By Linda Hobbs, MVP Sports Reporter/Photojournalist

People in Colorado Springs, CO have probably seen the bright orange cones scattered across the World Arena parking lot, and wondered, “What are they doing?” They probably kept on driving, thinking it had nothing to do with them.

For most, that is not the case at all.

What they are doing is the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo competition. This grassroots driving club is open to anybody interested in testing or improving their driving skill in a fun, exciting and friendly program.

Participants don’t need special cars or licenses. All that is required is a valid driver’s license, a mechanically sound car, and an approved helmet. If participants don’t have a helmet, there’s usually a “helmet bucket” full of loaners. All you have to do is show up and put down your $35 entry fee.

On February 13, powerful (and not so powerful) engines revved as competitors drove the twisting course. Every cone taken out adds two seconds to a driver’s time. Some drivers are national champions, while for others, this is their first time.

The motorcourse challenges are not only about the speed of the car, but the driver’s ability to control their vehicle in tight turns. For this reason, having the most powerful car doesn’t guarantee a good run.

Each driver gets four attempts this day (with more  “fun runs” later), working to beat their own time. The solo aspect is what makes the challenge a shared experience, and the sense of camaraderie is part of what makes the SCCA Solo autocross so popular.

Continental Divide Regional Chairman Clay Turner said the SOLO events include every type and level of car, sharing the field with older muscle cars, small imports all the way up to Corvettes, Vipers and BMW’s.

“Everyone is welcome,” Turner said.

Hondas are a popular choice, having good speed and a low center of gravity. Some cars are highly modified, while others are straight from the showroom floor. It all depends on driver-preference. The cars are divided into different classes for competition, including Stock, Street Touring®, Street Prepared, Street Modified, Prepared and Modified.

I was invited to ride shotgun with Turner, an appropriate name, because he is very good at turning.

Launching the 1994 Mazda Miata forward, we whipped around twisting lanes and flew down a zig-zag slalom course. Adrenaline tingled through my blood like ice, as the g-forces blurred my equilibrium. But when it was done, all I could say was, “Can we do that again?”

The goal is to practice skill, speed and control in tight maneuvers. “You try to minimize the distance covered,” Turner explained. “Keep your head up and focus on where you’re going, not where you are.”

In other words, take the turns as tight as possible, and anticipate the next corner, as the car will tend to go where the driver’s attention is focused.

Turner explained the steering wheel is gripped near 10 and 2 o’clock and rotated for accurate weaving. The hands never leave the wheel. In fact, one exercise some drivers use is to focus a camera on the steering wheel for later review. The less wasted movement, the better.

Slowing a car in a curve, like braking, causes the car’s center of gravity to shift – and a potential spin-out. Turner said it’s better to anticipate the curve, so the driver can have more control by accelerating, rather than braking through the corner. This is when the stronger cars must rely on driver-skill more than sheer power.

This kind of practice also makes competitors better drivers out in everyday traffic. They have a sense for what their cars can and cannot do.

Drivers gathered around open hoods, discussing the work they’d done (or hadn’t), and talked about strategies – what works and what doesn’t work. There is no secrecy in the parking lot. Everyone is happy to chat, creating a genuine sense of community in this grassroots series. This is why the SCCA National Solo Championship boasts the largest number of autocross participants, with roughly 1,200 entrants.

The entry fee is only $35.00, and cash or checks are accepted on-site, or weekend memberships are $15.00.

72 year-old Bob Klingler started out washing windshields in a garage when he was in 8th grade, and worked his way up. Married 45 years, the Iowa native came to Colorado in 1975. He started autocrossing “in 1970 something” he said, and won the Nationals in 1994 driving a new Mazda Miata.

Klingler also plays handball every weekend at the YMCA. His secret to staying young? “Keep playing,” he said. “Just keep playing, and enjoy what you’re doing.”

Kinch Reindl was bitten by the Solo bug in 2001, when a co-worker invited him along to see what it was all about. Moving to Colorado in 1998 from Texas, Reindl married in 2008 and is busy raising his 14 month old baby. But he still finds time to pursue his passion. Driving a stock 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution, Reindl was the 2008 Driver of the Year, and has placed highly in several national competitions.

