Many of you know that GTM is a non-traditional car club with members that have varying interests; from track days to karting and off-roading (and everything in between). Above: Members Andrew B, Harry B and Andrew M at the CCA AutoCross. Well, did you also know that GTM has an educational branch as well? Or that we are working with other groups and organizations to not only grow our sport, but also make it safer?
> Saturday <
GTM hosted our Youth Car Care Clinic (CCC “Level 1”) at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD (which happens to be the alma mater of members Brad N and Eric M). At the clinic, volunteers from GTM presented many different aspects of car ownership and maintenance to these new drivers, soon to be college students, and their parents.
The day was broken into two segments, a one hour in-classroom presentation and a one hour hands-on lab. Eric and Brad taught the in-classroom portion and club members John R., Sam H., Kerwin W. (and Robbie), and Judd G. took over with the hands on lab.
In the classroom, the guests learned all about different car layouts, different noises and smells, what their fluids should look like, the difference between good and worn out brakes and tires, what to carry in case of emergency, and so much more. They were also given complimentary tire pressure gauges and a more in-depth booklet we are calling our “Level 2” material. After they were thoroughly dazed and confused, it was time send them out into the parking lot.
Here, John R. had his car prepped for a wheel change demonstration along with many show-and-tell parts like brakes, rotors, etc, in various conditions. After John’s demo, it was time for them to go over their own cars. Each guest was taken to their cars with a skilled GTM member and shown where to find their various fluid containers and dipsticks, as well as shown how to check their tire pressures and tread depth (the old penny test). They were given checklists to go over with their expert and mark down what they found out about their own car. And when they were done, we had a wheel torquing station (to show what it feels like to properly torque your wheels) and battery jump start demo. Needless to say, in a short two hour window we threw a ton of information at them.
We have to give a big shout out to all our members who came out to help: John, Sam, Kerwin and Judd we couldn’t have pulled this off without you guys… Thank you!
The general feedback from the group was positive and many requested that we do another one and reach out to other schools. GTM is planning on hosting another CCC at DeMatha this fall and we are always looking for volunteers to help us hold these demonstrations. If you have any ideas or would like to see our presentation and course materials, please reach to us at crewchiefs@gtmotorsports.org or visit http://www.gtmotorsports.org/ccc
> Saturday Evening <
To celebrate such a successful first half of the day many GTM members and families headed to Baltimore for dinner at Fogo de Chao, partly because GTM NE Region co-Chief Harry B. was visiting the area for an autocross and a concert. #familydinner
GTM’s paparazzi John R, snagged this shot of Brad N, Harry B and Sam H heading out on the town after dinner. We’re rather impressed by the Chevy Bolts spacious interior. #likeaglove
> Which brings us into Sunday… <
Sunday GTM members Andrew B (C7 Corvette)., Andrew M (Cobra)., and Harry B (Mini Cooper). competed in the June Corvette Club of America autocross event held at Lincoln Technical Institute in Columbia, MD.
The skies were a bit grey, the humidity was high, and the course was difficult, but GTM was there to represent and help out. The morning started out with registration and tech inspection, followed by many course walks. This particular course was very challenging and difficult, I believe throughout the day there was only a handful of drivers that didn’t actually have a DNF. Add to that an illegally parked car on the course, forcing the designers to adjust their map slightly, it quickly became a recipe for confusion. However, that didn’t deter the participants and the field was packed with cars for both heats. Our group of scrappy competitors were driving in heat 2 which meant they were volunteering and working the course during the first heat.
The first heat ended without much drama (aside from a few cone casualties) and after a short 10 minute break and wrangling the heat 1 drivers for their coursework assignments, it was time for our heroes to hit the course. Now, a little bit about our drivers: Andrew M. was driving a Factory Five roadster that he and his father built with their own hands. He just finished installing power steering on the car a week prior and wanted to test it out. Andrew B. was driving his newly obtained C7 Corvette Z51 with which he has logged exactly 0 competitive or performance driving miles on. And Harry B., who was autocrossing for the first time ever using his Mini Cooper S daily driver. So, in a sense, our guys were a little like fish out of water. However, in spite of numerous DNF’s and getting lost on track, each of them was able to set at least one complete run for the record books.
At the end of the day there wasn’t really much in the way of drama but there were a few quotables: “I didn’t know what to expect coming in, but autocross was a lot more fun than I thought it would be” – Harry B; “I can’t wait to get back out there and do some more” – Andrew M; “They wouldn’t let me do donuts, but I still had fun” – Andrew B.
I’d like to give a special shout out to the great people at Corvette Club of America (CCA) for putting on a great autocross event. Their courses are always challenging and fun and they make the most out of the limited lot size they have. If you would like to learn more or sign up for their next autocross (in September) please follow this link: CCA September Autocross. I guarantee there will be more GTM representation there.
After the autocross, Members Brad N., Harry B., Sam H., and Andrew B. went on to see Slayer (and a few other bands) on their 2018 final tour.
Great fun was had by all! #youhadtobethere #whathappensinvegas
Oh and before we forget, for a handful of other members (Ken E and Brett S to name a few), they were attending the annual “unmuffled day” at LimeRock Park with HookedOnDriving!
