Autocross competition in Spencer this Saturday

Spectators and drivers alike are invited to watch and participate in the University of Okoboji Corvette Club's autocross competition being held this Saturday at the Spencer airport. Speeds are expected to reach up to 80 mph.

Corvettes, modified cars and automobiles of any make or model will race, rain or shine.

Saturday's autocross competition will begin at 9 a.m., with registration and a time for all vehicles to be inspected.

"When we tech our vehicles, we go through them and check for loose ball joints and brakes, and make sure the batteries are located and molded in place. Items inside the vehicle, including in the trunk, will also have to removed, so they can't roll around and damage anything or anybody. We just want to make sure that the vehicle is as safe as we can get it before they can race it," explained Ron Sears, a former president of the nonprofit University of Okoboji Corvette Club. "...(Participating cars and drivers) also have to have seatbelts and helmets to race, but we will furnish helmets if they don't have one."

A drivers meeting set for 10 a.m. is mandatory for all drivers participating Saturday.

Racing is then scheduled to occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We race in a timed trial. Drivers will race through pylons and it will be a semi-high-speed autocross at the airport," Sears, of Spencer, said. "...There will be modified cars coming that'll race in the modified class and there will be a lot of stock classes and stock cars. We do have an open class for anybody to come and race in.

If they want to bring their Camaro or their Ford or whatever vehicle they have, they're more than welcome to come, participate and race right along with us."

This weekend's event will mark the third time an autocross competition has been held in Spencer.

The University of Okoboji Corvette Club has approximately 40 active members who reside in the immediate area, as well as Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Omaha.

"But the majority of our active members are from northwest Iowa," said Sears.

* Participating drivers will be required to pay an autocross registration fee. A participation plaque will be awarded to the first 50 registered. Saturday's event, which is open to the public, will also feature food provided by Spencer Women of Today.

Trophies to be Awarded in Six Classes:

* C3 and older Corvette

* C4 Corvette

* C5 -- C6 Corvette

* Women Corvette

* Open -- Non-Corvette

* Modified -- Z06 -

ZR1 Corvettes