Looking at 61 year-old Bobby Ely as he works on his 1969 Mustang, you’d think he’d spent his life under the hood of a car, but looks can be deceiving. In fact, Ely only became involved in 1986.

The Colorado native has a liberal arts degree from Wheaton, and grew up in a family with no special enthusiasm for cars.

Married for 36 years, to “a very tolerant wife,” he says he hasn’t won a lot of trophies, although he has placed among the top three in the Nationals, Ely enjoys the sport simply because it’s fun.

Emblazoned on the side of his Mustang is Wile E. Coyote and “Acme Motors” as his sponsor, he said, because Wile E. is known for his innovation, if not his achievements.

If you decide to try your hand at autocross, the summer schedule is just getting underway.

The Rocky Mountain Solo Winter Series for 2009/10 winds up with a tentatively scheduled event on Saturday March 27 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.

The Rocky Mountain Solo Summer Series 2010 starts off on Sunday, April 11 at the World Arena.

Check-in is between 8 and 9:30 a.m., and the first car off will go no later than 10:30 a.m.

Keep in mind there are noise ordinances, depending on the course. The World Arena, Jeffco Stadium, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Pepsi Center and Coors Field enforce a 93 db noise limit, and PPIR has a 103 db noise limit. If your car is too loud, you will be given a chance to make adjustments.

So stop by and have a look at the hottest game in town, if only to visit for awhile. You’ll be glad you did.

The hospital is especially in need of “A” negative and “O” negative blood, but as always donors of all types are welcome. There are a number of limitations for blood donation. You may contact the blood bank at Memorial Hospital for further details if needed at 719.365.5411. An account to benefit the Davis family has been opened at Aventa Credit Union, 426 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs.

Lt. David Whitlock

Public Affairs Section

Colorado Springs Police Department

W (719) 444.7412 C (719) 209.2934

pio@ci.colospgs.co.us

The rider/operator of the motorcycle, an off-duty CSPD officer riding his personally owned motorcycle, was transported from the scene to Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead from massive trauma.

A 10 year old female passenger of the van seated in the right-rear seat was transported from the scene suffering from a closed head injury. She was later taken to Denver Children’s Hospital via ambulance for continued treatment, and is listed in serious condition. The driver of the van, a 36 year old female, was uninjured. The driver is the mother of the passenger.

The identities of the three (3) involved persons are being withheld until notifications can be made to appropriate next of kin and family members.

As is the standard practice in fatality accidents in the city of Colorado Springs, detectives and members of the CSPD Major Accident Unit are conducting the investigation in conjunction with investigators from the Fourth Judicial District Attorneys Office. At this time, no citations have been issued nor have any arrests been made, and the investigation is on-going.

No further information is available at this time. An update is forthcoming sometime in the morning of July 14, 2009.

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Lt. David Whitlock

Public Affairs Section

Colorado Springs Police Department

W (719) 444.7412 C (719) 209.2934

pio@ci.colospgs.co.us

You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of the City of Fountain, Aga Park Splash Pad. There will be a ribbon cutting with free popsicles for the kids. This Grand Opening is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. Normal hours of Splash Pad operation will be 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., Memorial Day thru Labor Day. The Splash Pad is located at the southern end of Aga Park, 213 W. Alabama Ave near Race Street in Downtown Fountain. This new 4000 square foot Splash Pad includes Toddler, Family and Teen play areas. Features include multiple ground sprays and animated pole spray features. Splash Pad features include aqua jumpers, water bug, side winder, bull frog, water jelly, donut spray, dumping pelican, water tunnel, dumping bells, whale spray, aqua dome, dragon spray, interactive launch pod, sea horse cannon, frog cannon, elephant cannon, wavy palm with dumping coconuts, interactive team spray and tidal bucket. The Splash Pad equipment features were manufactured by Vortex and Water Odyssey. The design build contractor was CEM Sales & Service. The project was funded by City of Fountain Development Park Impact Fees. We hope to see you there.

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“You will always be missed,” said one tribute.

The National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. is an effort to allow friends, families and peace officers the chance to express the mingled emotions of pride, grief and loss.  Coupled with countless tributes were newspaper articles marking when tragedy struck.

“Officers salute detective.”

