Photos by Barb Peterson

If you have never been to the Runoffs you are missing out on a great time. At what other racing event do you have multiple regions get together to run an event, share ideas, and share camaraderie? October 2006 marked the first Runoffs held at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas. As with most inaugural events, this one had a few minor glitches. In listening to people’s opinions of this event, there were some complaints. However, for a first time event at Heartland Park, this Runoffs had relatively few problems and a whole lot of fun.

One night the sky above the track was lit with fireworks. Another night, a live band played funky Disco music. Workers were treated to lunch and dinner. "Real Kansas" beef brisket and ribs were served for one of the dinners. The usual worker party beverages were also in free flowing supply. Many familiar Chicago region and BVR club members enjoyed the food, drink, and worker drawings/giveaways.

Chicago Region rescue members at Heartland Park Raceway

Chicago region and BVR were both represented at this years Runoffs by a lot of good people. From rescue workers to drivers the two regions had some talented, experienced, and dedicated people, both on and off the track.

Chicago and BVR rescue members Kat Beimel, Phil Breshnahan, Russ Ferling, Jason Kepka, Mark Kolpack, and Barb Peterson shared the two Chicago region safety trucks. On Thursday, they showed their expertise during a Production car qualifying crash. They extricated the driver and took him to medical. A surprise addition this week to the rescue team was Olaf Abrahamson, who was, in his own words, "rescue rat". He performed a multitude of duties for the crews working on the safety trucks.

Mary Ann Kendall helped registration chief Rusty Goodale (Continental Divide) train BVR members Sue Green and myself on some of the ins and outs of online registration. All the registrars from the various regions shared ideas. A couple of the ideas discussed were a digital ID creator system and medical information stickers for driver helmets.

Max Lagod on the podium

Speaking of drivers, one of Chicago regions own, Max Lagod, had an interesting couple of weeks. During the Trans-Am race he blew both of his cars engines. He was registered to run in the GT race at the Runoffs, but because he had no car, he requested and was denied a refund of the $800.00 entrants fee. He went back to Illinois and picked up his old car, the one he hadn’t driven in three years. He arrived back in Topeka, set up his paddock again, and went through tech on Saturday. With no qualifying session and having driven in only the Sunday morning warm-up, he started the GT race in last place. As the race progressed Max did some outstanding driving and picked his way trough the pack to come away with a second place podium finish.

So even though there were a few complaints, the overall Runoffs experience was one of learning, bonding, and fun.