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Volvo Track Day at Thunderhill By Jeff Perry On October 20th, as part of this year’s VCOA/VSA West Coast Meet in Rancho Cordova, a Volvo Track Day was held at the Thunderhill Park near Willows, California, 90 miles north of Sacramento. Using Pat Priester and the Oregon Chapter’s successful 1999 track day at Portland International Raceway as their model, Lee Cordner and members of the NBVCOA (North Bay Volvo Club Owners of America) provided Volvo enthusiasts with another outstanding track event.
Thunderhill Park is a three mile track that was configured as two separate courses: East loop - a 1.6 mile course consisting of turns 1–7 and a 0.6 mile straight; West loop – a 1.0 mile course that includes turns 8-13. The East loop, which was reserved for Track Day, was configured to include turn #5 whose apex is located on top of a knoll. As a result, a driver cannot see the downhill section of this corner until after its apex is exited. In addition, a chicane of cones was setup at the end of the main straight to slowdown the entrance into turn #1.
Track Day started with Volvo enthusiast, and SCCA racer, Bob Lord explaining the rules, which were essentially: (i) sign the release form; (ii) pass tech inspection; (iii) occupants to wear helmet and three-point seatbelt; (iv) pass only on the main straight and abort if not completed by the end of the pit wall; (v) after an off-track experience, report to the track official and explain the reason for the incident. Participants were informed that they would have three (3) twenty minute sessions and one (1) four lap time trial. During his talk Bob passed on a personal anecdote of when he put a Datsun 510 into a five (5) revolution roll entering turn #1 (he apparently survived this incident without any permanent injuries). Next, drivers were divided into three groups based on experience, with Group 3 having the most experienced drivers and the fastest cars. This was followed by a track tour given by licensed instructors to familiarize drivers with the track. Finally, with all of the necessary prerequisites attended to, and with the pending threat of rain, the track sessions promptly began. |
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The day's fastest recorded time was an impressive 1:21.36 by Bruce Ackerman in his highly modified '62 P1800 racecar. His time was almost two whole seconds faster than that of other noted P1800 racers Dave Rauch and Ken Rodenbush. According to published track times, at least thirty-four (34) cars participated in Track Day.
Having access to a track for an all-out driving experience is an opportunity worth taking advantage of. Thanks to the North Bay VCOA club for arranging this venue for Volvo owners to meet and drive at the Thunderhill track.
But wait, there's more: Lee Cordner says Track Day was "way fun" and they'll be doing it again, soon!
Stats provided by Lee Cordner NBVCOA website: http://members.aol.com/ncalvcoa |
