1988 SCCA championships @ Road Atlanta

[pwd72s]

Two part video of a short documentary with Sam Posey narrating. Yep, Paul Neman in Datsuns...two races. This is part one. I'm no good at embedding, comes in too big..sorry. Fun footage of how it was back in the day. Hope some here enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxkUx0WDqB8&t=1s&ab_channel=TheRoaringSeason

Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8xcUY1ki54&ab_channel=TheRoaringSeason

[Bob Kontak]

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

I'm no good at embedding, comes in too big..sorry. ]

The secret is never touch the video with your mouse cursor. Go below the video to the Share option.

Share......Embed.....Copy

Then paste the link here.

[pwd72s]

Thanks Bob...

[A930Rocket]

Great videos. I didn’t drive Road Atlanta until the early 90s and brought back a lot of memories… dirt embankments and the dip before there was 10 A and 10 B.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

… dirt embankments and the dip before there was 10 A and 10 B.

I was struggling to make it fit as I was only there one time (2014).

I think this is 10A

[Salty Springs]

I believe that is pretty close to where the Porscheplatz (Porsche Corral) is now

[pwd72s]

apologies for being a decade off in the thread title. I'm glad some here enjoyed the trip back in time..while noting the track changes.

[rattlsnak]

They changed the track layout in late 1996. It used to be MUCH faster as the 10A and 10B 90 degree kink turns were not there before then and it was basically a straight shot up the hill and under the bridge. It was a HUGE pucker factor even after a 1000 laps there.. Countless spin outs due to the car lightening and turning at the same time. When Panoz bought it he changed it to slow the IMSA cars down as well as other major improvements. (track out, moving pit row to the inside, etc..) Peachstate PCA was the last event that ran the old track layout in November 1996. I have the T-Shirt to prove it..

you can kind of see the old layout starting at @4:02ish on the second video

[Otter74]

First race my dad ever took me to was a NASCAR race a Atlanta Motor Speedway, but the second and many after were vintage races at Road Atlanta. This would have been starting around 1987. I think the first time I went to the Runoffs was 1992 or 1993. I remember Boris Said was driving an SSGT Camaro. First time I ever drove the track was a BMW CCA driving event in spring 1993 that I gave myself as a high school graduation present, driving my dad's 320iS. It was a ton of fun and I learned a ton, even in a slow car with 100hp. Learned a lot about tire condition when I blew a tire in the Esses. Looking at these videos of the track back then before Don Panoz bought it takes me back - thanks for posting.

[cjh]

I think that was the first Run-Offs my wife attended as a flagger.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I was struggling to make it fit as I was only there one time (2014).

I think this is 10A

That is 10A.

[A930Rocket]

My 930 coming out of 10B with A79coupe behind me.




Top of the esses.

[L8Brakr]

Great Videos, Thanks!

Seeing Jim Fitzgerald was a special treat. There was not a nicer, more supportive, or helpful person in the RA paddock in those days than Jim Fitzgerald. He would go far out of his way to help beginning racers. I believe he had a "Chief Driving Instructor" title with the Road Atlanta School back in the day.

I met him at my first Formula Ford Scca Regional in 85.....maybe 86, I'd have to look it up. I had completed my two schools at other tracks and it was my first official start. Raining like cats and dogs as we made our way to the false grid. I proudly had my "rookie ribbons" tied to the rear suspension arms for all to see.

The start was delayed and while standing there Fitzy came up and introduced himself. Asked about my schools and how I felt about my first start, car prep, etc. The rain was so hard we couldn't see the bridge from the grid. He talked me through my initial nervousness, and gave me his personal advice for taking my first start. If you're uncomfortable or can't see on the parade lap, just pull over into the pit entrance coming down the hill, and take the start late......you've got nothing to prove to anyone. Thank you was my reply an I climbed into the car.

I was gridded near the back of a 40+ car field.....naturally. There was a formula Atlantic just in front of me that had not been running at full song for qualifying, but between his ultra-wide rain tires and ground-effects, I was driving through a cold fire-hose like shower the entire parade lap. Oh man.....just get me out of here was my only thought. Coming to the bridge (and pit entry) however, the field had packed up very tightly, and being on the right, there was no way for me to exit to the left, and to slow down meant getting hit in the rear.

The green flag was waved at some point as the sound level and acceleration began all around me. All I could see was the red rain light of that FA directly ahead. This is it! Put up or shut up...... I hit the throttle and aimed for the rain light. The heavy rain kept the FA from running at top speed but I could keep up has he worked his way through the tight field. Turns out he (and me) passed about 20 cars the first couple of laps!! The rain eventually lightened and he pulled away on the straights after that. I finished mid-pack, but I had survived and well.....you only have your first race once.

When I saw Fitzy after the race he shook my hand and congratulated me on the outcome. I wish I could remember his exact words.....but memories fade. Kid- I think you'll do just fine as a driver....or something like that.

I remember when he died at St. Pete. Atl Region took up a collection and we put a memorial just up from the Tower for the Jim Fitzgerald Memorial Park. It's still there as far as I know.

[Billiam 911 2.8]

This 1978 C Production race brings me back to being the teenaged pest at FAR Performance where Frank Leary worked as the shop manager. He was patient with my endless questions about modifying my 280Z. I went to many of his races at Laguna Seca and Searspoint. Got a rare smile from him when I congratulated him on his national championship.
Sadly, Frank was killed in a helicopter he was flying in Hawaii.