Trackside-Brandy
04-11-2016, 11:52 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar170_zpshi4ksmd1-1.jpg
Goodguys 16th Annual Meguiar’s Nationals
Del Mar, CA
Written by: Brandy Phillips
Photos by: Terry Lysak & Brandy Phillips
It was a much different scene when the Goodguys Autocross was held back in the corner where very few people ventured.
The spectator area was filled with a quarter of the people that would be present today and most of the competitors were
from the California area. A couple of SCCA members who had also been a part of the pro-touring community would come
out and battle for a first place win. Pro Class was nonexistent and Vendor Class only featured vehicles that were sponsors
of the autocross. Aftermarket performance parts were just on the rise and competitors vehicles were nothing like they are
today. For many of the current day autocross competitors, they never even had a chance to see this scene. A lot has
changed since then.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar229_zpsdmgeby8h-1.jpg
Now we jump to the 2016 Meguair’s Nationals, which was one of the largest Del Mar events in the last sixteen years.
Spectators filled the aisles of the manufacture midway and overflowed into the spectator area at the autocross. It was all
slightly overwhelming when reflecting back on the number of people in the autocross pits that swarmed the cars to look
at details up close and watch the action first hand.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar93_zpsjftjssxx-1.jpg
Competition was tough. Several competitors came out to compete in the Street Machine Class for a chance to move into
the Pro Class. Drivers like Mike Maier, Jane Thurmond, Dick Eytchison, Matt Alcala, Ian Sakurai and Richard Trujillo were
all regular Del Mar competitors that came out for a shot at first place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar341_zps5jbplrmq-1.jpg
There were a few surprise competitors that made for some tough competition in the Street Machine Class. Casey Cronin
brought out his 1972 Corvette and took the lead several times throughout Friday and Saturday. Casey was able to get the
car running for the 2016 race season and has been out at several events since the beginning of the year. He is still
continuing to sort the car out, but from the looks of it, the Corvette is going to be very competitive throughout the
remainder of the year.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar41_zpsnbkokv2t-1.jpg
Though Mike Hamrick and the 1966 Wilwood Mustang are very active in the pro-touring community, Goodguys Del Mar
marked the first Goodguys event for both car and driver. Not only was Mike behind the wheel of the Wilwood Mustang,
Chris Smith and Mike Maier also registered the vehicle and raced it throughout the weekend. The Mustang did very well
considering the amount of laps it made over a three-day period.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar315_zpsvokhvczk-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak72_zpsbevln1pu-1.jpg
A couple pit stalls down from the Wilwood Mustang sat a 1969 Mustang that looked familiar, but we couldn’t put our finger
on why at first. Richard Trujillo’s Mustang had recently undergone some significant exterior changes the week before
Goodguys Del Mar. We had caught a glimpse of the makeover on social media, but never saw the final result. When
Richard asked if we liked the new paint job, we couldn’t even pick out his car at first. The transformation was quite
impressive and we are loving the new look.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar297_zpsi79czayo-1.jpg
Another driver we were surprised to see was Mike Cavanah with his 1966 Chevelle. We have not seen Cavanah in quite
some time, so when he came rolling into the pits Saturday morning we had to do a double take. Though Mike did not win
his class at the autocross, he did win the Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year Finalist. He rightfully deserved the win and
we hope to see him at other race events throughout the year.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak40_zpsi7mwdup9-1.jpg
Robb McIntosh was also out with his 1969 Camaro. Robb not only participated at the Goodguys Del Mar event, he headed
out to Fontana to compete in the NMCA West Autocross on Sunday. Rob put down a lot of laps between the two events,
