The first track night I attended was great! It was a ton of fun and I was ready to sign up anything else that came along. At that event, we heard about the SCCA’s South Bend Region’s upcoming open track event taking place on September 11. It would be at GingerMan, again. The calendar was clear, so we signed up!

The event was another laid back affair. My wife and I were running a little behind, but arrived during the driver’s meeting. We actually bedded in the new racing brake pads immediately before getting on the highway up to South Haven.

We drove behind this BMW on the way to the track.

It was cool to see this guy again.

Not long before the Mustang and I pass the Ferrari F430.

This Lotus Exige was one of the fastest of my group, if not the evening.

It’s cool to see the older cars raced.

The event went from 5pm until sunset. This was enough time for some pace laps, a 20-minute session, and a 10-minute session. Not a ton of time on the track, but still a lot of fun.

I’m glad that my aunt and uncle from Battle Creek were able to join us. My uncle has an SVT Cobra that he races, occasionally at GingerMan. My aunt was kind enough to take some photos during this event. They drove their ’07 California Special Mustang during the parade laps.

Just before the first session, I realized that I forgot to check the torque on the lug nuts. Better safe than sorry.

I feel like I did pretty well. My best lap time at the first event was about 1:58. I did a little better this time at 1:55, but feel like I could shave it down at least another 5 seconds. If I turned up the boost, that would help too.

My aunt took this shot along the front straight. It was time to pass the Z.

Caroline jumped in to ride along for the last session. I’m glad no one cared. It seems like it’s rare for the officials to allow riders with the novice or beginner groups. She had been along for the pace laps, but they’re just not the same.

I saw this car down at the south end of the paddock. I had seen it online before, but never in person. I love the time attack look. It’s a serious race car. And that is one of the craziest rear diffusers I’ve ever seen! It’s giving me ideas for the Miata…

Here’s the Miata and my aunt and uncle’s California Special. I’m glad they could come out and join in the great time. It wasn’t as much track time as I hoped for, but hey, we’ll be back in a few weeks!