2006 FALL WEATHERLY HILLCLIMB
“THE LAST HURRAH”
The Weatherly Hillclimb was the final event in the PHA/SCCA TIME TRIAL SERIES, and it was a fitting end to a fantastic season!
Eighty-three drivers competing in thirty-eight
classes set seven class records during ten timed runs over the course of the
two-day event, and, while there may have been a little carnage among the cars,
the drivers all walked away!
Once again, the Weatherly Hillclimb Association put
on a stellar event with the Association members, event officials, workers, and
drivers all working together to ensure its’ success.
Some rain on Friday did little to dampen everyone’s
enthusiasm, and Registration and Tech went smoothly followed by the new “Pit
Party” which shows promise of being a worthy successor to the now defunct “Boat
House Party.”
Saturday morning dawned somewhat overcast and damp,
but, following the driver’s meeting, as the day progressed and the course
dried, competitors had the opportunity to make five timed runs before the hill
was closed.
The party Saturday night at the Weatherly Fire House
was an excellent time to eat, drink, and enjoy the
company of fellow enthusiasts.
Sunday morning arrived clear and dry, and, after a
brief driver’s meeting, timed runs began with drivers again being offered the
chance to take five timed runs interspaced by a lunch break which included the
singing of the Star Spangled Banner by a charming young chanteuse. The concession stands, manned by local civic
and athletic organizations, offered a variety of cuisine (including cream
puffs) fit to tempt anyone’s palate.
The event ended with the awarding of the class trophies, and the series Team Championship sponsored by
“Cool Shirt.”
Special thanks are owed to Rich Shafer of “Cool
Shirt” for his sponsoring of the Team Series, and to John Stinsmen for all the
work he did in securing the sponsorship.
The following drivers set class records: in ITE,
Bill Miller in his Audi S4 at 56.889; in STMOD 2, in a Toyota MR2, Jeff Fazio
at 58.742; in SPEC MIATA, Don Newcomer at 67.102; in FORM SV, in a Tigger, Ken
Taggart at 56.764; in RALLY, Al Corazza in a Subaru at 60.847; in HIST 3, Bob
D’Amore in a McKee Mk 8 at 59.817; and, in DSR, Kurt Eikenberg in a Prince PR01
at 55.280. Kurt’s time was also FTD.
The Series Team Championship was won by the “Cool
Guys” team consisting of Bob Oswald, Sr., Bob Oswald, Jr., Alvey Ford, Joe
Foering, John Pitman, and alternate John Champion.
The following are a few observations of happenings
on the hill… Bill Kotyk’s FORM 500 and the Weatherly course just don’t seem to
get along; the Maloneys won FV-again; Bob D’Amore went under a minute in his
McKee; Garth Knorr owes his dad, Tom, and others “big time;” Colonel Larry
Grega finally got some runs in his Camaro; Morgan Wilson looked good in his
Beach (or is it on the Beach); Jim Kuzo’s Ku-Grr is both loud and fast; have
you ever seen Butch King get his Blazer out of the transport? - I can’t watch;
Joe Cyburt should have the parking brake on his Corvette adjusted; Rob Deysher
just missed going under a minute in his rapid little Mazda; Chris Beleiu had
huge flares on his Mustang; and Avent Beck learned the perils of early apexing
in his VW.
Fall Weatherly brings to a close another season of
PHA/TIME TRIALS events. Again, special
thanks to all the event sponsors, officials, workers, and competitors who made
this season the success that it has been.
Don’t forget the PHA Banquet on November 18th
at the Morgantown Holiday Inn where we gather to celebrate the season and its’
competitors.
See you at the Banquet!
Joe Foering, #37