Well I had an unbelievable SEMA. I got in on Monday and met up with Charley at the airport and mooched a ride to meet the transport guy. We gathered up my car and drove it into SEMA to the Optima Booth. The car was getting a lot of attention for being “another red ’69 Camaro with a small block Chevy”. Charley and I cruised the show and hung out with his car at Mother’s Wax or at my car in the Optima booth.
Wednesday, my folks showed up to see the car and the show. I was having lunch with them when Cam Evans called and said “Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi is at your, car get over here”! I got my folks in the show and headed for the Optima booth. When I got there it was a mob of cameras and Sony people. I got to speak directly to Kazunori Yamauchi about my car. He sat in it and played with the controls. Wednesday night, we went to the Hard Rock Café for the awards ceremony. I was in the final 7 cars for the car that would be put into the game. When they called my name I was blown away. The next day I had all kinds of crazy interviews with “gaming type” people.
Friday, we were trying to sort out how we were going to get out of the building to get to Pahrump. About 3:55 all my buddies showed up and we pushed my car to the door followed by the Ring Brothers’ Mustang. When the show ended at 4:00 we were the first car out the door.
We drove over to the Optima meeting point for a group picture. We then had to double back to Vegas to get some road rally shots for the OUSCI. We opted not to seek the extra points for finding Elvis so we could keep moving! Once we were on the road to Pahrump we could relax. Saturday we were up bright and early and off to Spring Mountain Ranch for the OUSCI.
Because all I had was my car and the junk in the trunk, DSE let me park my car at their rig. Thanks for the help! We ran the road course in the morning and got the best time of a 1:48. I think I was a second a lap faster than last year when we had DOT slicks vs the 220 tread wear tires I had this year. The car worked good with the exception of the ABS faulting out and the trans balking on the 2-3 shift twice.
I was able to clear the trouble code in the ABS and get it working again prior to the next event, the AutoX. Due to me not paying attention, I was unable to pre-walk the course. Jeff Smith gave me some tips prior to me going out. I was shocked that I turned in the fast time of the day. I guess all those trips to Wal-Mart paid off. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean you can’t be good at it.
Next up was the Speed Stop Challenge. I waited until enough people made some passes to get some dust blown off and some rubber down before I made my pass. I did not find out I set the fastest time until the awards.
The final tally was:
Road Course 2nd
AutoX 1st
Speed Stop 1st
Over all 1st
I was very happy we had a great day. I could not have done it without the help of all my friends and family who were able to come out. My Mom and Dad got to see the whole event and were happy to see us do well. Also I had a ton of friends at the track to help out (I know I broke the 2 people rule). A lot of people came a long way to help me do well and many also helped me with the car back home. I really appreciate all the help and support.
I had a amazing week at SEMA. As Dr. Charles Lillard, Laura, and I were driving back to the airport this morning, I reflected back over the events and I don’t know how it could have gone any better.
Stielow
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
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