Art: “We took the Lotus out for our first time since acquiring it as a roller several years ago. As some of you know, my dad, Bob Hebert, raced a Lotus 69B when I was a 10 year old kid. I used to go to the races with him. I restored this Lotus 69 in his original Lotus Racing East factory team livery to race it in honor of him, and the times we had together. I did not do this alone. I had a lot of help from people like Chris Clarke, Tom LaCosta, Jay, Colin, and Cameron Ivey, Andrew Wait, my son Gunnar, and many more. So it was with great pride, and apprehension, that I planned to drive the car for the very first time at Velocity. The Lotus was fabulous right from the start and comfortable, like putting on your favorite old jacket. It did everything so well and so easily. It was a joy, and it was quick out of the box.

Although we spent most of our time with the racecars this past weekend, there were certainly other things going on. There was the gala at the Ramsgate Winery. There was drifting under the lights at the track. There was the fabulous Turn 11 Club all weekend for participants and their friends/family. Of course nearby there was rock and jazz in the evenings, and wine tasting. For us though, there were some additional very special events.

On Friday evening, Chris Locke, our longtime friend and Club Wheelhouse member, invited my daughter Lindsey and I to Club Wheelhouse for an evening with Women in Motorsports North America, and the Della Penna Foundation. There we got to learn about what both organizations are doing to promote women in motorsports; from the drivers seat, to engineering, to team management, hospitality, the boardroom, and beyond. Lindsey, already with driving and crewing experience, got to meet and spend quality time with Lynn St. James, Michelle Della Penna, and others.  It was a wonderful opportunity for Lindsey and others to meet powerful, driven, women who want to help others succeed. Thank you Chris, Martin Lauber, and Alan Terpins for all the good things you do at Club Wheelhouse.

On Sunday evening, as we packed up and headed out, we said our goodbyes to our old friends in Formula Junior, and our new friends in Formula B. Great people, and a great event. We’re looking forward to next year. Come join us!”