and though he did not win, the amount of seat time he is getting is extremely beneficial.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak55_zpsgaolgfw4-1.jpg
Robbie Conklin’s 1968 Chevelle put on quite a show for autocross spectators on Saturday. Robbie, who has been a regular
at NMCA West and Goodguys Autocross events, has been getting better at maneuvering his car around small courses such
as the Del Mar autocross. On bigger tracks the car handles great, but Robbie still put on a great show, regardless how the
car does out on track.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar137_zpscs3nyrju-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak46_zpsef2x9pml-1.jpg
Now let’s focus on Dick Eytchison for a minute and reflect on his Del Mar experience. Dick is a great driver and the car has
competed in several different autocross events over the years. His wife Karyn is typically on the sidelines with her iPad
filming each run while cheering (maybe even screaming) for her husband. Dick gradually got better each run throughout
Friday and into Saturday, but what happened Saturday afternoon surprised us all. After lunch each run Dick made got
faster and faster until he worked his way into second place, bumping Casey Cronin down to third. Whatever Dick has been
doing to improve his lap times in unknown to us, but it is definitely working. This might just be what he needs to secure
him a spot at the Goodguys Duel in the Dessert Shootout come November.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar141_zpsp3ybsh7n-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar144_zpsfe6b2vli-1.jpg
Jane Thurmond was the best story of the weekend as she battled Casey Cronin on Friday and Saturday for first place in
the Street Machine Class. Jane brought out Scarlett, her 1964 Corvette. Scarlett hasn’t had much of a break since the
start of the season. Not only has Jane attended about a half dozen race events in a two-month time span, she has been
driving that little red Corvette to each event, putting quite a few miles on the car. Jane has become an extremely good
driver. Seat time was on the top of Jane’s priority list as she prepped for the 2016 race season. Goodguys Scottsdale and
Pleasanton left Jane without a win, but Del Mar brought better luck for both Jane and Scarlett. Jane took the lead Saturday
afternoon, winning first place in the Street Machine Class and moved into Pro Class. As we left her Saturday afternoon her
win had not kicked in, but we know she was absolutely overwhelmed and happy that she finally got first at a Goodguys
autocross.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar158_zps8bhsoe4p-1.jpg
Wes Drelleshak is another familiar face at the Goodguys Del Mar event. Wes brought out his 1959 Apache to compete in
the Truck Class. Wes had over a three second lead on the other Truck Class competitors until Eric Monteith came out on
Saturday in his 1966 El Camino. Though Eric put up a good fight, he was still a little under a second behind Wes by the end
of Saturday. This resulted in Wes claiming first place, moving him into Pro Class as well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak85_zpsbqa0dgmn-1.jpg
Dennis Russell and Don Chemello are usually seen competing in the Hot Rod Class, but two different events left Dennis
Russell as the only competitor on Friday. Though another Hot Rod competitor finally joined the class, Dennis maintained a
significant lead and took first in this class with his 1933 Roadster.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar2_zpsrvjnofxw-1.jpg
The number of Pro Class competitors at Del Mar was possibly one of the largest that Goodguys has ever seen. The class
consisted of 15 vehicles, which were divided into two run groups. The first class included Greg Thurmond, James Crosby,
Bret Voelkel, Greg Blundell, Mary Pozzi, Evan Daily, and Chris Smith. The second class included Scott Fraser, Robby Unser,
Al Unser Jr., Jake Rozelle, Brian Hobaugh, Bob Gawlik, and myself.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar310_zpsduamzvwa-1.jpg
As the Goodguys Autocross has grown, it is not uncommon to see drivers from other areas of the country come out to the
Del Mar event. So when Bret Voelkel brought out the 1969 RideTech equipped Camaro, we were not surprised. We were
surprised however to see Chris Smith behind the wheel of the Wilwood Mustang instead of the RideTech 48 Hour Corvette.
