2005 ROSE VALLEY HILLCLIMB:
WOLVES AND BEARS AND SNAKES,
OH MY!
The Rose Valley Hillclimb is the fifth in the
PHA/SCCA TIME TRIALS Series for 2005, and, like the preceding ones, it proved
to be a really great event! An idyllic location, nestled in a scenic valley
surrounded by green mountains,
The Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company is the
organizer of the hillclimb, and they are gracious and friendly hosts who go out
of their way to make everyone welcome. The officials and workers joined with
the Fire Company to further ensure a successful and enjoyable event for both
competitors and spectators alike.
Fifty-eight drivers (including sixteen novices)
competing in thirty classes set nineteen class records during twelve timed runs
over the weekend with no major delays or incidents!
Registration and Tech. Inspection on Friday night at
the Trout Run Fire Co. went smoothly, allowing competitors time to get set up
in the paddock area and enjoy the sylvan surroundings.
Saturday dawned clear and sunny, and, after the
novice tour of the course and the driver’s meeting, touring runs began followed
by timed runs with a brief break for lunch. Competitors were able to take five
timed runs (with no real problems) until the course was closed for the day.
The party Saturday evening was an excellent time to
eat well, enjoy a liquid libation, and share the days
happenings with fellow enthusiasts.
Sunday was just as nice as Saturday. Following a
brief driver’s meeting, the course was opened for timed runs and competitors
had the chance to take seven timed runs, again with a break for lunch, before
the hill was shut down. There were no
serious problems or delays during the runs.
Trophy presentation was held shortly after the
course was closed, bringing to a close a truly enjoyable event.
The following competitors set nineteen class records
over the course of the event: in SSA, Alvey Ford in a
Toyota at 72.518; in SSC, Mike Ancas in a Neon at
69.898; in ITA, Glenn Hoffman at 72.525 in a Toyota; in ITB, Joe Foering in a Dodge Charger at 72.804; in ITC, John Champion
in a VW at 75.664; in ITE, Gordon Wise in a Mazda at 60.541; in DSP, Greg Kasprzyk at 67.115 ina BMW; in
GT3, Paul Behofist in a VW at 65.423; in GTL, Bob
Oswald, Sr. ina VW at 65.921; in EP, Tom Suveg in a Mazda at 68.462; in FP, Brian Yoder at 69.053 in
a Honda; in HP, Mike Ancas at 73.666 in a Honda; StMOD, John Dexheimer at 63.554
in a Dodge; in StMOD2, Fabio Vlacci in a Toyota at
63.404; in SOLOV, Bob Oswald, Jr. at 62.062 in a VIPER; in FF, Kurt Eikenberg in a REYNARD at 62.597…Kurt won the Rose Valley
Record Breaker trophy by breaking the existing class record by almost 11
seconds!; in FA, Darryl Danko at
56.180…this was also FTD; in HIST1, Rich Rock at 68.915 in a TVR; and in
SPECMIATA, Don Newcomer at 72.265.
The following are some observations on the
weekend…you know you’re at a special event when you are greeted by wolves at
turnaround, bears saunter through the fields adjoining the paddock, and there
is the occasional snake underfoot. The
creek was better than any motel pool.
Does anyone ever put the lid down in the porta-potties? Mike Ancas did
another double. The worker packets were
neat, but don’t take them on an airplane.
Steve Hirschtritt and Brian Yoder had a great
battle in FP. Mark Childs was caught on
camera sideways and on two wheels entering turn 6. The Pitmans are
still at it- score one for dad; to be joined by the Finks- this time the son
won. Rich Rose drove a rare and
beautiful GINNETTA, and Dave Watson competed in an awesome Cadillac-powered
ALLARD J2X. It’s good to see Larry Long
competing again. Jim Kuzo
in a Cougar left his “mark” on the course.
Thanks to the folks of the Trout Run Fire Co. and
all involved in the running of the hill for a great event.
Duryea Hillclimb is next. See you on the hill!
Joe Foering,
#37