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MPG Track Day 2009: Along For The Ride

by Edmund Jenks | October 29, 2009 at 02:16 pm

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MPG Track Day 2009: Along For The Ride

I took a ride with a photo-journalist named Jon Barrett around the infield road track at Auto Club Speedway during the recent 2009 Track Day put on by Motor Press Guild (MPG).

Actually, I was able to take several rides with people (journalists, and professional drivers) throughout the two days of testing new automobiles provided by manufacturers for the motor press writers to get to know, and write about. To be able to drive ... then ride, imparts balance and perspective.

I write about the ride with Jon because this was a man who was prepared to document his experience through the use of a pedestrian style (nothing fancy) digital camera. He had a friend who had designed a specialized camera mount that employed a large suction cup to hold the camera to the inside windshield of any car Jon decided to drive ("guesstimated" cost at about $70.00).

The car was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR-Touring sedan and one of the more interesting activities a Journalist could participate in is to fill the P2 seat in a track test car driven by someone who is familiar with, and likes the car they are taking out onto the track. The process allows one the additional dimension to take in the emotional involvement of the driver, himself ... along with the behavior of the car in a road test stress situation in the many and varied corners laid out by MPG track management members, Don Fuller and John Dinkel.

It may seem strange to say that sitting in the passenger seat was as satisfying an experience as actually driving a nice, road-worthy vehicle (many, actually) but isn't that the ultimate position a chronicling observer takes ... P2, with a view?

For any MPG Track Day, being in the passenger seat is an opportunity and position never to be missed. It was really special to be along for the ride.

... notes from The EDJE

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Edmund Jenks

flagged this story as Eyewitness Report

at 14:21 on October 29th, 2009

This is an eyewitness report from the NowPublic member Edmund Jenks who was on the scene.

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Hugh Askew

at 04:19 on October 31st, 2009

Question(s)

a) who was driving the Porsche that got passed by your rice burner?

b) was he the one knocking down the cones?

c) were these mainly Car magazine type reporters (Car & Driver, Winding Road, R & T, etc) at the event?

d) is that the Lambo you went ripping around in the other day?

e) wasn't the Lambo on the oval?

f) why do you torment us?

Edmund Jenks

at 07:37 on October 31st, 2009

A) Another Full Journalist member of MPG

B) Everyone (about 100 members who were authorized, including me) had a shot at knocking down the cones

C) Yes. Other members include TV, Local Print, and add New Media, like me who self-publish and self-syndicate

D) Yes, the gray one named the Murcielargo - estimated to cost, $290,000 and 680hp. Richard Antinucci is a very accomplished pilot who raced for Curb/Agajanian/3G in the IRL last year for their road course effort at the end of the season.

E) No. The oval was not open or hot during the event

F) Someone has to ... Tag! I'm it!

Thanks for asking.