We believe that Smitty is trying to accumulate enough points to be crowned overall Goodguys Points Champion for the
2016 season, though nothing has been confirmed. Smitty has a good lead though, having competed in all of Goodguys
Autocross events up to current date.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak25_zps9fl8eegz-1.jpg
The Pro Class had some extremely heavy competition throughout the weekend. Scott Fraser was on a three-way sweep
after winning Goodguys Scottsdale and Pleasanton. Mary Pozzi and Greg Thurmond were not going to make it easy for
Scott to take the lead. Mary, Greg and Scott bounced between first, second and third throughout Friday and into
Saturday morning.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar240_zpsup4h4oop-1.jpg
It was finally right before lunch that Scott laid down the overall fastest lap time for the day. Shortly after, Mary’s Camaro
broke, pushing her out of first place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar160_zpsjsk9xnlf-1.jpg
Greg Thurmond, who was also in the fight for first, secured a position right
behind Fraser, claiming second place. Greg also would move on to win the shootout on Sunday, allowing him to enter
the Goodguys winner’s circle Sunday afternoon and move on to compete at the Goodguys Duel in the Desert Shootout
this November.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/Del20Mar20007_zps9hywvv3q-1.jpg
Several competitors from Friday and Saturday brought a second late model vehicle to compete in the All American Sunday
Autocross. Jake Rozelle, who was racing his 1965 Corvette throughout the weekend, brought out his recently purchased
2003 Z06 Corvette. Though the Z06 is Jake’s daily driver, we think it’s his secret weapon that he has been waiting to
unleash. Jake took first in the All American Class, making this his second year in a row in the winner’s circle.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar248_zpsfpqdkvwk-1.jpg
Overall the Goodguys Del Mar was a success. Though the number of spectators was a bit much, sharing the experience
with fellow spectators is what our sport is all about.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar313_zpsvx1fzchv-1.jpg
A continuation of the Goodguys Del Mar recap will continue to highlight the Pro-Touring sponsored Camp Autocross, which
was held Friday night in the RV Lot. Please check back for that story and other recaps throughout the weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar104_zpsy8h1b3lf-1.jpg
We were fortunate enough to have Terry Lysak on scene at Del Mar shooting for Pro-Touring.com. Some of his photos
were featured above, but the rest of his photos and several more can be seen in our Photobucket library at the link below:
Goodguys Del Mar Photo Album (http://s385.photobucket.com/user/protouringdotcom/library/ProTouring%20Events%202016/Goodguys%202016/Goodguys%2016th%20Del%20Mar%20Nationals%20April%20 2016)
To find out more information on Goodguys events throughout the remainder of the year visit our Calendar of Events:
Pro-Touring Show and Race Calendar (https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104995-2016-Event-Calendar-Autocross-Track-Days-and-more)
Or go directly to the Goodguys Website: www.good-guys.com (http://www.good-guys.com)
Goodguys 16th Annual Meguiar’s Nationals
Del Mar, CA
Written by: Brandy Phillips
Photos by: Terry Lysak & Brandy Phillips
It was a much different scene when the Goodguys Autocross was held back in the corner where very few people ventured.
The spectator area was filled with a quarter of the people that would be present today and most of the competitors were
from the California area. A couple of SCCA members who had also been a part of the pro-touring community would come
out and battle for a first place win. Pro Class was nonexistent and Vendor Class only featured vehicles that were sponsors
of the autocross. Aftermarket performance parts were just on the rise and competitors vehicles were nothing like they are
today. For many of the current day autocross competitors, they never even had a chance to see this scene. A lot has
changed since then.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar229_zpsdmgeby8h-1.jpg
Now we jump to the 2016 Meguair’s Nationals, which was one of the largest Del Mar events in the last sixteen years.
