COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The local Mississippi chapter of the Sports Car Club of America roared onto SAC ramp during a two-day Autocross event April 16-17 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
The car racing event was open to all Columbus AFB Airmen as well as pre-registered off-base participants.
The Autocross is an entry-level auto sports event where we pit cars against each other based on time,” said Chuck Bigelow, event coordinator. “All of the cars are groups according to different classes, and the classes are handicapped based on times set by those particular classes at the national events in Topeka, Kansas, every year.”
More than 40 participants competed on a flat, curving course delineated by traffic cones. Drivers went one at a time, racing the clock rather than each other, to determine who could complete the course in the fastest time.
“It is a driver’s race,” Bigelow said. “You could bring a C-stock Altima and run against a Corvette or a Porsche and be graded on an even basis based on your ability to drive.”
The SCCA has determined Columbus AFB as an ideal location for the racing event. The former SAC ramp is massive, paved and free of obstacles, making it perfect for SCCA racing.
“My favorite part of the Autocross is learning how to drive better than I did before I showed up,” said Capt. Michael Orzel, 48th Flying Training Squadron.
Safety was a top priority before and during the event. Several certified safety monitors from the SCCA were on hand to oversee the event as well as inspect the cars and track before use. A safe environment allowed for the drivers to focus on having a good time and learning the limitations of their vehicle safely.
For more information on the next autocross race or the club in general go to msscca.org.