IMOC @ Willow Springs Race Track, March 2000

Well, all that can be said is that Patrick knows how to pick 'em. Monday 13 saw IMOC and Toyota reunited on a beautiful spring-like day outside of Lancaster, California. Thanks to Patrick and Andrew, the forebearers of the legacy met to pass the torch to the latest generation, the 2000 MR2 Spyder.

The day began early with a briefing, drivers gathered to take in the rules-de-jour.

Patrick and his sister plan the delivery. Pay attention to the flags, check your ride if you leave the track!!

Speaking of flags, there seemed to be about 100 of them, all for different purposes. This was the one to check your boxers or was it an illegal bad tie infraction?

Bill, driver extradinare,
gave his best advice, "Stay on the track!"

Andrew Tsai arranged for Toytoa and their Marketing group to come with the Spyder and do some filming with MR2 enthusiasts. Here the film crew enters the driver meeting to set the first shot of the day.

While outside, cars are safety inspected....

Jeffrey HoSee
in his natural habitat :-)

Patrick looks really happy with his new Turbo, doesn't he?

And just to prove that MR2'ers aren't prejudiced....

Making good time down the front straight!

As far as my racing day, I was forced to put new Bridgestones on the rear just before race day. Unfortunately, they didn't mix well with the front Dunlops leaving the car very twichy. Thankfully, Bill suggested dumping air pressure which helped significantly, but it was still not good enough to drive extremely hard.

The perfect end to a nearly perfect day. Captured @ 70 MPH out the passenger window while driving back to the motel for the evening.