Spectators filled the aisles of the manufacture midway and overflowed into the spectator area at the autocross. It was all
slightly overwhelming when reflecting back on the number of people in the autocross pits that swarmed the cars to look
at details up close and watch the action first hand.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar93_zpsjftjssxx-1.jpg
Competition was tough. Several competitors came out to compete in the Street Machine Class for a chance to move into
the Pro Class. Drivers like Mike Maier, Jane Thurmond, Dick Eytchison, Matt Alcala, Ian Sakurai and Richard Trujillo were
all regular Del Mar competitors that came out for a shot at first place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar341_zps5jbplrmq-1.jpg
There were a few surprise competitors that made for some tough competition in the Street Machine Class. Casey Cronin
brought out his 1972 Corvette and took the lead several times throughout Friday and Saturday. Casey was able to get the
car running for the 2016 race season and has been out at several events since the beginning of the year. He is still
continuing to sort the car out, but from the looks of it, the Corvette is going to be very competitive throughout the
remainder of the year.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar41_zpsnbkokv2t-1.jpg
Though Mike Hamrick and the 1966 Wilwood Mustang are very active in the pro-touring community, Goodguys Del Mar
marked the first Goodguys event for both car and driver. Not only was Mike behind the wheel of the Wilwood Mustang,
Chris Smith and Mike Maier also registered the vehicle and raced it throughout the weekend. The Mustang did very well
considering the amount of laps it made over a three-day period.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar315_zpsvokhvczk-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak72_zpsbevln1pu-1.jpg
A couple pit stalls down from the Wilwood Mustang sat a 1969 Mustang that looked familiar, but we couldn’t put our finger
on why at first. Richard Trujillo’s Mustang had recently undergone some significant exterior changes the week before
Goodguys Del Mar. We had caught a glimpse of the makeover on social media, but never saw the final result. When
Richard asked if we liked the new paint job, we couldn’t even pick out his car at first. The transformation was quite
impressive and we are loving the new look.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar297_zpsi79czayo-1.jpg
Another driver we were surprised to see was Mike Cavanah with his 1966 Chevelle. We have not seen Cavanah in quite
some time, so when he came rolling into the pits Saturday morning we had to do a double take. Though Mike did not win
his class at the autocross, he did win the Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year Finalist. He rightfully deserved the win and
we hope to see him at other race events throughout the year.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak40_zpsi7mwdup9-1.jpg
Robb McIntosh was also out with his 1969 Camaro. Robb not only participated at the Goodguys Del Mar event, he headed
out to Fontana to compete in the NMCA West Autocross on Sunday. Rob put down a lot of laps between the two events,
and though he did not win, the amount of seat time he is getting is extremely beneficial.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak55_zpsgaolgfw4-1.jpg
Robbie Conklin’s 1968 Chevelle put on quite a show for autocross spectators on Saturday. Robbie, who has been a regular
at NMCA West and Goodguys Autocross events, has been getting better at maneuvering his car around small courses such
as the Del Mar autocross. On bigger tracks the car handles great, but Robbie still put on a great show, regardless how the
car does out on track.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar137_zpscs3nyrju-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak46_zpsef2x9pml-1.jpg
Now let’s focus on Dick Eytchison for a minute and reflect on his Del Mar experience. Dick is a great driver and the car has
competed in several different autocross events over the years. His wife Karyn is typically on the sidelines with her iPad
filming each run while cheering (maybe even screaming) for her husband. Dick gradually got better each run throughout
Friday and into Saturday, but what happened Saturday afternoon surprised us all. After lunch each run Dick made got
faster and faster until he worked his way into second place, bumping Casey Cronin down to third. Whatever Dick has been
doing to improve his lap times in unknown to us, but it is definitely working. This might just be what he needs to secure
him a spot at the Goodguys Duel in the Dessert Shootout come November.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar141_zpsp3ybsh7n-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar144_zpsfe6b2vli-1.jpg
Jane Thurmond was the best story of the weekend as she battled Casey Cronin on Friday and Saturday for first place in
the Street Machine Class. Jane brought out Scarlett, her 1964 Corvette. Scarlett hasn’t had much of a break since the
start of the season. Not only has Jane attended about a half dozen race events in a two-month time span, she has been
driving that little red Corvette to each event, putting quite a few miles on the car. Jane has become an extremely good
driver. Seat time was on the top of Jane’s priority list as she prepped for the 2016 race season. Goodguys Scottsdale and
Pleasanton left Jane without a win, but Del Mar brought better luck for both Jane and Scarlett. Jane took the lead Saturday
afternoon, winning first place in the Street Machine Class and moved into Pro Class. As we left her Saturday afternoon her
win had not kicked in, but we know she was absolutely overwhelmed and happy that she finally got first at a Goodguys
autocross.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar158_zps8bhsoe4p-1.jpg
Wes Drelleshak is another familiar face at the Goodguys Del Mar event. Wes brought out his 1959 Apache to compete in
the Truck Class. Wes had over a three second lead on the other Truck Class competitors until Eric Monteith came out on
Saturday in his 1966 El Camino. Though Eric put up a good fight, he was still a little under a second behind Wes by the end
of Saturday. This resulted in Wes claiming first place, moving him into Pro Class as well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak85_zpsbqa0dgmn-1.jpg
Dennis Russell and Don Chemello are usually seen competing in the Hot Rod Class, but two different events left Dennis
Russell as the only competitor on Friday. Though another Hot Rod competitor finally joined the class, Dennis maintained a
significant lead and took first in this class with his 1933 Roadster.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar2_zpsrvjnofxw-1.jpg
The number of Pro Class competitors at Del Mar was possibly one of the largest that Goodguys has ever seen. The class
consisted of 15 vehicles, which were divided into two run groups. The first class included Greg Thurmond, James Crosby,
Bret Voelkel, Greg Blundell, Mary Pozzi, Evan Daily, and Chris Smith. The second class included Scott Fraser, Robby Unser,
Al Unser Jr., Jake Rozelle, Brian Hobaugh, Bob Gawlik, and myself.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar310_zpsduamzvwa-1.jpg
As the Goodguys Autocross has grown, it is not uncommon to see drivers from other areas of the country come out to the
Del Mar event. So when Bret Voelkel brought out the 1969 RideTech equipped Camaro, we were not surprised. We were
surprised however to see Chris Smith behind the wheel of the Wilwood Mustang instead of the RideTech 48 Hour Corvette.
