Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/673867
March / April 2016 26 Bewteen the Cones AUTOCROSS By Bob Charlesworth AUTOCROSS H at's off to that Rudy fellow and Aristocrat Motors for a fabulous Autocross event where they set up a quick course and we had wonderful weather. Give a special "thanks" to the course workers who help the starting grid, as well as fix cones should someone hit them (or wedge them under your car…. Tom). What caught my attention at this event was the number of new faces giving this a try; and one having been out of it for a while (he sure wasn't rusty), along with the variety of cars – older to newer 911's (911GTS Cab, a PCA race car and even an awesome sounding GT3), 944, Boxsters and Caymans. Where are the 914's, 924's and 951's? My son forbid me from bringing the Cayenne S, but it would be fun to see all types of P-Cars there. If you didn't have fun here, you don't know fun. The surprise of the day was provided by Aristocrat. Sitting there so everyone could see it up close, was a brand new 991 (yep, smaller engine, twin turbo). After the 3rd run, you had the "option" to take the 991 out for a time. WHAT? It's not April Fools, is it? I've never seen a line form so quickly in my life – helmet in hand. Since he works so hard and brought the car out (with the low fuel light, I might add), Rudy showed us how to drive it – a very, very quick time. So as they started, Melany and Kyle put down some quick times like Rudy. Others were really enjoying the experience. I had to see this for myself and while my time was not near the others, it was about 7 seconds faster than my 993. I got out of that car saying those famous words from Independence Day – "I've gotta get me one of these!" Now "that's" how you do a test drive. Thanks again to Aristocrat for the opportunity, as the smiles told the story. I have to change the Porsche slogan after driving the new 991: It's the Cars AND the People that make the difference. The next event is the Women's only event and after seeing Melany drive; Ladies, you better get ready – she's quick. See you next Autocross! - BOB