I would like to congratulate the Class III Rockies on their driving at the BE. I just finished reviewing the Race Steward's report and noticed that on a weekend where too many of our drivers were not properly respecting the VARA Bubble, there were no reports of problems with any of the Class III Rookies. Actually only one of the group drew any official attention and that was compliments to David Wyckoff in the 111 Sprite. Quite a few people in the organization commented on his handling of what could have easily collected him up. he went off track to avoid the problem and promptly reported to black flag for the four off. Well done.

Hello Murray,

Gerald Allen, the former owner of the 111 Sprite, told me of your nice comment on the message board. I really appreciate the feedback as it was not fun doing the "right thing" and going 4 off to make sure I did not collect a bugeye and possibly a Volvo. I knew as I made the decision, in slow motion, I would have to go to the black flag station (a fate worse than death especially as a new driver) and would lose a great deal of track positions. I was having way too much fun to have to stop.

As a Class III Rookie it is educational as well as fun to start at the back. I am learning the car, the track, how and where to pass and the radically different driving styles of the other racers ahead, not to mention watching out for the really fast cars that have to periodically start at the very end. I attended the University of VARA in a rental and was really impressed with the school. I have at least 8 people who want to attend as a result of my enthusiam about the event.

I have never raced cars but have always wanted to and Gerald has made it as easy as possible to do so. I really like the idea that everyone is older and in theory more mature as I have no desire to have to add body work to the maintenance of the car.

I would like to take a moment to say Thank You to Darlene Longacre and state what a nice group of people I have met at VARA.

I look forward to the next event!

David Wyckoff

Hi David,

You drove really well at this event, and did the right thing going 4-off to avoid contact. There is one tiny rule I forgot to mention to you. You are not allowed to pass your Instructor

You did great, and I am very happy to welcome you into the VARA family.

Thanks Paul.

I had a great time at the Extravaganza and look forward to the next race at Buttonwillow.

As for instructors, the University was very helpful and lots of fun. It was my first time on a track and even though I had a rental I still was taught the basics and what line to shoot for.

You and the other instructors did a great job. It took days to get the grin off my face and it was an incredible Bargin!! I hope to bring many new students next year and attend it myself. I could not stop talking about it to anyone who would listen!

If I had to guess it will be the only time in my life where the passenger is yelling at me to GO FASTER!!

Other than you and Gerald Allen, I do not know who my instructors were. I wish I had the names of the victims that rode with me as I would like to extend a warm thanks to them as well!

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND INSTRUCTION! I hope to have a chance to talk with you again soon and see your car.

Now if I only had a rich uncle......