Horse & Car(t) On September 8, 2003, I had the good fortune to attend the ALMS race at Laguna Seca, courtesy of some industry friends. This was my second ALMS race, the first being at Sears Point. Having been in the horse world for a good part of my life, it is easy to draw comparisons between the two competitive events. The first similarity, and one that I was completely unaware of, is that race cars have a "pedigree" and show record, just like horses. When contemplating the purchase of a performance horse one of the first questions is; where was the horse shown, what is his record, how is he bred? A horse's show record and show earnings follow him throughout his life. A stallion is assessed primarily on the performance of his "get" or prodigy. Breeding is very important when looking at a horse for a certain event. At one time horses were bred to be "all around", meaning they were meant to be able to perform in several events. Now horse breeding is quite specialized, they are bred to perform in a certain event. A cow horse is bred to work cattle, a western pleasure horse is bred to be a pretty mover and so it goes. A race bred horse is, in most cases, too "hot" to make a good pleasure horse. There are always exceptions. All this is taken into account when looking at a specific horse. Race cars seem to have the same type of attention paid to their record, and they are built for certain race events. After listening to race people talking about chassis numbers and races won it is easy to see that these cars have a pedigree and show record of their own. Most horse people are remembered by the horse they ride. The comment "I don't think I know him/her, what does their horse look like" is heard so often it is sort of a running joke. Drivers are remembered for the cars they drive and the successes in a particular car. Brabs and Mags As I sat in the bleachers at Sears Point my first impression was "what am I watching?" Cars driving by fast, over and over"- it was hypnotic but not terribly exciting. I'm sure a race person watching a horseshow might have the same feelings. Laguna Seca was a different experience entirely. My favorite spot to watch the racing at Laguna Seca was the corkscrew. It was explained to me that, because of the drop off, the driver cannot see the track as they approach the tight left hander. This is where the dawning came that this is why racing is so enjoyable to watch; for the incredible driving skill, the talent and the aggression of the drivers and the performance of the cars. On one of our many trips up to the corkscrew we ran into David Brabham and Jan Magnussen. After spending a little time listening and observing their mannerisms and personalities it was evident that highly competitive individuals are pretty much the same in any event. They love what they are doing, they are friendly and obsessed with the event they love. King of the Hill Now on to the "trainers". In the world of horse competition the trainer is the most important key to success. Many people put their special horses in the hands of a trainer. He or she knows the ins and outs of all aspects of the competitive event in which they specialize. Most amateur competitors work with a trainer and with the help of that person, hopefully, become a finely tuned team. A trainer's power of observation - condition of the arena, the competition, the way horse and rider are working and possible obstacles to a great "go", all fall under the helm of the trainer. Their powers of observation are so keen, they miss nothing. During one of the practice sessions we encountered Reinhold Joest atop of the hill overlooking the infield of Laguna Seca. A solitary figure, sitting quietly in his golf cart, cell phone in hand, headset on, watching the practice, soaking in every detail. One had the feeling that he knew every foot of asphalt on that track, was observing every weakness and strength of each driver out there. Much like a horse trainer, he would be talking to his drivers and team about his observations. The Professionals On to the pits and the support personnel that make it all happen. People come and go in any event. Those that have real talent and real drive are the hard core stayers. They are long term, successful and enviable. Hard times do not drive this type away; it only makes them more determined. My impression, as I walked through the pits, was that everyone working in the pits is just as hard core. They have to be, in order to reach that level of success. Fiona Miller, of the Ferrari team, is a great example of the above. As she went about her tasks what was the most striking is that, in the face of an extremely stressful event, she seemed calm and was very friendly in a professional manner. She knows her job and she has worked hard to be where she is today. In the horse world, the training barn also has support personnel in most events. There are assistant trainers and grooms. The difference between racing support and horse support is marked. A horse cannot be hooked up to a computer and analyzed as it works. The rider and horse work together as one and must be able to communicate, one thinking being to another. The trainer and "support personnel" can watch and make suggestions, but, ultimately it is chemistry, skill and talent, on the part of horse and rider, that make an equestrian team work. A race car is a machine and everything appears to be much more scientific. Tires, engine can all be analyzed by the computer and suggestions made from there. Ultimately, though, it is the skill of the driver, support team and "trainer" that make everything come together for a win. Bottle of red, bottle of white Finally, hospitality…….at a big show, such as a World Championship competition, decorating of barn areas is a big deal. Couches are brought in and living areas set up. Drapes with barn logos are installed and those associated with each training barn partake of the comfort. The comparison, in my mind, was the hospitality suites set up for each race team. Large motor homes and lavish meals are served, sort of like traveling restaurants. I was lucky to be able to eat a couple of meals at the Rafanelli motor home. What a feast, what wonderful cuisine and the hospitality were the best. I was not treated as an outsider, which I was, but rather as a guest in someone's home. The team from Tuscany went out of their way to make sure I was well fed and at home. And I was! How many race teams serve wine from their own family vineyards? Caught in a Crossfire My weekend at Laguna Seca was more than expected; I learned a whole lot, gained a pound or two and had a great time! I had no idea that the experience would be put to benefit a few weeks later. I have always felt comfortable driving trucks, most likely because of the miles I have driven hauling horses. Friends have commented that I am a better driver when pulling a trailer than without. The Chrysler Speed Festival is an event for vintage and historic cars held at the U.S. Naval Air Station on Coronado Island on the San Diego Bay. The temporary circuit on the airfield is reminiscent of the race tracks erected in the 1950’s and 60’s. By good fortune I had a few laps as a passenger in the Chrysler Crossfire that was the on track pace car. What I was not prepared for was the opportunity to drive the car at speed with an instructor. It was a thrilling experience, although I was more at ease driving home in my truck. |
Lizett Bond-Jerome |
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