Sports car club closes out summer with final autocross event
The Sports Car Club of America’s Eastern Idaho chapter held its final event at Bonneville High School Sunday morning.
The drivers are broken up into groups and given five opportunities to clock the fastest time on the autocross track. Cal Craner, the SCCA’s regional executive, has been driving sports cars competitively for 43 years.
“Things happen really fast,” said Craner. “We may only have a 45-second course, but you may make 40 turns in that 45 seconds.”
Some cars reach speeds of 60-70 mph on the course, but Craner said cars are inspected and safety always comes first.
“If somebody were to accidentally get hurt, we have medical coverage if they don’t have it,” said Craner. “We don’t cover cars though, if you break your car that’s on you.”
The events can get competitive, but beginners are always welcome.
“Mainly they have a good time,” said Craner. “It’s a safe place to go, the whole family can take part.”
That would be families such as the Openshaw’s. At 17-years-old, Chancelen Openshaw drove his dad’s 1991 Mazda Miata.
“This is actually my first year,” said Chacelen. “I decided to do it as my senior project at Bonneville High School.”
He talked his sister Yasmine into driving, too. Not only is it her first time driving on an autocross track, but she’s only had her learner’s permit for a month.
