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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
KORRBC Test & Tune 2013
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
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Jeff Allen - Fat Kid Photography
Jennifer Loucks
I was asked recently what a KORRBC test and tune entails. I started to give the standard answer - that it’s a chance for the racers to come to the track and make sure that the changes they have made to their vehicles perform as they anticipate. It’s an opportunity for the veterans who have purchased new vehicles to become familiar with their rigs. Test and tune also brings out the rookies, where they become as hooked to the adrenaline rush as the rest of us are. I paused, however, as this answer did not seem adequate, with our most recent test and tune having just passed. The reality is that a KORRBC test and tune is so much more than people putting in seat time.
As the familiar faces of our members begin trickling in to the Whispering Pines raceway, there is a sense of community, of home. We reminisce about old times, and catch up on each other’s lives. We eagerly discuss the upcoming season, every racer telling us how they are going to be the one to win the year end points trophy for their class. We listen to our members’ suggestions for the year and discuss things like fundraisers and door prizes. Newcomers arrive and are welcomed to the group with open arms. We introduce them to the other racers, especially those in their class. Those with experience are quick to offer their advice and assistance to those with questions and occasionally, their spare parts.
Once the wonderful volunteers from St. John’s Ambulance arrive, people begin lining up at the pit entrance. We all observe from the edge of the track as each racer takes their turn. We watch the veterans pushing their vehicles harder than they did the year prior. They try out new lines to shave a second or two off of their laps times, hoping that it will give them an edge. We see the rookies start out hesitantly, getting a feel for their rig and what it’s like to fly. We smile as their confidence builds and they go faster and faster, and jump higher and farther. The atmosphere at the track over the weekend is very laid back and relaxed, but we can feel the excitement for the upcoming season build with every wheel turned.
As things wind up on Sunday afternoon, everyone is grinning from ear to ear. We all say goodbye, stalling as long as we can. Eventually, everyone packs up his or her belongings and heads home, eager to come back and race. The new season has begun and everyone is looking forward to watching it unfold. We hope that you will come out to the Whispering Pines raceway and partake in the excitement with us. Check out www.korrbc.ca for more details.