RE: Woodburn: A view from the stands

["Roger Stockton" <stockton@racalcanada.com>]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the feedback.  I regret not having met more of the
EV listers at the event; we'd planned to attend the post-event
dinner, but by the end of the rather slow-paced (from this
spectator's perspective ;^) day, my patience-challenged wife was
not inclined to wait for things to wind down and everyone to
migrate to the restaurant! (Was probably for the best anyway,
I'd have been in no shape to make the 5hr drive home if I waited
'till after a relaxing dinner, and driving in the evening was *much*
cooler and enjoyable than in the heat of the day.)

As a matter of fact, if it hadn't been announced that there were
4 German and an ESPN2 camera crew, I suspect most people would
have been hard-pressed to notice more than 2 (and then only if
they happened to notice more than one person wandering around with
a mike boom or bigger-than-your-average-video camera at the same
time).  I wonder why the crews maintained such anonymity?

What'll really be impressive is to meet a load of German EV
enthusiasts in the crowd next year as a result of the coverage!

The track owner certainly was friendly enough to us as well, when
we walked in sometime between 10 and 11pm. But I still think an
approximate gate-closing time would be a helpful bit of information
to include when publicising next year's event! (As well as the fact
that late arrivals could camp in their vehicles in the driveway, or
walk in and tent.)

I certainly respect the efforts of the racers, and join you in
congratulating them *all* on their achievements.

Now; who knows what the story is on the blonde who was perching on
or beside the vehicles for photos?  I assume from the regularity
with which she changed outfits that she was hired specifically for
the purpose, but by who; one of the camera crews? Electrifying Times?

Roger.

 -----Original Message-----
From:	ev@listproc.sjsu.edu [SMTP:ev@listproc.sjsu.edu]
Sent:	Tuesday, August 31, 1999 3:47 PM
To:	EVDL (E-mail)
Cc:	Stockton@racalcanada.com
Subject:	RE: Woodburn: A view from the stands

Hi Roger & All,

(Sorry I missed meeting you). I also was fortunate to have made the Woodburn
trek (for the second year in a row). Without an actual head count, I'd guess
there were 3-5 times as many spectators as last year (granted, many were likely
Jr. Dragster families/fans) but, even if we double the field......... Also, did
you happen notice the FIVE film crews walking around (ONLY two last year).

Some specific responses to your view;

[snip]

The (very gracious, accommodating, & EV-friendly!) track owner locked the gate
behind me at ~9:20 PM. Last year I didn't arrive until after 11 PM and opted for
*Hotel Cherokee* (parked in the Woodburn Church of the Nazarene's back lot).

[snip]

Your point is well made, from a spectators point of view.
>From the pit, I humbly offer that trying to make ONE run in a car which has
possibly never run before, by a driver with less than 12 hours sleep in the last
48, in front of many of the best of your peers, well............ let's just see
what vehicle you or I will be entering/running next year.
Many, MANY congrats to the Woodburn Warriors!
And for the record, I STILL say Wilde's Maniac Mazda beat the Vipors 3 for 3
(the last run by nearly 3/4 of a second) red light or no red light!
regards,
Jim Waite