From the President
November 2013
A day on the track, with Fireball Vopelak. I am not good at chance, but for once in my life I won the prize in a charity raffle that was a full day pass for two on the new Grand Prix track at The Atlanta Motorsports Park valued at $1000.
When I got the call, I thought this is great! I can take my Allanté for a “100 MPH Power Lunch”, which is the Motorsports Park slogan. Then I thought about the loss of sight from a detached retina in my right eye which decreases my depth perception and decided I had no business doing that. So I turned to my good friend Russell Vopelak and asked if he would like the day on the track.
The only hitch was that I get to ride shotgun. He jumped at the offer, but said he would like to run the XLR instead of the Allanté.
The Atlanta sports Park is a Motorsports Country Club just outside Dawsonville. Instead of the typical golf course, there is a two mile Grand Prix design race track. Members can trailer or drive their cars in or lease garage and keep them on site. Some members lease multiple spaces and convert one or more into living/entertaining space to enjoy their cars and friends. October 25th was the big day Russell, Paula, Linda, and I arrived at 9:00 A M. After filling out all the paper work, the first thing that was required was a safety inspection on the XLR which passed with flying colors.
Then it was Russell ‘s turn to get certified. This involved an instructor, and professional race car driver, Bret Spaude. He went over all the rules and regulations then took Russell on three sessions each four laps around the track with him driving and giving instructions; then Russell got to drive and Bret rode for an additional three or four sessions. Before Bret turned us loose, Paula asked Bret if he would take me around the course and he did!!! WOW what a thrilling ride, better than Six Flags.
The rest of the day Fireball Vopelak and I enjoyed the track along with Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotics, some we had never seen before. I don’t want to take away from Russell’s driving, he really is a good driver but the three laps with Bret driving were awesome. I do want to thank Russell and Paula for the use of the XLR, and the tires we wore out that day. Great day Great friends I owe you one.
We discussed putting together an event for our club to visit as there is also a go cart track with cart rentals. So look for that in future events or maybe you would like to join the Country Club and have your own “100MPH Power Lunch” whenever you want.
Norman Penfield - President AACC
