StarFest  2012 at Speed
High-Performance Driving Events at Firebird International Raceway

Article Bud Cloninger
Photographs Heather Dent and Jeff Klepac

Cathy Dyer in her SLS challenges Mary Alice Cozza in her SLK

Three intensive days of high-performance driving opportunities brought more than 40 drivers to Firebird International Raceway on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday of StarFest to participate in defensive driving instruction, autocross competition, acceleration runs, track lapping, and road course time trials.

Robert or Judy Kolvick

Driving instructors opened the day on Saturday with a discussion of program objectives followed by a slow walk of the track to familiarize participants with the maneuvers and simulated hazards they would encounter. Skills learned also benefitted drivers in the Autocross where Walt Anderson had set out one of his best courses ever – truly a work of art.  A quick transition to this track, and learning resumed with an immediate increase in track speeds and driver heartbeats.

John Chilton in his SLK55

Despite the heat, which tested both cars and drivers, everyone gave stellar effort to ensure that drivers received full benefit of skills learned at the event. Many thanks to Bud Cloninger, Dick Sharp, Walt Anderson, Steve Jones, Mark Ichiyama and Matt Crawford for a safe and educational Saturday at the track.

Members had the chance to drive the track for orientation before speed runs

On Monday, all cars underwent a safety inspection according to MBCA Track Event Rules before being allowed on the track. After the drivers’ meeting, the team worked with military precision to get members on track for a full day of practice with professional instructors. Many learned new skills, and lap times steadily decreased throughout the day, providing some exciting moments as drivers tested their skills and the capabilities of their Mercedes cars.

The participants are briefed by the PIR staff

Later that day, cars lined up on the Firebird Raceway drag strip for acceleration runs. The Firebird staff briefed drivers on the timing equipment operation and how it would track each run. Every driver got two practice runs and three timed runs. Many members came out to sit in the stands and watch the evening’s events under the lights and there was lots of excitement as cars paired off for their timed runs.

The PIR Drag Strip under the lights

Oohs, ahs and cheers emanated from the stands during each run as the “Christmas Tree” starter lights flashed the drivers off the starting line and fan favorites showed improving techniques in reaching their quickest times. What a great way to spend a cool Arizona evening.

Steve Ross in Acceleration Run

At Tuesday’s time trails, drivers were given a 20-minute practice session to warm up before they began running for score on an expanded and faster version of the course they had used for autocross on Saturday. Everyone got in their hot laps and time trials were completed in time for all the drivers to get back to the hotel for the Final Awards Banquet.

At the evening’s banquet, Driving Team leaders Bud Cloninger, Steve Jones and Walt Anderson presented awards to the class winners, and MBCA Directors Frank and Mary Alice Cozza presented the prestigious MBUSA High Point Driving Award to Terry Kiwala for his overall performance during the weekend driving and concours events.