“Officer killed at bank.”

“Mourning a hero and a dad: Sons told of valor of slain detective.”

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The written sentiments struggled for the right words:

“You were a good friend, co-worker and like a brother.  You will always be missed.”

“I try to be the best I can be, to honor your memory.”

“My best friend!  I miss and think of you every day.”

“We could not have asked for a more loving, devoted husband and a proud, doting father.”

“Our hero.  A loving and caring son and brother.  An officer true to his calling.  A man proud to protect and serve.  Our son.  You will forever be in our hearts.”

“Thank you for keeping watch over us every day.  I miss you, and I am so proud of you.”

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On May 15, after an 1,800 mile journey on Harley Davidson motorcycles from Colorado to Washington D.C., Fountain Police officers Larry Waugh and Corporal Moses Cho, along with Fountain city employee Raymond Vencill and I arrived at the two long, low memorial walls and gazed at engraved names of the fallen.  We were there to represent the City of Fountain and the state of Colorado in paying our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

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The walls were shrouded in wreaths, tenderly laid flowers, cards, photos, poems and a multitude of written farewells. It had rained the night before, and some of the tributes were damp.  Small puddles reflected the expressions of a collective grief.

The Memorial is adorned with several lion statues, to represent strength and courage.  Each statue bears an engraving:

“Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.”

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes.  It is how they lived.”

The memorial represents our determination to remember and honor the fallen.  It gives those left behind hope that we still value the men and women who serve and protect their communities, even with their very lives.

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Every engraved name and photo represents so much, it was overwhelming to think of all that would never be. I imagined the families, the friends, as well as the hopes and memories crowded around these enshrined citations.

The City of Fountain shares the loss of Officer John H. Lindamood, shot and killed on Friday, April 8, 1921, when he interrupted a burglary in progress at the First National Bank of Fountain. He was 45 years old, and left behind a wife and child. We set a small PD badge in the crease of the wall, and Corporal Cho took a pencil rubbing of the name. We brought the rubbing back home to Fountain, for those who have not yet made the journey.

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Everything was hushed in a profound silence.  We stayed for some time, quietly reading the tributes, the newspaper articles and gazing at the names and photos on the memorial. It is a small, yet powerful gesture to recognize those who have lived and died with honor.

During the earlier memorial service in Colorado Springs, Fountain Police Chief Dan Corsentino addressed the hundreds in attendance, saying:

“So it is that our profession perseveres.  Since the first recorded death of a police officer in 1792, there have been more than 18,200 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and 242 in our state of Colorado.  Their valor breathes life into our purpose, and brings clarity for our call to duty.  Their death, although grieved and forever remembered by family, friends and all of us in law enforcement, cement our bond to each other, and allows us to reflect upon the next call, the next shift, the next day, and how important we are to each other as a family of cops.”

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If you would like to contribute to the fund, please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund  at http://www.nleomf.com/

PPIR: Inaugural Front Range Classic

May 22nd and 23rd at Pikes Peak International Raceway

By RaceCo Promotions

Featuring Regional Sportsman, SCCA Mazda Madness, and the United States Late Model Association (USLMA)

Tickets on sale at

http://www.racecopromotions.com/

Friday pit gates open at 7AM, practice starts at 12.  The general public is welcome to attend, pit passes are $10.00.  Grandstand seating will not be available so bring a chair.

Saturday Pit gates open at 6AM, the parking lot and grandstands open to the public at 9AM, qualifying starts at 9AM.  General admission tickets are $15.00.  Fans can also purchase pit pass admission for $30.00.  Opening ceremonies are at noon, followed by heat races.  At 2:30 the Sportsman main begins, 3:30 the SCCA Mazda Main begins, and at 4:30 the USLMA main begins.

We have drivers coming in from all over the United states, as far away as North Carolina.  Regional Champions and Series champions will be competing such as John Luck, I-25 Speedway 2008 Late Model Track Champion, Bruce Yackey, Colorado National Speedway 2008 Late Model Track Champion, and Jenny White, USLMA 2008 Series Champion.  This includes Tommy Roe, 2008 Colorado National Speedway Sportsman Champion, Clay Turner 2008 SCCA Champion, Pat Holmes Former Pikes Peak Hill Climb Champion, and the list goes on.

