Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/594324
November / December 2015 11 are with one Boxster S. Fred and I hopped out and RAN to the PCA volunteer hut. It was empty. "The guys with the waivers left 30 minutes ago," the lady said. Fred and I just stared at each other. We were so close, yet so far away. "You boys supposed to be on the parade lap?, an older gentleman asked. "Yes! We flew in, landed and drove straight here. Can you help us?" "Well… I… guess… so…" was the slowest and most joyous answer I had ever heard. With waivers signed and wrist bands on, we ran back to the car. "Don't back in to the 918. Don't back in to the 918!" I said to lighten the moment. Then it was back across the pedestrian bridge. Yes, we got strange looks, but 4 years of waiting had come down to seconds. Rounding the corner, much to our joy, the parade lap had not started. The same gentleman came up and this time, we exuberantly waived and pointed to our wrist bands. There we sat. Last in line, ready to start the parade lap and it hit us. We really did make it. We got out of the car and gave the biggest high five ever! I stretched and gave an inner sign of relief as the sounds of the Le Mans winning 919 came whizzing past. A starter's whistle blew. "Start your cars" came a voice calling from somewhere. We hopped in our car, fired it up, and smiled ear to ear as we began our parade lap. For me, it was a dream 4 years in the making. Laguna Seca is a big track with big hills and swooping turns. Right out of the gate, fate smiled upon us, but it frowned on a hill challenged 912. We slowed to be polite. Seeing that they had come to a stop, we joyfully sped around the 912. Of course we "had to catch up" to the rest of the parade lap. Peaking the top of the hill, I could see it, Turn 8, the corkscrew. It did not disappoint. It is a complete blind drop off to your left. We are talking roller coaster drop off feeling. The drop is followed by a controlled right as you feel the suspension compress. Next is a long sweeper back to the left as you complete the three story drop down to level with the pits. We had two laps around the track. Needless to say the parade lap was and is a highlight of the trip. And our trip was just starting. The rest of Fred and Stan's excellent Rennsport Adventure comes in January. - STAN