What a great way to kick off the Northeast VKA season. Great weather (thanks to the gentle breeze) and no rain, great friends and hosts, great karts, great demonstrations and show and … a great track. We had 38 great contenders on and off the track and quite a few wives and pit crew … and a “stray” dog or two.

Right up front I must say the attendance was not what we expected. But these are difficult times for all of us. As we might all suspect, the COVID virus kept some away. Hotel restrictions were still in place … masks, social distancing, fist-bumps, etc. But that wasn’t the worst of it.

Weeks before the event, TWO local universities CHANGED their graduation dates back two weeks and they ended up on our race date. The track had reserved a block of rooms at a reasonable rate, but all the local hotels raised their rates, and the track hotel did as well. It’s a cutthroat business.

The third factor, I feel, was the uncertainty of the availability of gas in the Northeast. The shutdown of the Colonial pipeline the week before the event affected many of us in the Northeast. I, for one, witnessed lines, fuel shortage and price gouging. When I was able to get gas, I filled-up (at $3 plus) and that car sat in the driveway. Then the question for me, and I’m sure others, was, I may be able to get there, but will I be able to get home? The answer was just not known. I considered not going.

Quite frankly, between COVID, room rates and gas uncertainty, it is a wonder we had 38 entries. But if they are like me, I’m glad I went. It was a great “opening day” for vintage karting in the Northeast.

Now, back to the event … although the schedule showed one Heat on Friday and two on Saturday, the track and the contenders decided to run two Heats on Friday. We had plenty of time for a kart show, local wine and cheese tasting and a fabulous dinner with all the fixin’s. Ya know, they make some good stuff in the Northeast. Just sayin’. (Sorry Jim.)

One Heat on Saturday worked out great for many of us with a 5+ hour drive home. We got out in time to get home before the sun went down. We loved it.

On the track there were no major incidents, but there were some exciting demonstrations … just like the old days … bumper to bumper. The first-place finisher in one Heat, came in second in the second Heat. The 3rd Heat was the cliff-hanger in more than one case. Some good “racing.”

Friday evening, nearly half the vintage crowd met at The View for a great evening of socializing and good food. (As an onion ring aficionado, I must say, they have THE BEST I’ve ever had.) The gathering with the fabulous food and drinks really makes for a memorable event. I’m looking forward to it (and the onion rings) next year.

Vectors Lite serenaded us during the wine/cheese tasting and dinner buffet. It was a wonderful evening under the stars.

Friday evening, nearly half the vintage crowd met at The View for a great evening of socializing and good food. (As an onion ring aficionado, I must say, they have THE BEST I’ve ever had.) The gathering with the fabulous food and drinks really makes for a memorable event. I’m looking forward to it (and the onion rings) next year.

Vectors Lite serenaded us during the wine/cheese tasting and dinner buffet. It was a wonderful evening under the stars.