Upshift • Summer 2023

a number of driving circuits: teen defensive driving, snow driving, manufacturers renting out track in a neutral area,” Irvine continues, “It’s a safe area where people can push their cars in ways that they can’t on streets legally.”

The AutoX event took place on the Proving Grounds, and it followed the format of autocross. Among the participants was Larz Anderson board Vice President Bill Keeney. Bill explained, “Candidly, I didn’t know what to expect, and so because of that, there’s that fear of the unknown. Between the track staff, who were three pros, professional drivers, it set the whole thing at ease.” Participants started with 45 minutes of Autocross 101 basics. “We went through the phases: enter turn, apex, exit turn,” Keeney continued. “That helped center my mind and allowed for an amazing day.” The morning was set aside for general lapping and education, while the afternoon allowed for timed laps against other participants. “I had no idea how fun it was going to be,” Keeney exclaimed. “It’s a very safe way to get a chance to flex some competitive muscles.”

Drivers could bring their own cars, and many did, but Lime Rock also provided spec Miatas to rent for the day. “It was the right move,” Keeney reflected.

“It was like driving an oversized go-kart around the track. The full cage gives you all the confidence in the world; the Hoosier slicks are a level up, purposebuilt. It was spectacular….it was the most fun I’ve had in a car in years.”

For the drivers who brought their own vehicles, the AutoX event was an opportunity to match their growing skillset to their tool of choice. “The thing that really struck me was the wide range of cars,” recalled Keeney. “Cars from a VW GTI and an Audi TT all the way to a GT4 RS, which is a track missile. And you’d have a hard time deciding who had more fun.”

“There was a driver with an MGB GT with a GMtransplanted V6,” Irvine observed. “It was a really really neat car.” He noted that “autocross is the great equalizer. It rewards drivers who understand their vehicle…and the MG seemed to carry the theme of the day…it seemed to say ‘try me.’”

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