Martin Sports Car Club

Angry SCCA Competitors Fire Back

April 1, 2004 - Orlando, Florida

By David Phillips | RACE DRIVER columnist

In response to a recent SCCA press release regarding the elimination of the Chevrolet Corvette from Solo2 competition, SCCA drivers are protesting and boycotting the grassroots auto racing club.

"I wasn't out of control!" yelled Hubert Edwards. "I'm a Corvette driver, I know what I'm doing!" Edwards, who finished 8 seconds behind the Novice class winner the day of his accident, went on to say, "That courseworker was in the way! What was he thinking standing so close to the course and waiving that red flag all over the place?! Was he trying to flag me down for my autograph? That fool was asking for it!"

Other competitors are reacting violently to the environmental issues quoted by SCCA officials. Drivers have been setting their race cars aflame in front of SCCA headquarters.

"This is an outrage!" stated Sven Svenson in his broken English. "I came to this country to race! My friend told me I get green card this way. I win many races for three years now with Corvette and still no have green card. I check mail every day. Maybe mailman stole it."

Another driver briefly told us his feelings. Stu Rosenberg, a frail 65 year old man, poured his heart to us in tears. "Why take away my Ford Festiva? It's been my mid-life-crisis-long dream to race, but I'm afraid to go fast. The Festiva is the perfect car for me, and now they've taken that away. They've taken everything. I have nothing now. What's the use in living?"

Protests are expected to continue throughout the week as angry competitors want answers.

"When did they (SCCA officials) become tree huggers?" asked Laura Johnson, who races a 1985 Mazda RX-7 GLS powered by the carbureted 12A motor. "I was about to win Nationals. I was about to rule the world! Now I'm gonna set myself on fire. We'll see how they like THAT!"

GETTING STARTED
What is Autocrossing?
It is a form of timed racing that is usually conducted on a large paved surface such as a parking lot whereby competitors drive vehicles one-at-a-time through a short "road course" outlined by traffic cones.

Is Autocrossing safe?
Yes. Speeds are generally slow and rubber traffic cones are used to mark the course, so as not to damage competitors vehicles. Strict vehicle technical and safety inspections are conducted before each event. The highest degree of safety is enforced in every aspect of a Martin Sports Car Club event.

How can I join in on the fun?
Check our schedule of events and simply show up! You can sit back and watch or jump right in and compete. Many of our Members have years of racing experience and are eager to share their knowledge. Our qualified novice instructors perform "on-track" clinics before each event.

MEMBERSHIP
Memberships are available to those who are ready to volunteer their services to the club on a regular basis. All Members are encouraged to participate in course designing, equipment support, set-up and break-down, as well as monthly meeting participation. Without the help of our club Members, we would not be able to function as a successful organization. Participation is repaid with Active Member Points and end-of-season awards and trophies. Inactivity simply results in the loss of Membership privileges.