I haven't been to a COM event since sometime in 2006, ever since I crashed my Spec Miata at an SCCA race event at the Glen. In that time I was distracted by minor things like a new house purchase, having two kids, etc. etc. and finally after all of that time, I made my way back to the club, feeling particularly energized by a new track being built so close to home, and attended the Thompson event over the past couple of days along with three friends I brainwashed with much discussion about "this great club called COM!"
In short, it is great to be back. The club still has the same feel that has always made it unique - an amazing combination of driver education and instruction, along with an unmistakeable competitive spirit that fuels the time trial focus of the club. It also has a distinct new feel, too - it seems the leadership has done an excellent job in preserving what has always been great and making it even better. This event seemed to run really smoothly and efficiently - however I know behind the scenes it takes a lot to make it look that way.
Since I came back as a student, the classroom instruction was excellent (thanks Jeff Wasilko!) and the in-car instruction was fantastic as well (thanks Troy Velasquez!) Once I got the cobwebs out and felt a little bit more comfortable being out there after 8 years with a new car on different tires and different suspension - I had an absolute blast, and got my license back, to boot. The level of competition in the T40 class is just amazing to see - some really excellent drivers out there - in all the classes, but I shouldn't be surprised, COM has had a long legacy of breeding some of the best track drivers I have ever known.
Anyway, enough blowing sunshine up the collective butts of the club - their gigantic egos will inflate even further! But thanks for an awesome welcome back, and an awesome event. It was great to see some old friends, and to make some new ones. I can't make NHIS due to some work travel, but I will be back next year!
Matt
My return to COM after a long hiatus
My return to COM after a long hiatus
Matt Daniels
COM Instructor
#44 SE - 2001 small red convertible from Japan made by Mazda
COM Instructor
#44 SE - 2001 small red convertible from Japan made by Mazda
Re: My return to COM after a long hiatus
Matt:
Welcome back! Was great meeting you!
Welcome back! Was great meeting you!
Jeff Wasilko
On the Track: 1995 Miata #08
To the Track: 2007 Volvo 780
On the Street: 2017 Volvo V60 Polestar
On the Track: 1995 Miata #08
To the Track: 2007 Volvo 780
On the Street: 2017 Volvo V60 Polestar
Re: My return to COM after a long hiatus
Matt
It was great to see you back after so many years. Hope it won't be 8 more till we see you again.
It was great to see you back after so many years. Hope it won't be 8 more till we see you again.
Gordon Andrade
#10 Super C MX-5
#10 Super C MX-5
Re: My return to COM after a long hiatus
Matt, it was really nice meeting you at the event. Looking forward to next year. Hope you can make more events.
Paul G. #144
'91 Red Miata - T40
Paul G. #144
'91 Red Miata - T40
Paul G.
#12
#12
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