On October 30th, 1999, 13 Pacific Northwest Shark Owners and three guests converged on The Grand Prix Raceway indoor Kart Track in Fife Washington.
Sixteen racers in all, coming from as far as Portland, Oregon, Vancouver B.C., and Spokane, Washington, were formed into two four Kart Teams, with two racers to a Kart. The event was a one hour endurance Indy, and I emphasize the word ENDURANCE. Teams had to switch drivers about every 10 minutes. The teams were formed based upon whether the racer had a 5-speed Shark, or an Automatic, with the exception of Ray Henson, who graciously agreed to race on the 5 speed team although his shark is clutchless.
Entitled "Gearheads vs. The Two Pedal Brigade", the event will be one not soon forgotten.
Through the one hour massacre these Shark pilots managed to crash, bash, and pass with such intensity that two of the teams required new Karts to finish the race. Hopefully we won't be seeing a bill for the carnage of the two karts damaged (may their souls rest in peace), but hey, all in the name of fun.
By the time the tire squealing, smoke spewing, and cramped forearms all came to a still, the winning team emerged. The Two Pedal Brigade, comprised of Shark Owners Terry and Diane Redinger, Dan Golich, Rob Fosset, Chris Ford, and yours truly, rose triumphant over the Gearhead Team of Guy DuHamel, Andy Pope, Louis Ott, Steve Ott, Tom Middleton, and Rob East, by a commanding 498 laps by the 2PB as compared to the significantly paultry 497 completed by the GH team. Each member of the winning team received a specially engraved commemorative medallion for their efforts.
Undaunted by the abysmal performance of their Gearhead Teamates, the Father and Son team of Louis and Steve Ott pressed on and will be forever known as being the overall winner/fastest Kart at the first annual 928 Owner's Showdown. This task did not come without challenge however. The 2PB team kart of Dan Golich and Rob Fossett, matched Ott & Son in having completed 126 laps. The Otts however gained the overall and got to bring home the trophies by leading 60 of the laps, wherein the Golich/Fossett team lead for only 40. Truly close racing.
While the fastest lap time trophy went to one of the guests, the fastest Shark pilot, Chris Ford, was off the pace by only 5 thousandths of a second. Another lap or two and I'm confident the fastest lap trophy would have been his.
Are Shark pilots naturally talented drivers? The owner of the Kart Track thinks so. Based upon the transponder print out, our Karts averaged 32-34 mph. He said the typical mph average for the endurance indy is closer to 28-29mph.
After the race we all caravaned to the Tacoma Waterfront for Pizza and beer. I must tell you, being the lead car in a 928 caravan is unearthly. There nothing like looking in your rear view and seeing a line of sharks behind you.
I want to personally thank Chris Ford for driving all the way from Spokane. For you folks not familiar with the local geography, Chris logged 10 hours driving round trip to make this event. Definitely the stud of the year.
Guy DuHamel, from Vancouver B.C., and the Ott's and the Redinger's from Portland are close seconds.
Thanks to all who participated and made the time to come and race. It was a great event. I had a wonderful time putting it together, and going head-to-head with some of the funnest people I've had the pleasure to hang out with.
I look forward to next year's event, and the potential for Gearheads'
Revenge.