Gentlemen, Start Your Engines … By David Witter Have you ever looked at a Lamborghini or Ferrari and imagined taking the car to its limits on an empty racetrack? For people who own these or other sports cars, speed limits and choked expressways often throw a gi- ant monkey wrench into the engine of these dreams. Ron Petrucci of Speed Merchants Ltd. in St. Charles, IL is putting these fantasies and engines back into the highest gear. Petrucci specializes in organizing corporate outings and other events where, instead of riding ina golf cart, company employees can spend the afternoon driving around a race- track. He also owns Prix Parts, an an- tique import car parts and service shop that does rebuilding. “T have organized road races and road racing schools for many years, and knew that it can be costly,” Petrucci says. “Then one afternoon I was sent some information on a one day promotional outing at a local golf course, and I said to myself, ‘My God, I thought road racing was expensive.” From there, Petrucci and his staff formulated the idea of turning what used to be a company golf outing into a day at the racetrack. His staff/part- ners include former Super Vee racer Jay Busse, veteran racing instructor Ross Fosbender, racer/race organizer Frank Skweres and vintage racer/race steward Gary Weis. “Instead of a luncheon and a day at the golf course,” Petrucci says, “we arrange for a day of food, fun and stress relief at many of the area race- tracks.” Although drivers must apply their own cars. Speed Merchant’s program includes track rental, insurance and all of the arrangements at local racetracks. Once the customers get there, Petrucci and his staff will guide the drivers through an hour-and-a-half of class- room work where they learn the best ways to maximize speed on straight- aways, and take L, U, and S turns without wiping out. Students are also instructed on proper flag and hand sig- nals, pit and paddock regulations, and most importantly, safety. After that, there are practice sessions of on-track racing with instructors serving as co- pilots for each student. Then and only then are student drivers allowed to solo on the track. “Safety is our number one con- cern,” says Petrucci, who has managed and organized Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs racing events for al- most 20 years. “We try to teach the driver all of the basics in the classroom and training session. But even more importantly, we use tracks like the GingerMan Raceway, in South Haven, Michigan, where you have a wide- open track with no cement walls. This means that ifyou can’t take a turn, you can just drive off the track without worrying about hitting anything fora long, long way. The damage that’s done is to your ego!” To further ensure the safety of the drivers, only a few cars are allowed on the track at once, and stewards keep a close eye out for any driving that appears the least bit reckless. Like golf outings, Petrucci’s events often include a luncheon or dinner at the racetrack or a local nightspot. But un- like many afternoons on the links. the drinking of alcoholic beverages before, during or anywhere near the racetrack is strictly prohibited. JANUARY, 2000 In staging these events, Petrucci has worked with such groups as the Na- tional Tool and Die Institute, the ALS Foundation, Fox Valley Motorcars, and many other organizations. Even though racers must bring their own cars, Petrucci says there is no short- age of cars or car owners ready to answer the call. “Half of the Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis that people own never make it out of the driveway, and even suffer damage to the finish because they are washed and waxed so much,” Petrucci says. “But even if you don’t own one of these high-priced vehicles, there are hundreds of backyard me- chanics and tinkerers who have sports cars or high performance vehicles that they are willing to sell. All you need is a good seat beat and helmet, and we strongly urge that you invest in high performance tires and brakes. Then, give us a call, and instead of driving a golf ball at your next company outing, you can drive a race car.” Page 1 of 1