We all knew this day would come. Now, history has been made. For the first time in CVR’s 60 years, we witnessed a second-generation PCA member take top honors at a CVR AutoX event. For even more historical karma, this Fastest Time of Day was set by an RSK. With over 50 participants at the season’s opening round, and on a course that gave equal balance to handling and power, this was a well-earned honor years in the making. With his better choice of lines and application of accumulated driving skills, there was a definitive stamp put on his overall win with a 0.9 second margin over 2^nd place (a “lifetime” at an AutoX). A joyous round of applause was raised to congratulate Randy Kudra when he received his first FTD trophy!

The course took on a whole new approach for AutoX events. Each timed run consisted of almost three “laps” of the fast and flowing mini-track. This really helped everyone get into the groove and focus on the featured AutoX-U lesson. So much so, that a few of us forgot which lap we were on and added another. The “DNF” score was almost worth it, but each of us offenders had a steely resolve to not repeat this indiscretion on the next attempt.

The course was also a great equalizer, where handling negated power. So much so that a blanket of just over two seconds covered the top 12 times with a wide diversity of cars that included a: ’78 911, ’89 944T, ’09 Cayman, ‘79 911, ’12 Cayman R, ’09 997, ‘97 Boxster, ’18 911GT3, ’70 914, and even a Lotus and Miata. A special shout-out goes to Eric Frohman for his great drive that was oh-so-close to FTD, and to John Raudat for his that was even closer.

As notable examples of “digging deep” to win their new class, congratulations go to Rob Keller (2020’s Most Improved Driver), Raghu Sangabhathula (2019’s Rookie of the Year), and Mike Appel (2018 ROY and 2019 MID). It’s clear that previous awards were just an indication of their commitment to constantly refining their driving skills. Bill Fordyce and Mark Rolsma also stood out for their drives for class victories. It’s already shaping up to be a great and fun season!

Weight Transfer driving skills were the highlighted AutoX-U lesson. Different corners were designed to be perfect for exploring and perfecting these skills. From the morning AutoX-U lesson plan, to the AutoX-U Drive-Thru Instructor debriefs, there was plenty of help to make that goal a reality. The return of in-car instructors was also a big help and a refreshing sign of normalcy, even with Instructor masks on. Understeer and oversteer opportunities were built into the course and mastery of weight transfer driving skills to reduce those tendencies became more and more apparent as the day went on. Sadly, some of the brand-new cones were sacrificed in the process, but that’s the whole point of AutoX as an enabler of learning Better Driving…Faster!

A record 13 new AutoX drivers were welcomed to the CVR AutoX team. As you can tell from the group photo at the end, it was a day well spent and they all went home with new skills and friends.

The June 19^th AutoX will focus on Throttle Steering skills. They are a subtle variation of the Weight Transfer skill set taught at the first event and are vital for maximum cornering speed, with the bonus of maximum cornering safety. Join the Class of 2021 for the next lesson in Better Driving…Faster!