The United States Army from Ft. Carson will provide a mounted color guard for the opening ceremony.

We will have activities behind the grandstands for families and kids to include a kid zone with bouncing cages, rock wall climbing, and an assortment of other activities.  Local area businesses will also be displaying their wares and service.

]]> http://citywatchfountain.com/2009/05/20/come-see-the-race-ppir-inaugural-front-range-classic/feed/ 0 citywatchfountain PPIR http://citywatchfountain.com/2009/05/14/thursday-dc-candlelight-vigil-and-preparing-for-friday/ http://citywatchfountain.com/2009/05/14/thursday-dc-candlelight-vigil-and-preparing-for-friday/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 17:57:44 +0000 citywatchfountain http://citywatchfountain.com/?p=133 ]]> Greetings from Virginia!  We have no internet here, so I log on as opportunity allows.  I apologize for losing touch!  It’s been a busy few days, visiting DC and attending the Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday.  We saw the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, AND the Declaration of Independence.  We visited the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial.  The crowds of peace officers attending yesterday’s ceremony was astounding.  The vast array of vehicles form across the country was awe inspiring, in particular when we saw the group from New York.  Tomorrow will be the main Memorial, and Fountain, Colorado will be there, representing their city and state.  We hope you will reflect on  the sacrifices of our peace officers during this solemn time.

Officer Larry Waugh, Cpl. Moses Cho, husband Ray Vencill and I have embarked on our EPIC ride from Fountain, Colorado to Washington DC for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) Police Week tribute to fallen officers, representing our law enforcement for Colorado.

Think of us as we traverse the nation, in support of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

\ Click on images below to enlarge \

Officer Larry Waugh, Cpl. Moses Cho, husband Ray Vencill and I have embarked on our EPIC ride from Fountain, Colorado to Washington DC for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) Police Week tribute to fallen officers, representing our law enforcement for Colorado.

Today was Day 2.  We rode another 13 hours, and for the first time in my life, I saw the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri!  More tomorrow.  We’re exhausted! Think of us as we traverse the nation, in support of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

\ Click on imageselow to enlarge \

Officer Larry Waugh, Cpl. Moses Cho, husband Ray Vencill and I have embarked on our EPIC ride from Fountain, Colorado to Washington DC for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) Police Week tribute to fallen officers, representing our law enforcement for Colorado.

Today was Day 1.  We rode 13 hours, and at one point, we came very close to a crop duster!  More tomorrow.  We’re exhausted! Think of us as we traverse the nation, in support of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

\ Click on images below to enlarge \

American Legion Post 38 has a lot going on every week, and they want to encourage everyone in the community to join the fun and friendship.  These activities include:

Friday Steak Dinner

10 OZ New York Strip (cooked to order)

Baked potato, Salad, Texas Toast

COST $8.00 (Best price in town)

LIVE MUSIC

Look forward to seeing you! Good Food and Good Folks

Come out and support your post!

Date:5 June 2009

Time: 5 PM until 7 PM

Post 38 contact info:

6685 Southmoor Dr
Fountain, CO 80817
(719) 392-5824

Mike Hall

MikeHall2161@aol.com

* Breakfast 1st Sunday of every month. Meals every Friday night.

BREAKFAST     BREAKFAST

7 June 2009 8AM

American Legion Post 38, Southmoor drive (behind Wal-mart on Hwy 85/87)

Eggs to Order

Biscuits and Gravy

Sausage/Ham/Bacon/Steak

Omelets!

All the sides!

Cheap prices so bring the family and friends.

GOOD FOOD, GOOD COMPANY, WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

Post 38 members have a tradition of greeting family and friends at welcome home ceremonies on Ft Carson. At the most recent event, they where able to get enough small flags to give every-one that greeted their loved ones a flag, a total of 8,000 flags where handed out.

They are currently taking donations (money or small flags) preparing to welcome the next BDE home. So get in touch, get involved and share the legacy of community in the Fountain Valley region.

Post 38 members have a tradition of greeting family and friends at welcome home ceremonies on Ft Carson.

Post 38 members have a tradition of greeting family and friends at welcome home ceremonies on Ft Carson.