We believe that Smitty is trying to accumulate enough points to be crowned overall Goodguys Points Champion for the
2016 season, though nothing has been confirmed. Smitty has a good lead though, having competed in all of Goodguys
Autocross events up to current date.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar20Lysak25_zps9fl8eegz-1.jpg
The Pro Class had some extremely heavy competition throughout the weekend. Scott Fraser was on a three-way sweep
after winning Goodguys Scottsdale and Pleasanton. Mary Pozzi and Greg Thurmond were not going to make it easy for
Scott to take the lead. Mary, Greg and Scott bounced between first, second and third throughout Friday and into
Saturday morning.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar240_zpsup4h4oop-1.jpg
It was finally right before lunch that Scott laid down the overall fastest lap time for the day. Shortly after, Mary’s Camaro
broke, pushing her out of first place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar160_zpsjsk9xnlf-1.jpg
Greg Thurmond, who was also in the fight for first, secured a position right
behind Fraser, claiming second place. Greg also would move on to win the shootout on Sunday, allowing him to enter
the Goodguys winner’s circle Sunday afternoon and move on to compete at the Goodguys Duel in the Desert Shootout
this November.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/Del20Mar20007_zps9hywvv3q-1.jpg
Several competitors from Friday and Saturday brought a second late model vehicle to compete in the All American Sunday
Autocross. Jake Rozelle, who was racing his 1965 Corvette throughout the weekend, brought out his recently purchased
2003 Z06 Corvette. Though the Z06 is Jake’s daily driver, we think it’s his secret weapon that he has been waiting to
unleash. Jake took first in the All American Class, making this his second year in a row in the winner’s circle.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar248_zpsfpqdkvwk-1.jpg
Overall the Goodguys Del Mar was a success. Though the number of spectators was a bit much, sharing the experience
with fellow spectators is what our sport is all about.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar313_zpsvx1fzchv-1.jpg
A continuation of the Goodguys Del Mar recap will continue to highlight the Pro-Touring sponsored Camp Autocross, which
was held Friday night in the RV Lot. Please check back for that story and other recaps throughout the weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/GG20201620Del20Mar104_zpsy8h1b3lf-1.jpg
We were fortunate enough to have Terry Lysak on scene at Del Mar shooting for Pro-Touring.com. Some of his photos
were featured above, but the rest of his photos and several more can be seen in our Photobucket library at the link below:
Goodguys Del Mar Photo Album (http://s385.photobucket.com/user/protouringdotcom/library/ProTouring%20Events%202016/Goodguys%202016/Goodguys%2016th%20Del%20Mar%20Nationals%20April%20 2016)
To find out more information on Goodguys events throughout the remainder of the year visit our Calendar of Events:
Pro-Touring Show and Race Calendar (https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104995-2016-Event-Calendar-Autocross-Track-Days-and-more)
Or go directly to the Goodguys Website: www.good-guys.com (http://www.good-guys.com)