course. The 170 MPH front straight is at an elevation of
150 feet above sea level. There is a total elevation change of 125
feet, of which 100 feet occurs in 1/2 mile, between turn 2 and turn
3B. Winding through natural wooded terrain, it's sweeping curves and
hairpin turns make it one of the most unique and challenging courses
in the United States and the best part is your tickets get you access
to all of this.
The IRDC is
also going donate to the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans Administration
to aide in the well-being and quality of life of our wounded vets and
their families. |
We’ll
see you at the races! |