The event might better have been called the Ernesto Slalom after the tropical depression of that name dumped rain on the area starting the morning of the slalom.  Fortunately, the set-up of the course and timing equipment, drivers’ meeting, course walk and first timed run were completed before the rains came.  After this, it was windshield wipers and drivers’ thinking ‘I’m sure I can slide around the corner and keep control’.  All the drivers displayed very good car control and, while there were some fairly spectacular slides, there were no spin-outs.

Only two of the drivers had competed on a JCNA course, before the event.  So getting to know the course, while battling wet conditions, created more than a few hilarious moments.  Competitors tried some very novel configurations around the pylons much to the delight of the other competitors and spectators.  Off course flags were waving quite often during the early runs.

The rain tripped the timing equipment a couple of times and that resulted in some runs being stopped and re-run.  Otherwise, the rain caused few problems except making the drivers work harder to get good times.  A few pylons were hit, but only one got wedged under a car and took a ride all of the way back to the stop box.  Nelson, you did a good job getting it out from under the centre of the car.    

By the later runs,  all competitors had gotten to know the layout of the course and posted times that showed progressive improvement over their previous respective runs.  The E-Types on their narrow tires did quite well under the wet conditions.  The XJS’, XK8 and sedans, including two XJR’s, showed their modern heritage and handled the conditions with less drama.  We did not have a X-Type competing and that is unfortunate, because it may have shone on the wet course.

Despite the rain, competitors and spectators alike really got into the spirit of the event with good runs being roundly cheered and faux pas’ being roundly jeered.  After the timed runs for the official slalom were completed, additional runs were offered and there was a steady line-up for over an hour.  A good time was had by all.

Scores were tallied and class positions were determined while the post-event runs were being taken.  Then we adjourned to Kelsey’s for a very late lunch and awards presentation.  Ironically, when we were sitting in Kelsey’s we heard a loud crash.  Low and behold, a car had rear-ended a van at a stoplight that could be seen from where we were sitting in the restaurant.  Needless to say, some gallow-humour comments were made that maybe the car driver should have been at the slalom to learn how cars handle in the wet.

Overall, the event was a highly successful and enjoyable first slalom for OJOA.  The large turnout of cars, drivers, volunteers and spectators bodes well for future slaloms.  Congratulations to Ross Hamilton and Nelson Burkhart for suggesting and organizing the event and to all of the other very hard-working volunteers.