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, Sat, 24 Feb 2007 06:18:45
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event.
Anyone who has been to a popular upstate NY lake during a 'Big' weekend has experienced a variety of watercraft operating at high speeds in close proximity to each other, but that chaos paled in comparison to this weekend in Lake George. The 3/8ths oval (and then 1/2 mile after some quality work by the AMEC plow crew) was completely surrounded by people careening about on ATV’s, motorcycles and snow mobiles. Race fans edged precariously close to the track as the menards created a refreshing ice spray, like an artic sea world show. Small children seemed to wander aimlessly through the pits as high powered spike-tire vehicles negotiated the tight crowds to grid up for the next race. Sky divers spiraled towards the lake with colorful canopies. The scene reminded me of one of those European countries that are far less litigious then our own. The racing of course was not as fun as it is on a nice 1.5+ mile road course, but the tight oval certainly made for a great spectacle to the crowd.
The only thing that I found negative about the weekend was the fact that I am used to racing only with other racers and friends. The addition of people who came to be entertained was exciting but also had some drawbacks. Things like keeping your eyes open while walking through the pit area or trying to stay out of the way of others are concepts that racers and crew people take for granted. The general public seems more geared towards being passively entertained. Thankfully I didn't hear of any injuries, but wandering through pit lanes during hot laps isn't a great idea. (I think there was additional Lake George staff to help keep the crowds safe).
One of the things that I love about club racing, is that fellow racers always go out of their way to help others, whether it’s lending a stranger your tire gauge or giving your fiercest competitor a set of brake pads, so that you can have some good competition that day. It's a great attitude and it’s what makes club level and grassroots racing the best hobby in the world. Unfortunately this attitude is not something shared by race fans.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching the occasional SUV owners realize that you actually have to drive the thing properly and that having a tall, heavy vehicle with 4wd does not make you immune to snow. But after hooting and hollering and laughing for a few minutes, I'm also quick to get off my ass and give the guy some help. This was not the case at Lake George this weekend. In an area next the pit there was a place for many vehicles to park on the lake. The entrance was a bit steep, long and slushy and definitely required snow capable vehicles to navigate in and out. A few vehicles veered from the easiest path and got hung up. The only thing that seemed more interesting than the racing to a large portion of the crowd, was watching someone else spin their vehicles deeper and deeper into the ground.
I was however happy about how well my snow tire shod 9-2x navigated this area and I definitely received some odd looks as I moved in and out amongst pick-up trucks and SUV’s. The one thing that everyone needs to keep in mind about the slushy stuff is that its all about momentum.
All in all it was pretty cool day, and though I didn’t stick around to race again on Sunday, I look forward to next year....that is if we get winter anymore at all...
, Sat, 24 Feb 2007 06:18:45, Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:23:08, Sun, 25 Feb 2007 04:23:18
, Sat, 24 Feb 2007 10:10:26, Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:02:14, Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:23:50, Sat, 24 Feb 2007 18:54:41, Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:48:26
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