Thursday, Nov. 21
Instead of the usual last minute panic of wrenching, loading, and forgetting
half of what I was supposed to bring, my trek to Palm Springs this year
consisted of a very civilized jaunt to the airport and boarding Reno Air's
inaugaral flight to the Palm Springs airport (and I thought the cameras
filming us on arrival was because they heard there was some hot shoe, big
time, famous race-car driver on the flight!!). On approach, I could see the
track, that now resides in a wanna-be housing development that appears to
have been severely undercapitalized (at least they paid to put in roads...but
didn't quite make it to homes....who wants to live this close to the airport,
anyway...next thing you know they'll be bitching about the noise). Sorry,
got distracted there..
Anyway after shuffling back and forth to the credential area for something to
show I BELONG, I made it to the Paddock. There was an optional practice
going on today for those who couldn't wait to see what K-walls look like when
arranged in a new random pattern. From those I talked to, I heard the track
was FAST, very DUSTY, and in many places UNFORGIVING (ah the same old Palm
Springs we know and love). Two formula cars (1 Ford, 1 ?) came to grief with
the wall today, but nothing serious. At least 1 had repairs already
underway. The good news is that there looks like acres of Paddock, so the
tight squeeze of the Wyndham parking lot is only a memory. I imagine more
will arrive tomorrow and Saturday, but it still looked like there's lots of
room.
The weather was questionable as it was very overcast and cool for Palm
Springs all day, and then just as practice was finishing at 4, the skies
opened up and dumped gallons of water on everything. (I thought it never
rains in Southern CA???...hmmm sounds strangely familiar??).
Access to the track looks like it could be dicey too, as Ramon Road, the main
East/West route in and out is narrowed down for part of the track, and under
construction further into town. If a good size crowd turns out this weekend,
you'll need to allow adequate time for almost certain traffic delays going in
and out.
I haven't gotten out on the track yet...maybe I'll figure a way to get a ride
in the Pace Car tomorrow, as my much anticipated Lamborghini drive isn't
until Saturday during a lunchtime exhibition session. If I do, I'll report
more on what I find....
Now its off to search for dinner in Palm Springs....that could make a better
story than the race....
Later..dudes...
Myles
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