SCCA: Wild West ProRally Press Notes 3
19 June 1999
Wild West ProRally Press Notes Page 3 13.) Mellor is finding that the Pro Rally series is a vital part of SCCA racing programs. “It’s an awesome experience that the club should get more involved in,” he concluded. “It’s overdue.” 14.) Doc Shrader (co-Driver, Open Class Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV) describes this event as deceptive. “It’s a lot like a low-key ClubRally,” he says. “So the adrenaline doesn’t start building until Parc Expose -- instead of building all day.” The stylish doctor is sporting a unique pair of rainbow reading glasses, a gift from his son Garen’s girlfriend. “So my son won’t have any trouble seeing me, even at night,” he chuckles. 15.) Shrader feels that this event is well-grouped. “We will be fighting hard with Tony (Chavez) and Lauchlin (O’Sullivan). The roads have not favored fast cars. They are tricky and a bit more of an equalizer.” If the dust isn’t too bad, he feels that Garen, Tony and Lauchlin all could take time off of Noel Lawler and John Buffum -- who will be sweeping the loose gravel off of the stages and making traction better for those behind them. 16.) All drivers agree that the rally can’t be won tonight, but it certainly can be lost. Shrader’s strategy is simple, “We’ll be fast but cautious. The battle starts tomorrow.” 17.) Tony Chavez (Open Class Mitsubishi Galant VR-4) agrees with Shrader. “We’ve just got to get through tonight. We’ll dance with Lauchlin and Garen tomorrow.” 18.) Noel Lawler is happy about starting first-on-the-road in his Open Class Hyundai Tiburon. “It’s an honor,” he said, “but I don’t know that the first starting position will make that much of a difference.” If John Buffum and I switched positions, I don’t think I could drive in his tracks. However, because Paul Choiniere isn’t here, this is my chance to move up in series points.” 19.) The prediction made by John Buffum and many others that this would be a “dust” rally has come true. After just one of tonight’s six stages, the organizers have switched to two-minute intervals. This was foreseen in the planning, so complications should be relatively few. 20.) At the first service, Murray Thomas, crew chief for the Shraders’Mitsubishi Lancer Evo reports that Garen says that the car is running just fine, but the course was very dusty.