The Shenandoah Region’s first autocross day at the Augusta Government Center included an autocross school plus a “Test & Tune” on Saturday, March 31. The morning was devoted to instruction and practice. Rick Ebinger divided the drivers into two groups based on their autocross experience, and he took the beginning group to the keyhole at the east end of the course to explain how autocross courses are designed and driven. Meanwhile, Erik Boody took the more experienced drivers to the south end of the parking lot for practice runs. After about an hour, the two groups switched locations. Then there was a brief break, and the two groups each got two sets of three runs on the full autocross course. The timer was set up so drivers could check their progress, but the times won’t count for points in the “official” autocross season that will begin on April 28.

The autocross school and “Test & Tune” were successful in attracting a number of new drivers in both Porsches and in other marques. We can only hope to have such good turnouts (and such good weather) throughout the autocross season.