OPTIMA Power Summit-2011-Sandhill Open Road Challenge

[Bill Howell]

I have been able to do a lot of events in the last couple years, even put on several. I have done 2 complete power tours, 6 trips to SEMA, and 1000s of miles in my hot rods.
I must say, this last week has been the absolute best car guy week I have ever done.
Several weeks ago, I got an invite to the event from optima. They planned a summit to talk about the future of events, the direction of the hobby, and invited a very impressive group of folks to participate. I felt honored just to make the cut.
I started Monday morning with Yancy heading to Nashville, to hook up with Finch and some of the regular suspects that go to many events. New comers David Sloan, Brad Granger and John Parsons, along with Albert met us at Brians, and the fun started. Later, in St. Louis, we met up with Kyle Tucker, Tom and Deb Farrington and Tom McBride.
I always say that the trip is half the fun and this one proved me right again. Brad was working on his Rat Pack status, and ended up with over 3000 miles so he and David Sloan made the "Pack" riding in the 67 camaro. On arriving at MPH we got settled into our condo overlooking the track, then after a great dinner and a few "parade laps" we were in for a real treat. They have a full size school bus that they use to tour the track. Ever toured a road course, in a school bus, AT SPEED? Me either but now I am hooked.
We got to MPH in Hastings and met up with the rest of the crew on Tuesday morning. My buddy Bill Goldberg came out even though his car was not finished, and we got him hooked up with a Z06 for the event.
Tuesday we spent the day at Motorsports Park Hastings. They had set up instructors for us and it being a new track for all of us, that really helped learn the track. After having too much fun there, Albert and Richard Winchester treated the crew to a full on dinner, bison, fillets, and whatever refreshments you liked.
Wednesday the whole crew traveled on to Arnold, Nebraska, home to a 53mile open road race, that you run in classes. The optima group was given a 91 special class.
The SORC is a two day, two part program. After tech and drivers meetings on Thursday, it was up EARLY Friday morning to the 1/2 mile or 1 mile "Shootout". We were all in the 1/2 mile class, and got to run 3 times, on a long open streach of highway. My best time was a 127.9, not bad for a 4000 pound boat. The rest of the day was filled with friends great food at the Apple Inn in Cozid, and a "spirited" trip up the course being filmed for a episode on Hot Rod TV. We were able to run the course, all 28 miles both ways to get ready for the real thing on Saturday.
Saturday morning we woke up to rain, but that passed, and did not delay the race long. Soon enough our class was up and I was the first one to run. I was able to get a local guy, Jessie Corbin, to be my navigator and that really helped with course timing, corner warnings,etc.
I am happy to report that Brad finished first, I was a close second, Yancy and Tom were third and Albert finished 4th. Rat Pack cleaned up for sure.
I am sure others have long stories to add, but again, a special thanks to Cam, Ryan, Kristin, Jim and everyone that put so much time into making this possible. I am not much usually on plaques, but I assure you the 2nd place finish will have a special spot in the Toy Box when you get there for RTTHs 7 in a few weeks.
It was great to see everyone and met new friends. Stay tuned, this will be, IMO a must do event from now on, and I will see that anyone that wants to, gets the chance to come and play. Who knows, you might even get a invite to the SORC, something people wait years to get.